Why Jacob Refused to Flee Esau Without Isaac's Blessing

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayetzei 1:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

AND JACOB WENT OUT (Genesis 28:10). This is what Scripture says (Proverbs 12:15): "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes." This refers to Esau the Wicked, as it is written above (Genesis 28:8-9): "And Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan were evil... and Esau went to Ishmael..." — he added trouble upon trouble. "But one who listens to counsel is wise" (Proverbs 12:15) — this refers to Jacob, as it is said (Genesis 27:42): "And the words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah." When does he comfort himself? When he kills you, as it is said (Genesis 27:42): "Esau your brother comforts himself concerning you, to kill you." "And now, my son, listen to my voice" (Genesis 27:43). What is the meaning of "And now, my son"? She said to him: Yesterday you listened to me and took the blessings; now listen to me so that you may live. He said to her: And is this the way — that I should go out against my father's wishes? If he too tells me, I will do so at once. "And Isaac called Jacob and blessed him... Arise, go to Paddan-Aram..." (Genesis 28:1-2). And when he heard this, he said to him: Give me travel instructions. He said to him: "And may God Almighty bless you" (Genesis 28:3). Immediately, "And Jacob listened to his father and to his mother and went to Paddan-Aram" (Genesis 28:7). "And Jacob went out..." (Genesis 28:10). Therefore it is said: "But one who listens to counsel is wise."

Themes

PatriarchsJacobCreationBlessingWisdom

Biblical References

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