Isaac's Words to Esau Read as the Four Kingdoms

"And now, please take up your implements" (Genesis 27:3). Rabbi Yitzchak Nappacha (the Smith) said: "[Your implements]" — this is the kingdom of Babylon, as it is said, "And the Lord gave into his hand Jehoiakim king of Judah, and a portion of the implements of the House of God" (Daniel 1:2). "Your quiver (telyekha)" — this is [the kingdom of] Media, as it is said, "And they hanged (talu) him and his sons upon the tree" (Esther 9:25). "And your bow" — this is the kingdom of Greece, as it is said, "For I have bent Judah for Me as a bow" (Zechariah 9:13). "[And go out to the field — this is the kingdom of Edom]," as it is said, "to the land of Seir, the field of Edom" (Genesis 32:4).