Why Isaac Hesitated to Bless Jacob and the Scent of Eden

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Toldot 10:4

(Genesis 27:23) "And he did not recognize him, because his hands were [hairy like the hands of Esau his brother], etc." He (Isaac) foresaw that wicked ones were destined to arise from him, and he did not wish to bless him. (Once he foresaw Yakum: when Jerusalem was conquered, the nations were afraid to enter the Temple. What did he do? He entered and brought out the menorah. When he saw him, he did not wish to bless Jacob on his account, and "he did not recognize him.") And once he foresaw that he would repent, immediately (Genesis 27:27) "and he smelled the scent of his garments and blessed him, etc." When Jacob entered, the Garden of Eden entered with him, as it is said, "like the scent of a field which the LORD has blessed." When Esau entered, Gehinnom entered with him, as it is said (Genesis 27:33), "And he said, Who, then (eifo)?" And "eifo" is nothing other than Gehinnom, as it is said (Isaiah 22:16), "For you have hewn here (poh) a grave for yourself, etc."

Themes

Biblical References