Jacob's Single Day of Peace in the Shadow of Esau

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 111:3

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Jacob said, Sell me, as of this day" (Genesis 25:31). He said to him, "Sell me one day of your own." Rabbi Aha said: whoever knows how to reckon how many years our father Jacob dwelt in tranquility will find that Jacob dwelt in tranquility in the shadow of Esau but a single day. "And Esau said, Behold, I am going to die" (Genesis 25:32). He began to revile and blaspheme. It is not written here, "Why do I [need it]?" but rather, "Why then [lammah zeh] do I have a birthright?" [the demonstrative "this" mocking, as if pointing scornfully at sacred things].

Themes

PatriarchsDivine JusticeHeresy

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