Leah First to Give Thanks and Reuben's Generous Mercy

Rabbi Yohanan said in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Yohai: From the day the Holy One, blessed be He, created His world, no one gave thanks before the Holy One, blessed be He, until Leah came and gave thanks to Him, as it is said, "This time I will thank the LORD." "Reuben." Rabbi Eleazar said: Leah said, See the difference between my son and my father-in-law [Esau]. As for my son, even though his birthright was taken from him against his will, as it is written (1 Chronicles 5:1), "and because he defiled his father's couch his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph," even so he bore no grudge over it, for what is written? "And Reuben heard and rescued him from their hands." But as for my father-in-law's son [Esau], even though he sold his birthright to Jacob of his own will, as it is written (Genesis 25:33), "and he sold his birthright to Jacob," even so (Genesis 27:41) "Esau bore a grudge."