According to Devarim Rabbah, there's a whole world of meaning packed into those words. It wasn't just a one-time instruction to Moses. The Holy One, blessed be He, was saying, "Not only am I commanding you, but you, too, shall command your children." It's about establishing a lasting principle – a way of interacting with the descendants of Esau for generations to come.

The text continues, explaining that God commanded Moses to instruct the leaders to treat Esau with deference. Why? What's so special about Esau?

To understand this, we need to step back and remember the complex relationship between Jacob and Esau. Devarim Rabbah brings a fascinating interpretation of their encounter, recounting a conversation where Esau proposes a partnership. Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman says that Esau said to Jacob, “Jacob my brother, let the two of us walk in this world as one.” But Jacob demurred. "Let my lord now pass before his servant," he said, suggesting that Esau should take his share first.

What did Jacob really mean? The Etz Yosef commentary explains that Esau was offering partnership in both this world and the World to Come – Olam Ha-Ba. Jacob, however, was suggesting that Esau take his portion in this world, achieving earthly success without Jacob, while Jacob would focus on the spiritual rewards of the World to Come without Esau.

Moreover, Jacob says, “And I will advance slowly, according to the pace of the property [that is before me, and according to the pace of the children].” He needed to nurture his descendants, preparing them for their unique roles. He tells Esau, "I still need to produce Ḥananya, Mishael, and Azarya, in whose regard it is written: 'Youths in whom there is no blemish'” (Daniel 1:4). Jacob didn't want his lineage tainted by a potentially harmful association with Esau.

There’s another layer, too. Jacob adds that he needed to produce the messianic king, of whom it is written, "For a child has been born to us" (Isaiah 9:5).

But then comes a really intriguing point. Jacob says, “Until I will come to my lord, to Se’ir.” Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman asks a crucial question: Where in the Bible do we find Jacob actually meeting Esau in Se’ir? The answer? We don’t.

So, what does "to Se’ir" really mean? It's a promise, a prophecy. Jacob is saying, "I still need to produce judges and redeemers in order to exact retribution from that man." He’s alluding to a future reckoning. The source for this? Obadiah 1:21: “Saviors will ascend [Mount Zion to judge the mountain of Esau].”

The text then shifts to a dialogue between Israel and God. Israel asks, "Master of the universe, until when will we be subjugated to him?" God responds, "Until that day will come, about which it is written: 'A star will rise from Jacob, and a scepter will rise from Israel' (Numbers 24:17) – when a star will emerge from Jacob and burn the straw of Esau." This fiery image, says Devarim Rabbah, comes from Obadiah 1:18: "The house of Jacob will be fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, [and the house of Esau for straw…]."

The passage concludes with a powerful vision of the future. God declares, "At that time, I will cause My kingdom to appear, and I will reign over you, as it is stated: 'Saviors will ascend Mount Zion….'"

So, what can we take away from this deep dive into a single verse? It's a reminder that even seemingly simple instructions can contain layers of meaning, connecting us to the complex history and destiny of our people. It highlights the importance of understanding our relationships with others, and the enduring hope for a future where justice and redemption prevail. It’s not just about Esau; it’s about how we engage with the world, always striving for a future where God's kingdom is manifest.