According to Legends of the Jews, a monumental compilation of Jewish folklore by Rabbi Louis Ginzberg, Rebekah, overcome with distress, began to weep as soon as Jacob departed. Isaac, ever the comforter, reassured her. "Weep not for Jacob!" he declared. "In peace doth he depart, and in peace will he return." He had faith that God would protect Jacob, guiding him and ensuring his safety because Jacob walked the "right path."
But Esau, consumed by rage and resentment, had other plans. He summoned his son, Eliphaz, for a clandestine meeting. "Take thy sword," he commanded, "pursue Jacob, and slay him!" Esau also instructed Eliphaz to seize all of Jacob's possessions. Eliphaz, only thirteen but already "dexterous and expert with the bow," as the text says, gathered ten of his maternal uncles and set off in pursuit.
Imagine the scene: Jacob, journeying towards Haran, unaware of the danger closing in. Eliphaz and his men, lying in ambush near Shechem. When Jacob saw them approaching with drawn swords, he stopped, confused. "Wherefore have you come hither?" he asked, "and why do you pursue with your swords?"
Eliphaz, unflinching, relayed his father's command. But then, something remarkable happened.
Jacob, facing imminent death, pleaded for his life. He offered Eliphaz everything he owned, including the gifts from his parents. "Take unto thee and go from me, and do not slay me," he begged, "and may this thing that thou wilt do with me be accounted unto thee as righteousness."
And here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. According to Legends of the Jews, "The Lord caused Jacob to find favor in the sight of Eliphaz and his men." Moved by Jacob's supplication, they spared his life, taking all his belongings instead. They left him with absolutely nothing.
Can you picture Jacob, stripped bare, continuing his journey? It's a stark image.
When Eliphaz returned to Esau and confessed to his disobedience, Esau was furious. Why hadn't they killed Jacob? Eliphaz explained that Jacob's plea had moved them to pity. Esau, though displeased, seized the stolen silver and gold, stashing it away in his house.
So, what are we to make of this dramatic encounter? It's a story of sibling rivalry, revenge, and ultimately, the power of supplication. It highlights the complexities of family relationships and the potential for both cruelty and compassion. And, perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, divine intervention—or a change of heart in others—can alter the course of destiny.