A "Vile Nation" and the Exile of Edom

They have roused Me to jealousy with a non-god; they have provoked Me with their vanities; and I will rouse them to jealousy with a non-nation; I will provoke them with a vile (naval) nation.               Deuteronomy 32:21

“A vile nation” refers to Esau, who did not remember the covenant of brothers, and it hints at both exiles (the exile following the destruction of the second Temple is referred to by our Sages as the “exile of Edom” [Esau’s additional name]).                                   Naḥmanides

In the previous verse, Naḥmanides defined “naval” as repaying good with evil, raising the question of what good Jacob did for Esau which the latter repaid with evil.

While Esau paid for it with his birthright, Jacob did provide him with food at his time of great hunger. [Genesis 25:29ff] Even more, Jacob took upon himself and his descendants the decree of exile for the sons of Isaac.

Perhaps, Naḥmanides’ reference to the second (current) exile has a contemporary significance: all too often, nations which benefitted from the contributions of Jews turned against the Jews and persecuted and murdered them, rather than expressing appreciation for their contributions.