Prepaing to Come Home

            Rashi quotes a Midrash which states that Jacob’s preparations for his encounter with Esau were three-pronged: sending presents, praying and readiness to fight. Some versions of the Midrash present a different order: prayer, presents and fighting.

Perhaps Rashi’s version is intended to teach us the proper order. We are taught not to rely on miracles. Rather, we do the maximum possible and then, if God chooses, He provides the miracle. Therefore, Jacob first attempted a natural approach to dealing with the potential threat of Esau. Jacob thought he may be able to bribe Esau into forgetting his enmity towards him. As Malbim comments, Jacob first attempted natural ways to appease Esau, so he would not have to rely on a miracle. If this failed, Jacob was ready to fight Esau. However, Jacob knew that he would be no match for Esau and his 400 men. Therefore, the prerequisite for his preparation to fight was prayer. Jacob was willing, if necessary to battle against terrible odds (Jacob’s family, men women and children numbered 18, and his eldest son was but 14 years old), but only after praying for divine assistance.

Amidst Jacob’s preparations to meet Esau, he was subjected to a surprise attack, not by Esau but by an angel. As my father wrote, Jacob’s all night fight with the angel seems an amazing transformation. Jacob, who a short time before was trembling in anticipation of his encounter with Esau, [Genesis 32:8] now fought an angel to a draw. The reason for this transformation, my father explained, is very simple: Jacob has returned to his own Land.

Our Sages tell us that the events of the fathers are a sign for the sons. That is, Jewish history follows the pattern of the experiences of the Forefathers. When a Jew is in exile, a stranger and wanderer among other nations, he finds it difficult to fight his enemies. Once the same Jew is in his own Land, he is able to fight vigorously for his rights and with God’s help he wins his battles.