Vayishlach: From Yaakov to Yisrael - Part 2
This shiur provided courtesy of The Tanach Study Center In memory of Rabbi Abraham Leibtag
There must be something important about names in Parshat Vayishlach, for we find that Yaakov's name is changed to Yisrael; and it happens twice!
In the following shiur, we attempt to understand why, by considering its connection to the theme of 'bechira' in Sefer Breishit.
Introduction
Yaakov's name change to Yisrael is very different than Avram's name change to Avraham. In regard to AvraHAm - a single letter ["heh"] is added to his existing name (see 17:1-5); in contrast - Yisrael constitutes an entirely new name. Furthermore, Yisrael serves as an alternate name for Yaakov, while the name Avraham serves as a replacement.
What is even more peculiar about Yaakov's name change - is that it happens twice:
Once, in the aftermath of his struggle at Pni'el, prior to his confrontation with Eisav (see 32:24‑30);
And later, at God's revelation to him at Bet El (see 35:9‑13).
With this in mind, we begin our study with a comparison of those two stories; afterward, we will discuss why Yaakov's name change is both similar and different than Avraham's.
Yaakov's Return to Bet-El
Let's begin our discussion with the second time when Yaakov's name is changed to Yisrael; for it contains some rather obvious textual parallels to the key pesukim that describe how Avraham Avinu was first chosen. Those parallels will help us understand how his name change relates to a key stage in the bechira process. Our conclusions will then help us appreciate the meaning of the first time Yaakov's name in changed, i.e. the site of Pni'el.
Yaakov's return to Bet El, as described in 35:9-15, could be considered as the prophetic 'highlight' of his return to Eretz Canaan. Recall that this it was at this very site where God first appeared to him, promising him that he was indeed the 'chosen' son (see 28:12-14). Furthermore, it was at Bet-El where God had promised to look after his needs during his journey to (and stay in) Charan.
[Recall as well from our shiur on Parshat Lech Lecha that Beit El was also the focal point of Avraham's 'aliya', where he built a mizbeach and 'called out in God's Name'.]
Let's take a look at the Torah's description of this 'hitgalut', noting how God not only confirms Yaakov's bechira but also changes his name to Yisrael:
"And God appeared again to Yaakov on his arrival from Padan Aram, and blessed him: You, whose name is Yaakov, shall be called Yaakov no more, but Yisrael shall be your name. Thus He named him Yisrael, and God said to him: I am Kel Shakai, be fertile and increase... The land that I have given to Avraham and Yitzchak I give to you and to your offspring to come... (35:9‑16).
God's confirmation of 'zera' [offspring] and 'aretz' (the Land) echoes His numerous earlier blessings of bechira to Avraham and Yitzchak. [See 12:1-7, 13:14-16, 15:18, 17:7-8, 26:1-5, 28:13.] In fact, these seem to be the key two words in just about every higtalut when God discuss any aspect of the 'bechira' process with the avot.
However, this particular blessing carries additional significance, for it is the last time that we find it in Sefer Breishit, thus suggesting that the bechira process has finally come to an end!
Therefore, the fact that this blessing also includes Yaakov's name change to Yisrael suggests a thematic connection between this name change and the conclusion of the bechira process!
If indeed the 'filtering' stage of the bechira process is finally over, then this name change reflects the fact that now all of Yaakov's children (and grandchildren etc.) are chosen.
[In contrast to the children of Avraham and Yitzchak, where only one child was chosen.]
In other words, from this point onward, all the children of Yaakov will become the nation of Israel- and hence the name change to Yisrael.
With this in mind, let's discuss the incident at Peniel, when his name is first changed to Yisrael - to appreciate the thematic significance of specifically this name - i.e. Yisrael.
The Events Before The Struggle
Even though the Torah only tells us that a 'man' ['ish'] struggles with Yaakov at Peniel (see 32:25), the continuation of this story [when this 'man' blesses Yaakov etc / see 32:26-30)] certainly supports the Midrashic interpretation that he was the 'angelic minister of Eisav' - intentionally sent by God to confront Yaakov.
[Note that the Hebrew word ish is often used to describe an important and/or powerful man, and not only the male gender / see Shmot 2:12 & Bamidbar 13:3.]
But why would God send this ish at this critical time?
To appreciate why, we must consider the events in the life of Yaakov that lead up to this final 'showdown' with Eisav.
- Yaakov, using 'trickery', buys the 'bechora' from Eisav.
- Yitzchak plans to bless Eisav with prosperity and power;.
using 'trickery', Yaakov 'steals' that blessing..
- Yaakov must 'run away' to Padan Aram (in fear of Eisav).
- Yaakov spends twenty years with Lavan;
often suffering from Lavan's 'trickiness'.
- Yaakov 'runs away' from Padan Aram (in fear of Lavan).
- Yaakov prepares for his confrontation with Eisav.
[Note how he plans a total subjugation to his brother.]
- God sends an ish to confront Yaakov.
While reviewing this progression, note how Yaakov's life was replete with a need to either employ trickery or 'run away' in order to either survive, or to attain what he felt was necessary (to become the 'chosen son'). Indeed, Yaakov had become an expert at survival; but appears to have lacked experience in 'frontal combat' - a trait that Eisav was best at.
As we explained in our shiur on Parshat Toldot, it may have been for this very reason that Yitzchak had originally intended to bless Eisav, for he understood that in order to establish a nation, the traits of an 'ish sadeh' are essential, i.e. the qualities necessary to provide leadership in worldly matters. In contrast to his brother, Yaakov, the 'ish tam', certainly lacked this character.
However, now that it had been divinely determined that Yaakov was to be the only chosen son, one could suggest that God found it necessary for Yaakov himself to develop those traits as well.
This may explain why upon his return to Eretz Canaan, God intentionally initiates a direct confrontation between Yaakov and Eisav. [Recall from the fact that Rivka never sent for him, it may be that Eisav is indeed still planning to take revenge.]
However, when we analyze Yaakov's apparent strategy - as he prepares to meet Eisav (see 32:13-21), we find once again that he was not quite ready for this direct confrontation.
One could even suggest (as Rashbam does), that Yaakov's original plan was to run away from Eisav, taking his own family in one direction, while sending several 'staged' messengers to Eisav as a decoy to 'slow his advance'! If so, then God's purpose in sending this ish to struggle with Yaakov, was to stop him from running away - stalling his retreat until Eisav arrives.
And when Yaakov does see Eisav at dawn (after his struggle with the 'ish'), again he plans 'capitulation' - bowing down profusely before his brother - showing him that in reality, he never received the blessing that he had tried to steal.
[By bowing down to Eisav, Yaakov wishes to show his brother that the 'stolen blessing' of power and dominion over his brother ("hevei gvir le-achecha, yishtachavu lecha bnei imecha...27:29) was indeed awarded to Eisav. Ironically, Yaakov resorts to trickery once again; this time to show his brother that his original trickery used to 'steal' the brachot was meaningless.]
Realism or Laziness
Note how Yaakov's struggle with the ish takes place at a very critical point in his life; i.e. after his preparation to bow down to (or run away from) Eisav, but before the actual confrontation. Let's explain why this may be significant.
A controversy exists among the commentators as to whether Yaakov was correct in this total subjugation to his brother. Some hold that Yaakov should have openly confronted his brother while putting his total faith in God (see Rashbam on 32:29), while others maintain that due to the circumstances, his timid strategy was appropriate (see Seforno on 33:4). [Note how this 'hashkafic' controversy continues until this very day!]
Regardless of the 'political correctness' of his actions, the situation remains that Yaakov is unable to openly confront Eisav. Nevertheless, God finds it necessary that Yaakov prove himself capable of fighting, should such a situation arise in the future. Yaakov must now demonstrate that his subjugation to Eisav stems from political realism rather than spiritual laziness. He must prove that, when necessary, he will be capable of fighting.
[Sooner or later in Jewish history, confrontations with the likes of Eisav will be encountered when establishing a nation.]
Possibly for this reason, God must first 'test' Yaakov's potential to engage in battle with his enemy before he meets Eisav. Yaakov finds this struggle difficult, for he is untrained; the contest continues all night until the 'break of dawn'. [Possibly, night represents 'galut'; 'dawn' redemption. See Ramban 'al atar'.] Although wounded and limping, Yaakov emerges victorious from this confrontation, thus earning his new name:
"Your name shall no longer be Yaakov, but Yisrael, for you have fought with beings divine ('Elokim') and human ('anashim') and triumphed" (32:29).
Thus, the name Yisrael may reflect the character of one triumphant in battle. Yaakov's new name is significant for it reflects his capability to engage head on in battle. In order to become a nation, this trait ‑ represented by the name 'Yisrael' ‑ is crucial.
Yet his name also remains Yaakov, for there may be times as well when 'passiveness' will be the proper avenue.
Why Twice?
For some reasons, receiving this 'new name' from this mal'ach did not appear to be sufficient; for God Himself found it necessary to later confirm that name - Yisrael, together with his bechira, at Bet El (the very site where he was first promised the bechira). Thus, it appears as though the blessings that Yaakov received throughout that entire episode of his trickery must now be bestowed upon him properly (and formally).
First, God names Yaakov ‑ 'Yisrael', symbolizing the traits of worldly leadership (see 35:9‑ 10). Afterwards, God confirms the blessing that Yitzchak had given him (see 25:11-12 / compare with 28:1‑4).
Note the obvious parallel between these two blessings:
| FROM YITZCHAK (28:3‑4) | FROM GOD (35:11‑12) |
| (before departing) | (upon arriving) |
| May "kel Shakai" bless you, | I am 'kel Shakai': |
| make you fertile and multiply, | Be fertile and multiply, |
| to become an assembly of peoples | An assembly of nations |
| May He grant you the ‑ | shall descend from you... |
| blessing of Avraham | The Land I gave Avraham... |
| to you and your offspring | ..to you and to your offspring |
| that you may possess the Land | to come, I assign the Land. |
This comparison clearly shows that God's blessing to Yaakov at Bet El constitutes a confirmation of Yitzchak's blessing to him after the incident of the stolen brachot. Hence, we may conclude that the name of Yisrael marks the conclusion of the bechira process, as includes the necessary character that Am Yisrael will require to later become God's special nation.
The Future
Although Yaakov's worldly traits may lie dormant for several generations, it must be inherent to his character before his bechira receives final Divine confirmation. [Later, Yaakov will bless his two most able sons, Yehuda and Yosef, with the leadership in this realm (see 49:8‑26).]
Throughout the rest of Chumash, the name Yaakov interchanges with Yisrael. This suggests that each name reflects a different aspect of his character. There are times when 'Am Yisrael' must act as Yaakov, the ish tam, and there are times when the more active and nationalistic characteristics of Yisrael must be employed. Ultimately, as the prophet Ovadia proclaims, the day will come when:
"Liberators shall march up on Har Zion to wreak judgement on Har Eisav; and the kingdom shall be that of God" (1:21).
Based on this understanding of the significance of the special name of Yisrael, one could suggest a reason for the necessity of the 'bechira' process to continue one generation past Yitzchak. [Or re-phrased, why was it necessary for Eisav to be rejected, given the importance of his worldly traits?]
Our original assumption, that both the traits of an ish sadeh and an ish tam are necessary in order to establish a nation, remains correct. Nevertheless, it is important that they are not perceived as equally important. As we explained in our shiur on Parshat Toldot , the fundamental character of Am Yisrael must be that of an ish tam (Yaakov). Only once that characteristic becomes rooted, the traits of an ish sadeh can be added. Had Eisav been included in Am Yisrael, our perception of the relative importance of an ish sadeh may have become distorted. A disproportionate emphasis on 'nationalism' and strength ‑ despite their importance ‑ would have tainted mankind's perception of God's special nation.
In the formative stage of our national development, our outward appearance as 'Yisrael' must stem from our inner character as 'Yaakov'. We must first speak with the 'voice of Yaakov' (see Rashi 27:22), only then may we don the 'hands of Eisav'.