1)

What is Magdi'el?

1.

Rashi and Targum Yonasan: Magdi'el 1 is synonymous with Rome.

2.

Ramban: It was the name of a powerful nation, the likes of which had never been seen before.


1

Which is the acronym of 'Migdal El' (a strong tower [Peirush Yonasan]), or, as the Pasuk writes in Daniel, "he will aggrandize himself over all the powers (Yisgadel Al Kol El)" (Daniel 11:36) - [Ramban; but see his objection to Rashi's explanation (refer to 36:40:3:1*). Even though the Midrash (in Pirkei d'R. Eliezer) refers to Magdi'el as Rome, this is merely in the form of a hint ('Ma'aseh Avos Siman l'Banim'). Refer to 36:40:1:3*.] See also Sifsei Chachamim.

2)

What is the significance of the name "Iram"?

1.

Ramban: Iram is merely an extension of Magdiel, who will prepare stores of treasures (la'Arom Tisoriyos) for King Mashi'ach. 1

2.

Gur Aryeh: "Iram" (lit. meaning "their city") is also referring to Rome. 2 Rome is thus described as an "Ir" (city) and a "Migdal" (tower) reaching the Heavens [Gur Aryeh is drawing a parallel between Rome and the Tower of Bavel described in Bereishis 11:4. 3 ] Ultimately, Hashem will descend to judge Rome as well; and then He will rebuild His holy city Yerushalayim, with its Tower of David.


1

Rabeinu Bechayei adds that the word Iram has the same letters as "mi'Ya'ar" (Tehilim 80:14), which fits that Pasuk's description of Esav as a boar, and as the word "me'Ir" (Bamidbar 24:19), which refers to Rome. Indeed, the 'Ayin' in "mi'Ya'ar" (Tehilim ibid.) is hanging, leaving the letters 'Romi.'

2

Pirkei d'Rebbi Eliezer, Ch. 38.

3

Rome also strove to raise themselves up to the heavens, and wage war against Hashem (as implied by the name Magdi'el). (EK) See Daniel 11:36; refer to 36:43:1:1*.

3)

Why does the Torah write, "Hu Esav Avi Edom"?

1.

Megilah 11a: Esav is in his wickedness from beginning to end.


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QUESTIONS ON RASHI

4)

Rashi writes: "Magdi'el - This is Rome." How do we know this word can even be expounded? (Perhaps it is just a name!)

1.

Gur Aryeh: There is not always necessarily rhyme or reason in a name. But here the name "Magdi'el" means "Hashem aggrandizes it;" and we should therefore expound the reason.

5)

Rashi writes: "Magdi'el - This is Rome." How is this implied in the verse?

1.

Gur Aryeh: "Magdi'el" means 'Hashem aggrandizes it;' and "Romi" (in Leshon Kodesh) also means 'loftiness.'

6)

Rashi writes: "Magdi'el - This is Rome." But many kings would rule over Rome, not just one?

1.

Gur Aryeh: See Rashi to 36:40. These chieftains were not names of individuals or even families, but rather of localities belonging to Esav. Many kings would rule in succession over the one locality named Magdi'el / Rome.

7)

Rashi writes: "Magdi'el - This is Rome." But Rome was a great empire; would the Torah call it a mere 'chieftainhood'?!

1.

Gur Aryeh: Rome was not always an empire; the Torah refers to it only by the status it would have always.

8)

Rashi writes: "Magdi'el - This is Rome." What is the implication of the name 'Rome'?

1.

Gur Aryeh: Hashem aggrandized Rome, 1 giving them sovereignty. Magdi'el / Rome is the tenth 2 and most important among Esav's chief localities.


1

Maharal (Gevuros Hashem Ch. 8, p. 48): Although Rome would appear to have greatness, with world-wide fame and influence, it would have no inherent greatness of its own, only what it expropriated or stole from other [nations]. Perhaps Maharal is implying this here in Gur Aryeh as well. (EK)

2

And the last - refer to 36:43:2.

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