1)

"Mi Eleh Lach?" What exactly was Esav's question?

1.

Rashi and Seforno: He asked Yaakov whether the children (and women 1 ) he now saw were his children (and wives) or his servants (and maidservants) or hired laborers. 2

2.

Malbim: He asked how he married many wives while he was there. 3

1

Refer to 33:5:2:1.

2

See Sifsei Chachamim.

3

Esav knew that Yitzchak commanded Yaakov to marry a daughter of Lavan. Surely, his surprise was to see four wives. (PF)

2)

Why did Yaakov confine his reply to his children, omitting his wives?

1.

Ramban: Even though Esav inquired about both, Yaakov only replied on the children, by way of Musar, 1 and Esav understood himself that they were his wives.

2.

Malbim: He explained that he married them in order to establish children [who will serve Hashem].

3.

Ha'amek Davar: He was concerned lest Esav think that also Yaakov's wives are his daughters, for they were not old like him, and he will think to marry them. Yaakov specified "ha'Yeladim," and Esav understood that they are the mothers. 2

1

Oznayim la'Torah: In order to deflect Esav's mind from the women.

2

I do not understand this. If Esav would think so (even though the four oldest are females with their hair covered), how does "ha'Yeladim" teach unlike this? (PF)

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

3)

Rashi writes: "'Mi Eleh Lach?' - Who are these [people], that they are yours?" What is Rashi adding?

1.

Gur Aryeh: The word "Lach" seems not to fit. Rashi must explain that Esav was asking, 'I know they are yours, for they accompany you; but in what way? Are they your children, or your servants?' 1

1

Gur Aryeh: 'Mi Eleh' - who are the people themselves; "Lach" - how are they connected to you? (EK)

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