"Chevron had been built seven years before Tzo'an of Egypt." (13:22) R' Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook z"l (1865-1935; first Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Eretz Yisrael) writes: Our Sages say that Tzo'an was the place where Egyptian Pharaohs were raised and trained. Thus, it was a place of preparation for royalty. Paralleling this, Chevron is where King David lived during the first seven years of his reign when he was accepted by only part of the nation. There he prepared to conquer Yerushalayim and rule over all of the Jewish People. Chevron also is where the groundwork was laid for other important events in Jewish history. For example, the Torah relates that Yaakov sent Yosef "from the valley of Chevron" to visit his brothers-which led to Yosef being sold and Bnei Yisrael descending to Egypt. Why is Chevron connected with seminal events in Jewish history? R' Kook explains: Chevron is where the Patriarchs and Matriarchs are buried. And, its name means "connection." Thus, it reminds us at all times of the importance of maintaining our connection to our roots. What is the significance of Chevron being built before Tzo'an? R' Kook answers: Our Sages say that Hashem always creates the remedy before the malady. [Thus, for example, Esther was placed in Achashveirosh's palace before Haman rose to power, though neither Esther nor anyone else could understand why she was there.] Egypt enslaved Bnei Yisrael in the hopes of quashing the latter's greatness even before it could blossom. Thus, the antidote-Chevron, where Jewish leaders were prepared for greatness-had to be built before Tzo'an, where Egyptian leaders were groomed. (Me'orot Ha'Rayah: Chanukah p.80)
