Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed, and he divided the people who were with him (Gen. 32:8)
What caused Jacob to be distressed? The fact that the people who were with him were "divided." Jacob recognized that when the Jewish people are united, the forces of Esau can do them no harm. It's only when there are internal divisions and strife that Jews should worry.
(Maayanot HaNetzach)
If you will become as we are, that every male of you be circumcised (Gen. 34:15)
Why did the sons of Jacob, who were physically strong and powerful, avenge what happened to their sister Dina in such a "sneaky" way? Why did they insist that the people of Shechem be circumcised? Had Jacob's sons attacked them as they were, the world would have reacted with an uproar. Once the people of Shechem nominally identified themselves as Jews, however, they could be killed with impunity. For surely no one would protest the killing of Jews...
(Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeshutz)
And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him (Gen. 33:4)
When a small flame is brought close to a burning torch, the smaller fire is nullified within the larger one. So too was it with Jacob and Esau. Jacob was the great light, whereas Esau contained tiny, hidden sparks of holiness. When Esau spotted Jacob these sparks were aroused, prompting him to run over and be nullified in the greater holiness.
(Torat Chaim)
Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau (Gen. 32:12)
The repetition of the word "hand" indicates that Jacob was afraid of two separate dangers: the "hand of Esau," Esau's brute physical power, and "the hand of my brother," Esau's brotherly love. Esau's sword posed a threat to Jacob's physical well-being, but socializing with him would be an even greater threat to his soul.
(Rabbi Yosef Ber Soloveitchik)
From our Sages and Moshiach Now! reprinted from LchaimWeekly.org - LYO / NYC
