This world is filled with opposites, as it states, “Hashem has created one opposing the other” (Koheles 7:14). Chazal explain that every creation has its antagonist and opposition. Resha’im oppose tzaddikim, evil opposes good, and visa versa.
Yaakov was good, and his opponents were the evil Eisav, and Eisav’s malach (the Sar of Eisav). The same is with every Jew. He is internally good, he wants to accomplish many good things, and bad was created to oppose him and to prevent him.
Eisav and the Sar of Eisav are external adversaries, outside the body of Yaakov. There are also internal opponents, such as phobias, fears, and feelings of despair. These debilitating thoughts, within him, are the challenge to prevent him from achieving his life goals.
Even more internal is the person’s own yetzer hara. Because even the “good” Jew has a bad inclination within him, which claims that his evil intentions are his true self and represents his true desires. This creates confusion because the person doesn’t know which voice to listen to. Who is he, and who is his opposition?
The conflicts and oppositions appear in numerous ways, and at various times, but a primary time is when it is totally dark. This happened to Yaakov Avinu. The Sar of Eisav attacked him when it was before dawn (alos hashachar), the darkest part of the night. Allegorically, when a person is going through “dark times”, he must be cautious. At these times, the strength of evil is aroused, and the attacks are vicious and powerful.
Practical Application
Designate time to clarify that your true desire is solely to do the will of the Creator. During these moments of clarity, there aren’t any contradictions within you, and you enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility. You know that your deepest and truest desire is to serve Hashem. With this awareness, you can overcome all external and internal oppositions.
