December 13, 2024
Week of 8-14 December 2024
Torah portion : Gen. 32:4-36:43 Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-21
Theme: Angels of God
In the Torah portion, we learn of Jacob’s preparations for his return to his homeland after living with his uncle Laban for over 20 years. He is worried that his brother Esau will kill him. He fled from home after he had wronged Esau when he tricked him into selling his birthright and getting his father’s blessing. And so, vayishlach (In English, “he sent”) messengers to Esau.
But who were the messengers Jacob sent? This has been asked many times through the ages. An answer given is that they were angels. I can see three reasons why this seems to be the quick answer. Prior to the sending of the messengers in Gen 32:4, Jacob met God’s angels (Gen 32:2) and he called the place where he saw them as God’s encampment or Mahanaim (32:3). It can be noted too, that the Hebrew word used in the text is malachim, which is also the Hebrew word for angel (the plural form). And lastly, it can be pointed out that in the Hebrew Scriptures, there are many references to angels as messengers or servants of God especially when help is most needed. Examples of these are: An angel prevents Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac; an angel appears to Moses in the burning bush; an angel guides the Israelites after they leave Egypt. An angel also appears to the patriarchs and to Hagar (Gen 16:9) and Lot (Gen 19:1) and stands in the way of Balaam (Numbers 22:31).
The Mishneh Torah, compiled by Maimonides ((Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon/Rambam), says there are many angels, of different names and ranks to include Hayoth Hakodesh—these are the highest; Ophanim, Erelim, Hashmalim, Seraphim. Malachim: Elohim, Bene Elohim, Cherubim and Ishim. The highest ranked, the hayoth, “commune with the prophets and appear to them in the prophetic vision.” The lowest ranked, the Ishim (individuals, men) have the intelligence of human beings.
The malachim or messengers are ranked sixth. Of interest is the commentary noting the wordplay where the word malachim is both used in Gen 32:2 to refer to angels of God and used in verse 32:4 to refer to the messengers sent by Jacob prompting the statement: God sends His heavenly messengers to Jacob, and Jacob now sends his earthly messengers to Esau, messengers like his servants.
The messengers/angels sent by Jacob must have done their job of conveying the message of repentance, appeasement and peace, well. There was fear and worry with their report that Esau is to meet Jacob with 400 men. But Esau during their meeting, instead ran to meet Jacob and embraced him and wept to put to an end to their years of estrangement.
In the New Testament, the more popular stories of angels are that of the angel Gabriel appearing before Mary and of an angel appearing to Joseph three times. In the story of the birth of Jesus, angels say: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2: 13-14). In a world beset with personal estrangement, conflict and wars, it would be best for us to truly hear the voice of the angels for peace and goodwill.
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. Have you experienced meeting an angel in your life? 2. What are ways you too can be an angel for peace and goodwill?
Bibliography: ETZ Hayim: Torah and Commentary (New York, 2001); Maimonides, Misneh Torah in https://www.sefaria.org/; https://www.myjewishlearning.com/
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Minerva Generalao, Philippines, Bat Kol Alumna July 2014 and July 2023
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