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Why did Esav send Eliphaz to kill Yaakov immediately after saying he would wait until Yitzchok's death? The analysis reveals Esav's internal psychological conflict - he had to rationalize killing his brother by redefining their relationship and was already mourning him. This demonstrates how 'the wicked are controlled by their hearts,' making decisions based on emotion rather than moral judgment.
This shiur examines Parshas Toldos, focusing on the complex psychology behind Esav's decision to kill Yaakov after losing the blessings. Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L begins by analyzing the famous episode where Eliphaz, sent by Esau to kill Yaakov, instead takes all of Yaakov's possessions based on the principle that 'a poor person is considered like dead' (oni chashav kemeis). The shiur questions why Eliphaz felt compelled to fulfill his father's command when he had no halachic obligation to do so, as non-Jews are not commanded in honoring parents, and even if they were, it wouldn't extend to murder. The analysis then shifts to examining Esav's original statement: 'Let the days of mourning for my father draw near, and I will kill my brother Yaakov.' Rashi (רש"י) explains that Rivka was told through divine inspiration that Esav 'is consoling himself regarding you' (misnahem lecha). Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L explores three interpretations of this consolation: First, that Esav changed his mind about considering Yaakov his brother, deciding that a true brother wouldn't have stolen the blessings, thus justifying the murder of what he now considers a stranger. Second, that Esav had already drunk 'a cup of consolation' - meaning he considered Yaakov as good as dead and was already mourning him. Third, that he was consoling himself over the loss of the blessings by planning Yaakov's death.
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Parshas Toldos
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