Faith
On Your Sword You Shall Live
Question
With respect, Rabbi, hello. How is it possible that Isaac blessed Esau, "By your sword you shall live"? Was this a blessing that he would be a murderer? And if it is said that this was a prophecy, then apparently Esau was not at fault that his descendants would be bloodletters, for this is how his father blessed him? Did our father Isaac not know that from this blessing there would be enormous harm to the Jewish people? Why did Hashem not reveal to him that Esau was wicked?
Answer
Hello and blessings
The simple meaning is as explained by the Chizkuni on Genesis, Parashat Toledot, chapter 27, verse 40.
40) And by your sword you shall live, in reward for having taken your quiver and bow at My command.
Rabbi Chaim Paltiel, Genesis, Parashat Toledot, chapter 27, verse 40
40) And by your sword you shall live. He blessed him according to his trade, as he was accustomed to hunt wild animals with his weapons.
With blessings,
Benjamin Shmueli
