As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And Esav came from the field, and he was weary.” (25:29)

He was hungry, but here the weariness is emphasized. Also, in the following verse Esav declares, “For I am weary.” We discern the importance of this fact in this episode. It was Hashem’s plan to cause unusual weariness to Esav on that day. Abraham Abinu had passed away, which was why Yaacob was cooking lentils since this was the traditional mourners meal.

When Esav heard the bad news his mind was pushed off balance and he became greatly disheartened. Esav felt that since such a great Tzadeek could die it must mean that the world was devoid of justice and a Judge. If not for this weariness (dejection), Esav would not consent to surrender the prized birthright, which carried not only honor and privilege but also the opportunity to earn merit in the service of G-d, which was the prerogative of the Behor.

But in a discouraged mood men may forget the World to Come, and even the glory of status and privilege might be carelessly exchanged for a momentary gratification. It was when Esav was in a discouraged mood that he made his terrible error.

Discouragement and depression are of the most extreme forms of the Yetzer Hara/evil inclination. Therefore, we must be careful to stay far away from this state of mind and remove ourselves from it quickly, since it makes us susceptible to falling to the Yetzer Hara. An additional teaching is that one should refrain from making any decision when in a mood of weariness or dejection. Wait for a more opportune time with a positive frame of mind to formulate your choice.

Adapted from “The Beginning” By Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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