As I read this week’s portion, I’m reminded again how the Word of God never grows old. What we see in Toldot is not just an ancient story about two brothers; it is a mirror of humanity, of nations, and even of our world today.

The story of Jacob and Esau reveals both God’s sovereignty and the destructive power of jealousy. From the very beginning, we see how divine purpose and human emotion collide. Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, struggled with barrenness, but through prayer and divine purpose, life came forth. Even in her womb, the twins were already fighting. Troubled, she turned to God, and He revealed something profound:

Two nations are in your womb; and two peoples shall be separated from your body; and one people shall be stronger than the other; and the older shall serve the younger.
Genesis 25:23

This was not just a family drama; it was a divine declaration. God was showing that His plans are not limited by human order or tradition. He chooses according to His purpose, not our expectations.

Jacob and Esau grew into two men whose choices revealed their hearts. Esau lived for the moment. Hungry and tired, he gave up something eternal for something temporary. Jacob, on the other hand, longed for the promise, not because he earned it, but because he recognized its worth.

The story does not justify deception; it exposes how fragile we are when we try to secure God’s promises in our own strength. God did not bless the deceit; He redeemed it. His plan was not built on Jacob’s perfection, but on His own faithfulness.

Later, when Rebekah guided Jacob to receive Isaac’s blessing, the prophecy began to unfold. The blessing Isaac spoke carried eternal weight:

May peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you; be master of your brothers… Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you.
Genesis 27:29

But when Esau discovered this, jealousy consumed him. He became so blinded by anger that he vowed to kill his brother. What began in the womb now erupted into open hostility.

The Haftarah from Malachi brings us back to the heart of this conflict and reminds us that God’s love and calling are never random.

“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob but not chosen Esau.”
Malachi 1:2–3

The Hebrew word often translated “I hated” (שָׂנֵאתִי -saneti) can also mean “I did not choose” or “I changed.” God is not speaking from emotion but from purpose. He did not despise Esau; He simply chose to work through Jacob to fulfill His covenant promise.

Malachi goes on to reveal how pride and jealousy lead to ruin. While Esau’s descendants sought to rebuild their strength, their efforts fell apart because they were building on rebellion, not repentance. Even Esau himself, after realizing that his parents disapproved of his earlier choices, acted out of jealousy and defiance, taking a wife from the daughters of Ishmael (Genesis 28:8–9). His response was not one of humility but of pride, choosing to walk further away from the covenant line.

God reminds His people that His love and covenant are gifts of grace, not trophies of merit. The struggle between Jacob and Esau is not only a family story; it is the story of humanity. Today, we see the same spirit of jealousy and resentment played out on the world stage.

Once again, the descendants of Israel are hated for simply existing, for being chosen, for surviving. The same spiritual force that could not accept God’s choice back then still fuels hatred today. We see it in those who cannot bear to see Israel live in peace, who twist truth into lies and call destruction “justice.”

But just as in the days of Jacob, God’s plan is not shaken. He continues to work through what seems fragile to fulfill His promises. Israel’s story is not one of privilege; it is one of purpose. The calling to be a light among the nations has never been easy, and it has never been popular. Yet it remains.

Malachi 1:6 delivers a piercing reminder:

A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a Father, where is My honor?

This is a question not only for Israel but for all of us. Do we honor God when we speak? When we judge? When we treat others made in His image?

Too often, nations and movements build altars to pride instead of giving glory to the Creator. That same arrogance blinds people today, those who claim to seek peace while embracing those who murder, those who speak of justice while justifying terror.

God’s love for Jacob reminds us that His covenant is not conditional on human approval. He keeps His word even when the world doubts it. His justice may seem delayed, but it always comes.

And so, as we face another week of conflict and confusion, we must hold on to the truth that the God who chose Jacob still reigns. He has not abandoned His promises. He has not turned His eyes from His people.

Jealousy destroys; covenant restores. Hatred blinds; truth reveals. And through it all, God’s faithfulness stands unshaken.

May we learn from Jacob and Esau to trust His purpose more than our pride. May we refuse to let jealousy or bitterness write the story that only faith can finish.

Shabbat Shalom,
Moran