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Hebrew Text
וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב אֶל־שִׁמְעוֹן וְאֶל־לֵוִי עֲכַרְתֶּם אֹתִי לְהַבְאִישֵׁנִי בְּיֹשֵׁב הָאָרֶץ בַּכְּנַעֲנִי וּבַפְּרִזִּי וַאֲנִי מְתֵי מִסְפָּר וְנֶאֶסְפוּ עָלַי וְהִכּוּנִי וְנִשְׁמַדְתִּי אֲנִי וּבֵיתִי׃
English Translation
And Ya῾aqov said to Shim῾on and Levi, You have brought trouble on me to make me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Kena῾ani and the Perizzi; and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
Transliteration
Va'yomer Ya'akov el-Shimon ve'el-Levi akhartem oti lehav'isheni be'yoshev ha'aretz ba'kna'ani uva'prizi va'ani metey mispar ve'ne'esfu alai ve'hikuni ve'nishmadeti ani u'veiti.
Hebrew Leining Text
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶל־שִׁמְע֣וֹן וְאֶל־לֵוִי֮ עֲכַרְתֶּ֣ם אֹתִי֒ לְהַבְאִישֵׁ֙נִי֙ בְּיֹשֵׁ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ בַּֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י וּבַפְּרִזִּ֑י וַאֲנִי֙ מְתֵ֣י מִסְפָּ֔ר וְנֶאֶסְפ֤וּ עָלַי֙ וְהִכּ֔וּנִי וְנִשְׁמַדְתִּ֖י אֲנִ֥י וּבֵיתִֽי׃
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Sanhedrin 82a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the actions of Shimon and Levi in Shechem and their father Jacob's reaction to their deeds.
Yaakov's Rebuke to Shimon and Levi
The verse (Bereishit 34:30) records Yaakov's strong rebuke to his sons Shimon and Levi after their violent retaliation against the city of Shechem following the abduction and defilement of their sister Dinah. Yaakov expresses concern that their actions have endangered the entire family by making them odious (lehav'isheni) to the surrounding Canaanite and Perizzi nations.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Yaakov feared the neighboring nations would unite against his family due to Shimon and Levi's actions. The phrase "I being few in number" (וַאֲנִי מְתֵי מִסְפָּר) emphasizes Yaakov's vulnerability—his household was small compared to the surrounding nations who might seek revenge. Rashi also notes that Yaakov's concern was prophetic, as this incident later contributed to the exile in Egypt (based on Midrashic sources).
Ramban's Perspective
The Ramban (Nachmanides) offers a deeper insight, suggesting that Yaakov's rebuke was not merely about physical danger but also about the moral and spiritual repercussions. By taking vengeance in a way that appeared excessive, Shimon and Levi risked Chilul Hashem (desecration of G-d's name), as the nations might perceive Bnei Yisrael as violent and untrustworthy.
Midrashic Interpretations
Halachic Considerations
The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 9:14) discusses the parameters of justified warfare and collective punishment. While Shimon and Levi may have had halachic justification to defend their sister's honor, Yaakov's rebuke suggests that their execution of justice lacked proper da'at Torah (guidance from Torah leadership) and could lead to unintended consequences.
Yaakov's Later Blessing
It is noteworthy that in his final blessings (Bereishit 49:5-7), Yaakov criticizes Shimon and Levi's anger, stating their descendants would be scattered in Israel—a fulfillment of his earlier concern about their impulsive violence. This reinforces the principle that even justified actions must be measured and aligned with Divine wisdom.