We asked why Yakkov mentioned that the Meoras HaMachpela was purchased from Ephron, and then the Torah repeats at the burial that they buried Yaakov in the Meoras HaMachpela which was purchased by Avrohim from Ephron. Why say it again?
(The kinderlach pointed out that maybe this is the source for the Midrash that at the cemetery Esav came along and challenged the ownership. That’s why the Torah says that it was purchased by Avraham, to hint that the ownership had been challenged and re-proven)
We suggested that it was to teach us that although it was altogether proper that Yaakov be buried there, for his parents and grandparents were interred there and his wife Leah had been buried there, and moreover, spiritually this was the place suited for and predestined to him, yet they would not bury him there had there been any question of ownership. Only because the ownership was indeed without doubt, as signified by the double mention of this fact, would they go ahead and bury Yaakov there.
The lesson is that the ends do not justify the means. It would be great to bury Yaakov in the Mearas HaMachpela, but only if no hint of theft is involved….
You must log in to post a comment.