Jacob and Truth

“Jacob said to Joseph: And now, your two sons who were born to you in Egypt before I came to you, they are my sons.” (Genesis 48:5.)

Jacob’s life was about being truth, no matter where, no matter what. For that is the real meaning of truth—that which doesn't change because of time and place.

Even while wrestling with his twin brother Esau, even when finagling with his uncle Laban, Jacob struggled to remain earnest, upright, and real.

That is why the ultimate offspring of Jacob were his two grandchildren, Ephraim and Menasheh.

They were born and raised in the corrupt land of Egypt—and yet were pure, innocent, and good, walking in the ways of Abraham and Sarah.

Real truth is when you remain true even in a place where everything is a lie—everything except for you.

Likutei Sichot vol. 15, pg 432-438.

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5 Comments

K. Enquist Pittsburgh December 27, 2023

Because truth… is. Reply

Avishai Barbourville, KY December 27, 2023

Humans think of truth as accuracy in language, or in communication as in swearing to “tell the truth and nothing but the truth”. However, as Jews we learn of a scriptural term, Ain Od Milvado, there is nothing else but G-d, and no other “doer” but G-d, and no other “Will” but G-d’s Will. Verbal accuracy is a start, but as far as Divine Truth goes doesn’t have relativity to human truth. Even science, which has developed over centuries, has plenty to say in this regard.

Sometimes humans try to force their will on “reality” and have to be set straight. We might not realize that is what is happening, but behind it is fear. We compete with each other, struggle, etc., but the best thing we can do is focus on the “now” moment only, where all takes place. That is the only Reality. It is always outside of time, which is thought based. Reply

Cheryl Rives December 12, 2021

My question: Jacob listened to Rebecca and deceived his father, Isaac, by pretending to be Esau, because Rebecca wanted Jacob to get Isaac's blessing. How is this being truthful? He "bribed" Esau with a bowl of lentil soup for his birthright. Esau was very hungry, and could only think about his hunger and his need to eat. How does this demonstrate truthfulness in Jacob? Reply

Tzvi Freeman December 13, 2021

in response to Cheryl:

Indeed, the story leaves much room to interpret Esau’s motives in selling his birthright—until the text signs off as conclusively as possible: “And Esau despised the birthright.” (Genesis 25:34 Please don’t just trust me—look inside.)

At any rate, why shouldn’t he? What exactly did he lose after all? Jacob saw this as a spiritual victory. Esau saw it as a silly game over some worthless abstraction.

This is precisely the point. It’s one thing to float around in your cuddly bubble, a care-bear world of innocence and play nicely along with everyone else. So what did you accomplish?

It’s another thing to grow up with a twin brother whose passion for hunting trumps all else and lacks any integrity, and then deal with a conniving uncle Laban—and nevertheless remain an honest man. Reply

Cheryl Rives Michigan December 14, 2021

in response to Tzvi Freeman:

I have been troubled by the Jacob/Esau/Rebecca behaviors for awhile. I even asked about Esau in an inquiry to Chabad.org
I’m still not clear on Esau being evil and Jacob being worthy of being a forefather of the Jewish people. I’m sure I’m missing a lot from these passages in Genesis. Thanks for your response to my comment. I get that Laban was a dishonest and not a good person. I still don’t get why Esau is considered evil and not a good person. Reply

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