בס”ד
Jacob takes his wives, children, and all his possessions and secretly departs from Haran to return to his father Isaac in his homeland. After three days, Laban learns of Jacob’s departure and his family and sets out in pursuit. G-d appears to Laban in a dream at night and warns him not to harm Jacob (Genesis 31:17–32:3). On the seventh day after leaving Haran, Laban catches up with Jacob’s camp on Mount Gilead. He confronts Jacob angrily, accusing him of fleeing without notice and stealing his daughters and grandchildren. Laban also accuses Jacob of stealing his household idols. Jacob explains to Laban that he left secretly for fear that Laban would try to prevent his daughters from leaving. Jacob denies any knowledge of the idols, unaware that Rachel had indeed taken them. He offers to let Laban search his camp.
Laban searches tent by tent but finds nothing. When he reaches Rachel’s tent, he finds her sitting on a camel saddle. She excuses herself, claiming to be unwell. Laban searches the tent but not the camel saddle where Laban’s idols are hidden.
The question arises: why did the righteous Rachel take her father’s idols? One of the most important biblical commentators, Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman (Ramban), explains that Rachel intended to prevent her father from idol worship. However, there is another reason: the idols were used for divination and sorcery, practices forbidden to Noahides. Both the possession of idols and their use for divination are prohibited for Noahides as part of the prohibition against idolatry.
We see here a mutual responsibility among people. All individuals have a moral obligation to help others avoid sin. If it is possible, it should be done through gentle and peaceful means. The world is experiencing much upheaval and political revolutions. All these political revolutions are an indication, and our sages of blessed memory (Sanhedrin 99a) said that before the coming of the Messiah, there would be great chaos in the world as a preparation for redemption and salvation. The best way to be safe spiritually and materially is by adding in the observance of G-d’s seven Noahide commandments.
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN
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