1)

Why did Yaakov call Rachel before Leah (despite the fact that he married Leah first and she bore him the most sons)?

1.

Rashi: Yaakov's attachment to Lavan began with Rachel, and so, from the word go, he considered her his main wife. 1


1

This is something that even Leah's children accepted (See Rus 4:11). See also Targum Yonasan to 31:14.

2)

Why did Yaakov leave without informing Lavan?

1.

Seforno: Because, when he saw how Lavan had accepted the Lashon ha'Ra of his sons, he was afraid that Lavan would steal from him. 1


1

He later says so explicitly to him (31:31).

3)

Why did Yaakov call his wives to come "to the field, to his flock"?

1.

Tosfos ha'Shalem (1): He called them to the field, lest others hear. 1 He called them to the flock, lest he abandon his work. 2

2.

Ha'amek Davar: It was to Yaakov's flock, but not Lavan's, lest Lavan's shepherds notice. Lavan had other shepherds tending his animals together with Yaakov. 3


1

Tosfos ha'Shalem (2): "Melech l'Sadeh Ne'evad" (Koheles 5:8) - counsel is taken in the field.

2

Even though Lavan has been deceitful for 20 years, and Yaakov must flee, he works faithfully as long as he is there! (PF)

3

See Ha'amek Davar to 31:22.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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