1)

Why did Yaakov repeat the names of all those who were buried in the Me'aras ha'Machpelah?

1.

Ramban: He stressed the importance of the location in order to encourage them to fulfill his request and bury him with Zerizus (alacrity). 1

2.

Ohr ha'Chayim: The initial owner was Efron. After they buried Avraham and Sarah there, [the influence of] the initial owner was decreased, and it stood in the possession of Avraham's heirs, Yitzchak and Yishmael. It mentions that they buried Yitzchak to exclude Yishmael; it is only in the Reshus of Yitzchak's heirs, Yaakov and Esav. Refer to 49:31:3:1.

3.

Malbim: This shows that he acquired it for a cemetery. It mentions Yitzchak's burial to refute any claims of Bnei Yishmael. Also refer to 49:31:3:1.

4.

Ha'amek Davar: This is a third reason why Yaakov wants to be buried there. A person wants to be buried with his fathers!


1

In spite of all the hurdles that they would encounter.

2)

Why did he say "they buried Yitzchak," seeing as he personally had buried him?

1.

Ramban #1: Because Esav was also involved in his father's burial, and he did not want to mention him at this point.

2.

Ramban #2: Because he would have to add 'and there they buried Rivkah his wife;' 1 so he combined them and wrote briefly "there they buried Yitzchak and Rivkah his wife."


1

Ramban: At whose burial Yaakov had not been present.

3)

Why did Yaakov find it necessary to point out that he buried Leah there?

1.

Ramban, Malbim: He was preempting Esav, who, he suspected, would claim the right to be buried there. 1 Ohr ha'Chayim - After they buried Yitzchak there, it was in the Reshus of Yitzchak's heirs, Yaakov and Esav. It mentions Leah's burial to exclude Esav; Chazal (Sotah 13a) expounded that Yaakov bought Esav's share.

2.

Ha'amek Davar: This is another reason why Yaakov wants to be buried there. A person wants to be buried with those who served him in his lifetime, like we find regarding Rebbi (Kesuvos 103a).


1

Ramban: As indeed he did (Refer to 50:13:1:1; refer to 50:9:1:1.)

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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