I have everything

Can we have everything...
...or should having plenty be enough?

The biblical story of Jacob and Esau teaches us an important difference between having plenty (rav in hebrew) and having everything (hakol) - and this could change the way we think about and appreciate what we have.

We all know how the classic story begins with Jacob grasping the heel of his brother Esau in order to try and be the firstborn. God had warned Rebecca that: "Two nations are in your womb; and two peoples  shall be separated from your body; and one people shall be stronger than the other; and the older shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). When the boys grew up, Esau became a skilful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents" (Genesis 25:27).

Jacob eventually outwits Esau and 'steals' his brother's birthright in exchange for  a bowl of lentil stew. Jacob then flees from Esau and goes to live with his uncle Laban in Haran, and as the years passed by, each brother becomes the head of a large, wealthy and successful family. When they finally meet up again,  it is instructive that the first thing the brothers want to show each other is how much they have and how rich they have become.

In their dialogue (Genesis 33:8-11), we read that while they embrace and weep in each others arms, Esau marvels at Jacob's large family. "What, are these your wives and children?" he asks, Jacob introduces his family and explains, "These are the children whom God has graciously given your servant," Still feeling unsure, Esau wants to know why Jacob is parading all of his wealth before him." What do you mean by all this company (family) which I have met?" he asks. Jacob tells him that he only hopes, "to find favour in your sight." But Esau will have none of it and gloats to his brother saying, " I have plenty, my brother. Let what you have to be your own." Jacob however, insists and implores Esau, "Please take my gift which has been brought to you because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have everything."

It was hard for the older Esau to accept a gift from Jacob. He wanted his younger twin brother to see that he had also made something of himself. Describing his wealth, Esau claims, "I have plenty". It was as though he was boasting to Jacob, "Don't worry, I am rich too and will even surpass you one dau, I don't need your help."

Jacob tells his brother that he is not doing too badly either, and says, "I have everything." What a difference! Jacob is satisfied with what he has and feels that he already has "everything." Content with what God has given him, he can offer his older brother some of his wealth. Esau, on the other hand, says that he has "plenty," but he clearly wants more, at least more than his brother.

For Esau, "plenty" describes an amount that can be counted, calculated and compared with others. Believing he has "everything," Jacob has found contentment with what he already has. He knows that the source of his full and abundant life is God, and that is why he tells Esau:"Because God has dealt graciously with me, I have everything."

Aviel Schneider