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  Rashi explains  the reason Yaakov cried was  because he had not brought any gifts for Rachel, since Elifaz, Eisav’s son, had waylaid him along the  way and had taken all his possessions. Eisav had instructed Elifaz to kill Yaakov. But having  grown up under Yitzchok’s guidance,  Elifaz was  in a dilemma. Should  he follow his father’s  orders or go against everything he had been taught by Yitzchok? It was Yaakov who helped him solve  this  problem  by advising  him  to  rob him of his possessions thereby impoverishing him. This would be considered as carrying out his father’s command since…

This conversation between Yaakov, Rachel and Leah seems rather strange and requires close study. When Yaakov informs his wives of Hashem’s command to leave Lavan’s home, he begins with a long  explanation that Lavan no longer favored him and has cheated him many times.  Only afterwards, does  he tell  them that it is Hashem’s command that they leave. Equally perplexing is Rochel and Leah’s response. Although they agreed with Yaakov they base their reasoning on the fact that Lavan is wicked and they will not inherit anything from him anyway. Is this  the way to respond to Hashem’s command? They…