The word “nations” is spelled in the Torah with two “yudin,” which means “proud ones.” It is read, however, with one “yud” to mean nations. Rashi explains that the “proud ones” is a reference to two great leaders, each hailing from different nations, who were close personal friends – Rabbi Yehudah Ha’nasi, the redactor of the Mishnah, maintained a healthy, personal relationship with Antoninus, the Roman leader.
Hashem prevented Yitzchak from discerning the true nature and character of his son, Eisav. Hence, Yitzchak had no reason to harbor any ill will toward him. Indeed, the Torah says that Yitzchak loved Eisav. We must endeavor to understand why Hashem would conceal Eisav’s true identity from Yitzchak.
Horav Mordechai Gifter, z.l., explains that human nature dictates that relationships are reciprocal; when a person shows affection to me, I will respond in kind. Yitzchak’s love for Eisav effected a reciprocal response, albeit many generations later, in the guise of Eisav’s great- grandson, Antoninus. This relationship was the precursor of the Oral Law that has sustained our People throughout the millennia. Imagine, the standard of scholarship in Klal Yisrael was waning. In order to ensure their continued spiritual existence, it was crucial that the scholars compile the Mishnah. Antoninus, Rabbi Yehuda Ha’nasi’s “good friend,” granted him a tranquil and prosperous life, without which he probably would have had a difficult time compiling the Mishnah. Without the Mishnah, the Oral Law would clearly have been forgotten, allowing Klal Yisrael to fade into oblivion. Antoninus’ benevolence was a reflection of Yitzchak’s love for Eisav.
We now understand the meaning of “Two proud ones are within you.” Indeed, although Klal Yisrael descended only from Yaakov, the younger twin, both children played a leading role in Klal Yisrael’s eternity. The two “proud ones” that descended from Yaakov and Eisav preserved our spiritual heritage.
