Upon coming to this pasuk, the Chidushei HaRim, z.l., would turn to his chassidim and say, “Note how these three questions have a strong similarity to the three queries which Chazal teach us are the fundamental questions a Jew must ask of himself. Know these things, and you will not come into the grip of sin: know from where you came; where you are going; and before Whom you will give justification and reckoning (Pirkei Avos 3:1). Chazal give us the three keys to our spiritual survival. Are they different than the questions Eisav asked?”
“We derive an important lesson from here,” says the Chidushei HaRim. “Even today, Eisav can ask these fundamental questions with one purpose in mind: to bring us to depression, to belittle us, to lower our self- esteem and self-confidence. Yes, Eisav asks the same questions that Chazal instruct us to ask of ourselves. There are, however, two disparate goals in these questions – and that is the “who” difference. One must be acutely aware of who is asking these questions.”
