Jacob Sent Real Angels?

Rabbi Moshe Ben-Chaim

Rabbi: Pashas Vayishlach opens with Jacob sending messengers to Esav, as he desired to learn if his twin brother still harbored animosity for “stealing” the birthright, although Esav had legitimately sold it to him. Jacob wished to be prepared for Esav, if Esav was intent on attacking him. 

Rashi says Jacob sent “literal angels,” not human messengers. But that can’t be. So “sending literal angels” could refer to Jacob’s keen psychological acumen: bribing his brother with the gifts of the massive flocks could attain 100% success, as if God’s angels were doing this who always succeed. As angels always succeed as they override all other considerations, Rashi says Jacob’s brilliance would have the same guaranteed results as angels. To teach of Jacob’s expert psychological knowledge and his guaranteed success, Rashi cites a midrash equating his expert plan via human messengers, to literal angels.

Howard:  Maybe. But why does it bother you if Rashi maintains that they were actual metaphysical beings?

Rabbi: Tanach is the authoritative text, not midrash. And in Tanach you don't see man controlling God’s angels, that’s limited to midrash. And midrash cannot introduce a new idea that is not found in the verses. Furthermore, angels are unnecessary to satisfy reconnaissance mission to learn of Esav’s intention, as human beings can accomplish this.