1)

What made Lavan come running to the well to greet Eliezer?

1.

Rashi: When he saw the golden ornaments that Eliezer had placed on his sister, he realized that their guest was a wealthy man, so he went running out to him to see what was in it for him. 1

2.

Seforno: He went to see the rich man who had come to town - not to invite him, just to look. 2

3.

Targum Yonasan (in Pasuk 30): Because he thought that it was Avraham who had arrived. 3


1

Refer to 24:31:2:1.

2

Refer to 24:31:2:1.

3

See Na?ar Yonasan.

2)

Why does it say "va'Yaratz Lavan El ha'Ish," while in the next verse (24: 30), "va'Yavo El ha'Ish"?

1.

Moshav Zekenim: At first he ran, frantic about money when he heard that a rich man came, in order to steal it. When he saw that Eliezer gave to his sister a ring and bracelets, and heard that he came regarding Nisu'in, then he came to him gently, honorably.

2.

Ohr ha'Chayim: Refer to 24:29:152:1.

3)

Why does it say "u'Shemo Lavan"? Bamidbar Rabah (10:5) says that such phrasing is used only for Tzadikim, but for Resha'im, it says the name first, e.g. "Naval Shemo" (Shmuel I 25:25)!

1.

R. Yitzchak (in Bamidbar Rabah): He was exceedingly white. 1

2.

R. Berachiyah (in Bamidbar Rabah): He was Meluban (perfect) in evil. 2

3.

Ohr ha'Chayim: He went to the well with virtuous intent (refer to 24:29:152:1). HaSh-m does not deny the reward due to anyone, so the verse puts his name last, like a Tzadik.


1

Peirush Maharzu: Because this was an attribute, his name comes last, like a Tzadik.

2

Since he parallels Tzadikim, who are Meluban in virtue, his name comes last, like Tzadikim (PF).

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

4)

Rashi writes: "Why did [Lavan] run, and what caused him to run? 'When he saw the jewelry' (24:30), he said, 'this is a rich man,' and he coveted the money." Why does Rashi explain this way?

1.

Gur Aryeh #1: These two verses (24: 29-30) seem to be in reverse order - first Lavan ran out, then he saw the jewelry? Rather, the following verse is coming to explain his reason for running. 1

2.

Gur Aryeh #2: Rashi explains why the wicked Lavan was so alacritous in hosting a guest. It was not for the Mitzvah, but rather for his money.


1

For other approaches to the order of the two verses, refer to 24:29:151; refer to 24:29:152.

5)

Rashi writes that when he saw the golden ornaments on Rivkah, Lavan ran to Eliezer. It says that he ran before he saw the ornaments!

1.

Ohr ha'Chayim: When Lavan heard that a man was too friendly with his sister, he ran to confront him, amidst zealousness for [the sanctity of] his sister. When he saw the ornaments and heard Eliezer's intent, his anger subsided and he went to offer to host him, with gratitude.

2.

Malbim: The next verse (when he saw the ornaments) explains this (why he ran).

3.

Ha'amek Davar: Once he heard Rivkah say that he blessed for coming to Beis Achei Adoni, he knew that he was from Avraham's house, so he went to greet him. He called him 'Beruch HaSh-m' only after seeing the ornaments (and understanding that he was wealthy), and offered to host him only after hearing that Eliezer asked about this.

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