Img. ID: 17695

Two episodes relating to Jacob appear on fol. 33 to the left of the geometrical shaped commentary column. Above is the hooded Jacob, who, with the help of another shepherd, is rolling the stone away from the well for Rachel to water her flocks. This is contrary to the biblical text (Gen. 29:10), which says that he rolled it away alone, without help. Two sheep are standing below the well. In the lower part, framed by a trefoil arch, is a midrashic scene of Jacob giving a bracelet and his money to the armed Eliphaz, Esau’s son. According to the story, Esau ordered his son to kill Jacob on his way to Haran. The scene illustrates Rashi’s interpretation of Gen. 29:11 stating that the reason Jacob cried when he kissed Rachel was that he had no jewelery to give her, since he had given it all to Eliphaz. Eliphaz could not bring himself to kill Jacob, since he had been brought up by Isaac, his grandfather and Jacob’s father, so he asked Jacob what he should do instead and yet carry out his father’s order. Jacob answered that he should take whatever he possessed, since being poor is considered the same as being dead.Jacob and Eliphaz are identified by inscribed names above their heads.