Eikev: trampled

Eikev: trampled

 

The  word Eikev is a thread in Genesis.  The closest association of this word  is with Yaakov whose name is derived form Eikev, in the sense of the heel of the foot.  Yaakov is born hanging on to the heel of Eisav (who is trampling him)

 

Yaakov eventually takes to his heels ( runs away) from  Eisav and in his downtrodden state Gd appears to him in a dream ... and Yaakov proposes a deal.  If Gd will take care of him, Yaakov will recognize the lordship of Gd and give Gd  a tithe. 

 

In Devarim, Moshe proposes the other end of that deal to the children of Israel (nee Yaakov). Perhaps it is just a reminder of the previous deal , the deal that Yaakov entered into on behalf of his descendants.  (The parsha says that the agreement is not with the unborn descendants).

 

What deals did my parents make when they were downtrodden?