פירוש על בראשית 36:27

אלה בני אצר, These are the sons of Ezer, etc. This verse may be understood homiletically. Yalkut Shimoni on Proverbs 2, asks rhetorically why the Jewish people are frequently poor. G'd answered because He wanted to ensure that they would have enduring riches in the Hereafter (Proverbs 8,21). If someone wants to assure himself of such an enduring inheritance he must be willing to endure poverty or some other problems in this world. The word אצר in this verse is equivalent to אוצר, treasure. People desirous of accumulating treasures in the world to come must be prepared to suffer afflictions in this world, i.e. בלהן, זעון ועקן. Such afflictions will ultimately prove to be blessings.