以西結書 26:2 猶太思想：Derashot HaRan

And in this context can be understood the homilies of our sages (Megillah 6a) on the verses (Genesis 25:23): "and the one people shall be stronger than the other people" and (Ezekiel 26:2): "I shall be filled with her that is laid waste," which they expounded as importing that they cannot both be equal in greatness, but that if one is "full" the other must be "waste." It may be asked why this should be the case with Edom [Esau] more than with any other nation. And the answer will be along the lines mentioned above, with some additional explanation. And that is, in view of the fact that there is no reason for any other nation to envy Jacob, it is possible for other nations to exercise great sway even when there is kingdom in Israel. For the reign of the other nations in their lands, according to their tongues, does not oppress Israel at all, their having nothing to do with Israel. But Esau, the first-born, would be angry for his inheritance, saying: "I, too, am a crown prince; we have the same father." It is for this reason that Jacob's ascent dictates the descent of Esau. The descent of Jacob, however, does not proceed from the ascent of Esau; but the ascent of Esau dictates the descent of Jacob — not inherently, G-d forbid, as the descent of Esau is dictated by the ascent of Jacob, but fortuitously. And that is, if not for the Blessed One's righteousness to Jacob and the humbling of his foes, when He apportions lots to all the peoples and establishes nations in tranquility, whom, among all the many nations, would He more greatly desire to accord the throne of honor than Esau, the son of the beloved mother, whose fathers, Abraham and Isaac walked before Him? For this reason it is dictated that Esau be exalted among the nations when Jacob and his children do not attain to kingdom.