Divine Assistance to Judah
Judah · Ephraim · Divine Help · Merit · Envy
שייך לעיל.
“This pertains to the teaching above.”
The Sefat Emet indicates that the idea here continues directly from the previous explanation.
דיהודה הוא גברא דמארי' סייעי'.
“For Judah is a man whom the Master assists.”
Judah is described as one who receives special divine assistance beyond his natural capacities.
לכן כתיב אפרים לא יקנא יהודה שרואה שיש לו סיוע ביותר מכפי מעשיו.
“Therefore it is written: ‘Ephraim shall not envy Judah,’ for he sees that Judah receives help beyond what his deeds alone would merit.”
The verse is interpreted to mean that Ephraim has no cause for jealousy, since Judah’s success is recognized as stemming from divine aid rather than personal achievement.
Summary: Judah merits unique divine assistance, and thus Ephraim has no jealousy, recognizing Judah’s accomplishments as gifts from above.