Disguises in the Bible: When Going Undercover Really Mattered
From Yaakov dressing as his brother to King Saul's disguise with the witch, explore biblical tales of subterfuge.
- ורד בלר
- פורסם ט"ו אדר התשע"ח
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- Yaakov – Following Rivkah's advice, Yaakov dressed as his brother Esav to receive the blessing their father Yitzchak intended for Esav. This disguise effectively fooled Yitzchak who remarked, "The voice is the voice of Yaakov, but the hands are the hands of Esav."
- King Saul - To consult the witch of Endor, King Saul disguised himself, knowing she would refuse him if recognized: "Saul disguised himself, wearing other clothes, and came to the woman at night." When she summoned the spirit of Shmuel, the witch realized Saul’s identity and exclaimed, "Why have you deceived me, for you are Saul!"
- The Wife of Yeravam – Yeravam, king of Israel, sent his wife disguised to the prophet Achiyah, hoping the prophet, who was blind, would have mercy and help their sick son, Aviyah. However, Hashem revealed her identity to the prophet. Achiyah foretold the boy’s impending death.
- King Ahab - During a battle against the King of Aram, Ahab disguised himself and suggested Yehoshaphat do the same: "The King of Israel said to Yehoshaphat, 'Disguise yourself and enter the battle; as for me, I will disguise myself.' Despite his efforts, Ahab was killed in battle.
- The Wise Woman of Tekoa - After Avshalom fled following the death of his brother Amnon, Yoav ben Tzruya enlisted a wise woman from Tekoa to feign being a mourning widow appealing to King David. Her story, paralleling Avshalom's situation, convinced David to allow Avshalom's return from exile.
