Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. Go to Padan-aram] This mission, in its spirit and design, is nearly the same as that in chap. 24., which see. There have been several ingenious conjectures concerning the retinue which Jacob had, or might have had, for his journey; and by some he has been supposed to have been well attended. Of this nothing is mentioned here, and the reverse seems to be intimated elsewhere. It appears, from ver. 11, that he lodged in the open air, with a stone for his pillow; and from chap. xxxii. 10, that he went on foot with his staff in his hand; nor is there even the most indirect mention of any attendants, nor is it probable there were any. He no doubt took provisions with him sufficient to carry him to the nearest encampment or village on the way, where he would naturally recruit his bread and water to carry him to the next stage, and so on. The oil that he poured on the pillar might be a little of that which he had brought for his own use, and can be no rational arguement of his having a stock of provisions, servants, camels, &c., for which it has been gravely brought.He had God alone with him.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Jacob had blessings promised both as to this world and that which is to come; yet goes out to a hard service. This corrected him for the frau on his father. The blessing shall be conferred on him, yet he shal smart for the indirect course taken to obtain it. Jacob is dismissed by his father with a solemn charge. He must not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan: those who profess religion, should not marry with those that care not for religion. Also with a solemn blessing. Isaa had before blessed him unwittingly; now he does it designedly. Thi blessing is more full than the former; it is a gospel blessing. Thi promise looks as high as heaven, of which Canaan was a type. That wa the better country which Jacob and the other patriarchs had in view.
Original Hebrew קום6965 לך1980 פדנה ארם6307 ביתה1004 בתואל1328 אבי1 אמך517 וקח3947 לך משׁם8033 אשׁה802 מבנות1323 לבן3837 אחי251 אמך׃517
