Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. Jacob sent messengers] µykalm malachim, the same word which is before translated angels. It is very likely that these messengers had been sent some time before he had this vision at Mahanaim, for they appear to have returned while Jacob encamped at the brook Jabbok, where he had the vision of angels; see ver. 6, 23.
The land of Seir, the country of Edom.] This land, which was, according to Dr. Wells, situated on the south of the Dead Sea, extending from thence to the Arabian Gulf, 1 Kings ix. 26, was formerly possessed by the Horites, chap. xiv. 6; but Esau with his children drove them out, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead, Deut. ii. 22; and thither Esau went from the face of his brother Jacob, chap. xxxvi. 6, 7. Thus we find he verified the prediction, By thy sword shalt thou live, chap. xxvii. 40.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares them by great comforts. While Jacob, to who the promise belonged, had been in hard service, Esau was become prince. Jacob sent a message, showing that he did not insist upon the birth-right. Yielding pacifies great offences, Ec 10:4. We must no refuse to speak respectfully, even to those unjustly angry with us Jacob received an account of Esau's warlike preparations against him and was greatly afraid. A lively sense of danger, and quickening fea arising from it, may be found united with humble confidence in God' power and promise.
Original Hebrew וישׁלח7971 יעקב3290 מלאכים4397 לפניו6440 אל413 עשׂו6215 אחיו251 ארצה776 שׂעיר8165 שׂדה7704 אדום׃123
