Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau] Jacob acknowledges the superiority of his brother; for the time was not yet come in which it could be said, The elder shall serve the younger.
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 ויצו6680 אתם853 לאמר559 כה3541 תאמרון559 לאדני113 לעשׂו6215 כה3541 אמר559 עבדך5650 יעקב3290 עם5973 לבן3837 גרתי1481 ואחר309 עד5704 עתה׃6258
