Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 7. He divided the people, &c.] His prudence and cunning were now turned into a right channel, for he took the most effectual method to appease his brother, had he been irritated, and save at least a part of his family. This dividing and arranging of his flocks, family, and domestics, has something in it highly characteristic. To such a man as Jacob such expedients would naturally present themselves.
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 ויירא3372 יעקב3290 מאד3966 ויצר3334 לו ויחץ2673 את853 העם5971 אשׁר834 אתו854 ואת853 הצאן6629 ואת853 הבקר1241 והגמלים1581 לשׁני8147 מחנות׃4264
