Gen 32:3-5 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 3 Jacob sent messengers - מלאכים 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 , . 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, , was formerly possessed by the Horites, ; but Esau with his children drove them out, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead, ; and thither Esau went from the face of his brother Jacob, , . Thus we find he verified the prediction, By thy sword shalt thou live, .

Genesis 32:3-5

Verse 3

Jacob sent messengers - מלאכים 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 Gen 32:6, Gen 32:23.

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, 1Kgs 9:26, was formerly possessed by the Horites, Gen 14:6; but Esau with his children drove them out, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead, Deu 2:22; and thither Esau went from the face of his brother Jacob, Gen 36:6, Gen 36:7. Thus we find he verified the prediction, By thy sword shalt thou live, Gen 27:40. 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.