Genesis 32:1-3 NKJV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:1-2

1. Here is Jacob's convoy in his journey (Gen. 32:1): The angels of God met him, in a visible appearance, whether in a vision by day or in a dream by night, as when he saw them upon the ladder (Gen. 28:12), is uncertain. Note, Those that keep in a good way have always a good guard; angels themselves are ministering spirits for their safety, Heb. 1:14. Where Jacob pitched his tents, they pitched theirs about him, Ps. 34:7. They met him, to bid him welcome to Canaan again; a more honourable... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:3-8

Now that Jacob was re-entering Canaan God, by the vision of angels, reminded him of the friends he had when he left it, and thence he takes occasion to remind himself of the enemies he had, particularly Esau. It is probable that Rebekah had sent him word of Esau's settlement in Seir, and of the continuance of his enmity to him. What shall poor Jacob do? He longs to see his father, and yet he dreads to see his brother. He rejoices to see Canaan again, and yet cannot but rejoice with trembling... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:1

And Jacob went on his way ,.... From Gilead towards the land of Canaan: and the angels of God met him ; to comfort and help him, to protect and defend him, to keep him in all his ways, that nothing hurt him, Psalm 91:11 ; these are ministering spirits sent forth by God to minister to his people, the heirs of salvation; and such an one Jacob was. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:2

And when Jacob saw them ,.... These appeared in a visible form, most probably human, and in the habit, and with the accoutrements of soldiers, and therefore afterwards called an host or army. Aben Ezra thinks that Jacob alone saw them, as Elisha first saw the host of angels before the young man did that was with him, 2 Kings 6:17 , he said, this is God's host : or army, hence he is often called the Lord of hosts; angels have this name from their number, order, strength, and military... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:3

And Jacob sent messengers before him unto Esau his brother ,.... Or "angels": not angels simply, as Jarchi, for these were not under the command, and in the power of Jacob to send, nor would they have needed any instruction from him afterwards given, but these were some of his own servants. Esau it seems was removed from his father's house, and was possessed of a country after mentioned, called from his name; and which Aben Ezra says lay between Haran and the land of Israel; but if it did... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:1

The angels of God met him - Our word angel comes from the Greek αγγελος aggelos , which literally signifies a messenger; or, as translated in some of our old Bibles, a tidings-bringer. The Hebrew word מלאך malach , from לאך laach , to send, minister to, employ, is nearly of the same import; and hence we may see the propriety of St. Augustine's remark : Nomen non naturae sed officii , "It is a name, not of nature, but of office;" and hence it is applied indifferently to a human... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:2

Mahanaim - The two hosts, if read by the points, the angels forming one, and Jacob and his company forming another; or simply hosts or camps in the plural. There was a city built afterwards here, and inhabited by the priests of God, Joshua 21:38 . For what purpose the angels of God met Jacob, does not appear from the text; probably it was intended to show him that he and his company were under the care of an especial providence, and consequently to confirm his trust and confidence in God. ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:3

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 Genesis 32:6 , Genesis 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... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:1

Verse 1 1.And Jacob went on his way. After Jacob has escaped from the hands of his father-in-law, that is, from present death, he meets with his brother, whose cruelty was as much, or still more, to be dreaded; for by the threats of this brother he had been driven from his country; and now no better prospect lies before him. He therefore proceeds with trepidation, as one who goes to the slaughter. Seeing, however, it was scarcely possible but that he should sink oppressed by grief, the Lord... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:3

Verse 3 3.And Jacob sent messengers. It now happened, by the providence of God, that Esau, having left his father, had gone to Mount Seir of his own accord; and had thus departed from the land of promise, by which means the possession of it would remain void for the posterity of Jacob, without slaughter among brethren. For it was not to be believed that he had changed his habitation, either because he was compelled by his father’s command, or because he was willing to be accounted inferior to... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:1-2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:3-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:3

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