And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Ver. 3. And Jacob sent messengers.] Means, he knew, was to be used by him, though well assured of safeguard. God must be trusted, not tempted: means must be used, but not trusted. Jacob was "as one that fled from a lion, and a bear met him". Amo 5:19 Laban, as a lion, had some shamefacedness, saith a Rabbi: a Esau, as a bear, had none. Jacob therefore prays, and sends, and submits, and presents him; and all to pacify him. He that meets with a bear, will not strive with him for the wall, but be glad to escape by him.
a Pirkei R. Eliez., cap. 37.