What was the significance of the angels who came to meet Yaakov?
Rashi: They were the angels of Eretz Yisrael, who came to accompany him into Eretz Yisrael. 1
Ramban: They came to show Yaakov as he approached the territory of his enemy (Esav), that his forces were superior to those of Esav.
Rashbam: They came to protect him. 2
Bechor Shor: They came for his honor.
Malbim: Now that he separated from Lavan, he reached a great level and saw angels while awake, like Avraham.
Refer to 28:12:1:1. The Ramban queries Rashi, inasmuch as Yaakov was still far from Eretz Yisrael. Quoting the Mizrachi, R. Chavel in his notes, explains that the Ramban follows his opinion 35:18), that Charan is south-east of Eretz Yisrael, whereas Rashi there maintains that it is north-east. Oznayim la'Torah (32:4) - Moshav Zekenim (32:5) says that Edom was already considered like Eretz Yisrael, because in the future it will be. The same applies to Amon and Mo'av, which is where Yaakov was, therefore angels of Eretz Yisrael came to him now. Harchev Davar (to 32:3) says that Machanayim is in Eretz Yisrael, and brings many supports for Rashi.
In keeping with the promise that Hashem had made with him on his way to Lavan (See above, 29:15)
Why does it say "Va'Yifge'u Vo"?
Ohr ha'Chayim: They appeared suddenly, so Yaakov knew that they are angels.
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes: "Angels of G-d met him - Angels of Eretz Yisrael came forward to accompany him." Ramban asks, Yaakov was still quite far away? (He reaches Eretz Canaan only in verse 33:18.)
Gur Aryeh: Yaakov was on his way to Eretz Yisrael (now that he was free of Lavan). it was fitting that the angels of Eretz Yisrael accompany him to ensure that he would arrive there. 1
Perhaps we can answer that although Yaakov had not yet crossed the Jordan, he was in Gil'ad, Ever ha'Yarden, which would also have the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael in many respects. 2 (CS)
Gur Aryeh: If one is deemed to already be in the place towards where one is headed, why, when Yaakov left Eretz Yisrael, didn't the angels of Chutz la'Aretz come as soon as he left Be'er Sheva (28:10)? Yaakov was not leaving willingly for Chutz la'Aretz' sake, rather due to extenuating circumstances; as such, he did not lose his special protection of Eretz Yisrael early.
