1)

Why does it say "El Achicha, El Esav"?

1.

Rashi: Even though you called him 'my brother,' he is still Esav ha'Rasha, 1 whose hatred had not abated. 2

2.

Ramban (to 32:8): They told Yaakov that although he was acting towards Esav like a brother, Esav was acting towards him like Esav (i.e. not as a brother). 3

3.

Ohr ha'Chayim #1: He is pretending to be your brother, but really he is Esav, and still bears hatred.

4.

Ohr ha'Chayim #2: We came to him with beaming faces (as is proper, to greet a brother), and also angry faces, since he is Esav, without brotherhood. The reason they were two-sided is because Esav himself [externally] showed brotherhood, but his heart was not so.

5.

Malbim: We said that he is your master, and the Berachos were not fulfilled. He considers himself your brother (he did not accept our words).


1

Gur Aryeh: This explanation is derived from the repeated word, "to."

2

And he was certainly not pleased to hear about Yaakov's wealth, as he (Yaakov) had anticipated (Seforno).

3

Refer to 32:8:2:1.

2)

Who were the "Arba Me'os Ish Imo"?

1.

Targum Yonasan: They were 400 troop officers.

2.

Rashbam: The messengers told Yaakov that he did indeed find favor in Esav's eyes, just as he hoped he would, and that he was approaching with an entourage of 400 men in Yaakov's honor. 1

3.

Malbim: They are for war. Ha'amek Davar - through the 400 men, his intent is recognized. Esav did not speak to the messengers, like ancient kings, who did not speak to people they considered below their dignity. "Imo" (as opposed to Ito) implies equality. Also they are kings!


1

Rashbam: Nevertheless, in the next Pasuk, Yaakov was afraid, because he did not believe the messengers (Refer to 32:8:2:1).

3)

Why does it say "v'Gam Holech Likrasecha"?

1.

Malbim: He is coming to greet you, for he does not want you in his land at all!

2.

Ha'amek Davar: You thought that if he is not appeased, he is coming for war. This is correct!

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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