Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 28:2

"Arise, go to Paddan-aram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother`s father. And take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother`s brother." — Genesis 28:2 (ASV)

Padan-aram. —See Note on Genesis 25:20. Throughout this verse, Isaac shows a much more intimate acquaintance with the family at Haran than Abraham possessed. (Compare Genesis 24:4.) And though we gather from Genesis 28:5 that Bethuel was now dead, it is still evident that he was a person of more importance than is supposed by the Rabbis, who ascribe the prominent part Laban took in his sister’s marriage to Bethuel's feebleness or death.

It was this greater knowledge that made Isaac send Jacob in person, and not a deputy. With a few trusty attendants, he would journey until he reached the usual caravan route that led through Damascus to Haran. He would then attach himself to some trading company for escort and society.