Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 32:1

"And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him." — Genesis 32:1 (ASV)

Jacob went on his way. — The meeting of Jacob and Laban had occurred on the dividing line between the Aramean and Canaanite lands. Consequently, it was at a spot where Laban would have found no allies among the natives, but rather the opposite. Thus delivered from danger from behind, Jacob now journeyed through the country that was to be the heritage of his seed. He was doubtless harassed by many anxious thoughts, for Esau might prove a fiercer foe than Laban. It was fitting, therefore, that he should receive encouragement. So, after some days—probably after about a week’s journey southward—he had a vision of angels of God.

Angels of God. — Countless conjectures have been ventured as to who these messengers of Elohim were, and how they were seen by Jacob. Some, taking the word in its lower sense, think they were prophets. Others believe it was a caravan that gave Jacob timely information about Esau’s presence in Seir. Still others suggest it was a body of men sent by Rebekah to aid Jacob in repelling Esau. More probably, just as Jacob on his road to Padan-aram had been assured of God’s watchful care for him by the vision of the angels ascending and descending the stairs, so now he also saw in a dream the angels encamped on each side of him. This vision served to assure him of protection against his brother.