John Gill Commentary Genesis 37:1

"And Jacob dwelt in the land of his father`s sojournings, in the land of Canaan." — Genesis 37:1 (ASV)

And Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger ,
&c.] And this stands opposed to, and is distinguished from the case and circumstances of Esau and his posterity, expressed in the preceding chapter, who dwelt in the land of their possession, not as strangers and sojourners (as Jacob and his seed), but as lords and proprietors. These words may therefore be introduced and read in connection with the former history: "but Jacob dwelt" ^F1. This verse would better conclude the preceding chapter than begin a new one.

The Targum of Jonathan paraphrases the words, "and Jacob dwelt quietly," or peaceably, in tranquillity and safety. His brother Esau having gone from him into another country, he remained where his father lived and died, and in the country that by his blessing belonged to him.

in the land of Canaan ,
and particularly in Hebron, where Isaac and Abraham before him had dwelt.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F1: (bvyw) "at habitavit", Schmidt.