¹ tn The definite article is translated here as a possessive pronoun.

² tn The disjunctive clause contrasts Jacob’s action with Esau’s.

³ sn But Jacob traveled to Succoth. There are several reasons why Jacob chose not to go to Mt. Seir after Esau. First, as he said, his herds and children probably could not keep up with the warriors. Second, he probably did not fully trust his brother. The current friendliness could change, and he could lose everything. And third, God did tell him to return to his land, not Seir. But Jacob is still not able to deal truthfully, probably because of fear of Esau.

⁴ tn Heb “why he called.” One could understand “Jacob” as the subject of the verb, but it is more likely that the subject is indefinite, in which case the verb is better translated as passive.

⁵ sn The name Succoth means “shelters,” an appropriate name in light of the shelters Jacob built there for his livestock.

⁶ tn The two disjunctive clauses in this verse (“Now Jacob heard…and his sons were”) are juxtaposed to indicate synchronic action.

⁷ tn Heb “he”; the referent (Shechem) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁸ sn The expected response would be anger or rage; but Jacob remained silent. He appears too indifferent or confused to act decisively. When the leader does not act decisively, the younger zealots will, and often with disastrous results.

⁹ tn Heb “and they took their livestock and their possessions which they had acquired in the land of Canaan and they went to Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him.” The order of the clauses has been rearranged in the translation for stylistic reasons.

¹⁰ tn Heb “feeders of sheep.”

¹¹ tn Heb “for men of livestock they are.”