Genesis 33:15

15 Esau said, "Then let me leave some of my men with you." "Why do that?" Jacob asked. "I only want to win your favor, sir."

Genesis 33:15 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 33:15

And Esau said, let me now leave with thee [some] of the folk
that [are] with me
To show him the way, and guard him on the road, and he appear the more honourable when he entered into Seir: and he said, what needeth it?
Jacob saw not the necessity of it; he knew the direct way very probably; he thought himself in no danger, since he was at peace with Esau, and he did not affect the grandeur of an equipage: let me find grace in the sight of my lord;
having his favour and good will, that was enough for him; and among the rest of the favours he received from him, he begged this might be added, that he might be excused retaining any of his retinue with him.

Genesis 33:15 In-Context

13 Jacob said to him, "Sir, you know that the children are frail and that I have to take care of the flocks and cattle that are nursing their young. If they're driven too hard for even one day, all the flocks will die.

14 Go ahead of me, sir. I will slowly and gently guide the herds that are in front of me at their pace and at the children's pace until I come to you in Seir."

15 Esau said, "Then let me leave some of my men with you." "Why do that?" Jacob asked. "I only want to win your favor, sir."

16 That day Esau started back to Seir.

17 But Jacob moved on to Succoth, where he built a house for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is named Succoth [Shelters].