Genesis 32:3-1

(J). The Approach of Esau, and Jacob's Prayer

3. the land of Seir This name for the country occupied by the Edomites (Genesis 14:6) seems to mean the "shaggy," or "rough," "forest-covered" country; see Genesis 33:14; Genesis 33:16; Genesis 36:8. It is applied not only to the mountains on the east of the Arabahdesert, but also to the mountain country of the Arabahand the southern borders of Palestine.

the field of Edom The future home of Esau's descendants is here so called by a not unnatural anachronism. Cf. Genesis 14:7, "the country of the Amalekites"; Genesis 21:34, "the land of the Philistines."

The description of the country by the twofold name "land of Seir" and "field of Edom" indicates the two sources of the narrative.