Yaakov went on his way and Angels of Hashem encountered him. When he saw them, Yaakov said, "This is the camp of Hashem", and he named the place Machanayim.
What does the Torah mean when it tells us that the angels met him?
Additionally, asks the Ohr Hachaim, why does the Torah tell us what Yaakov said when he saw them? What does that add to our knowledge of the story?
Why is the place called Machanayim – two camps? What is the significance of this?
The Ohr Hachaim explains the story that Hashem sent Angels to Yaakov, but these were masqueraded as humans. The reason for this was, Yaakov needed to send messengers to his brother Esav, who would not be able to communicate with Heavenly bodies.
The possuk hints to this by telling us that Yaakov suddenly met them. Usually, human beings are gradually noticed from afar, as they draw near. Angels appear in front of a person as they reveal themselves. These Angels acted as angels, and that was a surprising phenomenon. This showed that they were angels, but only noticeable as angels due to the fact that they suddenly appeared. Otherwise, they were just like all others.
Yaakov understood what this was, and he said, “this is a camp of G-d.” He then called this place Machanayim, alluding to the fact that two camps were encamped there; one of Yaakov’s people ready to wage war with Esav, and the other camp of angels dressed as human to help out.
