“Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God encountered him” (Genesis 32:2). “Jacob said when he saw them: This is the camp of God. He called the name of that place Maḥanayim” (Genesis 32:3). “Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God encountered him” – how many angels were dancing and prancing before our patriarch Jacob upon his entry into the Land?
Rav Huna said in the name of Rabbi Aivu: Six hundred thousand angels were dancing before Jacob our patriarch upon his entry into the Land. That is what is written: “Jacob said when he saw them: This is the camp [maḥaneh] of God,” and the Divine Presence does not rest on fewer than six hundred thousand. The Rabbis say: One million two hundred thousand – “He called the name of that place Maḥanayim.”
Maḥaneh is six hundred thousand. Maḥanayim 47Two camps. is one million two hundred thousand. Rabbi Yudan said: He took from these and took from those and sent messengers ahead of him. That is what is written: “Jacob sent messengers ahead of him” (Genesis 32:4).