Another matter, “I have oxen [shor], and donkeys [vaḥamor]” (Genesis 32:6). Shor – this is Joseph, as it is stated: “A firstborn bull [shoro] is his majesty” (Deuteronomy 33:17). Vaḥamor – this is Issachar, as it is written: “Issachar is a strong-boned donkey [ḥamor] (Genesis 49:14). Joseph’s grandson is destined to eradicate Amalek, as it is stated: “Joshua21Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim, who was Joseph's son. weakened Amalek and its people by sword” (Exodus 17:13).
Issachar’s descendants know what the Holy One blessed be He does in His world, as it is stated: “From the children of Issachar, possessors of understanding of the times, to know what Israel should do; their leaders were two hundred” (I Chronicles 12:33). “Flocks [tzon]” – this is Israel, as it is stated: “You, My flock [tzoni], flock of My pasture, you are man” (Ezekiel 34:31). “And slaves [ve’eved]” – this is David, as it is stated: “I am your servant [avdekha] son of your maidservant” (Psalms 116:16).
“And maidservants [veshifḥa]” – this is Avigayil, as it is stated: “Here is your handmaiden as a maidservant [leshifḥa]” (I Samuel 25:41). “Jacob was very frightened and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the cattle, and the camels, into two camps” (Genesis 32:8). At that moment, those messengers went to Esau and saw armed warriors with him, and they came and told Jacob, as it is stated: “The messengers returned to Jacob, saying: We came to your brother, to Esau” (Genesis 32:7).
What is: “And four hundred men with him”? Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥmani said: Four hundred kings wearing crowns. Some say: Four hundred prefects were with him. Rabbi Yanai said: Four hundred generals were with him.
When they related to Jacob all that multitude, he was afraid and he divided his wives and children into two camps, as it is stated: “He divided the people who were with him…[into two camps].”