Jacob's Tender Children Read as Moses, Aaron, and Israel's Flock

"And he said to him: My lord knows that the children are tender" (Genesis 33:13). This refers to Moses and Aaron. "And the flocks and herds are giving suck" — these are Israel, as it is said, "And you, My flock, the flock of My pasture" (Ezekiel 34:31). And were it not for the mercy of the Holy One, blessed be He, had they driven them hard for one day, all the flock would have died — in the days of Hadrian Caesar. Another interpretation: "for the children are tender" — and they are unable to bear the yoke of Gehinnom; and if they were driven hard for one day, they would have no hope.