According to Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, the drama was far from over.
Imagine the scene: Jacob's sons, fired up, chasing the remnants of Esau's army all the way to Adora. Esau's own sons? They were so eager to escape, they left their father's body behind! Talk about a family feud.
The Legends tell us that Jacob's sons, showing a level of respect that puts their cousins to shame, paused their pursuit. They stayed in Adora overnight specifically to bury Esau's remains. Think about that for a moment. Despite all the history, all the rivalry, they still honored the dead.
But the pursuit wasn't over. The next morning, they were back on the trail, chasing Esau's remaining forces to Mount Seir. Can you picture it? The sons of Esau, along with all the other fugitives, finally cornered. Desperate, they humbled themselves, bowing down before Jacob's sons, pleading for peace.
And here's where it gets interesting. Jacob's sons, victorious but perhaps weary of battle, agreed to peace. But it came at a price: tribute. The sons of Esau had to pay. So, while they spared their lives, they didn't let them off scot-free.
What does this tell us? It’s a reminder that even after intense conflict, reconciliation is possible. But it often comes with consequences, with a reckoning. And even in the heat of battle, traditions of respect and mourning can—and perhaps should—still hold sway. The story is far from a simple triumph; it's a complex blend of vengeance, respect, and the lingering echoes of a family saga.