Genesis 28:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When Esau became aware of this, and recognized that Jacob, along with their father’s blessing, had received an instruction not to marry any of the daughters of Canaan and had departed for Mesopotamia, he seemed to seek to amend his misstep. In doing so, he is said to have married Mahalatha, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. Notice, dear friend, the wisdom with which this caring mother rescued Jacob from peril by creating a convincing reason for his departure. She neither exposed Esau's malevolence nor divulged to their father the true motive; instead, she advised her son in a way that would instill fear, encouraging him to heed her counsel. She also stirred in the father thoughts that aligned with her intentions. As a result, the righteous man concurred with her suggestions, allowing Jacob to leave, blessing him as he went.