In this verse the reason for the migration of Esau to Edom is said to be because the animals of Esau and Jacob had become too numerous. For the separation of Abraham and Lot on the same basis, see 13.5-13.

Their possessions … together: for possessions see 12.5.

Land of their sojournings: that is, “the land where they were living.”

Could not support them: that is, “was not enough,” “was too small.”

Cattle refers to livestock in general.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .