Mesopotamia means "between the rivers," the wide land far east between the Euphrates and the Tigris.
Cave of Machpelah. In early times caves were often used as burial places. The present inhabitants of Hebron believe the cave of Machpelah is under a building in their city.
JACOB.
Pottage. A sort of stew of lentils, a vegetable like beans.
Birthright. In many parts of the world, the oldest child has, by his birth, the right of becoming the head of the family [{492}] at the death of his father, with sometimes other rights and responsibilities.
Paddan-aram or Padan-aram. "The country of Syria," lying northeast of Palestine, between Damascus and the river Euphrates.
Pillars of stone. Standing stones and heaps of stones were often set up at places held sacred. Oil was poured on such stones as an offering to God, or to express the idea that the places were holy. Such sacred places are found in almost all lands, and were very common in Palestine. The stones are still sometimes found standing.
Jegar-sahadutha and Galeed both mean "heap of witness," one in the language of Canaan, the other in that of Mesopotamia.
Jabbok. A stream flowing into the Jordan from the east.
Peniel. "Face of God." Sometimes spelled Penuel.