22. Rabbi Yehuda asks, What did Jacob have in mind when he sent Esau a message reading, "I HAVE SOJOURNED WITH LABAN?" Did this message accomplish anything regarding his mission to Esau? HE ANSWERS, A rumor circulated that no one had ever escaped the clutches of Laban of Aram, as he was well versed in sorcery and wizardry. He was also the father of Beor, who in turn was the father of Bilaam. As it is written, "Bilaam the son of Beor the sorcerer" (Yehoshua 13:22). Yet although Laban was the greatest practitioner of sorcery and wizardry, he could not overcome Jacob, whom he attempted to annihilate in several ways, as it is written, "An Arammian wanted to destroy my father" (Devarim 26:5). AND SO HE SENT HIM THE MESSAGE, "I HAVE SOJOURNED WITH LABAN," TO MAKE HIM AWARE OF HIS POWER.