Sefat Emet, Genesis, Vayishlach 10:4

ובפסוק וישלח יעקב מלאכים ברש”י מלאכים ממש.

And regarding the verse “And Jacob sent angels,” Rashi explains: actual angels.

The Sefat Emet opens by noting Rashi’s comment that Jacob did not send human messengers but true angels.

דכתיב אשר לקחתי כו’ בחרבי ובקשתי בצלותי ובבעותי.

As it is written, “That I took … with my sword and my bow,” which the Sages interpret as “with my prayer and my supplication.”

The physical terms “sword” and “bow” are understood as metaphors for the spiritual powers of prayer.

הענין הוא ע”י התלהבות האדם בתורה ועבודה.

The matter is that through a person’s inner fervor in Torah and spiritual service,

The Rebbe explains the spiritual mechanism behind Jacob’s ability to send angels.

בזה משלח חיצי אש לשונאי ישראל וכתיב כי מלאכיו יצוה לך כו’.

through this he sends forth fiery arrows against the enemies of Israel, and it is written, “For He shall command His angels concerning you…”

Fervent service generates spiritual forces—likened to arrows of fire—and draws angelic protection.

כי אף שפנימיות האדם למעלה מהמלאכים כמ”ש מי גדול השומר או הנשמר.

For even though the inner essence of a human being is higher than the angels, as it is said: who is greater, the guard or the one guarded?

The Sefat Emet affirms the superior spiritual root of the human soul.

מ”מ ע”י שחיצוניות האדם מפסקת צריך להיות עזר מהבורא ית’ ע”י המלאכים שנולדו מעסק התורה והמצות.

Nevertheless, because a person’s external nature creates separation, there must be assistance from the Blessed Creator through the angels born from one’s engagement in Torah and the commandments.

Human limitations require help; that help comes through angels generated by one’s own sacred deeds.

ועי”ז מתעלה האדם אח”כ למעלה מהם כדמסיים על כפים ישאונך.

And through this, a person is afterward elevated above them, as the verse concludes: “On their hands they shall bear you.”

The angels, though initially helping the person, ultimately lift the person to a higher spiritual plane.

ז”ש וישלח כו’ לפניו:

Thus it says, “And he sent … before him.”

Jacob’s sending of angels reflects this dynamic: spiritual forces generated by his own service go forth ahead of him.

Summary: Jacob’s ability to send actual angels stems from the spiritual forces created through fervent Torah and service. These angelic emanations defend Israel, assist humans whose external nature limits them, and ultimately elevate the person beyond the angels themselves.