English of Core Text: “Israel sent messengers” — Even though the Holy One had said “Begin to take possession and engage him in battle,” they went and pursued peace.
On the daf / in context: Tanchuma links the embassy to the verse “seek peace and pursue it.” Scripture ascribes the sending sometimes to Israel and sometimes to Moshe, teaching that the head of the generation is like the whole generation.
Type of Learning: Pursuit of peace / derasha on messenger attributionWhat Is Learned: Even when commanded to fight, Israel first seeks peace; Moshe and the people are identified in the act of sending.