Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

As Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him. Jacob said this was God’s army, and he named the place Mahanaim. Then he sent messengers ahead to Esau his brother, in the land of Seir, the field of Edom.

Jacob told the messengers what to say to Esau. He said he had been living as a foreigner with Laban until now. He had cattle, donkeys, flocks, and servants, and he was sending word so that he might find favour in Esau’s sight.

The messengers came back with difficult news. Esau was coming to meet Jacob, and four hundred men were with him. Jacob became greatly afraid, so he divided the people with him, along with the flocks, herds, and camels, into two companies. He thought that if Esau struck one company, the other might escape.

Then Jacob prayed to the God of Abraham and Isaac, the God who had told him to return to his country and relatives. Jacob said he was not worthy of all God’s kindness and faithfulness. He remembered that he had crossed the Jordan with only his staff, and now he had become two companies.

Jacob asked God to rescue him from Esau, because he feared that Esau might come and strike the mothers with the children. He remembered God’s promise to do him good and to make his offspring too many to count. That night Jacob chose a present for Esau from what he had with him.

The present was large: goats, sheep, camels with their colts, cattle, and donkeys. Jacob placed the animals in separate herds and sent them ahead with his servants, leaving space between each herd. Each servant was to say the animals were a present from Jacob for Esau, and that Jacob was behind them. Jacob hoped to appease Esau with the gift, and perhaps Esau would accept him. Jacob stayed that night in the camp.