Genesis 32:1-11 ▼

1 As Jacob went on his way, angels from God met him.

2 As he was watching them, Jacob said, |This must be God's camp,| so he named that place Mahanaim.

3 Then Jacob sent messengers ahead of him into the land of Seir (that is, into the territory of Edom) to meet his brother Esau.

4 He instructed them, |This is what you are to say to my master Esau: 'Your servant Jacob told me to tell you, |I've journeyed to stay with Laban and I've remained there until now.

5 I now have cattle, donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants. I'm sending this message to you, sir, so that you'll show favor to me.|'|

6 Later, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, |We went to your brother Esau. He's now coming to meet you—and he has 400 men with him!|

7 Feeling mounting terror and distress, Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, doing the same with the flocks, the cattle, and the camels.

8 Jacob was thinking, |If Esau comes to one group and attacks it, then the remaining group may escape.|

9 Then Jacob prayed, |O God of my father Abraham, O God of my father Isaac, O LORD, you who told me, 'Return to your country and to your relatives and I'll cause things to go well for you.'

10 I'm unworthy of all your gracious love, your faithfulness, and everything that you've done for your servant. When I first crossed over this river, I had only my staff. But now I've become two groups.

11 Deliver me from my brother Esau's control, because I'm terrified of him, and I'm afraid that he's coming to attack me, the mothers, and their children.