Genesis 32:1-11 ▼

1 So Jacob went on his way and the angels of God met him.

2 When Jacob saw them, he exclaimed, |This is the camp of God!| So he named that place Mahanaim.

3 Jacob sent messengers on ahead to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the region of Edom.

4 He commanded them, |This is what you must say to my lord Esau: 'This is what your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban until now.

5 I have oxen, donkeys, sheep, and male and female servants. I have sent this message to inform my lord, so that I may find favor in your sight.'|

6 The messengers returned to Jacob and said, |We went to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you and has four hundred men with him.|

7 Jacob was very afraid and upset. So he divided the people who were with him into two camps, as well as the flocks, herds, and camels.

8 If Esau attacks one camp,| he thought, |then the other camp will be able to escape.|

9 Then Jacob prayed, |O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, you said to me, 'Return to your land and to your relatives and I will make you prosper.'

10 I am not worthy of all the faithful love you have shown your servant. With only my walking stick I crossed the Jordan, but now I have become two camps.

11 Rescue me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, as well as the mothers with their children.