5. and now I own cattle, donkeys, flocks of sheep and goats, and many servants, both men and women. I have sent these messengers to inform my lord of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly to me.’”
6. After delivering the message, the messengers returned to Jacob and reported, “We met your brother, Esau, and he is already on his way to meet you—with an army of 400 men!”
7. Jacob was terrified at the news. He divided his household, along with the flocks and herds and camels, into two groups.
8. He thought, “If Esau meets one group and attacks it, perhaps the other group can escape.”
9. Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O lord, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’