1. When Jacob also went his way, the angels of God met him.
2. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!” So Jacob named that place Mahanaim.
3. Jacob’s brother Esau was living in the area called Seir in the country of Edom. Jacob sent messengers to Esau.
4. Jacob told the messengers, “Give this message to my master Esau: ‘This is what Jacob, your servant, says: I have lived with Laban and have remained there until now.
5. I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants. I send this message to you and ask you to accept us.’”
6. The messengers returned to Jacob and said, “We went to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you. And he has 400 men with him.”
7. Then Jacob was very afraid and worried. He divided the people who were with him into two camps. He also divided all the flocks, herds and camels into two camps.
8. Jacob thought, “Esau might come and destroy one camp. But the other camp can run away and be saved.”
9. Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham! God of my father Isaac! Lord, you told me to return to my country and my family. You said that you would do good to me.
10. I am not worthy of the kindness and continual goodness you have shown me. The first time I traveled across the Jordan River, I had only my walking stick. But now I own enough to have two camps.
11. Please save me from my brother Esau. I am afraid he will come and kill all of us, even the mothers with the children.
12. You said to me, ‘I will do good to you. I will make your children as many as the sand of the seashore. There will be too many to count.’”
13. Jacob stayed there for the night. He prepared a gift for Esau from what he had with him.