1. Early in the morning Laban got up, kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban left and returned to his place.
2. While Jacob left on his way, the angels of God met him.
3. Then Jacob said when he saw them, “This is God’s camp,” and he named that place Mahanaim.
4. Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.
5. He also commanded them saying, “This is what you should say to my lord, to Esau: ‘This is what your servant Jacob said: I’ve been staying with Laban, and have lingered until now.
6. Now I’ve come to possess oxen and donkeys, flocks, male servants and female servants. I sent word to tell my lord, in order to find favor in your eyes.’”
7. The messengers returned to Jacob saying, “We went to your brother, to Esau, and he’s also coming out to meet you—and 400 men with him.”
8. So Jacob became extremely afraid and distressed. He divided the people with him, along with the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps,
9. for he thought, “If Esau comes to one camp and strikes it, the camp that’s left will escape.”