Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

32 ^[a]Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God^(A) met him. ² When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!”^(B) So he named that place Mahanaim.^[b](C)

³ Jacob sent messengers^(D) ahead of him to his brother Esau^(E) in the land of Seir,^(F) the country of Edom.^{(G) 4} He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord^(H) Esau: ‘Your servant^(I) Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban^(J) and have remained there till now. ⁵ I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants.^(K) Now I am sending this message to my lord,^(L) that I may find favor in your eyes.^(M)’”

⁶ When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”^(N)

⁷ In great fear^(O) and distress^(P) Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups,^[c](Q) and the flocks and herds and camels as well.

²¹ So Jacob’s gifts^(A) went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp.

⁸ Esau asked, “What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?”^(A)

“To find favor in your eyes, my lord,”^(B) he said.

⁹ But Esau said, “I already have plenty,^(C) my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.”

¹⁰ “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes,^(D) accept this gift^(E) from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God,^(F) now that you have received me favorably.^{(G) 11} Please accept the present^(H) that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me^(I) and I have all I need.”^(J) And because Jacob insisted,^(K) Esau accepted it.