Genesis 32:21

21 So Jacob sent the gift ahead of him, but he spent that night in the camp.

Genesis 32:21 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 32:21

So went the present over before him
Over the brook Jabbok, after mentioned, the night before Jacob did: and himself lodged that night in the company;
or "in the camp" ^F3, either in the place called Mahanaim, from the hosts or crowds of angels seen there; or rather in his own camp, his family and servants; or, as Aben Ezra distinguishes, in the camp with his servants, and not in his tent, lest his brother should come and smite him; and so Nachmanides.

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FOOTNOTES:

F3 (hnxmb) "in castris", Vatablus, Drusius, Schmidt; "in acie sua", Junius & Tremellius; "in exercitu", Piscator.

Genesis 32:21 In-Context

19 He also ordered the second group, the third group, and everybody following the herds, "Say exactly the same thing to Esau when you find him.

20 Say also, ‘Your servant Jacob is right behind us.'" Jacob thought, I may be able to pacify Esau with the gift I'm sending ahead. When I meet him, perhaps he will be kind to me.

21 So Jacob sent the gift ahead of him, but he spent that night in the camp.

22 Jacob got up during the night, took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the Jabbok River's shallow water.

23 He took them and everything that belonged to him, and he helped them cross the river.