Genesis 32:13

13 He spent the night there and took part of what he had brought with him as a gift for his brother Esau:

Genesis 32:13 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 32:13

And he lodged there that same night
At Mahanaim, or some place near it: and took of that which came to his hand;
not what came next to hand, for what he did was with great deliberation, judgment, and prudence; wherefore the phrase signifies what he was possessed of, or was in his power, as Jarchi rightly interprets it: a present for Esau his brother:
in order to pacify him, gain his good will, and avert his wrath and displeasure, see ( Proverbs 18:16 ) ; though Jacob had prayed to God, committed himself and family to him, and left all with him, yet he thought it proper to make use of all prudential means and methods for his safety: God frequently works in and by means made use of: the account of the present follows.

Genesis 32:13 In-Context

11 Please rescue me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children.

12 You have said, 'I will cause you to prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.' "

13 He spent the night there and took part of what he had brought with him as a gift for his brother Esau:

14 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams,

15 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys.