Genesis 32:13

13 Jacob stayed where he was for the night. Then he selected these gifts from his possessions to present to 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 O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children.

12 But you promised me, ‘I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count.’”

13 Jacob stayed where he was for the night. Then he selected these gifts from his possessions to present to his brother, Esau:

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

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