Genesis 32:21

21 So the present passed over before him: and he himself lodged 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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

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

Genesis 32:21 In-Context

19 He commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, "This is how you shall speak to Esav, when you find him.

20 You shall say, 'Not only that, but behold, your servant, Ya`akov, is behind us.'" For, he said, "I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me."

21 So the present passed over before him: and he himself lodged that night in the camp.

22 He rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two handmaids, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford of the Yabbok.

23 He took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.