Genesis 32:6

6 The messengers came back to Jacob and said, "We talked to your brother Esau and he's on his way to meet you. But he has four hundred men with him."

Genesis 32:6 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 32:6

And the messengers returned to Jacob
After they had delivered their message, with the answer they brought back: saying, we came to thy brother Esau;
which, though not expressed, is implied in these words, and is still more manifest by what follows: and also he cometh to meet thee;
and pay a friendly visit, as they supposed: and four hundred men with him;
partly to show his grandeur, and partly out of respect to Jacob, and to do honour to him; though some think this was done with an ill design upon him, and which indeed seems probable; and it is certain Jacob so understood it, as is evident by the distress it gave him, and by the methods he took for his safety, and by the gracious appearance of God unto him, and the strength he gave him on this occasion, not only to pray to and wrestle with him, but to prevail both with God and men, as the following account shows. The Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem call these four hundred men leaders or generals of armies, which is not probable; they were most likely Esau's subjects, his tenants and servants.

Genesis 32:6 In-Context

4 He instructed them: "Tell my master Esau this, 'A message from your servant Jacob: I've been staying with Laban and couldn't get away until now.

5 I've acquired cattle and donkeys and sheep; also men and women servants. I'm telling you all this, my master, hoping for your approval.'"

6 The messengers came back to Jacob and said, "We talked to your brother Esau and he's on his way to meet you. But he has four hundred men with him."

7 Jacob was scared. Very scared. Panicked, he divided his people, sheep, cattle, and camels into two camps.

8 He thought, "If Esau comes on the first camp and attacks it, the other camp has a chance to get away."