What Did Jacob Do in the Face of Fear in Genesis 32?

Jacob prepared for fear by dividing the people into groups, pleading with God for deliverance, and preparing a gift for Esau. The reason he was afraid was that he heard the news that his brother Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men. Genesis 32 shows Jacob’s fear and preparation, his plea, the wrestling, and the blessing in sequence.

Why Was Jacob Terribly Afraid and Distressed?

Jacob first sent messengers ahead to the hill country of Seir, to the land of Edom, where Esau was. He had them report that he had been staying with Laban and that he owned cattle, donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants. He also sent word that he hoped to find favor in Esau’s sight.

When the messengers returned, they reported that Esau was coming to meet Jacob with four hundred men. When Jacob heard this news, he was terribly afraid and distressed. He told God directly that he was afraid Esau would attack him and the women and children with him.

Jacob’s fear was not vague. He had heard that Esau was coming with many men. So he divided the people who were with him, along with the sheep, cattle, and camels, into two groups. This was a precaution so that if one group were attacked, the other group might escape.

How Did Jacob Tell His Fear to God?

Jacob did not stop after making preparations. He first recalled the words God had spoken to him, telling him to return to his homeland and his relatives and promising to show him favor. Then he confessed that he was unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness he had received.

Jacob said that when he crossed the Jordan, he had crossed with only his staff, but now he had become two camps. After reviewing in detail what he had received up to that point, he did not hide his present fear either. He pleaded, “Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau.”

He said that he was afraid his wives and children would be attacked. He also brought God’s promise back before Him, the promise that God would show him favor and make his descendants as numerous as the sand of the sea, too many to count. Jacob’s plea held together gratitude for what he had received, his present fear, and his request for deliverance.

What Did Jacob Prepare Before Meeting Esau?

Jacob spent the night there and selected a gift for Esau from among his possessions. He divided goats, sheep, camels, cattle, and donkeys into separate herds and entrusted them to his servants. He sent them ahead at a distance from one another.

Jacob instructed the servants to say that these animals were a gift sent to Esau and that Jacob himself was behind them. He thought that if he first softened his brother’s feelings with the gift he had sent ahead, then when they met face to face, Esau might receive him. Even in a frightening situation, Jacob continued making concrete preparations for the meeting.

What Happened to Jacob When He Was Left Alone?

That night Jacob sent his two wives, two female servants, and eleven sons across the ford of the Jabbok. After sending across all his possessions, Jacob was left alone. Then a man wrestled with him until daybreak.

The man struck Jacob’s hip, and Jacob’s hip was dislocated while they wrestled. Jacob said that he would not let him go unless he blessed him. The man asked Jacob his name, then said that from then on he would be called Israel, and he blessed Jacob there.

Jacob named the place Peniel. He said that he had seen God face to face, yet his life was preserved. As he passed Penuel, the sun rose, and Jacob limped because of his hip.

Tell Your Fear to God in One Sentence Today

One thing to do today is to read Genesis 32:9-12, where Jacob’s plea is recorded, and tell your fear to God in one sentence. Like Jacob, do not hide the object of your fear; write it down specifically. A single sentence such as, “God, I am afraid of ______ right now. Please deliver me from ______,” is enough.

Scripture Basis

• Genesis 32:1-8
• Genesis 32:9-12
• Genesis 32:13-23
• Genesis 32:24-32