Genesis 32:7

Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that [was] with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;

Then Jacob {H3290} was greatly {H3966} afraid {H3372} and distressed {H3334}: and he divided {H2673} the people {H5971} that was with him, and the flocks {H6629}, and herds {H1241}, and the camels {H1581}, into two {H8147} bands {H4264};

Ya'akov became greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people, flocks, cattle and camels with him into two camps,

In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels.

Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed: and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;

Commentary

Genesis 32:7 captures a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey back to Canaan, revealing his deep human vulnerability and strategic thinking. As he approaches his homeland, the news of his estranged brother Esau coming to meet him with 400 men fills him with profound dread.

Context of Jacob's Fear

After two decades away, Jacob is returning to the land of his fathers, following God's command (Genesis 31:3). However, he carries the heavy burden of his past actions, specifically how he deceived Esau out of his birthright and blessing. Upon receiving the alarming report from his messengers that Esau was approaching with a large retinue (Genesis 32:6), Jacob immediately anticipates conflict rather than reconciliation. This verse vividly portrays his immediate reaction: "greatly afraid and distressed."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Fear and Anxiety: Despite having received divine promises and blessings, Jacob's reaction is intensely human. He experiences overwhelming fear and a sense of being trapped, reflecting the natural response to a perceived existential threat.
  • Strategic Planning: In response to his fear, Jacob employs a shrewd, practical strategy. By dividing his entire company—people, flocks, herds, and camels—into two "bands" or camps, he aimed to minimize potential losses. If one band were attacked, the other might escape, preserving at least a portion of his family and wealth. This highlights his reliance on human cunning and foresight alongside his spiritual journey.
  • Consequences of Past Actions: Jacob's fear is a direct result of his past deception of Esau. This encounter serves as a moment of reckoning, forcing him to confront the long-term impact of his earlier choices.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "afraid" (yare) and "distressed" (yatsar) powerfully convey Jacob's state. Yare denotes a deep, reverential fear, but here it signifies terror. Yatsar literally means "to be narrow" or "to be straitened," indicating a feeling of being hemmed in or trapped, emphasizing his profound anxiety and helplessness in the face of the impending encounter.

Practical Application

Jacob's experience reminds us that even individuals walking closely with God can experience intense fear and anxiety when facing difficult circumstances or the consequences of past choices. While it is wise to plan and strategize for challenges, as Jacob did, the narrative ultimately points towards the necessity of true reliance on God. Jacob's subsequent prayer and wrestling with God at Peniel (Genesis 32:24) demonstrate his eventual turning to divine intervention beyond human schemes.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 35:3

    And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

  • Psalms 55:4

    My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

  • Psalms 55:5

    Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

  • Psalms 18:4

    The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

  • Psalms 18:5

    The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:8

    For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:10

    Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];
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