^{3 Ref} Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.

^{4 Ref} He commanded them, saying, "This is what you shall tell my lord, Esau: 'This is what your servant, Jacob, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban, and stayed until now.

^{5 Ref} I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, men-servants, and maid-servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.'"

^{6 Ref} The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, "We came to your brother Esau. Not only that, but he comes to meet you, and four hundred men with him."

^{7 Ref} Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed: and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;

^{8 Ref} and he said, "If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape."