This verse is part of the story of Jacob preparing to meet his brother Esau, from whom he had fled years earlier after deceiving him out of his birthright. Let's break it down:

"He took them...": "Them" refers to Jacob's wives (Leah and Rachel), his concubines (Bilhah and Zilpah), and his children. These are the people most vulnerable if Esau still harbors anger.

"...and sent them over the stream...": The stream is likely the Jabbok River, a tributary of the Jordan River. Jacob sent his family across the river to a safer location on the other side. He's putting a physical barrier between them and the potential threat of Esau.

"...and sent over that which he had.": "That which he had" refers to all of his possessions: his livestock, servants, and any other goods he owned. He sent everything across the river after his family. This includes gifts he was planning to give to Esau to appease him.

In essence, the verse describes Jacob's strategic preparations for his encounter with Esau. He's dividing his company and sending them across the river, prioritizing the safety of his family and goods. He seems to be trying to distance himself from his worldly possessions, and perhaps is attempting to get right with God as the following verses detail Jacob wrestling with God

Symbolically, some interpretations suggest that Jacob is also trying to separate himself from his past (his deceit and trickery) before facing Esau. By sending everything "over the stream," he's making a symbolic break with the old life and preparing for a new beginning.

The actions Jacob takes in this chapter show someone wrestling with fear, guilt, and the hope of reconciliation.