Genesis 32:7 - Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;
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What does "Genesis 32:7" mean?
Genesis 32:7 tells us a lot about Jacob's state of mind and his reaction to a perceived threat. Let's break it down:
"Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed." This sets the scene. Jacob is terrified. The word "distressed" suggests more than just fear; it implies deep anxiety, worry, and perhaps even inner turmoil. This is likely due to the impending confrontation with his brother Esau, from whom he had fled many years before after deceiving him. Jacob knows he wronged Esau and fears retribution.
"He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;" This describes Jacob's strategy. His fear leads him to take a practical, albeit potentially desperate, measure. He splits his entire entourage (family, servants, and livestock) into two groups. This is a form of risk management:
Minimize Loss: Jacob is thinking if Esau attacks, perhaps one group can escape, saving at least half of his family and possessions.
Buy Time: Even if both groups are attacked, the division might create confusion and delay Esau, giving some time for others to escape or pray.
In summary, the verse highlights Jacob's deep-seated fear and his attempt to mitigate potential disaster by dividing his company into two, hoping to preserve at least some of his people and possessions from Esau's wrath. It shows us a very human Jacob, wrestling with the consequences of his past actions and desperately trying to protect his family.
Genesis 32:7 - Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;
What does "Genesis 32:7" mean?
Genesis 32:7 tells us a lot about Jacob's state of mind and his reaction to a perceived threat. Let's break it down:
"Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed." This sets the scene. Jacob is terrified. The word "distressed" suggests more than just fear; it implies deep anxiety, worry, and perhaps even inner turmoil. This is likely due to the impending confrontation with his brother Esau, from whom he had fled many years before after deceiving him. Jacob knows he wronged Esau and fears retribution.
"He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;" This describes Jacob's strategy. His fear leads him to take a practical, albeit potentially desperate, measure. He splits his entire entourage (family, servants, and livestock) into two groups. This is a form of risk management:
Minimize Loss: Jacob is thinking if Esau attacks, perhaps one group can escape, saving at least half of his family and possessions.
Buy Time: Even if both groups are attacked, the division might create confusion and delay Esau, giving some time for others to escape or pray.
In summary, the verse highlights Jacob's deep-seated fear and his attempt to mitigate potential disaster by dividing his company into two, hoping to preserve at least some of his people and possessions from Esau's wrath. It shows us a very human Jacob, wrestling with the consequences of his past actions and desperately trying to protect his family.