8 And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
8 He thought, "If Esau comes and attacks one group,
8 thinking, "If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape."
8 He thought, "If Esau comes on the first camp and attacks it, the other camp has a chance to get away."
8 And he said, "If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape."
8 He thought, "If Esau meets one group and attacks it, perhaps the other group can escape."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 32:8
Commentary on Genesis 32:1-8
(Read Genesis 32:1-8)
The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares them by great comforts. While Jacob, to whom the promise belonged, had been in hard service, Esau was become a prince. Jacob sent a message, showing that he did not insist upon the birth-right. Yielding pacifies great offences, Ecclesiastes 10:4. We must not refuse to speak respectfully, even to those unjustly angry with us. Jacob received an account of Esau's warlike preparations against him, and was greatly afraid. A lively sense of danger, and quickening fear arising from it, may be found united with humble confidence in God's power and promise.