Genesis 32:1-8 – Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire

Jacob, having finally got clear of Laban, continues on home, probably much relieved. On the way angels of God meet him almost as if to welcome him home to Canaan and to show that God has been caring for him all along whether he can see it or not. When God is going to send us great trials, He often sends us great comforts first that we can think upon when the trials come. Jacob will be able to remember these angels and be comforted knowing he is in the hands of a powerful and caring God.

Now that Jacob has left Laban and his troubles there behind, his thoughts would have gone ahead to how things were at home. Especially how things are with Esau, the brother who wants to kill him. What is he going to do? He wants to see his father and mother, but he dreads to see his brother. So, he send Esau a message to tell him that he is returning, and perhaps to find out what Esau thinks of him now. The message is very humble and respectful because Jacob is anxious to make peace.

But for Jacob things seem to go from bad to worse. He has escaped from the anger of Laban, only to be told that his brother and 400 men are marching to meet him, presumably to go to war against him. It appears that 20 years of absence hasn’t changed Esau’s mind or heart, and Jacob is terrified. Where is God’s protecting hand now?