Feasibility

As Jacob and his family were traveling on their way to Canaan, he met some angels from the Lord. Now, if you remember the first time Jacob saw angels, you know that he was very afraid. He even thought he had died and gone to heaven. However, this time when he recognized the angels, he wasn't afraid at all. He simply gave a name to the place where he met them and then continued on his journey.

           Nearing Canaan, Jacob called a few of his servants to his side. "Jeb, Aram. Go ahead of me into Canaan and tell my brother Esau that I am coming. Tell him I have been working with Uncle Laban the past twenty years and I have many herds, flocks, and servants. Tell him I wish to come in peace," Jacob instructed. "Then come back and tell me if he is glad I am coming or if he is mad."

           The servants ran on ahead as they were told, and it wasn't long until they came back to Jacob with a report. "Esau is coming to meet you!" they exclaimed. "He has 400 men with him."

           Hearing those words made Jacob greatly afraid. The servants didn't say whether Esau was coming in peace or if Esau still hated him and brought those 400 men to make war and kill him. Jacob decided it was in his best interest to prepare for the worst.

           He instructed his servants to divide all the flocks, herds, and camels into two groups. One group would go ahead of Jacob and his family, and the other group would follow behind. He reasoned that if Esau was angry and was coming to make war, the first group might all be killed but he and his family and the second group would have enough warning that they could turn around and escape.

           After dividing all his animals into two groups, Jacob found himself a place to pray.

           "O God of my grandfather Abraham and of my father Isaac, you told me to return to Canaan. You promised that all would be well. Please protect me from Esau. I am fearful that he will kill all of my family. You said you would do good...