And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.
On learning that Esau was approaching with four hundred men, Jacob divided his people and possessions into two companies, reasoning that if Esau came to the one company and smote it, then the other company which was left might escape. He acted from fear that Esau would attack, knowing his people were unarmed and defenseless. The danger was real, because Esau might use violence to take possession of wealth he believed was his. The division was a practical precaution to avert danger and preserve at least part of his household, made while he sought reconciliation with Esau and pleaded for God's protection as his only hope and defense.
The chapter belongs to the time of Jacob's trouble. In that trouble Jacob represents believers and Esau represents unbelievers, and the conflict is applied to the closing strife with the image beast when believers will face fear and distress. The dividing into two companies so one might escape is connected with the withholding of destructive forces until God's servants are sealed.
On learning that Esau was approaching with four hundred men, Jacob divided his people and possessions into two companies, reasoning that if Esau came to the one company and smote it, then the other company which was left might escape. He acted from fear that Esau would attack, knowing his people were unarmed and defenseless. The danger was real, because Esau might use violence to take possession of wealth he believed was his. The division was a practical precaution to avert danger and preserve at least part of his household, made while he sought reconciliation with Esau and pleaded for God's protection as his only hope and defense.
The chapter belongs to the time of Jacob's trouble. In that trouble Jacob represents believers and Esau represents unbelievers, and the conflict is applied to the closing strife with the image beast when believers will face fear and distress. The dividing into two companies so one might escape is connected with the withholding of destructive forces until God's servants are sealed.