Jacob sends messengers to Esau. They return with terrifying news: "Esau is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him." Jacob is "greatly afraid and distressed." He divides his company, hoping some will survive if Esau attacks. He prays—confessing his unworthiness, claiming God's promises, asking for deliverance. Then he sends waves of gifts ahead: goats, sheep, camels, cattle, donkeys. "I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me." The schemer is out of schemes. He's done everything he can. Now he must face his brother—and his past.

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