Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.
Please rescue me from my brother Esau! I'm afraid he's going to attack and kill me along with the mothers and children.
Jacob is desperately praying to God for protection from his brother Esau, whom he fears will harm his entire family.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, Jacob had fled from his brother Esau years earlier after deceiving their father Isaac to steal Esau's birthright and blessing, which led to Esau's anger and a threat on Jacob's life. Now, as Jacob returns to Canaan from living with his uncle Laban, he learns that Esau is approaching with 400 men, filling him with fear for his own safety and that of his family. This prayer in Genesis 32:11 reflects Jacob's desperation and his turning to God for protection during this tense reunion.
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