What does Genesis 32:3 mean?

Now that his conflict with Laban has been resolved, Jacob turns to his homeland. While the parting with Laban was tense, Jacob is fully aware he may face another potentially violent confrontation. In order to return home, Jacob and his family must pass near the region where his brother Esau lives.

Twenty years have passed since Jacob deceived his father Isaac and stole the family blessing from Esau (Genesis 27:30–35). Before that, Jacob had also manipulated Esau into selling his birthright (Genesis 25:29–34). The reason Jacob left home in the first place is because his mother Rebekah had learned that Esau planned to kill Jacob (Genesis 27:41-45).

Did Esau still want Jacob dead? Jacob had no way of knowing. Their parting was certainly on poor terms, and nothing has happened in the meantime to suggest the brothers have been in contact. Before traveling through the vicinity, Jacob will send messengers to make contact with Esau where he lives in Edom as a show of good faith.