What does Genesis 32:7 mean?

Jacob is afraid. In fact, the Hebrew phrasing in this verse implies he is terrified. The original phrase wa yi'ra Ya'aqob me'ōd wa yē'ser literally means "Then was afraid Jacob, extremely, and distressed." His concern is not without good cause. Twenty years ago, he impersonated his brother, fooling their old and sick father in order to steal the family blessing (Genesis 27:30–35). Esau was furious. He made a plan to kill Jacob (Genesis 27:41–45). Jacob literally ran for his life to another country. Since then, so far as we know, there has been no contact of any kind between the brothers. Does Esau still want him dead?

Now that Jacob is back, he sends a careful, deferential message to his brother. His goal seems to be assuring Esau that he has no hard feelings, and to attempt to make peace. What he hears back is that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men. Naturally, Jacob fears the worst—is this an attack? A welcoming party?

When Jacob is distressed, he usually comes up with a scheme to try and protect himself. He does so now, dividing all of his people, animals, and property into two camps. The following verse will tell us his reasoning: he hopes to give one group time to get away if Esau attacks. In this way, at least some of his family can survive this encounter.