Peniel

Jacob was on his way back to Canaan, after an absence of twenty years, -- years that he had spent with his uncle Laban to whom he had fled from the rest& of his sin. He now finds himself on the outskirts of Canaan with his household. He is afraid of Esau, whom he thinks still angry with him, and doubtless he thinks right. So on his fear he sends messengers to Esau with gifts, hoping in this way to pacify his brother. But apparently the attempt ended in failure. For the messengers return with...