Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 32:7

"Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed: and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;" — Genesis 32:7 (ASV)

Jacob was greatly afraid. — Jacob’s message to his brother had been very humble, for he called Esau his lord, and himself his servant. He also hoped to find grace in his sight, and by enumerating his wealth, he showed that he required no aid and did not need to claim even a share of Isaac’s property. But Esau had given no answer, probably being undecided about how he would receive his brother.

The four hundred men with him probably formed only a part of the little army with which he had invaded the Horite territory. Some would have been left with the spoil he had gathered, but he took so many with him as to place Jacob completely in his power. And Jacob’s extreme distress, despite the Divine encouragement repeatedly given to him, shows that his faith was very feeble; but it was real, and therefore he sought refuge from his terror in prayer.