John Calvin Commentary Genesis 32:22

"And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two handmaids, and his eleven children, and passed over the ford of the Jabbok." — Genesis 32:22 (ASV)

And he rose up that night. After he has prayed to the Lord and arranged his plans, he now takes confidence and meets the danger. By this example, the faithful are taught that whenever any danger approaches, this sequence should be followed:

1. To resort directly to the Lord.
2. To make immediate use of whatever means of help present themselves.
3. As persons prepared for any event, to proceed with fearlessness wherever the Lord commands.

So Jacob, so that he might not fail in this respect, does not dread the passage that he perceives to be full of hazard, but, as with closed eyes, pursues his course. Therefore, after his example, we must overcome anxiety in intricate affairs, so that we are not hindered or delayed in our duty.

He remains alone—having sent forward his wives and children—not so that he himself might escape if he heard of their destruction, but because solitude was more suitable for prayer. And there is no doubt that, fearing the extremity of his peril, he was completely carried away with the ardor of supplication to God.