VBM The Yabok Crossing By Rav Yoel Bin-Nun

Where does the parasha really begin? At the beginning of the non-Jewish chapter (Bereishit 32:1), or at the beginning of the Masoretic seder (Bereishit 32:4)? From the appearance of the "the angels [malakhei] of God," or from Yaakov's sending of messengers [malakhim] to Esav? Other questions regarding our parasha present themselves as well: Did Yaakov divide all that he had into "two camps" once or twice (Bereishit 32:8; and again 33:1)? Where precisely is the "Yabok crossing"? Did Yaakov prepare to flee at the last minute, or to fight if he was left with no other choice? Both Chazal and our great commentators were deeply divided on these issues.