Jacob feared Esau because Esau was very angry at him for taking his birthright. When Jacob heard that Esau was coming for him, Jacob was afraid for his life and that Esau would come to kill him. Jacob responded by 1) praying to God for help 2) giving gifts to Esau so that Esau will not kill him and 3) having faith and depending on God by not giving up when wrestling with the man God sent. God answered Jacob’s prayer and kept His promise to Jacob (for big family) and Esau came to embrace (not fight and kill) Jacob.