What does Genesis 32:1 mean?

Twenty years prior to the start of this passage, Jacob fled his home to escape the vengeful rage of his twin brother, Esau (Genesis 27:41). That led him into employment under Laban, his future father-in-law, who routinely cheated him (Genesis 31:6–7). After making a covenant of separation and peace with Laban, Jacob is finally free to cross over into Canaan and return to his people. God has commanded Jacob to make this move with the promise that He would be with Jacob.

Now the Lord provides new evidence to Jacob that He is still with him. Some "angels of God" meet him. This is Jacob's second encounter with angels. The first time, he received a vision from the Lord in a dream of angels going up and down a ladder or staircase with the Lord Himself at the top (Genesis 28:12–13).

This time, however, Jacob is apparently wide awake. We don't know what, if any, message is given by the angels, only that they meet Jacob. That alone would be enough to confirm God's presence with Jacob as he re-entered the promised land of Canaan.