What does Genesis 32:23 mean?

Jacob has enacted a plan to send gifts to his estranged brother, Esau (Genesis 32:13–21). Instead of waiting for daylight, Jacob has gathered his wives and children and crossed the Jabbok River in the middle of the night to head in the direction of his approaching brother Esau. In fact, this verse reveals, that Jacob sent everything he had left in the camp across the river. Everything was packed up and moved out.

This verse adds some important details to the story. Jacob, either did not cross the river himself, or crossed back over to the other side. In either case, he remained behind alone. Scripture does not give an explicit reason for this decision. Perhaps Jacob intended to pray alone. Perhaps he just wanted to be alone for a while. It's also possible that Jacob saw the stranger, mentioned in the next verse, and sensed that a confrontation was imminent. In any case, this passage is clear that Jacob, and Jacob alone, will be present for the next series of events.