Goats, sheep, camels, cattle, donkeys. Jacob is scared. He divides his entourage into two groups, figuring if Esau attacks one, at least the other has a chance for escape. Finally, he sends his family away across the river. Where years ago, encamped under the stars, he slept like a baby and dreamed beautiful dreams, this night would be different.
Scholars are all over the lot with their answers.
Jacob had LOTS of reasons to agonize. On and on the struggle continued through the night. Hour after hour they grappled and grabbed. Jacob is wounded in the fray. Depending on which version of scripture you have, you learn that the injury is to the hip socket or the hollow of the thigh or some location below the belt which are only Biblical euphemisms for a place no man ever wants to get hit.