What is the meaning of Genesis 32:20? “You are also to say” - Jacob instructs his servants exactly what to communicate, showing careful preparation and complete confidence in the sufficiency of spoken words (cf. Proverbs 16:23). - He trusts that the right message, delivered the right way, can turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). - Scripture presents his directive as fact, underscoring its literal truth. “Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us” - By calling himself “servant,” Jacob consciously lowers himself before Esau, fulfilling Proverbs 18:12: “humility comes before honor.” - The statement “right behind us” assures Esau that Jacob is not hiding or scheming; he is approaching openly (Genesis 33:3). - The language demonstrates genuine submission, mirroring Joseph’s later use of the term “servant” before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46). “For he thought” - Scripture reveals Jacob’s inner reasoning without embellishment, confirming its historical reliability (Hebrews 4:12 reminds us God’s word discerns thoughts and intentions). - By sharing Jacob’s private thought process, the Spirit invites readers to assess motives against God’s standards (Jeremiah 17:10). “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me” - The plan matches ancient Near Eastern custom: gifts signaled peace (1 Samuel 25:27). - Jacob’s action reflects Proverbs 21:14: “A gift in secret soothes anger.” - Though resorting to gifts, Jacob ultimately relies on God’s promise (Genesis 32:12) rather than mere diplomacy. “After that I can face him” - Jacob sequences events—gift first, meeting second—showing prudence (Proverbs 14:8). - His desire to “face” Esau suggests accountability and reconciliation, anticipating Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:24 about making things right with a brother. - The literal face-to-face meeting foreshadows the climactic embrace in Genesis 33:4. “Perhaps he will accept me” - Jacob hopes for favor, echoing Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” - The word “perhaps” captures human uncertainty balanced by faith; Jacob has prayed (Genesis 32:9-12) yet still walks by sight. - Acceptance here prefigures God’s gracious acceptance of repentant sinners (Luke 15:20). summary Genesis 32:20 records Jacob’s step-by-step plan to calm Esau’s anger: a precise message, a posture of humility, reliance on gifts as peace offerings, and a hope for full acceptance. Each phrase shows literal history and practical wisdom, underscoring that while Jacob employs prudent means, his ultimate confidence rests in God’s unchanging promise of protection and blessing. |
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