Topical Bible: Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau

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Prudence, a virtue characterized by wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment, is exemplified in the biblical narrative of Jacob's conduct toward his brother Esau. The account of Jacob and Esau, found in the Book of Genesis, provides a profound illustration of prudence in action, particularly in the context of reconciliation and conflict resolution.

Background

Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, had a tumultuous relationship from birth. Esau, the elder, was a skilled hunter and favored by Isaac, while Jacob, the younger, was a quiet man who dwelled in tents and was favored by Rebekah (Genesis 25:27-28). The tension between the brothers reached a peak when Jacob, with Rebekah's help, deceitfully obtained the blessing intended for Esau from their father Isaac (Genesis 27:1-29). This act of deception led to Esau's deep-seated anger and his intention to kill Jacob, prompting Jacob to flee to Haran (Genesis 27:41-43).

Prudence in Action

Years later, after Jacob had prospered in Haran and was commanded by God to return to his homeland (Genesis 31:3), he faced the daunting prospect of meeting Esau again. Jacob's approach to this potentially volatile reunion is a study in prudence.

1. Preparation and Strategy: Jacob's prudence is first evident in his careful preparation. Aware of Esau's previous hostility, Jacob sent messengers ahead to inform Esau of his return and to convey a message of humility and respect, referring to Esau as "my lord" and himself as "your servant" (Genesis 32:3-5). This strategic use of language was intended to pacify Esau and demonstrate Jacob's desire for peace.

2. Prayer and Dependence on God: Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Jacob turned to God in prayer, acknowledging his unworthiness and seeking divine protection (Genesis 32:9-12). This act of prayer underscores Jacob's reliance on God's guidance and his understanding that true prudence involves seeking divine wisdom.

3. Gifts and Diplomacy: Jacob's prudence is further demonstrated through his generous offering of gifts to Esau. He sent ahead a series of livestock as a present, hoping to appease Esau's anger (Genesis 32:13-20). This diplomatic gesture was a calculated move to soften Esau's heart and pave the way for reconciliation.

4. Humility and Respect: When the moment of meeting finally arrived, Jacob approached Esau with great humility, bowing to the ground seven times (Genesis 33:3). This act of deference was a tangible expression of Jacob's respect and a prudent effort to mend their fractured relationship.

5. Reconciliation and Peace: Jacob's prudent actions bore fruit when Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, and they wept together (Genesis 33:4). The reconciliation between the brothers was a testament to the effectiveness of Jacob's prudent conduct.

Conclusion

Jacob's conduct toward Esau serves as a timeless example of prudence in the face of potential conflict. Through careful preparation, reliance on God, strategic diplomacy, and genuine humility, Jacob was able to transform a potentially dangerous encounter into a moment of reconciliation and peace. This narrative highlights the importance of prudence as a guiding principle in navigating complex interpersonal relationships.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 32:3-21
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
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Library

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... epistle, for different reasons, [883]296; Paul's mode of dealing with him and its
reasons, [884]297; Paul's conduct to him ... Jacob, sought not his own, [904 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... her; [784] or how his son Jacob, husband of ... tender-heartedness for gentleness, cunning
for prudence, daring for ... your god unnaturally inflicts upon his own parts ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... The extrusion of the Patriarch Jacob, [4490] and the ... arrogance of the prefect or
the prudence with which ... his course, but sought to justify his conduct by the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Christian Behavior
... And as Jacob said concerning the cruelty of his two ... but his; not to thy exaltation,
but his; carrying all things so, by thy dexterity and prudence, that not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Saved by Grace;
... death, and then for his angels to conduct us safely ... They shall be with Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, and all ... exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness toward ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

A Discourse
... which reflect so severely by their conduct upon the ... calls some of the features of
his church, and ... as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus' (Cant 7 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... draw his sword, and put an helmet upon his head, and rush toward the door ... Then Prudence
thought good to ask him a few questions, and desired his answer to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm