TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 32:13–23. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Jacob, having piously made God his friend by a prayer, is here prudently endeavouring to make Esau his friend by a present. He had prayed to God to deliver him from the had of Esau, for he feared him; but neither did his fear sink into such a despair as dispirits for the use of means, nor did his prayer make him presume upon God's mercy, without the use of means. Note, When we have prayed to God for any mercy, we must second our prayers with our endeavours; else, instead of trusting god, we tempt him; we must so depend upon God's providence as to make use of our own prudence. "Help thyself, and God will help thee;" God answers our prayers by teaching us to order our affairs with discretion. To pacify Esau,
I.Jacob sent him a very noble present, not of jewels or fine garments (he had them not), but of cattle, to the number of 580 in all, Gen 32:13-15. Now,
1.It was an evidence of the great increase with which God had blessed Jacob that he could spare such a number of cattle out of his stock.
2.It was an evidence of his wisdom that he would willingly part with some, to secure the rest; some men's covetousness loses them more than ever it gained them, and, by grudging a little damage; skin for skin, and all that a man has, if he be a wise man, he will give for his life.
3.It was a present that he thought would be acceptable to Esau, who had traded so much in hunting wild beasts that perhaps he was but ill furnished with tame cattle with which to stock his new conquests. And we may suppose that the mixed colours of Jacob's cattle, ring-straked, speckled, and spotted, would please Esau's fancy.
4.He promised himself that by this present he should gain Esau's favour; for a gift commonly prospers, which way soever it turns (Pro 17:8), and makes room for a man (Pro 18:16); nay, it pacifies anger and strong wrath, Pro 21:14. Note, [1.] We must not despair of reconciling ourselves even to those that have been most exasperated against us; we ought not to judge men unappeasable, till we have tried to appease them. [2.] Peace and love, though purchased dearly, will prove a good bargain to the purchaser. Many a morose ill-natured man would have said, in Jacob's case, "Esau has vowed my death without cause, and he shall never be a farthing the better for me; I will see him far enough before I will send him a present:" but Jacob forgives and forgets.
II.He sent him a very humble message, which he ordered his servants to deliver in the best manner, Gen 32:17, Gen 32:18.
They must call Esau their lord, and Jacob his servant; they must tell him the cattle they had was a small present which Jacob had sent him, as a specimen of his acquisitions while he was abroad. The cattle he sent were to be disposed of in several droves, and the servants that attended each drove were to deliver the same message, that the present might appear the more valuable, and his submission, so often repeated, might be the more likely to influence Esau. They must especially take care to tell him that Jacob was coming after (Gen 32:18-20), that he might not suspect he had fled through fear. Note, A friendly confidence in men's goodness may help to prevent the mischief designed us by their badness: if Jacob will seem not to be afraid of Esau, Esau, it may be hoped, will not be a terror to Jacob.
Continue studying Genesis 32:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Genesis 32:15 meticulously itemizes a significant portion of the lavish gift Jacob prepared for his estranged brother, Esau: thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, ten bulls, twenty she-asses, and ten foals. This substantial and strategically diverse offering of valuable livestock underscores Jacob's profound anxiety and his earnest, humble effort to appease Esau's potential wrath and secure reconciliation as he returned to the promised land, demonstrating a profound blend of human diligence and desperate reliance on divine protection.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 32 details Jacob's apprehensive journey back to Canaan after two decades in Paddan-Aram with Laban. The immediate literary context leading up to verse 15 is Jacob's profound distress upon learning that Esau is coming to meet him with four hundred men (Genesis 32:6-7). This news throws Jacob into a state of intense fear and anxiety, prompting him to divide his camp into two, hoping that if one is attacked, the other might escape (Genesis 32:8). Following this pragmatic preparation, Jacob pours out a heartfelt prayer to God, appealing to God's covenant promises and asking for deliverance from Esau's hand (Genesis 32:9-12). It is in this atmosphere of fear, prayer, and strategic planning that Jacob devises the elaborate gift, outlined in verses 13-15, intended to "appease" Esau's anger before their direct confrontation (Genesis 32:20). The gift is sent in successive waves, with verse 15 detailing the second, significant component.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, gifts played a crucial role in diplomacy, reconciliation, and establishing or re-establishing relationships, particularly between powerful individuals or estranged family members. A large, valuable gift was not merely a token; it was a demonstration of respect, humility, and a sincere desire for peace, often serving as a form of "appeasement" or "covering" for past offenses. The types of animals listed in Genesis 32:15—camels, cattle, and donkeys—represented significant wealth and utility in a pastoral society. Milch camels were especially valuable for their milk, breeding potential, and endurance in arid environments. Cattle provided meat, milk, hides, and draft power, while donkeys were indispensable for transport and labor. The sheer quantity and variety of these animals would have been a clear signal of Jacob's prosperity and, more importantly, his earnestness in seeking reconciliation, as such a gift would significantly impact his own wealth.
Key Themes
Genesis 32:15 contributes to several overarching themes within Jacob's narrative and the broader book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the theme of reconciliation, highlighting Jacob's proactive and costly effort to mend a deeply broken fraternal bond, a theme that echoes throughout the biblical narrative of God reconciling humanity to Himself. The verse also underscores the theme of human effort in conjunction with divine trust; Jacob prays fervently for God's deliverance, yet he also meticulously plans and executes a strategic human action to mitigate the danger. This demonstrates a mature faith that does not negate responsibility but rather works in concert with divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the abundance of livestock points to God's blessing and prosperity upon Jacob, despite his past deceptions and Laban's subsequent trickery, subtly affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Jacob, as seen in Genesis 28:15. Finally, the fear Jacob experiences and his subsequent actions highlight the theme of consequences of past actions and the necessity of making amends.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 32:15 provides a precise inventory of the second wave of Jacob's strategic gift to Esau, highlighting the immense value and thought invested in this diplomatic gesture. The specific types and numbers of animals chosen emphasize the deliberate and considerable nature of Jacob's offering, designed to impress and pacify his brother.
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root meaning "to suck; causatively, to give milk." The term "milch" specifically refers to female animals that are lactating, indicating their current ability to produce milk. This makes them particularly valuable in a pastoral society not only for their immediate yield but also for their breeding potential, contributing significantly to the sustenance and wealth of a household or tribe.
Apparently from a root meaning "labor or burden-bearing," referring to a camel. Camels were highly prized in ancient Middle Eastern societies for their remarkable endurance, ability to traverse arid environments, and capacity to carry heavy loads over long distances. Their inclusion in this gift signifies substantial wealth and utility.
Meaning "a young ass (as just broken to a load); hence an ass-colt." These are young donkeys. Donkeys were indispensable for personal transport, carrying goods, and performing agricultural labor. Including both the breeding female asses ("she asses") and their young ("foals") further underscores the comprehensiveness and long-term value of Jacob's offering, indicating a gift meant to establish a lasting impression and benefit.
Verse Breakdown
"Thirty milch camels with their colts"
This initial component of the gift is highly significant. "Milch camels" are female camels currently producing milk, making them exceptionally valuable for their immediate provision and their reproductive capacity. The inclusion of their "colts" (young camels) further amplifies the generosity and long-term benefit of the gift, as these young animals represent future wealth and productivity. Camels were crucial for trade and travel in the ancient Near East, signifying a substantial and strategic offering.
"forty kine, and ten bulls"
"Kine" is an archaic term for cows or cattle. This large number of cattle, comprising both female cows and male bulls, represents significant agricultural wealth. Cattle were fundamental to ancient economies, providing meat, milk, hides, and serving as draft animals for plowing and transport. The ratio of cows to bulls suggests a focus on both immediate utility and breeding for future herds.
"twenty she asses, and ten foals"
"She asses" refers to female donkeys, and "foals" are their young. Donkeys were indispensable for personal transport, carrying goods, and assisting with various forms of labor. The inclusion of breeding females and their offspring further highlights the comprehensive and valuable nature of Jacob's gift, demonstrating his earnest desire to impress and appease Esau with a truly substantial offering.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 32:15 is Enumeration, where a detailed list of items is provided. This meticulous listing of specific quantities and types of animals serves to emphasize the immense scale and value of Jacob's gift. It is not a vague offering but a precisely calculated one, underscoring Jacob's strategic thinking and the depth of his desire for reconciliation. The sheer volume of livestock also borders on Hyperbole in its impact, conveying the extraordinary nature of Jacob's appeasement efforts. Furthermore, the gift itself functions as Symbolism, representing Jacob's humility, his earnest plea for forgiveness, and his willingness to sacrifice a significant portion of his hard-won wealth to mend the broken relationship with his brother.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Jacob's meticulous preparation of this vast gift exemplifies a proactive and humble approach to conflict resolution, demonstrating his understanding of generosity's power in mending strained relationships and seeking peace. This act is not merely a human strategy but is undertaken in the context of fervent prayer, illustrating a faith that trusts God's sovereignty while also exercising human responsibility and wisdom. The prosperity evident in this verse, allowing Jacob to offer such a grand gift, subtly testifies to God's faithfulness in blessing Jacob, fulfilling His covenant promises despite Jacob's past deceptions.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 32:15 offers timeless lessons for navigating difficult relationships and situations. Jacob's actions call believers to proactive reconciliation, even when it demands humility and significant personal cost. His willingness to part with a substantial portion of his wealth to mend a broken bond with Esau serves as a powerful model. While not every conflict requires a material gift, the principle of generous giving—whether of time, forgiveness, understanding, or even tangible resources—can be a powerful tool for building bridges and softening hearts. This passage reminds us that genuine reconciliation often requires more than just words; it demands costly action and a willingness to humble ourselves. Furthermore, Jacob's example beautifully illustrates the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26); we are called to trust God's sovereignty implicitly while simultaneously exercising wisdom and diligence in our circumstances, taking responsible steps to address challenges.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was such a large gift necessary for Jacob to give Esau?
The immense size of the gift, with Genesis 32:15 detailing 110 animals as part of a larger, multi-staged offering, was necessary for several profound reasons. First, it served as a powerful, tangible demonstration of Jacob's genuine remorse and humility for his past deception of Esau, particularly regarding the birthright and blessing (Genesis 27). Second, it was a strategic and culturally understood attempt to appease Esau's potential anger and prevent a violent confrontation, as a large, valuable gift could signify deep respect and a sincere desire for peace, effectively "covering" the offense (Proverbs 21:14). Third, it was a practical move to re-establish a relationship, as such a generous offering would be difficult to refuse and would place Esau in a position of receiving, potentially softening his heart and opening the way for dialogue and reconciliation.
What is a "milch camel"?
A "milch camel" refers to a female camel that is currently lactating, meaning she is producing milk. In ancient societies, such animals were highly valued not only for their milk, which was a vital food source, but also for their breeding potential, their capacity for carrying heavy loads, and their overall contribution to a family or tribe's wealth and sustenance. Including their colts (young camels) further increased the value and generosity of the gift, indicating a long-term investment in the recipient's prosperity.
Does Jacob's elaborate gift-giving contradict his earnest prayer for deliverance?
No, Jacob's gift-giving does not contradict his prayer; rather, it exemplifies a profound biblical principle of combining faith with action. Jacob first poured out his heart to God in a fervent prayer, expressing his fear and reminding God of His covenant promises (Genesis 32:9-12). After this act of faith and dependence, he took wise and strategic human steps to prepare for the encounter, including sending the elaborate gift. This demonstrates a mature and integrated faith that trusts God's sovereignty and provision while also exercising human responsibility, wisdom, and diligence in practical matters, acknowledging that God often works through human means and efforts. It's a testament to acting prudently while relying on divine intervention.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Genesis 32:15 describes Jacob's human efforts at reconciliation through a costly material gift, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate act of appeasement and reconciliation found in Christ. Jacob's immense and strategically delivered gift, given to avert wrath and establish peace with his estranged brother, points to the infinitely greater "gift" of Jesus Christ. His atoning sacrifice on the cross serves as the ultimate propitiation for humanity's sin, appeasing God's righteous wrath and reconciling sinful humanity to a holy God (Romans 5:10). Just as Jacob's gift was a tangible expression of his desperate desire for peace and forgiveness, Christ's self-sacrifice is the definitive, divine act that bridges the chasm between God and humanity, offering true and lasting peace not through material wealth but through spiritual redemption and the shedding of His own blood (Colossians 1:19-20). In Christ, we receive not merely a temporary truce, but eternal reconciliation and adoption into God's family, a gift of immeasurable value that far surpasses any earthly offering (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).