Genesis 32:16

And he delivered [them] into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.

And he delivered {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of his servants {H5650}, every drove {H5739} by themselves; and said {H559} unto his servants {H5650}, Pass over {H5674} before me {H6440}, and put {H7760} a space {H7305} betwixt {H996} drove {H5739} and {H996} drove {H5739}.

He turned them over to his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, "Cross over in front of me, and keep a space between each drove and the next

He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, β€œGo on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.”

And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.

Commentary

Genesis 32:16 describes Jacob's meticulous plan to appease his brother Esau by organizing a substantial gift of livestock. This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing Jacob's return to Canaan after 20 years and his apprehension about confronting Esau, whom he had previously defrauded of his birthright and blessing.

Context

Having fled from his brother Esau years prior, Jacob is now returning home, but with great fear and distress regarding the impending reunion. He had heard that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men, leading Jacob to believe a hostile encounter was imminent. Before this strategic distribution of gifts, Jacob had already taken several steps: he divided his camp into two (to ensure some survival if one part was attacked), and he poured out a heartfelt prayer to God for deliverance. The sending of these droves was a calculated act of diplomacy, designed to soften Esau's disposition and prevent conflict. The specific gifts, detailed in Genesis 32:14-15, were considerable, signifying Jacob's wealth and his earnest desire for peace.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Planning and Diplomacy: Jacob demonstrates remarkable foresight and cunning. By sending the droves "by themselves" and with "space betwixt drove and drove," he aimed to create a lasting impression. Each successive group would remind Esau of Jacob's generosity and status, giving him time to process the magnitude of the offering and hopefully calm his anger before Jacob himself appeared. This is a classic example of a gift appeasing wrath.
  • Appeasement and Reconciliation: The primary goal of this elaborate gift-giving strategy was to appease Esau. Jacob hoped these gifts would serve as a peace offering, paving the way for reconciliation rather than confrontation.
  • Human Prudence and Divine Trust: Jacob's actions here illustrate a significant biblical principle: while he prayed fervently and trusted God for protection, he also took practical, well-thought-out steps. His faith did not negate his responsibility to act wisely in a dangerous situation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put a space betwixt drove and drove" uses the Hebrew word Χ¨Χ•ΦΈΧ—Φ·Χͺ (revachat), which implies creating a deliberate interval or distance. This wasn't merely about separating the animals; it was about creating a procession. Each wave of animals would arrive, delivering its message of goodwill and wealth, before the next one appeared. This sequential presentation would build anticipation and emphasize the sheer scale of the gift, maximizing its psychological impact on Esau.

Practical Application

Genesis 32:16 offers valuable lessons for navigating difficult relationships and seeking reconciliation. It teaches us the importance of:

  • Thoughtful Preparation: When facing challenging encounters, especially those involving past wrongs, careful planning and humility can be crucial.
  • Seeking Peace Proactively: Jacob didn't wait for Esau to attack; he initiated a strategy for peace. This highlights the value of proactive efforts in resolving conflicts.
  • Balancing Faith and Action: Like Jacob, we are called to trust God wholeheartedly, yet also to exercise wisdom and take responsible, practical steps in our circumstances. His actions laid the groundwork for the eventual, surprising reconciliation with Esau in Genesis 33:4.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 32:20

    And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob [is] behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.

  • Matthew 10:16

    ΒΆ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Proverbs 2:11

    Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

  • Psalms 112:5

    A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

  • Isaiah 28:26

    For his God doth instruct him to discretion, [and] doth teach him.

  • Genesis 33:8

    And he said, What [meanest] thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, [These are] to find grace in the sight of my lord.

  • Genesis 33:9

    And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.
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