Genesis 32:17

KJV

And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose [art] thou? and whither goest thou? and whose [are] these before thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he commanded {H6680} the foremost {H7223}, saying {H559}, When Esau {H6215} my brother {H251} meeteth thee {H6298}, and asketh thee {H7592}, saying {H559}, Whose art thou? and whither goest {H3212} thou? and whose are these before {H6440} thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

He instructed the servant in front, "When 'Esav my brother meets you and asks you, 'Whose servant are you? Where are you going? And whose animals are these?'

Berean Standard Bible

He instructed the one in the lead, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong, where are you going, and whose animals are these before you?’

American Standard Version

And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 32:17 details Jacob's precise instructions to the servants leading the first of several droves of livestock intended as a conciliatory gift for his estranged brother, Esau. After two decades of separation and filled with great fear concerning Esau's reaction to his return, Jacob meticulously plans to appease his brother by anticipating Esau's likely questions about the caravan's ownership and destination, thereby setting the stage for a humble revelation of the gifts' sender.

### CONTEXT
Jacob's return to Canaan is overshadowed by the looming confrontation with Esau, whom he had wronged years prior by deceiving their father for the birthright and blessing ([Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Jacob's deception of Esau")). Upon hearing that Esau was approaching with 400 men, Jacob was "greatly afraid and distressed" ([Genesis 32:7](/genesis/32-7 "Jacob's fear of Esau")). Following a fervent prayer for deliverance and a reaffirmation of God's promises ([Genesis 32:9-12](/genesis/32-9 "Jacob's prayer for deliverance")), Jacob devised an elaborate plan to appease Esau. This strategy involved sending waves of valuable gifts ahead of him, hoping to soften his brother's heart before their face-to-face meeting. Verse 17 specifically outlines Jacob's foresight, anticipating the natural inquiries Esau would pose to the servants leading these gifts: "Whose [art] thou? and whither goest thou? and whose [are] these before thee?" These questions are critical for Jacob's strategy to unfold, as they allow the servants to introduce Jacob's identity and his peace offering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 32:17 reveals Jacob's meticulous and strategic approach to reconciliation, marked by careful planning and anticipation of his brother's reactions. This verse is not merely a logistical detail but a window into Jacob's character and his understanding of human interaction.

* **Strategic Peacemaking:** Jacob's plan is not impulsive but meticulously designed. He anticipates Esau's questions ("Whose [art] thou? and whither goest thou? and whose [are] these before thee?") and prepares his servants with specific answers. This foresight aims to diffuse potential hostility and create a favorable impression, highlighting a biblical principle of thoughtful preparation in difficult relational situations. The subsequent instructions in [Genesis 32:18-20](/genesis/32-18 "Jacob's instructions to his servants") further reveal the precise answers the servants are to give, emphasizing that the gifts are from "thy servant Jacob." Jacob demonstrates remarkable foresight by considering Esau's likely inquiries upon encountering such a large caravan. His detailed instructions reveal his deep concern for the outcome of the encounter and his commitment to securing peace. This proactive stance is a key element of his strategy.
* **Linguistic Insight:** The KJV uses the bracketed "[art]" to clarify the implied verb in "Whose [art] thou?". The Hebrew phrasing here is direct, inquiring about identity and ownership, reflecting a common way to ascertain status and purpose in ancient Near Eastern encounters. The phrase "whose [are] these before thee?" (לְמִי־אֵלֶּה לְפָנֶיךָ - *l'mi-elleh l'faneykha*) directly asks about the ownership of the droves, which is central to Jacob's plan of revealing his identity as the giver of the gifts and his humble posture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence and Human Responsibility:** While Jacob fears Esau and devises a human strategy, his actions are undertaken after fervent prayer ([Genesis 32:9-12](/genesis/32-9 "Jacob's prayer for deliverance")). This demonstrates the biblical balance between trusting God's sovereignty and exercising human wisdom and effort in difficult circumstances.
* **Reconciliation as a Deliberate Act:** The passage underscores that reconciliation, especially after significant conflict, often requires careful thought, humility, and tangible effort. Jacob's gifts and planned words were part of his effort to mend a broken relationship, reflecting a principle seen throughout Scripture in restoring peace.
* **The Power of Humility:** Though not fully revealed in this verse, the subsequent instructions to refer to Jacob as "thy servant" ([Genesis 32:18](/genesis/32-18 "Jacob's instructions to his servants")) highlight the crucial role of humility in overcoming past wrongs and fostering reconciliation.
* **Facing Fears with Faith and Wisdom:** Jacob's initial fear did not paralyze him; instead, it spurred him to prayer and proactive planning. This serves as a model for believers to address their anxieties with both spiritual reliance and practical wisdom.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's strategic preparation in [Genesis 32:17](/genesis/32-17 "Jacob's instructions to his servants") offers valuable lessons for navigating contemporary challenges. When faced with difficult relational situations, especially those burdened by past conflict, we are called to move beyond paralysis by fear and engage in thoughtful, prayerful planning. This involves anticipating potential obstacles or questions, preparing our words and actions with humility, and making tangible efforts towards reconciliation. Just as Jacob sought to appease Esau, we too can proactively seek peace, understanding that genuine reconciliation often requires deliberate effort and a willingness to humble ourselves, trusting God to work through our prepared actions.

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob send multiple droves of animals instead of one large gift?**

Answer: Jacob's strategy of sending multiple droves, each with specific instructions for the servants, was designed to create a cumulative effect of generosity and humility. By encountering successive groups of animals, Esau would repeatedly hear that the gifts were from "thy servant Jacob," thereby softening his heart and preparing him for the face-to-face meeting. This staggered approach maximized the psychological impact of the offering.

**Does Jacob's elaborate plan indicate a lack of faith in God's promise of protection?**

Answer: Jacob's elaborate plan does not necessarily indicate a lack of faith but rather a responsible exercise of wisdom and prudence. He had just wrestled with God and received a blessing ([Genesis 32:24-30](/genesis/32-24 "Jacob wrestles with God at Peniel")), and God had previously promised to be with him and bring him back ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's promise to Jacob at Bethel")). Jacob's actions demonstrate a biblical principle: faith in God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility to act wisely and prepare for circumstances. He prayed fervently, then acted strategically, showing a blend of reliance on God and practical effort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 32:17](/genesis/32-17 "Jacob's instructions to his servants") focuses on Jacob's human strategy for reconciliation, it subtly points to the greater reconciliation accomplished through Christ. Jacob, the one who wronged his brother, meticulously plans to appease Esau with gifts, hoping to avert wrath and restore peace. This foreshadows Christ, who, though innocent, became the ultimate "gift" and "peace offering" to reconcile humanity to God. Unlike Jacob's gifts, which merely softened a brother's heart, Christ's sacrifice on the cross fully appeased divine justice, overcoming the ultimate estrangement caused by sin and securing eternal peace and reconciliation between God and humanity ([Romans 5:10-11](/romans/5-10 "Reconciliation through Christ")). Jacob's strategic humility prefigures Christ's ultimate humility in becoming a servant to reconcile us to the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.