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.

And he said {H559}, What meanest thou by all this drove {H4264} which I met {H6298}? And he said {H559}, These are to find {H4672} grace {H2580} in the sight {H5869} of my lord {H113}.

'Esav asked, "What was the meaning of this procession of droves I encountered?" and he answered, "It was to win my lord's favor."

β€œWhat do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. β€œTo find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered.

And he said, What meanest thou by all this company which I met? And he said, To find favor in the sight of my lord.

Commentary

Genesis 33:8 records a pivotal moment in the long-awaited reunion between Jacob and Esau, two brothers estranged by a past of deception and rivalry. In this verse, Esau questions Jacob about the large droves of animals he has encountered, to which Jacob replies that they are a gift intended "to find grace in the sight of my lord."

Context

This exchange occurs as Jacob returns to Canaan after twenty years, having fled from Esau's anger. Jacob's journey was marked by deep apprehension and fear of Esau's potential wrath, stemming from Jacob's deception regarding the stolen birthright and blessing. Leading up to this encounter, Jacob had sent numerous waves of livestock ahead as a series of gifts, hoping to appease his brother and soften his heart. This act followed Jacob's fervent prayer for deliverance from Esau's hand. Esau's question reveals his curiosity, while Jacob's answer confirms his intention to reconcile and seek favor through this significant offering.

Key Themes

  • Reconciliation and Forgiveness: The verse highlights Jacob's earnest desire to mend the broken relationship with his brother. His elaborate gifts were a tangible expression of his longing for peace and a demonstration of humility.
  • Seeking Favor and Grace: Jacob's response, "to find grace in the sight of my lord," encapsulates his hope that Esau would accept his overtures and forgive past wrongs. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of offering gifts to appease a superior or an offended party.
  • Divine Providence: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent heartwarming embrace by Esau (Genesis 33:4) strongly suggests God's unseen hand working in the situation, softening Esau's heart and orchestrating a peaceful reunion beyond Jacob's wildest fears.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "grace" in "to find grace" is chen (Χ—Φ΅ΧŸ). This word signifies favor, kindness, or acceptance. Jacob's use of "my lord" when addressing Esau (a respectful term) further emphasizes his posture of humility and his desire to earn Esau's good will and acceptance, rather than demanding it.

Practical Application

Genesis 33:8 offers timeless lessons:

  • Initiating Reconciliation: It underscores the importance of taking the initiative to seek reconciliation in fractured relationships, even when fear or past hurts are present. Jacob's proactive steps, though rooted in fear, paved the way for healing.
  • Humility and Generosity: Jacob's willingness to humble himself and offer substantial gifts demonstrates that mending relationships often requires effort, sacrifice, and a genuine desire to make amends.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: While Jacob took practical steps, the ultimate success of the reunion was due to God's intervention. This reminds us to combine our diligent efforts with trust in God's ability to work in the hearts of others and bring about His purposes, as seen in Proverbs 21:1.
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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 32:5

    And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

  • Genesis 39:5

    And it came to pass from the time [that] he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

  • Esther 2:17

    And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

  • Genesis 32:13

    ΒΆ And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;

  • 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.
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