Genesis 32:18

Then thou shalt say, [They be] thy servant Jacob's; it [is] a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he [is] behind us.

Then thou shalt say {H559}, They be thy servant {H5650} Jacob's {H3290}; it is a present {H4503} sent {H7971} unto my lord {H113} Esau {H6215}: and, behold, also he is behind us {H310}.

then you are to say, 'They belong to your servant Ya'akov, and they are a present he has sent to my lord 'Esav; and Ya'akov himself is just behind us.'"

then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.’”

then thou shalt say, They are thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, he also is behind us.

Commentary

Genesis 32:18 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of Jacob's anxious return to Canaan and his imminent encounter with his estranged brother, Esau. This specific instruction reveals Jacob's elaborate strategy to appease Esau and mitigate potential conflict after their contentious past.

Context

After two decades away, Jacob is returning to the promised land. He hears that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men, a detail that fills Jacob with immense fear and distress (Genesis 32:7). In response, Jacob divides his company, prays fervently to God, and then devises a meticulous plan involving multiple droves of animals sent ahead as gifts. Verse 18 is part of the precise instructions Jacob gives to the servants leading these groups, emphasizing the message they are to convey to Esau.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reconciliation and Appeasement: Jacob's primary goal is to soften Esau's heart and avoid confrontation. The extravagant gifts are a form of peace offering, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy to avert conflict.
  • Humility and Respect: By instructing his servants to refer to him as "thy servant Jacob's" and Esau as "my lord Esau," Jacob demonstrates profound humility and acknowledges Esau's status. This reversal of roles, given Jacob's past deception regarding the birthright, is a powerful gesture of submission and repentance.
  • Strategic Planning Born of Fear: While Jacob had prayed to God for deliverance (Genesis 32:11), he also employed human wisdom and strategy. His detailed plan, including the staggered delivery of gifts and the specific message, shows a calculated effort to manage a dangerous situation.
  • The Power of a Gift: The verse highlights the cultural understanding that a well-placed gift could "pacify anger" or "make way for the giver," a truth echoed in Proverbs 21:14.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "present" here is minchah (מִנְחָה), which can refer to a gift, tribute, or even a grain offering. In this context, it clearly signifies a conciliatory gift intended to appease. The terms "servant" (eved) and "lord" (adon) are used deliberately by Jacob to express his subordination and respect, a stark contrast to their previous relationship where Jacob had sought to gain the upper hand.

Practical Application

Genesis 32:18 offers insights into dealing with strained relationships and potential conflict. While Jacob's actions were driven by fear, they also demonstrate principles of:

  • Proactive Peacemaking: Taking initiative to reconcile and mend relationships, even when it requires humility and sacrifice.
  • Strategic Wisdom: Employing thoughtful, prayerful strategies to navigate difficult situations, rather than relying solely on emotion or passive waiting.
  • Humility in Reconciliation: A willingness to humble oneself and acknowledge another's position can be key to overcoming past grievances.
Ultimately, Jacob's human efforts were met with divine grace, as Esau's reaction was one of unexpected warmth and forgiveness (Genesis 33:4), demonstrating God's hand in orchestrating reconciliation.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 32:4 (2 votes)

    And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:

  • Genesis 32:5 (2 votes)

    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.