Genesis 32:17 - He commanded the foremost, saying, “When Esau, my brother, meets you, and asks you, saying, ‘Whose are you? Where are you going? Whose are these before you?’
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What does "Genesis 32:17" mean?
This verse is part of a larger scene in Genesis 32 where Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau, from whom he fled many years ago after deceiving him out of his birthright and blessing. Jacob is sending gifts ahead of him to appease Esau. Here's a breakdown of the meaning of Genesis 32:17:
"He commanded the foremost...": Jacob is instructing the first of his servants (likely the driver of the first group of livestock) about what to do and say. He's giving very specific instructions.
"...saying, 'When Esau, my brother, meets you...'": This shows Jacob anticipating a meeting with Esau. The phrase "my brother" is important. It's Jacob trying to emphasize the familial relationship to the servant, and possibly hoping the servant will convey a message of peace and reconciliation to Esau.
"...and asks you, saying, 'Whose are you? Where are you going? Whose are these before you?'": Jacob is anticipating Esau's questions. He knows Esau will be curious about these large herds of animals and the people driving them. The specific questions Jacob anticipates suggest he thinks Esau will want to know:
"Whose are you?": Who is your master? Who do you serve? This establishes the servant's allegiance.
"Where are you going?": What is the purpose of this journey? Where are you headed?
"Whose are these before you?": Who owns these livestock? This question targets the ownership of the gifts, which is crucial as Jacob wants to convey a message of submission and reconciliation through these presents.
In essence, the verse reveals:
Jacob's anticipation and fear: He's carefully preparing for the encounter, showing his anxiety about how Esau will react.
Jacob's strategy for reconciliation: He's sending gifts ahead as a sign of goodwill and submission, hoping to appease Esau's potential anger.
The importance of communication: Jacob is meticulously scripting the encounter to ensure the right message is conveyed. He wants to control the narrative.
The verse sets the stage for a tense and potentially dangerous reunion. It highlights Jacob's cleverness, but also his continuing guilt and apprehension over his past actions.
Genesis 32:17 - He commanded the foremost, saying, “When Esau, my brother, meets you, and asks you, saying, ‘Whose are you? Where are you going? Whose are these before you?’
What does "Genesis 32:17" mean?
This verse is part of a larger scene in Genesis 32 where Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau, from whom he fled many years ago after deceiving him out of his birthright and blessing. Jacob is sending gifts ahead of him to appease Esau. Here's a breakdown of the meaning of Genesis 32:17:
"He commanded the foremost...": Jacob is instructing the first of his servants (likely the driver of the first group of livestock) about what to do and say. He's giving very specific instructions.
"...saying, 'When Esau, my brother, meets you...'": This shows Jacob anticipating a meeting with Esau. The phrase "my brother" is important. It's Jacob trying to emphasize the familial relationship to the servant, and possibly hoping the servant will convey a message of peace and reconciliation to Esau.
"...and asks you, saying, 'Whose are you? Where are you going? Whose are these before you?'": Jacob is anticipating Esau's questions. He knows Esau will be curious about these large herds of animals and the people driving them. The specific questions Jacob anticipates suggest he thinks Esau will want to know:
"Whose are you?": Who is your master? Who do you serve? This establishes the servant's allegiance.
"Where are you going?": What is the purpose of this journey? Where are you headed?
"Whose are these before you?": Who owns these livestock? This question targets the ownership of the gifts, which is crucial as Jacob wants to convey a message of submission and reconciliation through these presents.
In essence, the verse reveals:
Jacob's anticipation and fear: He's carefully preparing for the encounter, showing his anxiety about how Esau will react.
Jacob's strategy for reconciliation: He's sending gifts ahead as a sign of goodwill and submission, hoping to appease Esau's potential anger.
The importance of communication: Jacob is meticulously scripting the encounter to ensure the right message is conveyed. He wants to control the narrative.
The verse sets the stage for a tense and potentially dangerous reunion. It highlights Jacob's cleverness, but also his continuing guilt and apprehension over his past actions.