Genesis 32:19 - He commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, “This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find him.
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What does "Genesis 32:19" mean?
This verse, Genesis 32:19, is part of the story of Jacob preparing to meet his brother Esau after a long separation. Jacob is deeply anxious about this encounter, as he fears Esau still harbors resentment over Jacob's deception in obtaining their father's blessing years earlier.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"He commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds...": Jacob sends multiple groups of servants ahead of him as a gift to Esau. This indicates Jacob is trying to appease Esau. He's spreading out the gift and sending multiple messengers to ensure the message is delivered repeatedly and impresses Esau with the scale of Jacob's wealth.
"...saying, “This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find him.": Jacob isn't just sending a gift; he's also giving very specific instructions on how the servants should address Esau. He's scripting their encounters.
What these instructions likely include (though not explicitly stated here) based on the surrounding verses (Genesis 32:4-5 and 32:18):
Humble and respectful language: The servants were likely told to address Esau as "my lord" and refer to Jacob as "your servant" or "your brother Jacob." This reinforces Jacob's submissive posture.
The message of reconciliation: The servants probably conveyed that Jacob was coming to meet Esau in peace and with the intention of restoring their relationship.
Mention of the gifts: The servants were likely instructed to emphasize that these gifts were sent ahead as a token of Jacob's respect and goodwill.
Expressing regret and asking for favor: It is also possible that Jacob asked them to express Jacob's regret and ask for Esau's favor.
In essence, the verse reveals Jacob's careful planning and strategic approach to the meeting with Esau. He's leaving nothing to chance. He's sending a massive gift, and he is attempting to control the narrative by carefully scripting the messages delivered to Esau.
Why this is significant:
Highlighting Jacob's fear: It shows how much fear Jacob has. He has worked out every detail, trying to ensure a peaceful outcome.
Jacob's cunning: Jacob is known for his resourcefulness, sometimes veering into trickery. This verse demonstrates his strategic mind at work again, even if this time it's for a seemingly more honorable purpose (reconciliation).
The importance of communication: The verse emphasizes the significance of communication in resolving conflicts. Jacob recognizes that how a message is delivered can be as important as the message itself.
Foreshadowing: It sets the stage for the pivotal meeting between Jacob and Esau and the resolution (or lack thereof) of their long-standing conflict.
In conclusion, Genesis 32:19 isn't just a throwaway line; it's a crucial detail that sheds light on Jacob's character, his fears, his strategies, and the tensions that are about to unfold. It helps the reader understand the depth of Jacob's concern and his efforts to ensure a positive outcome from this potentially dangerous encounter.
Genesis 32:19 - He commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, “This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find him.
What does "Genesis 32:19" mean?
This verse, Genesis 32:19, is part of the story of Jacob preparing to meet his brother Esau after a long separation. Jacob is deeply anxious about this encounter, as he fears Esau still harbors resentment over Jacob's deception in obtaining their father's blessing years earlier.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"He commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds...": Jacob sends multiple groups of servants ahead of him as a gift to Esau. This indicates Jacob is trying to appease Esau. He's spreading out the gift and sending multiple messengers to ensure the message is delivered repeatedly and impresses Esau with the scale of Jacob's wealth.
"...saying, “This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find him.": Jacob isn't just sending a gift; he's also giving very specific instructions on how the servants should address Esau. He's scripting their encounters.
What these instructions likely include (though not explicitly stated here) based on the surrounding verses (Genesis 32:4-5 and 32:18):
Humble and respectful language: The servants were likely told to address Esau as "my lord" and refer to Jacob as "your servant" or "your brother Jacob." This reinforces Jacob's submissive posture.
The message of reconciliation: The servants probably conveyed that Jacob was coming to meet Esau in peace and with the intention of restoring their relationship.
Mention of the gifts: The servants were likely instructed to emphasize that these gifts were sent ahead as a token of Jacob's respect and goodwill.
Expressing regret and asking for favor: It is also possible that Jacob asked them to express Jacob's regret and ask for Esau's favor.
In essence, the verse reveals Jacob's careful planning and strategic approach to the meeting with Esau. He's leaving nothing to chance. He's sending a massive gift, and he is attempting to control the narrative by carefully scripting the messages delivered to Esau.
Why this is significant:
Highlighting Jacob's fear: It shows how much fear Jacob has. He has worked out every detail, trying to ensure a peaceful outcome.
Jacob's cunning: Jacob is known for his resourcefulness, sometimes veering into trickery. This verse demonstrates his strategic mind at work again, even if this time it's for a seemingly more honorable purpose (reconciliation).
The importance of communication: The verse emphasizes the significance of communication in resolving conflicts. Jacob recognizes that how a message is delivered can be as important as the message itself.
Foreshadowing: It sets the stage for the pivotal meeting between Jacob and Esau and the resolution (or lack thereof) of their long-standing conflict.
In conclusion, Genesis 32:19 isn't just a throwaway line; it's a crucial detail that sheds light on Jacob's character, his fears, his strategies, and the tensions that are about to unfold. It helps the reader understand the depth of Jacob's concern and his efforts to ensure a positive outcome from this potentially dangerous encounter.