Genesis 32:20 - You shall say, ‘Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.’” For, he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
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What does "Genesis 32:20" mean?
This verse is part of Jacob's elaborate plan to reconcile with his brother Esau after many years of estrangement. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: Jacob is returning to his homeland after living in Haran for twenty years. He knows Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men, which understandably makes Jacob fear for his life.
"You shall say, ‘Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.'": This is the instruction Jacob gives to his servants who are driving the herds of animals he is sending as gifts to Esau. The servants are to tell Esau's men not only that these gifts are for Esau from "your servant Jacob," but also to emphasize that Jacob himself is behind the herd, coming separately. The purpose is to continually highlight Jacob's humility and subservience.
"For, he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”": This is Jacob's reasoning for sending the gifts in waves and having his servants emphasize his presence behind them.
"I will appease him with the present that goes before me...": Jacob hopes that the sheer volume and value of the gifts will soften Esau's potential anger and resentment. He's attempting to appease or pacify Esau, to make him more favorably disposed to reconciliation.
"...and afterward I will see his face.": After the gifts have hopefully had their intended effect, Jacob plans to personally meet Esau. He's setting the stage for a less confrontational encounter.
"Perhaps he will accept me.": This reveals Jacob's deep anxiety and uncertainty. He's not sure if his plan will work. He hopes that the gifts and his humble approach will be enough to win Esau's favor and prevent bloodshed. He is desperate to be accepted back into Esau's good graces.
In essence, the verse reveals Jacob's strategy of appeasement and humility in the face of potential danger. He believes that by showering Esau with gifts and consistently portraying himself as a humble servant, he can increase the chances of a peaceful reconciliation. He's employing a strategy of calculated generosity and self-abasement to mitigate the risk of a violent confrontation.
Genesis 32:20 - You shall say, ‘Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.’” For, he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
What does "Genesis 32:20" mean?
This verse is part of Jacob's elaborate plan to reconcile with his brother Esau after many years of estrangement. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: Jacob is returning to his homeland after living in Haran for twenty years. He knows Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men, which understandably makes Jacob fear for his life.
"You shall say, ‘Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacob, is behind us.'": This is the instruction Jacob gives to his servants who are driving the herds of animals he is sending as gifts to Esau. The servants are to tell Esau's men not only that these gifts are for Esau from "your servant Jacob," but also to emphasize that Jacob himself is behind the herd, coming separately. The purpose is to continually highlight Jacob's humility and subservience.
"For, he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”": This is Jacob's reasoning for sending the gifts in waves and having his servants emphasize his presence behind them.
"I will appease him with the present that goes before me...": Jacob hopes that the sheer volume and value of the gifts will soften Esau's potential anger and resentment. He's attempting to appease or pacify Esau, to make him more favorably disposed to reconciliation.
"...and afterward I will see his face.": After the gifts have hopefully had their intended effect, Jacob plans to personally meet Esau. He's setting the stage for a less confrontational encounter.
"Perhaps he will accept me.": This reveals Jacob's deep anxiety and uncertainty. He's not sure if his plan will work. He hopes that the gifts and his humble approach will be enough to win Esau's favor and prevent bloodshed. He is desperate to be accepted back into Esau's good graces.
In essence, the verse reveals Jacob's strategy of appeasement and humility in the face of potential danger. He believes that by showering Esau with gifts and consistently portraying himself as a humble servant, he can increase the chances of a peaceful reconciliation. He's employing a strategy of calculated generosity and self-abasement to mitigate the risk of a violent confrontation.