“And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Jacob’s encounter with his estranged brother Esau. Jacob had left his father-in-law Laban’s house with his wives, children, and livestock, and was returning to his homeland. As Jacob approached his meeting with Esau, he was anxious about their reunion, fearing Esau’s anger due to their past conflicts.
In the preceding verses, Jacob had taken measures to appease Esau, including sending messengers ahead of him with gifts. In Genesis 32:13-15, Jacob divided his livestock into separate groups, instructing his servants to lead each group at a distance from one another. He hoped that by doing so, if Esau attacked one group, the other groups would have a chance to escape.
In Genesis 32:16, we see Jacob delivering the different groups of livestock into the hands of his servants, ensuring that each group was separate from the others. He instructed his servants to go before him and create a gap or space between each group. This strategic arrangement was Jacob’s attempt to protect his livestock and family in case of a hostile encounter with Esau.
There are a few lessons we can draw from this verse:
- Prudence and Preparation: Jacob demonstrated prudence and foresight by dividing his livestock into separate groups. He took precautions to protect his family and possessions. This shows the importance of being prepared and taking necessary precautions in challenging situations.
- Diligence and Responsibility: Jacob entrusted his servants with the task of leading the different groups of livestock. By delegating this responsibility, he ensured that each group was managed appropriately. Likewise, in our own lives, it is important to delegate tasks and responsibilities when needed, allowing others to contribute and ensuring things are handled efficiently.
- Faith and Wisdom: While Jacob took practical steps to protect himself and his family, he also placed his faith in God. In the verses that follow, we read about Jacob’s wrestling encounter with God, where he sought His blessing and guidance. As we face difficult circumstances, it is important to combine practical wisdom with faith in God, seeking His guidance and provision.
- Seeking Reconciliation: Jacob’s actions leading up to this verse indicate his desire for reconciliation with Esau. Despite their troubled past, Jacob took steps to mend their relationship. Although we do not see the immediate outcome in this verse, later in the narrative, we witness a reunion that, by God’s grace, is not marked by hostility but by reconciliation.
Overall, Genesis 32:16 highlights Jacob’s prudent preparations and his reliance on both practical measures and his faith in God. It reminds us to be diligent, responsible, and seek wisdom in challenging circumstances, all while trusting in God’s guidance and pursuing reconciliation when possible.
