“And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.”
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Jacob’s encounter with his estranged brother, Esau:To fully understand the significance of Genesis 32:19, it is helpful to review the context leading up to this verse.
In Genesis 32, Jacob is returning to the land of Canaan after spending several years with his uncle Laban in Haran. Jacob had fled from his brother Esau:years ago, fearing Esau’s anger and retribution for obtaining their father Isaac’s blessing. As Jacob’s journey back to Canaan brings him closer to Esau’s territory, he becomes anxious and apprehensive about their meeting.
Before the events in Genesis 32:19, Jacob had taken various measures to appease Esau:He sent messengers ahead to inform Esau of his return and to convey a message of humility and submission. Jacob also prepared generous gifts as an offering to Esau, hoping to win his favour and forgiveness.
Genesis 32:19:Jacob issues specific instructions to the second and third groups of messengers who were in charge of the droves of livestock he was sending as gifts to Esau:Jacob instructs them on the manner in which they should address Esau upon finding him.
This verse highlights Jacob’s careful planning and concern for how his approach to Esau:would be perceived. He wanted to ensure that his messengers conveyed a respectful and submissive tone when they encountered Esau:By giving explicit instructions to the messengers, Jacob aimed to mitigate any potential conflict and lay the groundwork for reconciliation.
This verse also demonstrates Jacob’s continued fear and anxiety over his reunion with Esau:Despite the time that had passed since their initial conflict, Jacob’s concerns and caution in dealing with his brother are evident. Jacob was aware of the potential consequences and tensions surrounding their meeting, and he took steps to navigate the situation as peacefully as possible.
