Genesis 32:4 Commentary and Bible Study

Jacob sends word ahead to Esau. He shows he is willing to pay for his re-entry and makes a peace offering. He is determined to be sincere with his brother, remembering how when they were last together, he had acted with deceit towards him. He openly reports what has happened to him and that only now has he returned to Canaan. It is a diplomatic message and the significance of mentioning the flocks and herds is that he intends to give Esau a gift or payment. He speaks humbly to Esau, almost suggesting that his return to the land depends on Esau’s favour towards him.‘I have ox and ass and flock, and manservant, and maidservant – all in the singular. He does not want to boast or make Esau jealous, so he talks down what he possesses. Some think poorly of Jacob – kowtowing or even surrendering blessing to Esau. However this should be seen as humble appeasement in the face of wrongs done previously.But then he hears that Esau is coming to meet him with four hundred men. Some say that the messengers never made contact, but only saw the clouds thrown up by Esau’s men. But no, they made contact. Esau was on the march with four hundred men. He had received intelligence of Jacob’s return even before the messengers reached him, and had been on the march for two or three days.