And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?
He gave instructions to the first group of servants, saying, 'When my brother Esau meets you and asks, 'Who do you belong to? Where are you going? And who owns these animals in front of you?''
Jacob is coaching his servants on what to say when they encounter his estranged brother Esau, preparing them for the questions Esau will likely ask.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Genesis, Jacob is returning to his homeland after years of living with his uncle Laban, fearing a confrontation with his brother Esau due to past deceptions like stealing Esau's birthright and blessing. Jacob has sent messengers who reported that Esau is coming with 400 men, prompting him to divide his camp and send gifts ahead as a strategy for protection and reconciliation. This verse captures Jacob instructing his servants on how to respond if Esau inquires about the gifts, showing his careful planning amid vulnerability.
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