And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.
And also tell him, 'Look, your servant Jacob is coming behind us.' For Jacob said to himself, 'I will calm his anger with the gift that goes ahead of me, and afterward I will meet him face to face. Maybe then he will forgive me.'
Jacob is trying to win back his brother Esau's favor by sending gifts ahead of their meeting, hoping Esau will forgive him for past wrongs.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Genesis, Jacob is returning to his homeland of Canaan after years in exile with his uncle Laban, fearing that his brother Esau might still hold a grudge for the time Jacob deceived him to obtain the birthright and blessing. As Jacob prepares for their reunion, he sends messengers and gifts ahead to Esau as a gesture of submission and appeasement, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern custom of using presents to soften hostility and seek reconciliation. This act highlights Jacob's growing awareness of his past wrongs and his dependence on God during vulnerable moments.
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