And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.
And he said to him, 'My lord, you know that the children are young and delicate, and I have flocks and herds with their babies. If we push them too hard for even one day, all the animals will die.'
Jacob is explaining to Esau that his family and animals need to travel slowly because the children are young and the animals have babies that can't handle being rushed.
📚 Historical Context
This conversation takes place when Jacob is reuniting with his brother Esau after twenty years apart, following their conflict over Isaac's blessing. Jacob had been afraid Esau would attack him, but Esau greeted him warmly and wanted to travel together. Jacob is diplomatically explaining why his large household needs to move at their own pace rather than keeping up with Esau's men.
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