Genesis 32:3-12

Why did Jacob initiate contact with Esau (Genesis 32:3)?

"He knows that there can be no peace and quiet until his relations with Esau are assured and put on a proper footing. Not until that matter was settled could Jacob feel certain of his future." [Note: Thomas, p. 293. Cf. Matthew 5:23-25a.]

Esau may have had a large army because he had had to subjugate the Horite (Hurrian) population of Seir (Genesis 32:6). His soldiers probably consisted of his own servants plus the Canaanite and Ishmaelite relations of his wives.

Jacob’s reaction to Esau’s apparently hostile advance against him was to try to protect himself (Genesis 32:7-8). This was Jacob’s standard response to trouble. Yet this time he knew it would not be enough. So, he called on God for help (Genesis 32:9-12). We need to be right with God before we can be right with our brothers.

Jacob’s prayer (his first recorded prayer) reflects his deeply felt need for God’s help and his own humility (Genesis 32:9-12). One writer likened its form to the penitential psalms. [Note: Waltke, Genesis, p. 443.] He reminded God of His past dealings with his forefathers and with himself (Genesis 32:9). He confessed his personal unworthiness and lack of any claim upon God’s favor (Genesis 32:10). By calling himself "your servant" he became ready to serve others. He requested divine deliverance and acknowledged his own fear (Genesis 32:11). Finally he claimed God’s promise of a continuing line of descendants (Genesis 32:12). This is an excellent model prayer.