17. he commanded the foremost—The messengers were strictly commanded to say the same words [Genesis 32:18; Genesis 32:20], that Esau might be more impressed and that the uniformity of the address might appear more clearly to have come from Jacob himself. read more
13-23. took . . . a present for Esau—Jacob combined active exertions with earnest prayer; and this teaches us that we must not depend upon the aid and interposition of God in such a way as to supersede the exercise of prudence and foresight. Superiors are always approached with presents, and the respect expressed is estimated by the quality and amount of the gift. The present of Jacob consisted of five hundred fifty head of cattle, of different kinds, such as would be most prized by Esau. It... read more
These angels (messengers) must have resembled the angels Jacob had seen at Bethel (Genesis 28:12) for him to have recognized them as angels. They joined his own company of travelers for Jacob’s protection (cf. Psalms 34:7). This is the reason for the name "Mahanaim" (i.e., double host or double camp). Jacob probably saw the camp of angels as a source of comfort to his own camp as he prepared to enter the Promised Land."Although outside the land of promise, he was not outside the hand of... read more
11. Jacob’s attempt to appease Esau 32:1-21Chapters 32 and 33 can be viewed as one episode in the life of Jacob. They describe his return to the Promised Land including his meeting with Esau. There are thematic parallels between these chapters and chapter 31.In spite of the vision of God’s assisting messengers, Jacob divided his people into two groups as a precaution when he heard Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. Furthermore he sought to pacify Esau’s anger with an expensive gift in... read more
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... read more
Though he hoped for God’s help, Jacob did not fail to do all he could to appease his brother (Genesis 32:13-15). He offered his magnanimous gifts diplomatically to pacify his offended brother."As the narrative unfolds, however, it was not Jacob’s plan that succeeded but his prayer. When he met with Esau, he found that Esau had had a change of heart. Running to meet Jacob, Esau embraced and kissed him and wept (Genesis 33:4). All of Jacob’s plans and schemes had come to naught. In spite of them... read more
The Approach of Esau. Jacob Wrestles with the Angel1. The angels of God] God had given Jacob, by an angelic vision, a pledge of His watchful love, when he left his home (Genesis 28:12). Now that he was returning to Canaan after twenty years, and with dangers at hand, God renews this assurance by another heavenly vision.2. God’s host] Heb. Mahanaim. It was an important city in Gilead. 3. The land of Seir] or Edom, S. of the Dead Sea, where Esau settled (Genesis 36:8). 6, 7. Esau’s large retinue... read more
XXXII.(1) Jacob went on his way.—The meeting of Jacob and Laban had been on the dividing line between the Aramean and the Canaanite lands, and consequently at a spot where Laban would have found no allies in the natives, but rather the contrary. Delivered thus from danger from behind, Jacob now takes his journey through the country that was to be the heritage of his seed, and doubtless he was harassed by many anxious thoughts; for Esau might prove a fiercer foe than Laban. It was fit therefore... read more
THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.Abraham begat Isaac—The Tôldôth in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan of human redemption.The Syrian.—Really, the Aramean, or descendant of Aram. (See Genesis 10:22-23.) The... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 32:16
16. every drove by themselves—There was great prudence in this arrangement; for the present would thus have a more imposing appearance; Esau's passion would have time to cool as he passed each successive company; and if the first was refused, the others would hasten back to convey a timely warning. read more