Genesis 32:19, commentary and pictures

Genesis 32:19 belongs to Jacob's return at God's command to his homeland and native country with his wives, children, flocks and herds after twenty years away and years of exile for deceiving his father to secure Esau's blessing. As he journeyed back, his deception of his father and its consequences came to mind, along with memories of God's favor and promises of help and guidance. At the borders he was terrified by news that Esau was approaching with warriors bent on revenge, while his own company was unarmed and defenseless, and he was crushed by self-reproach because his own sin had brought the danger. Esau feared Jacob was returning to claim their father's inheritance, a fear that could move him to violence.

The verse records his command to the second, the third, and all that followed the droves, repeating his instructions to each group of messengers and servants sent ahead about what to say when they found Esau. They were to address Esau respectfully as my lord and present Jacob as his servant, and to explain that he possessed livestock and servants, so Esau would know he was not returning as a destitute wanderer to claim the inheritance. The conciliatory message, together with generous gifts in the droves sent ahead, was part of Jacob's effort to make amends and atone for the wrong he had done his brother and to avert the threatened violence. In sending them he sought to leave nothing undone on his own part to atone and avert danger, even while his only hope and defense was the mercy of God in prayer.

In the chapter's account of Jacob's fearful trouble before meeting Esau, Jacob represents believers and Esau represents unbelievers, and that conflict foreshadows the closing strife with the image beast, when believers will face fear and distress. His doing all that could be done to make amends and avert danger is the pattern for the followers of Christ as they approach the time of trouble, to make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger threatening liberty of conscience.