Genesis 32:4
And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now: And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:
Genesis 32:4 belongs to Jacob's return to Canaan after years living with Laban in exile as he prepared to meet Esau. During that return God's angels guarded him. The verse presents his preparation of a message to Esau for that meeting.
Jacob was troubled and fearful as he approached Esau, expecting possible anger and a claim to their father's possessions. He feared revenge from Esau. That danger was partly brought on by his own wrongdoing, and his deferential approach was shaped by their troubled relationship.
The verse presents a humble and conciliatory message sent through messengers. In it Jacob addresses Esau as his lord and calls himself Esau's servant. He explains that he had sojourned and lived with Laban until then.
Jacob used this humble form of address because the prophecy that the elder would serve the younger might otherwise stir Esau's bitterness. His statement about living with Laban until then made clear that he was returning from his years away.
In this encounter Jacob represents believers and Esau represents unbelievers. Their meeting is applied to the closing conflict with the Image Beast.
The crisis shows Jacob seeking to make amends and avert harm. It applies as an example for God's people to make every effort to present themselves rightly before others, disarm prejudice, and protect liberty of conscience.