Genesis 32:13 He spent the night there, and from what he had with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau:
Commentary says that because Jacob puts the animals, the clear gift/bribe for his brother, in front, that shows that Jacob still doesn’t trust God because if he trusted God, he’d be at the front of the pack. To me, though, it seems more like, “God helps those who help themselves.”
Genesis 32:14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,
What I mean is this: Jacob knows that he was terrible to Esau, tricked him more than once. He has prayed to God, fervently, earnestly. Now he is using his available resources (the livestock) to offer reparation to his brother for all that he took so many years ago.
Genesis 32:15 thirty female camels with their young, forty cows and ten bulls, and twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.
Precious Savior, Perspective is such an interesting thing. Thank You that I see so many different perspectives each morning when I read Your word. Commentary thinks Jacob isn’t trusting because he sends livestock first. I think, maybe, he is trying to make amends for his behavior before and that’s why he does it, so his brother knows he’s changed. Regardless, help me to draw closer to You as I read, study, and ponder Your word. Amen.
Genesis 32:16 He put them in the care of his servants, each herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Go ahead of me, and keep some space between the herds.”
Have a blessed day.