Genesis 32:5 I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.’ ”
Commentary seems to chastise Jacob because he is afraid Esau will retaliate. Commentary posits that Jacob should have been strong in his faith, knowing that God would provide. Commentary also holds up Abraham’s faith as the exemplar.
Genesis 32:6 When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”
But didn’t Abraham have a child with Hagar because he didn’t trust God’s provision? And isn’t it normal to fear when you hear your brother, whom you wronged grievously, is coming to meet you with 400 men in tow? Jacob’s faith in God’s protection can be seen in the fact that he stays, he stands, he doesn’t run despite his fear, can’t it?
Genesis 32:7 In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well.
Precious Savior, I get frustrated when Bible commentary seems to hold up perfection as the goal–we shouldn’t doubt, we shouldn’t fear, we shouldn’t take matters into our own hands. The reality of what I have seen time and again in Your word is that You use us–human, messy, fallible, broken, distraught, hesitant, headstrong–You can and will and do use us all IF we allow, and You love us, faults and all, deeply, fiercely. Thank You. Amen.
Genesis 32:8 He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.”
Have a blessed day.