Genesis 32:20

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

وَقُولُوا لَهُ: ‹ها هُوَ خادِمُكَ يَعقُوبُ آتٍ خَلْفَنا.›» فَقَدْ قالَ يَعقُوبُ فِي نَفْسِهِ: «سَأسْتَرْضِيهِ بِالهَدِيَّةِ الَّتِي تَسْبِقُنِي. وَسَأراهُ فِيما بَعْدُ وَجْهاً لِوَجهٍ. فَحِينَئِذٍ، رُبَّما أحظَى بِرِضاهُ.»

What Does This Mean?

Jacob instructs his servants to tell Esau that he, Jacob, is coming behind them. He hopes that by sending gifts ahead, he can soften Esau's anger and make peace with him before they meet.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who is mad at you. Jacob had a brother named Esau who was upset with him. So, Jacob sent lots of gifts, like toys or candy, to his brother before he came to see him. He hoped that by giving these gifts, his brother would be happy and they could be friends again.

Historical Background

Genesis 32:20 is part of the Book of Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses around 1400-1200 BCE. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural context was the patriarchal period of Hebrew history, where family relationships often involved complex dynamics and significant tensions.

Living It Out Today

In today's context, if you need to reconcile with someone you've hurt, consider preparing a thoughtful gift or gesture beforehand to show your sincerity and goodwill. This can soften the other person's heart and make the conversation easier.

Topics

• reconciliation
• forgiveness
• family dynamics
• gift giving
• peace making
• sincerity

Related Verses

• Exodus 32:30
• 1 Samuel 10:27
• 2 Samuel 15:24
• Matthew 5:24
• Romans 5:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob send gifts to Esau?

Jacob sent gifts to Esau to appease him and make peace before they met. Jacob knew that Esau was angry with him and hoped that by sending generous gifts, he could soften Esau's heart and prevent any conflict.

What does this verse teach about forgiveness?

This verse shows that forgiveness often requires effort and sincerity. Jacob's approach of sending gifts shows his willingness to make amends and seek reconciliation, which can be a step towards forgiveness.

How does this verse apply to modern relationships?

In modern relationships, this verse can be applied by showing genuine remorse and taking concrete steps to make amends when we've wronged someone. It encourages us to be proactive in reconciliation efforts.

What can we learn from Jacob's actions?

We can learn that it's important to take responsibility for our actions and make sincere efforts to repair broken relationships. Jacob's actions highlight the importance of humility and the willingness to do what it takes to restore harmony.