2 He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. 3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
I know he is trying to come at Esau in the most humble way possible....but, this seems a little weak doesn't it? Putting the women and children out in front? Maybe that is meant to show there is ABSOLUTLEY no aggression to his action. But, it feels weird. It seems a lot of how Jacob treat Esau is underhanded and sneaky.
Funny thing is that both of them are wealthy men. They both saw tremendous success in this world. God took care of both of them, despite their own actions and in-fighting.
Lesson for me? hmmmmmmmmm. Not sure. There is a BIG lesson in the importance of forgiveness here. Nobody would have blamed Esau for still being angry. He was wronged by Jacob. But, his own success had tempered his feelings. And, all that was left was love for his brother.
tp
I had the same thought---seems like he's hiding behind women and children what am I to take from that? Then he lies to him and doesn't even follow him back to town. he goes and sets up camp someplace else. Like Esau won't even notice? again I don't have a take, I think yours is the best about forgiveness. i read some of our old posts, same thoughts then...great history lesson but what is our lesson
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