What is the definition of Genesis 32:18? 🙋 🔍
Then thou shalt say, [They be] thy servant Jacobâs; it [is] a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he [is] behind us.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 32:18. It's a really interesting story about a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life!
Here’s the explanation in simpler terms:
The Basic Story:
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Jacob is having a tough time:
In a nutshell, Jacob was experiencing a lot of problems – he was being tricked and manipulated by his uncle Laban.
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Laban offers something:
Laban, who wanted to keep Jacob as a servant, offered him a gift – a goat named Esau. This wasn’t a kind gesture; it was a way for Laban to control Jacob.
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Jacob makes a deal with God:
As a way to escape this situation and protect his own honor, Jacob made a bargain with God. He agreed to give Laban a "present."
What the Verse Says – It’s a Bit More Detailed:
The verse says: “Then thou shalt say, ‘My master's servant, Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.’”
Let’s unpack that:
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“Then thou shalt say…”
- This is like a command or instruction.
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“…Jacob’s”
– This refers to Jacob himself.
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“It is a present sent unto my lord Esau…”
– This means Laban offered Jacob a gift, but it wasn't just any gift. It was 💎his💎 gift. It was a special offering from his own hand.
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“And, behold, also he is behind us.”
– This is the really important part! It means that God was watching and intervening. Jacob’s uncle Laban was 💎behind💎 him, and this act of giving the gift was a way for God to protect Jacob from Laban’s manipulative plans.
What it Means & Significance:
This verse is considered one of the earliest examples of a covenant or agreement between humans and God. It shows that:
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God's involvement in human affairs:
It demonstrates that God isn't just interested in 💎us💎 but also wants to protect our freedom and honor.
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A binding promise:
This act established a promise for Jacob, showing that God would always be on his side.
In short, this verse tells us that Jacob received a special gift from God, and God was actively involved in protecting him from Laban’s control.
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Would you like me to:
💎 Explain another part of the story?
💎 Discuss what this verse might symbolize (like free will or divine protection)?