Definition: Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, [and] the mother with the children.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 32:11. It’s a really important story about Jacob (later known as Abraham) and his brother Esau. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Story: Jacob was having a serious argument with Esau – his older, more competitive brother. They were arguing about who got to have the best part of their father’s inheritance. Let’s unpack the details: “Deliver me…” : Jacob is pleading for protection from Esau's anger or actions. “…from the hand of my brother…” : This means he wants to be spared from Esau’s potentially harmful behavior. "...from the hand of Esau:" : This clarifies that he doesn’t want to be harmed by Esau himself. “for I fear him…” : This is the crucial part. Jacob expresses a deep, overwhelming fear of Esau. He's not just worried about him being angry; he’s terrified of Esau’s potential actions . “…lest he will come and smite me…” : This is where it gets really significant. Jacob is warning that if Esau were to become aggressive or malicious, he would be harmed – possibly even killed. He's anticipating a violent confrontation. “[and] the mother with the children” : This adds a layer of urgency and emphasizes the danger. Jacob fears that Esau’s actions will have consequences for his family , specifically for his mother and siblings. What does this verse teach us? Fear as a Protective Mechanism: This is a classic example of fear being a protective response. Jacob didn't just want to be spared; he was actively trying to avoid harm. The Power of Fear: The verse highlights the potent effect of fear. It shows how intense fear can drive someone to take action – in this case, pleading for protection. Potential Consequences: It suggests that Esau’s actions could have negative repercussions, not just for Jacob but potentially for his family’s future. Important Note: This story is a foundational part of the narrative of Genesis and often interpreted as a moment of profound spiritual transformation for Jacob. It shows his willingness to sacrifice something – his own desire for the best inheritance – in order to protect his family. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger story of Genesis? Compare it to other stories with similar themes of fear and protection?