MPV Commentary

1. Esau arrived with 400 men, and Jacob, having crossed the ford, positioned his wives and children in order, placing the most precious last to minimize their exposure to danger. His faith was strengthened, and his fears dissipated (Ps 27:3). Having successfully negotiated with God, he was confident of being able to do so with humans as well, according to the promise (compare Ge 32:28).

3. Jacob bowed seven times in a gesture of profound respect, which involved looking up at Esau and then bowing from the waist, advancing a few steps, and repeating this process until he stood before his brother. His family members followed suit. This was an expression of deep respect, as Esau, being the elder brother, was entitled to such treatment according to Eastern customs.

4. Esau rushed to meet Jacob – a sudden and surprising change! The sight of the gifts and Jacob's profound homage may have contributed to this reaction, or perhaps it was simply Esau's impulsive nature that led him to quickly put aside their long-standing enmity. Whatever the reason, the brothers exchanged warm tokens of affection. It is likely that the secret influence of God's grace (Pr 21:1) played a key role in transforming Esau from an enemy into a friend.

5. Who are these people with you? Jacob could have simply said they were his children, but as a devout man, he chose to answer in a way that reflected his faith (Ps 127:3; 113:9; 107:41).

11. Esau urged him to take the cattle, and Jacob accepted – in Eastern culture, acceptance by a superior is a sign of friendship, while acceptance from an enemy indicates reconciliation. For both reasons, Jacob was eager for his brother to receive the gift, and Esau's acceptance provided strong evidence that their relationship had improved beyond what was possible according to local customs.