Genesis 32:20-21 (ESV Strong's)
and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.
Subject: Conflict
In the above passage Jacob is returning home and is afraid of his brother Esau. Remembering the story of their youth, Jacob had cheated Esau, the older son, out of both his birthright and his blessing. After being on the run in fear of Esau, for many years, Jacob returns. Upon his return he is still fearful. What will Esau do? Will Esau seek revenge? To appease Esau, Jacob gives up some of his own property and stages a series of gifts for his angry brother. It should be noted that NO where in this entire story does Jacob ask forgiveness or admits his wrong. (Remember, God had, from their brith, promised that the older would serve the younger.). What Jacob does is demonstrate his retreat by sacrificial giving. His words don't say, "I was wrong," but his actions say I want restoration. Perhaps Solomon had this scene in mind when he wrote the following proverbs:
Proverbs 21:14 (ESV Strong's)
A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
Proverbs 17:8 (ESV Strong's)
A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
Jacob is appealing to Esau's human condition. A gift carries much weight in the restoration of relationships. Jacob wanted to restore the relationship between him and his brother. Since he new that is brother was temporal in nature (remember, he sold his birthright because he was hungry for stew). A gift can appease strong wrath if the gift appeals to the nature of the person who is receiving it. Conflict can be averted when you passive the nature of the one in which you have conflict. Jacob, once again, using his understanding of another, was in a good position for himself.
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