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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/32.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother, Esau, who was living in the region of Seir in the land of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob sent messengers ahead of himself to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the territory of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers on ahead to Esau, who lived in the land of Seir, also known as Edom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the country of Edom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob sent messengers ahead of him into the land of Seir (that is, into the territory of Edom) to meet his brother Esau. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers on ahead to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the region of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the region of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob sends messengers before him to his brother Esau, toward the land of Seir, the field of Edom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jacob sendeth messengers before him unto Esau his brother, towards the land of Seir, the field of Edom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob will send messengers before his face to Esau his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Adam.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir to the country of Edom: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then he also sent messengers before him to his brother Esau, in the land of Seir, in the region of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv sent Messengers before him to Esau his brother, to the land of Sair, to the plain of Adum.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, to the country of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/32-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=8054" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Jacob's Fear of Esau</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">ahead of him</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/6215.htm" title="6215: ‘ê·śāw (N-proper-ms) -- Apparently a form of the passive participle of asah in the original sense of handling; rough; Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity.">Esau</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ar·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/8165.htm" title="8165: śê·‘îr (N-proper-fs) -- Formed like sa'iyr; rough; Seir, a mountain of Idumaea and its aboriginal occupants, also one in Palestine.">of Seir,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: śə·ḏêh (N-msc) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">the country</a> <a href="/hebrew/123.htm" title="123: ’ĕ·ḏō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- The name of a condiment. Or oedowm; from 'adom; red; Edom, the elder twin-brother of Jacob; hence the region occupied by him.">of Edom.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-3.htm">Genesis 33:3-4</a></span><br />But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. / Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41-45</a></span><br />Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” / When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. / So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-5.htm">Genesis 28:5</a></span><br />So Isaac sent Jacob to Paddan-aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-3.htm">Genesis 31:3</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-1.htm">Genesis 33:1-2</a></span><br />Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-37.htm">Genesis 27:37</a></span><br />But Isaac answered Esau: “Look, I have made him your master and given him all his relatives as servants; I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What is left that I can do for you, my son?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a></span><br />and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-28.htm">Genesis 27:28-29</a></span><br />May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth—an abundance of grain and new wine. / May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-33.htm">Genesis 27:33-36</a></span><br />Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!” / When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!” / But Isaac replied, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-8.htm">Genesis 33:8-11</a></span><br />“What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?” asked Esau. “To find favor in your sight, my lord,” Jacob answered. / “I already have plenty, my brother,” Esau replied. “Keep what belongs to you.” / But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-6.htm">Genesis 27:6-10</a></span><br />Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I overheard your father saying to your brother Esau, / ‘Bring me some game and prepare me a tasty dish to eat, so that I may bless you in the presence of the LORD before I die.’ / Now, my son, listen to my voice and do exactly as I tell you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-11.htm">Genesis 27:11-13</a></span><br />Jacob answered his mother Rebekah, “Look, my brother Esau is a hairy man, but I am smooth-skinned. / What if my father touches me? Then I would be revealed to him as a deceiver, and I would bring upon myself a curse rather than a blessing.” / His mother replied, “Your curse be on me, my son. Just obey my voice and go get them for me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-14.htm">Genesis 27:14-17</a></span><br />So Jacob went and got two goats and brought them to his mother, who made the tasty food his father loved. / And Rebekah took the finest clothes in the house that belonged to her older son Esau, and she put them on her younger son Jacob. / She also put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-18.htm">Genesis 27:18-20</a></span><br />So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?” / Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may bless me.” / But Isaac asked his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the LORD your God brought it to me,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-21.htm">Genesis 27:21-23</a></span><br />Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come closer so I can touch you, my son. Are you really my son Esau, or not?” / So Jacob came close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” / Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.</p><p class="hdg">sent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a></b></br> Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/9-52.htm">Luke 9:52</a></b></br> And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31,32</a></b></br> Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? … </p><p class="hdg">land.</p><p class="hdg">Seir.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/14-6.htm">Genesis 14:6</a></b></br> And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which <i>is</i> by the wilderness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-14.htm">Genesis 33:14,16</a></b></br> Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/36-6.htm">Genesis 36:6-8</a></b></br> And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob… </p><p class="hdg">country.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/25-30.htm">Genesis 25:30</a></b></br> And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red <i>pottage</i>; for I <i>am</i> faint: therefore was his name called Edom.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/31-18.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/genesis/31-54.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/25-30.htm">Edom</a> <a href="/genesis/28-9.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/32-1.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/31-4.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/31-4.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm">Front</a> <a href="/genesis/32-2.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/32-1.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/genesis/14-6.htm">Seir</a> <a href="/genesis/14-6.htm">Se'ir</a> <a href="/genesis/31-33.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/31-21.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/32-16.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">Country</a> <a href="/genesis/36-1.htm">Edom</a> <a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/34-5.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/genesis/32-17.htm">Front</a> <a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/genesis/33-14.htm">Seir</a> <a href="/genesis/33-14.htm">Se'ir</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/37-14.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 32</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-1.htm">Jacob's vision at Mahanaim.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">His message to Esau.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">He is afraid of Esau's coming.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">He prays for deliverance.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-31.htm">He halts.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Jacob sent messengers ahead of him</b><br>Jacob's decision to send messengers reflects a strategic and cautious approach, indicative of his awareness of the potential hostility from Esau. This action demonstrates Jacob's desire to reconcile and prepare the way for his return to Canaan. The use of messengers is consistent with ancient Near Eastern practices where envoys were often sent to negotiate peace or deliver messages between parties.<p><b>to his brother Esau</b><br>The mention of Esau is significant, as it recalls the earlier conflict between the two brothers over the birthright and blessing (<a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Genesis 25:29-34, 27</a>:1-41). Jacob's fear of Esau's wrath is rooted in their past, where Jacob deceived Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau. This encounter is pivotal for Jacob, as it represents a moment of potential reconciliation and the resolution of long-standing familial tension.<p><b>in the land of Seir</b><br>Seir is a mountainous region located southeast of the Dead Sea. It is historically associated with the descendants of Esau, known as the Edomites. The geographical reference to Seir underscores the separation between Jacob and Esau, both physically and relationally, since Jacob had been living in Haran. The land of Seir is later mentioned in <a href="/deuteronomy/2-4.htm">Deuteronomy 2:4-5</a>, where God instructs the Israelites not to provoke the Edomites, acknowledging their kinship through Esau.<p><b>the country of Edom</b><br>Edom, derived from the Hebrew word for "red," is linked to Esau, who was described as red and hairy at birth (<a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Genesis 25:25</a>). The Edomites, descendants of Esau, became a distinct nation with their own territory. The mention of Edom highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to make Esau a great nation (<a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a>). Throughout the Bible, Edom is often portrayed as both a relative and rival to Israel, with prophecies concerning Edom found in books like Obadiah and Isaiah, reflecting the complex relationship between the two nations.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau. Jacob is a central figure in Genesis, known for his journey from deception to becoming Israel, the father of the twelve tribes.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a></b><br>Jacob's elder twin brother, known for selling his birthright to Jacob and being deceived out of his father's blessing. Esau is the ancestor of the Edomites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/messengers.htm">Messengers</a></b><br>Individuals sent by Jacob to communicate with Esau. This act signifies Jacob's attempt to reconcile with his brother after years of estrangement.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/seir.htm">Seir</a></b><br>A mountainous region where Esau settled, located in the land of Edom. It is significant as the territory associated with Esau and his descendants.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/edom.htm">Edom</a></b><br>The nation descended from Esau, often in conflict with Israel throughout biblical history. The name Edom is derived from Esau's red appearance at birth and his red stew.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_humility.htm">Reconciliation and Humility</a></b><br>Jacob's sending of messengers to Esau demonstrates a proactive approach to reconciliation. Believers are encouraged to seek peace and humility in resolving conflicts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/facing_past_mistakes.htm">Facing Past Mistakes</a></b><br>Jacob's actions show the importance of confronting past wrongs and seeking forgiveness. Christians are called to address their past with honesty and repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a></b><br>Despite fear and uncertainty, Jacob's journey reflects a reliance on God's promises. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness even when facing difficult situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>Jacob's preparation for meeting Esau includes prayer, highlighting the necessity of seeking God's guidance in challenging times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_relationships.htm">Family Relationships</a></b><br>The account of Jacob and Esau underscores the complexity of family dynamics and the need for grace and forgiveness within familial relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_conflict_after_jacob-esau_meet.htm">What explains the absence of any further conflict between Jacob and Esau after their dramatic meeting in Genesis 33?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_possible_for_a_man_to_rob_god.htm">What is Mount Seir's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_mount_seir's_biblical_role.htm">What is Mount Seir's significance in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_and_esau_reconcile_quickly.htm">How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau’s 400 men? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">JACOB'S RECONCILIATION WITH ESAU.</span><p>(<a href="/genesis/32-3.htm" title="And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.">Genesis 32:3</a> to <a href="/genesis/33-16.htm" title="So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir.">Genesis 33:16</a>.)<p>(3) <span class= "bld">Jacob sent messengers.</span>--As Jacob travelled homewards to Hebron the news somehow reached him that Esau, at the head of a large body of retainers, was engaged in an expedition against the Horites. These, as we have seen on <a href="/genesis/14-6.htm" title="And the Horites in their mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness.">Genesis 14:6</a>, were a miserable race of cave-men, utterly unable to cope with Esau and his trained servants. We learn from <a href="/genesis/36-6.htm" title="And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob.">Genesis 36:6</a> that Esau's home was still with Isaac at Hebron, and probably this was a mere marauding expedition, like that against the people of Gath, which a century later cost Ephraim the lives of so many of his sons (<a href="/1_chronicles/7-21.htm" title="And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.">1Chronicles 7:21</a>); but it revealed to Esau the weakness of the in habitants, and also that the land was admirably adapted for his favourite pursuit of hunting. He seems also to have taken a Horite wife (<a href="/genesis/36-5.htm" title="And Aholibamah bore Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born to him in the land of Canaan.">Genesis 36:5</a>), and being thus connected with the country, upon Isaac's death he willingly removed into it, and it then became "the country," Heb. <span class= "ital">the field of Edom. </span>Its other name, <span class= "ital">Seir, i.e. </span>rough, hairy, shows that it was then covered with forests, and the term <span class= "ital">field </span>that it was an uncultivated region. It was entirely in the spirit of the adventurous Esau to make this expedition, and on his father's death to prefer this wild land to the peaceful pastures at Hebron, where he was surrounded by powerful tribes of Amorites and Hittites. The land of Seir was a hundred miles distant from Mahanaim, but Esau apparently had been moving up through what were afterwards the countries of Moab and Ammon, and was probably, when Jacob sent his messengers, at no very great distance. At all events, Jacob remained at Mahanaim till his brother was near, when he crossed the brook Jabbok, and went to meet him. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jacob sent messengers</span> (with the messengers of Jacob, the messengers of Elohim form a contrast which can scarcely have been accidental) <span class="cmt_word">before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir</span>, - <span class="accented">vide</span> on Genesis 14:6. Seir, nearly equivalent in force to Esau (Ewald), and meaning the rough or bristling mountain (Gesenius), was originally occupied by the <span class="accented">Horites</span>, but afterwards became the seat of Esau and his descendants (<a href="/deuteronomy/2-4.htm">Deuteronomy 2:4</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/20-10.htm">2 Chronicles 20:10</a>), though as yet Esau had not withdrawn from Canaan (<a href="/genesis/36-5.htm">Genesis 36:5-8</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">the country</span> (literally, <span class="accented">plain or level tract = </span> Padan (male Hoses 12:13) <span class="cmt_word">of Edom, as it was afterwards called.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/32-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֤ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">messengers</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאָכִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’ā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ahead of</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his brother</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחִ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esau</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵשָׂ֖ו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·śāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6215.htm">Strong's 6215: </a> </span><span class="str2">Esau -- oldest son of Isaac</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the land</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֥רְצָה</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Seir,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׂעִ֖יר</span> <span class="translit">(śê·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8165.htm">Strong's 8165: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seir -- a mountain range in Edom, also its inhabitants, also a mountain in Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the country</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂדֵ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(śə·ḏêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> </span><span class="str2">Field, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Edom.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱדֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·ḏō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_123.htm">Strong's 123: </a> </span><span class="str2">The name of a condiment</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/32-3.htm">Genesis 32:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">OT Law: Genesis 32:3 Jacob sent messengers in front of him (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/32-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 32:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/32-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 32:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>