Hebraic Musing – How to win by smothering them with
kindness?
Jacob had an adversary, his brother Esau. The last he heard
from his brother was Esau’s vow "The days of mourning for my father are near;
then I will kill my brother Jacob." Gen 27:41 Chapter 32 of Genesis tells of Jacob going
to meet his brother and wanting, or needing, to reconcile with his
‘enemy’. How will he accomplish this
task? Have you ever had an ‘enemy’ situation
that needed resolution?
Jacob heard that Esau was approaching with 400 men, not a
good sign! So Jacob employed three strategies to protect himself and to
reconcile with Esau:
First, he prayed.
Then Jacob prayed, "O God of
my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac…“ Gen. 32:9
Second, he strategized protection in case of failure.
Realizing he would have to confront his brother, he split his family, servants,
animals and goods into two camps. If one camp was attacked, maybe the other
would survive. In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him
into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. He thought,
"If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may
escape." Gen 32:7-8
Third, he ‘smothers Esau with kindness’ in two ways.
Is there a lesson here for us?
1. Gifts – A series of groups each led by a servant going on
ahead with many animals as gifts and each servant is instructed to say to Esau “They belong to your servant Jacob. They are
a gift sent to my lord Esau, and he is coming behind us.” Genesis 32:18 And
note that the gifts are spaced out over time so that Esau’s revengeful attitude
would be softened with each round of gifts.
2. Humility – Jacob acted with humility by bolstering Esau’s
self-esteem and honor by calling him Servant, Master and Lord, while Jacob and the
servants, women and children were all bowing to Esau.
Thus by ‘smothering his enemy’ with kindness Jacob teaches
us a valuable lesson in how to deal with our enemies. As a result of facing this encounter and
settling the issue, we hear a beautiful reconciliation -- But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around
his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Gen 33:4-5 And another sign of reconciliation occurs
later at their father Isaac’s funeral -- …and
his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Gen 35:29
Point to ponder
Who
do know that needs to be smothered in kindness? (after prayer)
Go forth humbly with prayer and kindness –
but not just for friends
Yosef a.k.a. Joe Brusherd December 3, 2013
Author of
two books “Hebraic Insights” and “Biblical
Marriage”
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