Laban has caught up with Jacob, and they have aired their feelings, God has intervened, and now they agree to part ways. Before that, though, they make a covenant. They, each in their own native languages, designate the place as a heap of witness, and Jacob agrees to take care of Laban’s daughters and have no other wives, while each of them agree to not cross the border established by the heap of witness to do harm to each other. Then they were able to have a proper goodbye and be on good terms.
One disaster averted, while another seemed to be on the horizon. Esau was coming to meet Jacob on his way back to Canaan. Jacob sent servants to meet Esau, and they returned saying that he had 400 men with him, coming to meet Jacob. Jacob divided his family into two camps, and then selected animals to send before him as gifts for Esau, drove after drove of goats, sheep, camels, cattle, and donkeys. He hoped that the gifts would somehow appease Esau’s hatred and anger. He prayed to God for deliverance and reminded God of the covenant promises He had made.
This is a tense moment in the life of the Patriarchs. It was not the first, and it would not be the last. However, Jacob, although worried, turned to the right source: he prayed! When trouble seems to be looming at the door, do not become paralyzed with worry. Do not wring your hands in mourning. Pray hard and trust God, and He will be your source of strength and peace in the midst of the storm!
Devoted To You 