Command 6: Be Reconciled
Study Question
Q: What did Jacob actually do to turn his brother from hatred and plans of murder to forgiveness and brotherly affection?
A: Jacob and Esau went from bitter hatred to embracing one another and weeping on each other’s necks in full forgiveness. The steps that brought about this great reconciliation can be used as general guidelines for reconciliation within all our relationships.
Reconciliation is usually motivated by God’s reproofs for unresolved offenses, and this was proved when Jacob had deceived his father and was in continual conflict with Laban, his father-in-law. When he finally fled from Laban, he was faced with the threat of his bitter brother Esau.
Jacob knew that for reconciliation to take place, God had to do it. It was on this basis that he prayed, “Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother … Esau: for I fear him” (Genesis 32:11). As Jacob cried out to God, his words were fervent and effectual. Such prayer follows the instruction of James 5:16: “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
As part of our reconciliation we must make restitution for what we have taken or damaged. Jacob realized his need not only to give an unexpected gift, but to make restitution to his brother Esau. He prepared “a present for Esau his brother; two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams, thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals” (Genesis 32:13–15).
Reconciliation also requires turning all pride into a spirit of serving. Jacob told his herdsmen to identify him as Esau’s servant rather than his brother. He reiterated this statement when he personally met Esau. This servant’s spirit is vital, since it was the lack of this attitude that caused the initial conflict.
When Jacob finally met Esau after crying out to God, making restitution, and wrestling with the angel for God’s blessing, he demonstrated humility not only by bowing before Esau, but by having his wives and children also bow. God blessed this attitude of humility by causing Esau to fully forgive and release Jacob from the wrong that was initially committed against him.
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This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 1, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.