Definition: And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 32:5. It's a really interesting story about Jacob’s journey and his relationship with God. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob was a man of great wealth and power – he had a lot of possessions, including oxen, asses, flocks of sheep, and servants. He was feeling proud and maybe a little restless. He decided to go to Egypt to see his old friend Esau, but he got lost in the desert. During this time, he stumbled upon an angel who offered him a choice: he could either give up his possessions and become a slave to the angel, or he could offer something of value in exchange for being allowed to continue on his journey. What Did He Offer? Jacob offered his oxen , asses , and flocks of sheep. He was essentially giving them away as a sign of respect and humility. The Key Meaning - It’s About Gratitude & Seeking God's Grace: This verse is incredibly important because it shows Jacob’s deep gratitude to God for his blessings – his wealth, possessions, and the ability to travel. He wasn’t just asking for something; he was humbly acknowledging that he was worthy of God’s attention and that He saw him as deserving of favor. It's a Plea for Favor: The phrase “and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight” is the most important part. He’s saying: "I want your permission and blessing!" He’s asking God to look favorably upon him because of his obedience and respectfulness. He's hoping for a sign of God’s love and approval. In essence, this verse is about: Humility: Recognizing that he’s not entitled to special treatment. Respect: Showing deference to God. Seeking Favor: Asking for God's blessing and approval. It’s a powerful moment in the story because it shows Jacob's transformation – from a proud, self-centered man to a humble person who is seeking God’s grace. Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation or perhaps connect it to a specific biblical context?