Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent
Genesis 32:4-36:43
Reading #1- Genesis 32:4–13
My Thoughts:
Jacob prays to Hashem to help him when he meets his brother Esau. He reminds Hashem of His promise to bless him with generations in the Land. And frankly, he is scared. He remembers all he did to his brother, so he tries to gather some gifts to appease him. Have you ever upset someone and tried to apologize with gifts or something material. I really believe there should be both - asking for forgiveness and restitution. This is what Torah and Judaism teaches. If you borrow a coat, bring back two. It worked for Jacob. As we read on there seems to be a reconciliation between the two brothers. It always takes one person to start the process.
Challenge:
Think of someone you have wronged (I have given this challenge to you before). Now get or buy something that you know that person would like and/or enjoy and apologize. A gift always shows someone that you care. And remember a sincere apology goes a long way. Hashem loves it when we reconcile with people. It repairs the world and makes it whole again.
Reading #1- Genesis 32:4–13
32:4 He commanded them, saying, “This is what you shall tell my lord, Esau: ‘This is what your servant, Jacob, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban, and stayed until now. 5 I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.’” 6 The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, along with the flocks, the herds, and the camels, into two companies. 8 He said, “If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape.” 9 Jacob said, “Elohim of my father Abraham, and Elohim of my father Isaac, Hashem, who said to me, ‘Return to your country, and to your relatives, and I will do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I crossed over this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me and the mothers with the children. 12 You said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which can’t be counted because there are so many.’”
13 He stayed there that night, and took from that which he had with him a present for Esau, his brother:
