Genesis 32:20 Daily Devotional & Meaning – Peradventure He Will Accept of Me
Daily Verses Everyday! Day 206
“And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.”
Jacob’s words reveal both wisdom and weakness, humility and fear, repentance and uncertainty. He instructed every servant to emphasize once again, “Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us.” He wanted Esau to understand that the gifts were not being sent in place of Jacob but before him. Jacob himself was coming. Yet the verse also opens a window into Jacob’s private reasoning: “I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.” Jacob hoped that the repeated gifts would calm Esau’s anger and prepare the way for a peaceful meeting. He desired to see his brother’s face, but he feared what he might find there. Would he see rage, revenge, and rejection, or would he see mercy and acceptance? Jacob did not know, and the word “peradventure” reveals the trembling uncertainty of his heart.
The statement “thy servant Jacob is behind us” again displays Jacob’s willingness to take the lower place. He did not refer to himself as the possessor of the blessing or the heir of the covenant. He did not demand that Esau recognize his authority. He called himself Esau’s servant. This was especially significant because Isaac had pronounced in Genesis 27:29, “Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren.” Yet Jacob was not attempting to force the prophetic blessing through pride or human power. He was bowing low, speaking respectfully, and seeking reconciliation. He was beginning to learn that God’s promises do not need to be fulfilled through fleshly striving. What God has ordained, God is able to accomplish in His own time and manner.
This is a lesson Jacob had struggled to learn throughout his life. He had desired the birthright and the blessing, but instead of waiting upon God, he used human cleverness. He took advantage of Esau’s hunger, cooperated with Rebekah’s deception, disguised himself before Isaac, and fled from the consequences. Now, years later, he was again arranging an elaborate plan. Yet this time his strategy was not designed to take something from Esau but to give something to him. His old tendency to plan and maneuver remained, but grace was redirecting it. God often transforms us gradually. He may take a strength that was once ruled by sin and sanctify it for righteous purposes. Jacob’s intelligence and careful planning had previously served selfish ambition; now they were being used in the pursuit of peace.
The word “appease” carries the idea of covering or turning away anger. Jacob believed that the present might soften Esau’s disposition toward him. In human relationships, sincere gifts and acts of restitution can sometimes help heal wounds. Proverbs 21:14 says, “A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.” This does not justify bribery, manipulation, or attempting to purchase another person’s silence. Rather, it recognizes that generosity may communicate humility, goodwill, and a desire for peace. Jacob’s gift was especially appropriate because his earlier sin had involved taking advantage of Esau. The one who had once taken was now willing to give.
Nevertheless, Jacob could not truly erase the past by sending animals. A material gift could not undo the deception of Genesis 27, restore the lost years, or guarantee Esau’s forgiveness. This reminds us that repentance cannot be reduced to compensation. There are wrongs for which restitution is proper, but no gift can replace confession, humility, and changed conduct. Zacchaeus understood the importance of restitution when he said in Luke 19:8, “If I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Yet his restitution did not purchase salvation. It revealed that his heart had been changed by his encounter with Christ.
True repentance is willing to make things right where possible. If money was stolen, it should be returned. If a lie was told, the truth should be spoken. If a reputation was damaged, the false statement should be corrected. If trust was broken, the offender should patiently demonstrate faithfulness over time. John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:8, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Fruit does not create repentance, but it reveals repentance. Jacob’s present was a form of fruit. It showed that he was no longer approaching Esau with the same grasping spirit that had characterized his youth.
Yet the phrase “I will appease him” also reveals Jacob’s continuing temptation to believe that he could manage the outcome. He had prayed for God’s deliverance, but he was still attempting to arrange every detail. He divided the camp, selected the animals, separated the droves, instructed the servants, and prepared repeated speeches. Some of this was wise preparation. However, wisdom can quietly become self-reliance when we begin to believe that our plan is what will save us.
There is a difference between acting responsibly and trusting in our actions. Nehemiah prayed and set a watch. Joseph prepared Egypt for famine. Paul used his Roman citizenship when it was appropriate. Scripture does not condemn thoughtful preparation. Yet Psalm 127:1 warns, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” Jacob’s gifts could not change Esau’s heart unless God worked in Esau. The servants could repeat the message perfectly, but only the Lord could restrain violence and produce mercy.
We often face the same temptation. We pray about a difficult conversation, but then we become convinced that everything depends upon saying every word perfectly. We ask God to guide a project, but then we act as though its success rests entirely upon our ability. We pray for someone’s salvation, yet we may feel that if we could only construct the perfect argument, we could convert the heart. Preparation has value, but it must remain under the sovereignty of God. First Corinthians 3:6 says, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” We are responsible for obedience; God is responsible for the result.
Jacob said, “The present that goeth before me.” The gift would arrive before Jacob’s face appeared. It would serve as the first visible evidence of his intentions. In this sense, Jacob desired his actions to speak before his words. His gifts proclaimed humility, generosity, and peace. There is wisdom in allowing our conduct to support what we say. First John 3:18 teaches, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” Words of reconciliation are important, but they become more believable when accompanied by actions.
A person may repeatedly say, “I have changed,” yet refuse to behave differently. A husband may apologize for harshness while continuing to speak cruelly. A friend may ask forgiveness for dishonesty while continuing to hide the truth. A leader may claim humility while refusing accountability. In such cases, the words go before the person, but the life that follows contradicts them. Jacob’s gift was intended to prepare Esau to see that the man coming behind it was not exactly the same man who had fled twenty years earlier.
The question for believers is whether our actions prepare others to see Christ in us. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Good works do not save us, and they should never be performed for self-glory. Yet they can go before us as witnesses to the grace of God. Kindness, integrity, generosity, patience, and humility can make the gospel visible. Our lives should not contradict the message of reconciliation we proclaim.
Jacob then said, “Afterward I will see his face.” This statement carries tremendous emotional weight. Jacob had not seen Esau’s face for many years. The last time he had known his brother’s intentions, Esau had planned to kill him. Genesis 27:41 says that Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing and said in his heart that after Isaac’s death he would slay his brother. Jacob had fled carrying the memory of Esau’s anger. Now he was returning, and he would soon see that face again.
The face of another person often communicates what words cannot. Jacob wondered whether Esau’s face would reveal wrath or mercy. He desired acceptance, but he feared rejection. Many people know this experience. A difficult meeting approaches, and we imagine the expression we may see. Will the person be cold, angry, disappointed, or compassionate? Will they turn away or receive us? The anticipation itself can be painful.
Jacob’s desire to see Esau’s face also suggests that reconciliation cannot remain entirely distant. Gifts and messengers may prepare the way, but eventually the brothers must meet. There are situations where a written message or intermediary is necessary, especially when safety or wisdom requires distance. Yet in ordinary reconciliation, personal presence often matters. The person who has caused harm may need to listen, confess, answer questions, and receive the other person’s response without defensiveness.
Jesus emphasized the importance of addressing broken relationships personally. Matthew 5:23–24 says that if a person brings a gift to the altar and remembers that his brother has something against him, he should first be reconciled to his brother. Worship does not excuse relational disobedience. Jacob was bringing a gift, but he also had to bring himself. His possessions could not bow before Esau in his place. His servants could not carry his confession forever. Jacob would have to look upon the face of the brother he had wronged.
The phrase “peradventure he will accept of me” reveals Jacob’s lack of certainty. He hoped for acceptance, but he did not presume upon it. This is an important aspect of repentance. When we seek forgiveness from another person, we should not approach as though they owe us immediate restoration. We may confess sincerely, offer restitution, and demonstrate change, yet the wounded person may need time. They may forgive while still requiring boundaries. They may be willing to pursue reconciliation gradually rather than return immediately to the former level of trust.
Forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust are related, but they are not identical. Forgiveness is the release of personal vengeance and bitterness. Reconciliation is the restoration of peace between parties. Trust is confidence built through truth and faithfulness. A person may forgive in obedience to God even while full trust has not yet been restored. Jacob could ask for acceptance, but he could not demand that Esau pretend the past had never happened.
Romans 12:18 wisely says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” The verse recognizes that peace is not always fully within one person’s control. Jacob could do what lay within him. He could humble himself, send gifts, speak truthfully, and approach Esau. But he could not control Esau’s decision. In the same way, believers must obey God and leave the other person’s response in His hands.
Jacob’s uncertainty stands in powerful contrast to the believer’s assurance before God through Christ. Jacob said, “Peradventure he will accept of me.” The Christian who comes to God through Jesus Christ does not have to say, “Perhaps God will receive me if my gifts are sufficient.” Our acceptance is not based upon what we send ahead of us. It is based upon the finished work of Christ.
Ephesians 1:6 declares that God has made believers “accepted in the beloved.” We are accepted because we are united with Christ. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The gospel does not offer uncertain hope to those who trust in Jesus. Christ said in John 6:37, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Jacob did not know whether Esau would accept him, but every sinner who truly comes to Christ in repentance and faith has the promise of divine reception.
This does not mean God ignores sin or accepts us because our wrongdoing is unimportant. God receives believers because Christ bore the judgment their sins deserved. Jacob hoped his present would appease Esau, but no human gift can appease the righteous wrath of God. Psalm 49:7 says that none can redeem his brother or give to God a ransom for him. Silver, gold, animals, religious works, and human morality cannot satisfy divine justice. Only Jesus Christ could make atonement.
First John 2:2 describes Christ as “the propitiation for our sins.” Propitiation speaks of the satisfaction of righteous judgment. Jacob attempted to turn away Esau’s anger with a present. Christ truly turned away divine wrath by offering Himself. Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.” The price of our peace was not paid with livestock but with the precious blood of the sinless Son of God.
This truth should protect us from imagining that our good works purchase God’s favor. Many people live like Jacob before Esau, sending one drove after another before themselves. They offer morality, church attendance, charity, prayers, religious education, and acts of service, hoping that these gifts will persuade God to accept them. Good works have a proper place in the Christian life, but they cannot become the foundation of justification. Titus 3:5 says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”
The believer approaches God with empty hands, trusting fully in Christ. Yet after salvation, good works flow from gratitude and obedience. Ephesians 2:8–10 teaches both truths: we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, but we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Jacob’s gifts were sent in hope of acceptance. Christian generosity is offered because acceptance has already been granted in Christ.
There is also a deeper connection between Jacob’s desire to see Esau’s face and his coming encounter with God. Later in the chapter, Jacob would wrestle through the night and name the place Peniel, saying in Genesis 32:30, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Before Jacob could peacefully see Esau’s face, he would first be brought into a transforming encounter with God. This teaches us that our horizontal relationships are often changed through our vertical relationship with the Lord.
Jacob was focused on changing Esau’s disposition, but God was preparing to change Jacob. We frequently pray, “Lord, change the other person,” while God begins working upon us. We ask Him to soften another heart, and He exposes our pride. We ask Him to correct another person’s words, and He reveals the harshness in our own. We ask Him to restore a relationship, and He teaches us humility, patience, and surrender. Sometimes the greatest work God performs in a conflict is not changing the circumstances first but changing us within them.
Second Corinthians 3:18 teaches that believers are transformed as they behold the glory of the Lord. Seeing God rightly changes how we face others. When we remember His holiness, we become less eager to excuse our own sin. When we remember His mercy, we become more willing to forgive. When we remember His sovereignty, we become less desperate to control the outcome. Jacob believed his presents would prepare him to see Esau’s face, but God knew that Jacob first needed a deeper encounter with the divine presence.
The verse therefore presents a man walking between faith and fear. Jacob was obeying God’s command to return, yet he was afraid. He was praying, yet he was planning intensely. He was seeking reconciliation, yet he did not know whether he would be accepted. This mixture should not cause us merely to condemn Jacob, because many believers recognize it within themselves. Faith does not always mean the absence of trembling. Sometimes faith is continuing to walk forward while trembling.
Psalm 56:3 says, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” David did not say that he never felt fear. He said that when fear came, he would place his trust in God. Jacob’s fear was real, but he continued toward Esau. Courage is not pretending danger does not exist. It is obeying God despite uncertainty.
May we learn from Jacob to pursue peace thoughtfully, humbly, and courageously. May we make restitution where possible, allow our actions to support our words, and take personal responsibility rather than hiding behind gifts or messengers. May we avoid presuming that another person must immediately trust or accept us, while faithfully doing what lies within our power to seek reconciliation. May we plan wisely without trusting in our plans, remembering that only God can change a heart.
Above all, may we never approach God with Jacob’s uncertainty, wondering whether our gifts are sufficient to make us acceptable. Let us come through Jesus Christ, who has made peace by the blood of His cross. In Him, the sinner who repents and believes does not merely hope that God might accept him. He rests in the promise that he is accepted in the Beloved, forgiven by grace, reconciled to God, and welcomed into the presence of the Father.
If you would like to explore Genesis in a sustained, verse-by-verse way with space to reflect, journal, and trace how these foundational truths unfold through Scripture the Verse by Verse book expands these reflections into a unified reading experience. The book gathers these meditations into a structured journey through Genesis, designed to help readers linger in the text and engage God’s Word more deeply over time.
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