Mahanaim, or preparing for Esau.
I. THE ANGELIC APPARITION.
1. The time when it occurred.
2. The impression which it made. Whether completely surrounding him, or divided into two companies, one on either side of him, Jacob's angelic visitors, from their number, their orderly array, their military dispositions, assumed the appearance of a heavenly army lying encamped over against His own; and the sight of the two companies immediately suggested the ejaculation, "This is God's host," and caused him to name the place Mahanaim.
3. The purpose which it served. For an enumeration of the different ends which this sublime vision is supposed to have been intended to subserve the Exposition may be consulted. The greatest probability attaches to that which regards it as having been designed to prepare Jacob for his rapidly-approaching interview with Esau. It was fitted to remind him of the heavenly reinforcements that are always at hand to succor saints in their extremities (cf. 2 Kings 6:17; Psalms 34:6; Zechariah 9:8; Hebrews 1:14).
II. THE FRIENDLY EMBASSY.
1. The dispatch of the messengers.
2. The return of the messengers.
III. THE SUDDEN STRATAGEM. Jacob divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two bands.
1. An evidence of Jacob's self-possession. The fear inspired by Esau's approach had not been so great as to make him lose command of his faculties. Men that have God upon their side should not allow themselves to be thrown by evil tidings into excessive trepidation (Psalms 27:1-3; Romans 8:31).
2. A proof of Jacob's prudence. The division of his company into two bands afforded to one at least of the portions a chance of escaping the sword of Esau. Though contrary to the Divine word to resist evil, it is not wrong to use all lawful endeavors to avoid it.
3. A testimony to Jacob's chivalry. In a time of danger he thinks of the safety of others, of the women and children, rather than of himself.
4. A sign of Jacob's meekness. He contemplates not armed resistance to the onset of his infuriated brother, but prepares by peaceful means to elude at least the full force of his attack.
IV. THE EARNEST PRAYER. Characterized by—
1. Lofty faith. Jacob addresses himself to God as to a living personality, and not as to an impersonal force; to the God of the covenant,—"O God of my father Abraham," &c.,—and not simply to God in the abstract, as the inscrutable power that presides over men and things, and bases his appeal upon the promises which God in virtue of that covenant had extended to himself.
2. Profound humility. He not only acknowledges the Divine hand in his remarkable prosperity, which is always difficult for the proud spirit of the worldling to do, but he distinctly describes "all the mercies" he has received to the pure, unmerited grace of God, declaring himself to be utterly less than the least of them. Language such as this is either impious hypocrisy or lowly humility.
3. Beautiful simplicity. Plain, direct, artless, and confiding, it is such a prayer as a loving child might breathe into a mother's ear when driven by impending danger to seek shelter in her bosom:—"Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of Esau my brother: for I fear him."
V. THE CONCILIATORY PRESENT. "A man's gift maketh room for him," says Solomon. (Proverbs 18:16); and again, "A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a rewared in the bosom strong wrath" (Proverbs 21:14). The gift of Jacob to his brother was—
1. Handsomely prepared. It was munificently and generously selected from the best of the flocks and herds in his possession.
2. Skillfully arranged. The sheep, goats, camels, asses, kine that composed it were drawn up in a series of droves, which were dispatched in succession under the care of as many drivers.
3. Promptly dispatched. The measures just recited were adopted on the very day that Jacob's messengers returned, and the several droves dispatched upon their journey ere the night fell.
4. Peacefully designed. They were meant to appease the wrath of Esau.
Lessons:—
1. The ministry of angels.
2. The courage inspired by true religion.
3. The value of prayer.
4. The use of a present.
HOMILIES BY R.A. REDFORD
Divine protection.
The pilgrim on his way is met by the angels of God. They are two hosts—"Mahanaim," that is, twofold defense, before and behind. There was fear in the man, but there was trust and prayer. He saw the objective vision, but the inward preparation of heart enabled him to see it. On our way we may reckon on supernatural protection—protection for ourselves, protection for those who are Divinely appointed to be with us. The double host is an emblem of that angelic guardianship which we are told (Psalms 34:1-22, and Psalms 91:1-16.) "encampeth round about them that fear the Lord, and delivereth them," "keepeth them in all their ways."—R.