Then thou shalt say, [They be] thy servant Jacob's; it [is] a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he [is] behind us.
Ver. 18. They be thy servant Jacob's.] "A soft answer turneth away wrath": Pro 15:1 a "but grievous words stir up anger." And it is easier to stir strife than stint it. Still, rain softens the hard earth: and though nothing be more violent than the winds, Iidem tamen imbribus sopiuntur, saith Pliny.
“Lenis alit flammas, grandior aura necat.”
How daintily did Gideon disarm the angry Ephraimites Jdg 8:1 by a mild answer!
It is a present sent, &c.] For, "a gift in secret pacifieth anger". Pro 21:14 This proverb, in an abbreviature, after that manner, the Jews wrote upon their alms box. b
And, behold, also he is behind us.] He sends not only, but comes after us himself, to salute thee, and offer his service unto thee. Thus, by all means, he seeks to assuage the wrath of that rough man.
a Frangitur ira gravis, quando est responsio suavis.
b Godw., Heb. Antiq. ex Buxtorf.