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Book of Genesis - Chapter 32 - Verse 23

32:23
And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.

Meaning

When studying the Bible verse "And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had", it is important to consider the context in which it appears. This verse can be found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in chapter 32, verse 23. In this passage, Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau after many years of separation. As part of his preparation, Jacob divides his belongings and sends them ahead of him, along with his family, as a peace offering to Esau. By sending them over the brook, Jacob is symbolically letting go of his material possessions and demonstrating his humility and willingness to reconcile with his brother. Additionally, the act of sending his possessions over the brook could also be seen as a form of cleansing or purification before the important encounter with Esau. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, reconciliation, and letting go of worldly attachments in order to seek peace and forgiveness.

Theological Overview

Many theological interpretations of the verse, 'And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had,' suggest that this action symbolizes a passage or transition. The act of crossing a brook can signify moving from one stage to another in one's spiritual journey. The word "brook" can also carry symbolic meaning in the Bible, representing a boundary or obstacle that needs to be overcome with God's help. The sending over of possessions can be seen as an act of trust and surrender to God's providence. This verse could be interpreted as a call to trust in God's guidance and provision as we navigate the challenges and transitions in our lives. Word studies on phrases such as "he took them" and "sent over that he had" can provide deeper insights into the actions and intentions of the characters in the passage, shedding light on the significance of their decisions in the context of the larger narrative.

American Standard Version

And he took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which he had.
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