Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother Esau. The message was carefully worded, diplomatic and respectful.
"I stayed with Laban and delayed until now. I acquired cattle, donkeys, sheep, servants and maid-servants. And now I am sending word to tell my lord, to gain favor in your eyes" (Gen. 32:5-6).
A fine message, but this was Esau—his brother, yes, but also the man who had sworn to kill him. So naturally, the question arises: if Jacob was terrified of Esau’s jealousy, why flaunt his wealth? Wouldn’t that provoke rather than pacify?
Gradual Wealth and Overnight Riches
The second is quick and dramatic—an unexpected inheritance, winning the lottery, striking gold in one’s backyard. Rare, but sudden windfalls do occur.
Consider the case of a certain young man. He spent years in a distant land, working hard, living frugally, earning just enough to scrape by. Nothing remarkable. And then, just as he was about to give up and go home—jackpot! A lucky break.
When he returns home, everyone assumes he built his fortune gradually, the usual way. They even ask him for advice on how to earn a living in that distant land. The young man, however, is honest."Don’t waste your time in that place," he tells them. "I worked like a dog for years and got nowhere. This fortune? It was dumb luck. And luck can happen anywhere."
It's Not From the Blessings
Esau, seeing Jacob’s return with such riches, assumed the worst: So. This wealth is due to my father's blessings. This is what my brother stole from me.
But Jacob’s fortune had nothing to do with those blessings. In Haran, he toiled for years without making a penny. By all rights, he should have returned home empty-handed. As Jacob told Laban, "If God had not been with me, you would have sent me away with nothing."
Returning to the Land of Israel, Jacob sent word to Esau, "I lived with Laban and tarried until now." All these years I worked for Laban—and I earned nothing! "Now—only now—I have acquired cattle and donkeys." Only recently, through Divine providence, have I prospered.
My wealth, Jacob insisted, did not come from our father's blessings. No need for jealousy. No cause for enmity. I'm just a brother coming home, hoping to make peace.
(Adapted from Mishlei Yaakov, p. 74-75)
