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3-4 Jacob knew he had to pass by the territory of Edom where his brother Esau lived in the land of Seir. He sent messengers ahead with a message for Esau.

Jacob (to his messengers): This is what I want you to say to my master Esau: “Your servant Jacob says this: ‘I have lived with Laban as a foreigner and stayed there working for him until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and female slaves. I have sent my messengers to inform you, my master, of all this so that I might regain your trust and favor.’”

The messengers went out to Esau and then returned to Jacob with a troubling report.

Messengers: We went to your brother Esau and gave him your message. He is coming to meet you, but 400 men are with him.

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He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord(A) Esau: ‘Your servant(B) Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban(C) and have remained there till now. I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants.(D) Now I am sending this message to my lord,(E) that I may find favor in your eyes.(F)’”

When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”(G)

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