2. He put the servant wives and their children at the front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last.
3. Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him.
4. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.
5. Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are these people with you?”“These are the children God has graciously given to me, your servant,” Jacob replied.
6. Then the servant wives came forward with their children and bowed before him.
7. Next came Leah with her children, and they bowed before him. Finally, Joseph and Rachel came forward and bowed before him.
8. “And what were all the flocks and herds I met as I came?” Esau asked.Jacob replied, “They are a gift, my lord, to ensure your friendship.”
9. “My brother, I have plenty,” Esau answered. “Keep what you have for yourself.”
10. But Jacob insisted, “No, if I have found favor with you, please accept this gift from me. And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!
11. Please take this gift I have brought you, for God has been very gracious to me. I have more than enough.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift.
12. “Well,” Esau said, “let’s be going. I will lead the way.”
13. But Jacob replied, “You can see, my lord, that some of the children are very young, and the flocks and herds have their young, too. If they are driven too hard, even for one day, all the animals could die.