BRAGADAYJAH 113

Now Israel looked up and saw his brother Esau coming with his host of four hundred men; and Israel, notwithstanding his name change, not withstanding the promises of safety and security God had given him, was still a mighty cautious man; so he divided up his children between Leah and Rachel and the two handmaids. He put the children and the handmaids up front, followed by Leah and her children, and Rachel, her children and himself following in the rear. On approaching his brother, Israel went forward and placed himself now at the head of his family, and bowed down seven times before his brother as her approached him. On seeing Israel, Esau ran towards him and embraced and kissed him. And upon seeing the women and the children behind Israel, Esau enquired of his brother who they were. Israel responded and said to his brother, “they are the children which God gave me.” And seeing all was well, the handmaids came near unto the two men, bringing the children with them and following Israel’s lead, bowed themselves down to Esau; so Esau was that day introduced to all of Israel’s family, Leah and her children and her handmaid, and Rachel and her children and her handmaid. Esau then asked his brother about the drove of cattle and sheep and goats he had seen ahead of Israel and his family, and Israel told him that these were a gift from him so that he may hope to find favor in his sight. But Esau told him, “I have enough; keep what you have for yourself. But Jacob insisted, “if I have found favor with you, my lord, I pray you accept the gifts from me. For God has seen fit to bless me plentifully and I still have much left beside. So please accept my gift.” And so at Israel’s earnest insistence, Esau accepted Israel’s gifts; and all being at peace between them at last, they agreed to continue with the journey. More