By pleading instead of witnessing (vv. 8-15). The fact that Esau ran to his brother, embraced him, kissed him, and wept is evidence that a change had taken place in his heart. Jacob was given an open door to talk with Esau about the past and get family matters straightened out, for, after all, God’s army was hovering near and Jacob didn’t have to be afraid. But instead of confessing his sins and giving witness to God’s grace in his life, Jacob spent the time begging Esau to accept the gifts he had sent.

Jacob said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God” (v. 10 niv). Jacob had seen God face-to-face, but he said nothing to Esau about it! “God has been gracious to me,” he added (v. 11 niv), but he didn’t tell his brother the facts and give God the glory. He didn’t tell Esau that he had a new name, probably because he wasn’t living up to it at that time. He was made a prince, but he was acting like a pauper.