Genesis 32:12

12 You said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your seed as the sand of the sea, which can't be numbered because there are so many.'"

Genesis 32:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 32:12

And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good
All kind of good, most certainly and constantly; so Jacob rightly interpreted the promise, "I will be with thee", ( Genesis 31:3 ) ; for the promise of God's presence includes and secures all needful good to his people; and from this general promise Jacob draws an argument for a special and particular good, the preservation of him and his family, he was now pleading for; and the rather he might hope to succeed, since the following promise was also made him: and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for
multitude;
which could not be fulfilled, if he and his family were cut off at once, as he feared; but God is faithful who has promised.

Genesis 32:12 In-Context

10 I am not worthy of the least of all the lovingkindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I passed over this Yarden; and now I have become two companies.

11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esav: for I fear him, lest he come and strike me, and the mothers with the children.

12 You said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your seed as the sand of the sea, which can't be numbered because there are so many.'"

13 He lodged there that night, and took from that which he had with him, a present for Esav, his brother:

14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,