Genesis 33:3 New International Version (NIV)
3 He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
In this time bowing down to the ground seven times was the sign of respect given to a king. Jacob was taking every precaution to show respect to his brother. He knew that there had been a great rift between them when he had left. His brother wanted to kill him. Esau had foolishly given up his birthright. Jacob had taken advantage of his brother’s foolishness. Jacob wanted to make sure that Esau knew that he had changed. He wanted to remove any thoughts of revenge from his brother’s mind. When you have wronged someone or if someone may be angry with you, right the wrong and take every precaution to show that person that you have changed. Your actions will speak louder than words.
