Genesis 33

Facts:

Jacob is on journey with wife’s children when he sees his brother Esau coming with 400 men. Jacob is nervous and protects his family. The meeting of the brothers goes well with Esau praising his brother and God. Esau offers to go with Jacob but Jacob makes excuses and goes alone to the land of Canaan and builds a alter to God.

Observations:

• Jacob divides his wives with their children and puts them in order based on their importance to him.  The ones lease important closest to the front and in the most danger.
• Jacob calls himself “your servant”, and refers to Esau as “my lord” even though the stolen blessing from Isaac granted Jacob power over his siblings.
• Jacob says, “If I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand; for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God” (Gen. 33:10) could be in reference to when he sees God in the previous chapter.  This could be mimicking this event and commenting on how he survived seeing the face of God and now is surviving this encounter with Esau who wished to murder him after stealing his father’s blessing.
• Esau accepts his gifts and forgives Jacob because he has done well for himself even without the blessing from his father.
• Jacob makes excuses as to why he cannot travel on with his brother, and says he will follow behind him more slowly because of his children and overtired flocks.  This reflects on his mischievous side.  Esau, however, leaves some of his own men with Jacob.
• Jacob Goes on to Succoth And builds a altar to God

Idea:

This chapter deals with the forgiveness and reconciliation of Jacob and Esau. Once the idea of one brother killing the other is replaced with the favor and blessing of God on the brothers and their families. There is still doubt in Jacobs mind as he continues on without his brother.