Today's Lesson Genesis 33
Genesis Chapter 33
https://youtu.be/Mu-vawK-KWE?si=oU-7v42MKjiSQ7wd
Verses 1-5
Jacob looked and his brother Esau and his army of 400 men were coming towards him. Jacob divided his children among his servants Leah and Rachel. His servants and their children were in front, Leah and her children were next, and Rachel and Joseph were in the rear. Jacob went ahead of them all bowing down seven times before he approached his brother. Esau ran to meet Jacob, embracing him throwing his arms around his neck and kissing him. They both wept. Esau then saw the women and children and asked Jacob who they were. Jacob answered that they were the children God had graciously given him, his servant.
Verses 6-9
The female servants of Jacob bowed down and approached Esau. Leah and her children along with Joseph and Rachel all came and bowed down before Esau. Esau asked the meaning of his meeting them all. Jacob replied that he was seeking favor in his eyes. Esau replied that he already had plenty so Jacob should keep what he has for himself.
Verses 10-12
Jacob begged Esau saying, “no please” adding, if I have found favor in your eyes please accept this gift from me. Jacob went on to say that seeing the face of Esau was like seeing the face of God. Jacob continued by saying, please accept this gift brought to you for God has also been gracious unto me and I have all I need. Because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted. Esau then encouraged Jacob to continue their journey together.
Verses 13-15
Jacob told Esau that the children are young and of a tender age and that the young ewes and cows were still being nursed by their mothers. He went on to say that if they were driven hard on this day all the animals would die. Jacob convinced Esau that he should go ahead as he came behind slowly at the pace needed by the flocks, herds and the children. He would continue slowly until he reached him in Seir.
Verses 16-18
Esau then said, if I am leaving you, I will leave some of my men with you also. Jacob questioned his decision asking that he be left to find favor in the lord. So, Esau left and started on his way back to Seir. Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, building a place for himself to dwell and for him to have shelter to care for his livestock. This is why the place is called Sukkoth. Jacob, after coming from Paddan Aram, arrived safely in the city of Shechem in Canaan. He made his camp in sight of the city. He brought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, paying a hundred pieces of silver for the land. He set up an altar and called in El Elohe Israel.
Observation and Overview
This chapter is about the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau. Although Jacob was fearful and came to Esau bearing many gifts, Esau approached him with loving open arms, embracing him after their twenty years of separation and hostility between them. It shows God’s ability to change hearts, mend wounds and inspire forgiveness. Jacob approached Esau humbly, expecting his wrath yet encountered his goodness. Esau is happy to see Jacob and appreciates all the gifts although they were not needful as he had plenty. However, Esau accepts his gifts as a form of reconciliation as God can influence enemies to come together peacefully. After all this that God did, allowing them to be reconciled back into good relationship, Jacob builds an altar to honor God’s goodness and names the altar El-Elohe-Israel meaning God of Israel. This is a lasting symbol unto God showing Jacob’s new identity and relationship with Him. To God be the Glory, Amen.