Genesis 33

In this chapter, Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau after many years of separation, fearing Esau's potential hostility due to their past conflicts. Despite his fear, the reunion turns out to be peaceful, showing the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness between estranged family members.

Genesis 33:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants.
2 And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last.
3 Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Jacob, filled with fear at the sight of Esau and his four hundred men, takes a defensive approach by organizing his family in layers, prioritizing those he loved most by placing them last. His act of bowing seven times reflects his humility and submission, hoping to appease Esau and avoid conflict. The gesture of bowing multiple times also shows Jacob's acknowledgment of the wrongs he committed against Esau in the past and his desire to seek peace.

Genesis 33:4 (NKJV)
4 But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

Contrary to Jacob’s fears, Esau shows a surprising and heartfelt response. Instead of attacking Jacob, Esau runs to meet him, embraces him, and they both weep. This emotional reunion highlights forgiveness and the healing of old wounds. Despite years of estrangement, Esau does not hold on to past grievances, demonstrating the power of reconciliation.

Genesis 33:5-7 (NKJV)
5 And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”
6 Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down.
7 And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward, Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down.

Esau is introduced to Jacob’s family, and Jacob humbly acknowledges that his children are a gift from God. The act of each family member bowing before Esau shows their respect for him and Jacob’s continued effort to show his submission and desire for peace. Jacob's words emphasize his reliance on God's blessings rather than boasting of his own achievements.

Genesis 33:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Then Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” And he said, “These are to find favor in the sight of my lord.”
9 But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.”

Esau questions Jacob’s offering of gifts, which Jacob had sent earlier in hopes of appeasing him. Jacob explains that the gifts were meant to find favor with Esau, but Esau graciously declines, stating that he already has enough. This refusal shows Esau’s contentment with his own life and wealth, and his rejection of the gifts further underscores his lack of bitterness or desire for repayment from Jacob.

Genesis 33:10-11 (NKJV)
10 And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.
11 Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” So he urged him, and he took it.

Jacob insists that Esau accept the gifts, comparing Esau's forgiveness to seeing the face of God. This comparison suggests that Jacob feels blessed and at peace, seeing his reconciliation with Esau as a sign of divine favor. Jacob also emphasizes that his wealth comes from God’s grace and that he wishes to share these blessings with Esau. After much urging, Esau accepts the gifts, symbolizing their renewed relationship.

Genesis 33:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.”
13 But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die.
14 Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me and the children are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.”

Esau proposes that they travel together, but Jacob diplomatically declines, explaining that his children and flocks need to move at a slower pace. This response reflects Jacob’s cautious nature, not only for the sake of his family and herds but perhaps also to maintain a degree of separation from Esau. Though they have reconciled, Jacob still exercises caution, choosing to move at his own pace and maintain a sense of independence.

Genesis 33:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.”
16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir.
17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

Esau offers to leave some of his men to assist Jacob, but Jacob politely declines, expressing that there is no need for additional help. This indicates Jacob’s desire to handle his affairs independently, despite the reconciliation. After parting ways, Esau returns to Seir, while Jacob settles in Succoth, establishing a home and providing shelter for his livestock. The naming of Succoth reflects the temporary nature of Jacob’s stay, as he constructs booths (or shelters) for his animals.

Genesis 33:18-20 (NKJV)
18 Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city.
19 And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money.
20 Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.

Jacob finally arrives safely in Shechem, in the land of Canaan, after his long journey. He purchases a piece of land and sets up an altar, naming it "El Elohe Israel," meaning "God, the God of Israel." This is a significant moment as Jacob acknowledges God’s protection and faithfulness throughout his journey. The altar represents Jacob's gratitude and commitment to the God who had blessed and guided him. This act solidifies Jacob’s recognition of his new identity as Israel, a name given to him after wrestling with God earlier in his journey.