By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
RECONCILED
Genesis 33:1–15
Put Aside your Pride (1–4)
Reconciliation with Esau had become a necessity for Jacob. As he had grown in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, his conscience would not allow him to bypass an attempt at reconciliation. Repairing his relationship with Esau was a spiritual necessity.
Now as the crippled patriarch lifted his sleepless eyes he saw Esau and his 400 men coming with him. Jacob frantically arranged his family to meet Esau. By putting Rachel, his favorite wife, and Joseph, his favorite son, behind the other family members, he created a new problem in his home. This favoritism toward Joseph fueled an intense hatred for the younger brother.
Though limping Jacob preceded his four wives and 12 children in a courtly greeting ceremony, bowing himself to the ground seven times as he approached Esau. Ironically his bowing was the reverse of the blessing he had stolen from Esau. Isaac had blessed Jacob: “Be Lord over your brothers and may your mother’s sons bow down to you” (Gen. 27:29a). Jacob’s bowing before Esau expressed his sorrow over his shameful theft of his father’s blessing. Having been broken by the Lord, Jacob humbled himself and put aside his pride.
Be Genuine (5–11)
Esau ran to meet Jacob, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Esau never mentioned the past. Jacob had prayed the day before for God to protect him and his family from Esau. Here was the answer to his prayer. God had changed Esau’s heart.
Esau’s first words were a question: “Who are these with you?” Jacob replied: “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Jacob then presented his wives in ascending order of their social status and affection. Each wife and child bowed before Esau as they met him. First he presented Bilhah and Zilpah and their four boys. Then he presented Leah and her seven children. Last he presented Rachel with her baby Joseph. Esau had been introduced to Israel and the genesis of the chosen people.
Esau’s second question paved the way for reconciliation. He asked: “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob responded: “To find favor in the sight of my Lord.” Etiquette in patriarchal times required Esau refuse the gift and Jacob insist he accept it. The fact that Esau accepted it and did not reciprocate reveals that this was not a mere exchange of civilities but evidence that the old score was settled. This was no cheap forgiveness. It had cost Jacob.
Jacob had not been ready to see Esau’s face until he had first seen God’s face. Jacob’s reconciliation with God preceded and made possible his reconciliation with Esau. God’s crippling of Jacob preceded his reconciliation with Esau. God’s blessing upon Jacob preceded Esau’s forgiveness. The principle of God first, man second is written throughout Scripture (see Matt. 22:37–39).
Agree on Limits (12–15)
Esau desired for Jacob and his family to return with him to Seir, but Jacob politely refused, using the travel-weariness of his children and livestock as an excuse. Seir, however, was outside of the promised land. The Lord’s word to Jacob at Bethel was that he would bring him back to “the land” (Gen. 28:15). Moreover, God’s chosen people were to remain separate from people who were not people of faith.
Jacob gently disengaged himself from Esau. He told Esau he would move to Seir at the pace of the livestock and the children. But Jacob traveled to Succoth and built himself a house. It is hard to understand his move to Succoth with God’s clear call to return to Bethel. This disobedience will cost his family dearly.
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