Ge 33:1-17

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Meeting with Esau

(Gen 33:1-17)

Jacob may have had a dramatic spiritual experience with God, but he still had to face Esau the next day.

He took precautions to protect his family against any possible hostility, then went ahead to meet Esau personally (Gen 33:1-3).

Esau showed a generous spirit of forgiveness, with the result that the dreaded meeting proved to be a happy reunion.

Jacob had gained Esau’s birthright and blessing by cunning and deceit, but he was not allowed to enjoy them fully till he humbled himself before Esau, and Esau acknowledged that he had no claim against Jacob.

Esau did this by accepting Jacob’s gift (Gen 33:4-11).

Esau asked Jacob to follow him to Edom, but Jacob thought it better not to go immediately.

He had a large family and large flocks and herds, and decided to settle for the time being at the town of Succoth nearby (Gen 33:12-17).