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Jacob Meets Esau
1Later that day Jacob met Esau coming with his 400 men. So Jacob told his children to walk with their mothers. 2The two servant women, Zilpah and Bilhah, together with their children went first, followed by Leah and her children, then by Rachel and Joseph. 3Jacob himself walked in front of them all, bowing to the ground seven times as he came near his brother.
4But Esau ran toward Jacob and hugged and kissed him. Then the two brothers started crying.
5When Esau noticed the women and children he asked, “Whose children are these?”
Jacob answered, “These are the children the Lord has been kind enough to give to me, your servant.”
6Then the two servant women and their children came and bowed down to Esau. 7Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down; finally, Joseph and Rachel also came and bowed down.
8Esau asked Jacob, “Why did you send those herds I met along the road?”
“Master,” Jacob answered, “I sent them so you would be friendly to me.”
9“But, brother, I already have plenty,” Esau replied. “Keep them for yourself.”
10“No!” Jacob said. “Please accept them as a sign of your friendship for me. When you welcomed me and I saw your face, it was like seeing the face of God. 11Please accept these as gifts I brought to you. God has been good to me, and I have everything I need.” Jacob kept insisting until Esau agreed.
12“Let's get ready to travel,” Esau said. “I'll go along with you.”
13But Jacob answered, “Master, you know traveling is hard on children, and I have to look after the sheep and goats that are nursing their young. If my animals travel too much in one day, they will all die. 14Why don't you go on ahead and let me travel along slowly with the children, the herds, and the flocks. We can meet again in the country of Edom.”
15Esau replied, “Let me leave some of my men with you.”
“You don't have to do that,” Jacob answered. “I am happy, simply knowing that you are friendly to me.”
16So Esau left for Edom. 17But Jacob went to Succoth, where he built a house for himself and set up shelters for his animals. That's why the place is called Succoth.
Jacob Arrives
18After leaving northern Syria, Jacob arrived safely at Shechem in Canaan and set up camp outside the city. 19 The land where he camped was owned by the descendants of Hamor, the father of Shechem. So Jacob paid them 100 pieces of silver for the property, 20then he set up his tents and built an altar there to honor the God of Israel.
Reflect
When we deceive or rob others we can expect some kind of revenge. That’s just how life works. What a shock when a victim of our actions sets aside their combative attitude and grievance and responds with forgiveness and grace. That is what occurred between Esau and Jacob.
Jacob’s spiritual and character transformation was not complete even after coming face to face with God. He was still fearful about his past sins and dreaded encountering his brother Esau. Our old nature has a way of allowing our fear’s tentacles to creep into the darkest places of our soul. So to prepare himself for a confrontation, battle and perhaps death, Jacob tentatively approached his brother Esau. He presented him with his wife and children, endless gifts and then humbly bowed down seven times. But Jacob was in for a staggering revelation. The brother from whom he had stolen the family blessing showered him not with arrogance, bitterness or revenge, but with the gift of forgiveness.
For a man who had previously hoped to cash in on the family’s real estate, it must have been startling for Jacob to come face to face with this undeserved gift of grace. Jacob exclaimed with awe: “When you welcomed me and I saw your face, it was like seeing the face of God” (Genesis 33:10). Looking into the eyes of forgiveness is a supernatural gift that can only come from encountering the loving grace of God.
When you and I acknowledge our struggles and misdeeds, and take the time to encounter God; it will empower us to embrace life with the supernatural power that comes from going face to face with grace.
Respond
Dear Father God,
Your grace amazes me. Thank you for stories in the Bible that show the beauty and power of forgiveness. Help me to be like Esau; to let go of past hurts and bitterness and instead offer the gift of forgiveness and grace. Thank you. Amen.
Heidi McLaughlin
For over two decades Heidi has helped people find fulfillment in life through embracing God’s truth. She does this through writing and teaching the Bible, mentoring and speaking at Conferences and Retreats all across North America. Heidi has been twice widowed and has a family of 5 children and 12 grandchildren. When she is not writing or speaking she loves to golf, laugh or share a cup of coffee with her family and friends. Publications: Sand To Pearls: Making Bold Choices to Enrich your Life; Beauty Unleashed: Transforming a Woman’s Soul; Restless for More: Finding Fulfillment in Unexpected Places; Looking Back and Enjoying The View; Your Home, An Entry Into a Woman’s Heart Anthologies: Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider; A Taste of Hot Apple Cider, Apple Cider and Cinnamon, Chicken Soup for the Soul: "O Canada"; Sunshine Kisses for Grandmas, , The Joy of Less
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