Jacob Meets Esau: Genesis Chapter 33 Bible study

Introduction 

Hello and Welcome to the Daily Manna! 

Today we explore Genesis Chapter 33 where we see a reunion between Jacob and his brother, he deceived out of his inheritance, Esau. In this chapter we will see the power of humility and forgiveness.

 Before going any further please read chapter 33 of Genesis as this is a Bible study companion and should never replace the word of God. 

Summary of Genesis chapter 33

Verse 1-3 Jacob sees Esau coming with his 400 men so he divided his family in preparation in case Esau was there to kill them. Then Jacob went ahead and vowed to the grounds seven times as he approached his brother. 

Verses 4-7 Esau runs to Jacob and embraces him. They wept. Then esua looks up to see Jacob's family with him. Then they all bow down. 

Verses 8-15 Esau asks Jacob what the meaning of all the gifts means then tries to give them back to Jacob. Jacob continues to offer them so Esau accepts. Esau then proceeds to accompany them back. Jacob then tells him he will meet them as the children and the flock can not travel fast. 

Verses 16-20 Esau heads back to his home which is south. Jacob heads north instead. He built a place for himself and bought land from the sons of Hamor.

Key Themes and Meanings 

Humility

Genesis 33:1-3 NIV

[1] Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants. [2] He put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. [3] He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.33.1-3.NIV

The last time Jacob saw his brother was about 40 years ago, when he cheated his brother out of his inheritance by dressing up as him and fooling their blind father to give him his brother's expected blessing. 

This chapter begins with fear of his brother and his men possibly attacking and killing Jacob and his family. As that was what Esau vowed to do 40 years prior. Here before Esua and his men have time to react, Jacob bows himself down in humility at his brother's feet. He knows his back is against the wall. And he had spent the whole night before wrestling with God for his blessing. Now he bows to his brother in total surrender. See the previous blog post. 

Forgiveness

 As Jacob bows his brother begins to run towards him. How much fear this must have caused Jacob, possibly thinking this could have been it, even though God promised to protect many times. Here we see something unexpected: 

Genesis 33:4 NIV

[4] But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.33.4.NIV

And a family reunion takes place. Time had allowed two brothers who were once enemies to come together in joy. Once the joy of seeing each other had simmered down, Esua turned and asked who all the people were. Jacob makes introductions and his family also bow to Esau. 

Genesis 33:8-11 NIV

[8] Esau asked, “What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?” “To find favor in your eyes, my lord,” he said. [9] But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” [10] “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. [11] Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” And because Jacob insisted, Esau accepted it.

https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.33.8-11.NIV

From here we see Esau telling Jacob to take his things back as he doesn't need them and has more than enough riches. However Jacob refuses and insists that Esau takes them. From here we see Esau offering to take them back to his land however Jacob tells him that he will meet him as he has a lot of livestock and children that require a slower travel. Instead Jacob goes north to live. 

God's plan

Jacob and Esau came from a dysfunctional family. We learned in previous chapters that Esau was preferred by his father and Jacob by his mother. There was sibling rivalry and anger towards each other. Though things had escalated to the point of Jacob having to flee, because of his brother's intent to kill him, God had brought them back together. He allowed them to end things on better terms with joy. He is gracious and more loving than any of us deserve.

Reflections for today 

In what ways can you show humility and humble yourself to God? 

Has there ever been a time where you expected a loved one to be angry towards you but instead you are met with grace? 

Reflect on the importance of humility and the forgiveness of wrong doing. 

Conclusion 

We learn in chapter 33 of Genesis how important forgiveness and humility are. Here we see Jacob reuniting with his brother Esau. The one who threatened to kill Jacob after their father died, however met him with Grace instead. Instead of his fears coming true, Esau meets him and it's a joyful reunion. 

Prayer

Lord help me for give those who have wronged me and help me humble myself to those I have wronged. Amen.