Bible Commentaries
Genesis 33

Verses 1-20

The Reunion With Esau

When Jacob saw Esau coming, he divided his family into three groups. The maidservants formed a group with their children, Leah formed one with hers and Rachel brought up the rear with Joseph. Bowing to the ground seven times before his brother showed Israel's humility. Esau's embrace and kiss with weeping seems to say the anger is in the past. Israel identifies the children as a blessing from God. Though Esau tried to refuse the presents, Israel insisted he take them. He said seeing Esau's forgiving face was like seeing God's face.

Israel declined Esau's offer to journey with them, since he said the cattle and children would be slow. He also refused help from Esau's men. Instead, he said he intended to settle and then come to see his brother in Seir, the mountain in the land later called Edom. Israel then journeyed on to Succoth where he made booths for his cattle and lived for a time. Later, he moved on to Shechem where he bought a piece of land from the children of Hamor. He then built and altar and worshipped God, calling the place El Elohe Israel, or "God, the God of Israel" ( Gen_33:1-20 ).