05.038. Chapter 33

Genesis 33:1-20 As Esau drew near, Jacob lapsed back into tearfulness and fleshly behavior, arranging his household in such a way as to afford maximum protection for those he loved most (Genesis 33:1-2). Jacob himself bowed seven times to the ground as he approached his brother Genesis 33:3). Esau, by comparison, was relaxed, warm, and effusive as he met Jacob first, then Jacob’s wives and children (Genesis 33:4-7). He protested mildly against the extravagant gift of livestock but finally consented to accept it (Genesis 33:8-11). Jacob seems to have shown undue servility to his brother, speaking of himself as his servant (Genesis 33:5). Some think that he resorted to flattery and exaggeration in telling Esau that seeing his face was like seeing God (Genesis 33:10). Others think that the face of God here means a reconciled face. When Esau suggested that they travel back together, Jacob pretended that this would be impossible because of the slow pace required by the children and young animals (Genesis 33:12-14 a). Jacob promised to meet Esau in Seir (Edom) (Genesis 33:14 b), although he had no intention of doing so. Even when Esau tried to leave behind some of his men to travel with Jacob’s household, the latter refused the offer without revealing the real reasons—fear and suspicion (Genesis 33:15). At length Jacob arrived at Shechem and settled there, erecting an altar which he called El-elohe-Israel (“God, the God of Israel”). Twenty years earlier, when God had appeared to him at Bethel, Jacob had vowed that the Lord would be his God, that he would give a tenth of his wealth to the Lord, and that he would establish Bethel as God’s house (Genesis 28:20-22). Now, instead of returning to Bethel, he settles 30 miles away in the fertile area of Shechem, probably for the sake of his livestock. God does not speak directly to him until several years later, when He calls on Jacob to fulfill his vow (Genesis 35:1-29). In the meantime, the tragic events of Genesis 34:1-31 take place.