Genesis 33

3 seven times. An act of submission to his elder brother.

10 the face of God. The unexpected kindness shown by Esau is taken as a pledge of God’s favour and protection. Cp. Job xxxiii. 26.

11 urged. The acceptance of a present, called here a “blessing,” is deemed of peculiar importance in the East, as a ratification of friendship (2 Kings vi. 15).

13 tender. Besides Joseph there were probably some young children belonging to Jacob’s servants.

14 unto Seir. For other reasons it was better that they should journey and dwell apart. Jacob, however, who was now on his way towards Shechem, proposes to visit his brother at Mount Seir, where as a guest the laws of hospitality would protect him. There is no record that the visit was paid.

15. Let me find grace.** That is, “Pardon me for declining the offer.” An armed guard (“some of the folk”) with Jacob might lead to mischief. And he is conscious of a higher Protector.

17. Succoth.** “Booths” were wanted for the rainy season and winter. Jacob meant to stay here for a considerable time.

18 to Shalem. Rather, “And Jacob came safely,” or “in peace, to the city of Shechem” (R.V.). See xxviii. 21; xxxii. 9.

19 pieces of money. Heb., kesita = “weighed out”; a weight. In the other two places where this Hebrew word kesita occurs (Josh. xxiv. 32; Job xlii. 11), as well as here, the word is rendered “lambs” in some of the ancient versions. It has been thought to mean either lambs given in barter; or weights made in the form of lambs, like the lion weights of Assyria and the antelope weights of Egypt; or else coins bearing the image of a lamb, as in later times in Phoenicia.

20. El-elohe-Israel.** “God, the God of Israel.” Jacob here claims his new and honourable name (xxxii. 28), and associates it first with the worship of God. It does not seem to have been commonly employed until his residence in Egypt: while “Jacob” continues to be his usual name.