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 maidservants.
2. He put the maidservants 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.
4. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.
5. Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. "Who are these with you?" he asked. Jacob answered, "They are the children God has graciously given your servant."
6. Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down.
7. Next, Leah and her children came and bowed down. Last of all came Joseph and Rachel, and they too bowed down.
8. Esau asked, "What do you mean by all these droves 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.
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2 comments:
The reunion of these two brothers are in a way very different from what the typical world might expect. Rather than seeing Esau get his revenge, we see reconciliation. How interesting that we'll see a similar story with Jacob's son Joseph...
Before Jacob has a chance to ask for forgiveness, Esau greets him and indirectly forgives him.
One observation is that Jacob liked Rachel and Joseph among all of his family members because of where Jacob places them.
What prompted Esau's change of heart? Was it the humility with which Jacob approached Esau (all the bowing and gifts)? And/or was it the bond of family and the healing effects of time? Can't help but be reminded of the prodigal son story from the NT.
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