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THE FEAR OF ESAU

Text: Genesis 33
8 January 2013

(I) THE FEAR OF ESAU

1. Jacob had feared his brother’s wrath

a) He had fled from his wrath

b) He knew that he was in the wrong

i) In stealing Esau’s birth-right (Genesis 27)

ii) In stealing Esau’s blessing of the first-born (Genesis 27)

c) After many years away from Canaan, he still feared Esau

2. Every preparation had been made to prepare for this encounter with Esau

a) Handsome presents were prepared and offered to appease his brother (Genesis 32)

b) Jacob wrestled with God in prayer, seeking to secure a blessing (Genesis 32)

(II) THE FEARED DAY OF RECKONING

1. Esau was coming to see Jacob

a) He was not coming alone

b) He was accompanied by 400 men (Genesis 33:1)

2. Jacob prepared for the worst

a) He put the children from his maid-servants in the forefront (Genesis 33:2)

b) After them, Leah and her children (Genesis 33:2)

c) Finally Rachel and Joseph (Genesis 33:2)

(III) ESAU’S INITIATIVE

1. He ran to meet Jacob (Genesis 33:4a)

2. He embraced his long-lost brother (Genesis 33:4b)

3. He kissed his brother (Genesis 33:4c)

(IV) A DEEPLY EMOTIONAL MOMENT

1. The two brothers wept (Genesis 33:4)

2. They were reconciled

3. Jacob’s fears were unfounded

(V) GOD’S HAND

1. Protection

2. Provision

3. Direction

4. Reconciliation