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THE FIRST CONVERSATION

Text: Genesis 33
22 January 2013

(I) THE FIRST CONVERSATION

1. Esau’s query (Genesis 33:5)

a) Who were the women?

b) Who were the children?

2. Jacob’s introduction of his family to Esau (Genesis 33:6-7)

a) Acknowledgment of God

b) The children were seen as God’s gifts

c) Presentation

i) Maidservants and their children

ii) Leah and her children

iii) Rachel and Joseph

d) All bowed in deference to Esau

(II) THE SECOND CONVERSATION

1. Esau asked about the company that preceded Jacob’s family (Genesis 33:8)

2. Jacob’s explanation (Genesis 33:8)

a) High regard for Esau

b) Jacob addressed Esau formally as “lord”

c) These were presents “to find favour with (Esau)”

3. Esau’s initial refusal to receive the gift (Genesis 33:9)

a) He was not in need

b) He addressed Jacob as “brother”

c) He urged Jacob to keep the intended gifts

4. Jacob’s insistence (Genesis 33:10-11)

a) The presents are to be received

b) This would mean that he had found favour in Esau’s sight

c) God had blessed Jacob abundantly

d) To see Esau was as if he saw God’s face

5. Esau’s acceptance of Jacob’s gifts

a) As an expression of good will

b) As an expression of reconciliation