Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 261

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes." Psalm 118:8-9

Text: Genesis 33:1-20

FAMILY REUNION

With the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau fully effected, there was now a happy family reunion. All seemed to be in awe of Esau, rugged and strong, leader of 400 armed men!

“Then the maidservants came near, they and their children,
and bowed down. And Leah also came near with her children,
and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near,
and they bowed down.”
GENESIS 33:6-7

The womenfolk and the children probably never saw so many armed men in their life. Laban’s group of people who chased after them was nothing like the people Esau led! No one had seen anyone quite like Esau! They did not know how to respond except to bow before Esau, as a sign of great respect for him.


THE PRESENT FOR ESAU EXPLAINED

After the formal introductions were over, Esau resumed his conversation with Jacob.

“Then Esau said, ‘What do you mean by all this company
which I met?’ And he said, ‘These are to find favour in
the sight of my lord.’
But Esau said, ‘I have enough, my brother; keep what
you have for yourself.'”
GENESIS 33:8-9

There was a new frankness of speech between the two brothers! To Esau’s direct question, Jacob gave a forthright answer. The hearts of Jacob, his wife and children were afraid of Esau. The gifts were sent to placate Esau!

With the new-found surge of love for Jacob, Esau sought to return the gift that had been presented to him! He had enough and more! Esau wanted to return the gift to Jacob, his “brother”.


STRONG INSISTENCE

Jacob continued to show sharpness of mind and spirit. With great diplomacy, Jacob urged his brother to receive the gift. Esau, at long last received the handsome gift that Jacob had presented to him!

“And Jacob said, ‘No, please, if I have now found favour
in your sight, then receive my present from my hand,
inasmuch as I have seen
your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were
pleased with me. Please, take my blessing that is brought to you,
because God has dealt graciously with me, and because
I have enough.’ So he urged him, and he took it.”
GENESIS 33:10-11