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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 264

"The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord." Psalm 118:16-17

Text: Genesis 33:1-20

CONTINUING IN THE SAME SPIRIT OF HUMILITY

Esau must have agreed with Jacob’s reasoning. However, he felt that he ought to do something for his brother. Perhaps he could leave some of his men who would act as an armed escort for Jacob.

“And Esau said, ‘Now let me leave with you some of the people
who are with me.’
But he said, ‘What need is there? Let me find favour
in the sight of my lord.’
So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir.”
GENESIS 33:15-16

Jacob once again had to express appreciation for his brother’s kindness, but surely, there was no need for an armed escort! He continued to display a humble spirit. He did not want any more misunderstanding with his brother. Jacob in his own quiet way had in fact expressed great strength of spirit and character. He would not be pushed. He would do what was best for his family and his herds and flocks.

Esau adjudged his brother’s reasons as valid and immediately made his own way home. His ready response served to show that Jacob was right in his decision to travel at the pace that he had determined.


A STOPOVER AT SUCCOTH

Jacob continued to travel slowly till he was in the Promised Land at last! The journey from Padan Aram had been successfully completed.

“And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house,
and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of
the place is called Succoth.”
GENESIS 33:17

Jacob must have felt for his family deeply. They were not used to long journeys. They needed a house to feel they were truly at home. The livestock also needed special care and attention for they had trekked from Padan Aram to Canaan. The place was soon covered with booths for his vast herds and flocks. The name “Succoth” was apt. It meant “booths”. And there many booths were hastily erected to shelter his livestock.


SETTLING AT SHECHEM

Succoth was only a stopover. Jacob traveled on till he came to Shechem where he bought a piece of land from the children of Hamor for a hundred pieces of silver. To commemorate the historic return to Canaan, Jacob erected an altar to worship the Lord.

“Then he erected an altar there and called it
El Elohe Israel.”
GENESIS 33:20


Jacob thus fulfilled a promise he made to the Lord some twenty years ago. The Lord would be Israel’s God (Cf. Genesis 28:21)!