INTRODUCTION: Jacob receives the answer to his prayer. Esau comes in a peaceful and affectionate manner. How won- derful to have power in prayer with God, Who has power over men's hearts.I. AN UNCERTAIN REUNION - verses 1-2.
Jacob sees Esau approach with his troop of armed men. We cannot fully know what was in Jacob's mind. Did he have peace knowing that God had heard him, or did he tremble in anxiety? Why did he arrange his family as he did? Was it a matter of protocol, or was he protecting his favorites?II. HUMILITY - verse 3.
Jacob had done everything possible to ensure peace with Esau. He was generous with him [Proverbs 21:14]. He prayed and used soft words [Proverbs 15:1] and a humble approach. We too are to seek peace where it may be had without compromise [Romans 12:18].III. THE MEETING - verses 4-11.
Jacob was joyous to learn that Esau was not angry, but that brotherly love had returned. There is no doubt God had been at work in Esau's heart, in answer to Jacob's prayer [Genesis 32:28].Both men use restraint and wisdom by not mentioning the former problems. Many people never learn the art of leaving possible causes of provocation alone. Notice how eager Jacob was to have Esau receive his gift. In ancient times the reception of a gift was a sign of goodwill. Jacob would have doubted Esau's intent had he refused the gift.
IV. ESAU'S OFFER - verses 12-16.
Esau desired to travel with Jacob. Jacob, however, knew that the slow travel required by the women, children, and cattle would be irksome to a band of men. Esau then offered to leave a band of men to protect Jacob. Jacob likewise declined this offer as unnecessary. Esau was no doubt sincere in all of this and appears as a "nice guy." Sadly many who have admiral traits are still profane in God's sight [Hebrews 12:16]. Jacob seemed to wish to be away from Esau. There is no doubt he knew their paths led in different directions.V. SUCCOTH - verses 16-17.
We know not why Jacob stopped short of Mt. Seir. He stopped at Succoth and built a house and buildings for his animals. Succoth means booths.VI. SHECHEM - verses 18-20.
Shechem was both the name of a city and the name of the prince's son. In this city Jacob bought a piece of land. It has often been suggested that he desired to own a piece of Canaan. Note that in this place he reared up an altar to God and called it "God, the God of Israel." Here God was publicly worshipped and confessed. Public worship has always been a part of true godliness.
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