Genesis 33:1-20 Jacob Meets Esau

After wrestling with God Jacob sees Esau approaching. Esau runs to Jacob and embraces him.

The one who had lost his birthright and blessing kisses his brother as if nothing bad had ever come between either of them.

This account is a good reminder for us. We must be willing to forgive others. When we hold grudges over long periods of time, bitterness can take root in our lives. This bitterness can grow and bring about great discontent and harm to us.

When asked about the children, Jacob refers to them as, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant” (33:5). Jacob recognizes that children are a gift from the Lord.

The Bible speaks of children as a blessing from God. The man whose quiver is full of them is indeed blessed.

In the ancient world, women who could not have children very much wanted to have them. We see this situation in the life of Jacob. Rachel was barren and most unhappy until her first son Joseph was born. At that point Rachel said, “God has taken away my reproach” (30:23).

In our day, many men and women do not want the children God has graciously given to them. They view children as a burden and inconvenience. Thousands of children are aborted each year in this country alone.

We must allow God to change our thinking so we see children the way He sees them. What a blessing to have children.

The two brothers treat each other graciously as Jacob and the family continues on their journey. Then Esau returns to Seir, and Jacob eventually arrives safely in the land of Canaan. He builds an altar and calls it El-Elohe-Israel, “God, the God of Israel” (33:20).

God had promised to be with Jacob and protect him. In this account we see the faithfulness of God to carry out all He has promised. Jacob has arrived safely in the land.

Isn’t it the same with you and me? As we journey through life, God is with us. He loves us. Let’s continue to trust in Him and worship Him.