Genesis 33:8
"What do you mean by sending this whole company to meet me?" asked Esau. "To find favor in your sight, my lord," Jacob answered.
What do you mean
This phrase reflects Esau's curiosity and perhaps confusion about the intentions behind Jacob's actions. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "מַה־לְּךָ" (mah-lekha), which can be translated as "What is this to you?" It suggests a direct and personal inquiry, indicating Esau's genuine interest in understanding Jacob's motives. This moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for reconciliation, showing Esau's openness to dialogue despite their past conflicts.

by this whole procession
The "procession" refers to the gifts and people Jacob sent ahead to Esau. In Hebrew, the word "מַחֲנֶה" (machaneh) is used, meaning "camp" or "company." This term is significant as it denotes not just a group of people but an organized assembly, reflecting Jacob's strategic planning and desire to appease Esau. Historically, such processions were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures as a means of showing respect or seeking favor, underscoring Jacob's intent to reconcile and honor his brother.

I met?
The encounter between Esau and the procession is crucial. The Hebrew root "פָּגַע" (paga) implies a meeting or coming upon something unexpectedly. This word choice highlights the surprise element in Esau's encounter with the gifts, suggesting that Jacob's gesture was both unexpected and significant. It emphasizes the theme of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan in the reconciliation of the brothers.

Esau asked
Esau's inquiry is direct and personal. The Hebrew verb "שָׁאַל" (sha'al) means "to ask" or "to inquire," indicating Esau's active engagement in the situation. This moment is a testament to Esau's character, showing his willingness to communicate and understand rather than react with hostility. It reflects a softened heart, possibly influenced by God's work in his life, preparing the way for reconciliation.

To find favor
Jacob's response reveals his intention. The Hebrew phrase "לִמְצֹא־חֵן" (limtso chen) translates to "to find grace" or "to find favor." This expression is often used in the context of seeking mercy or goodwill, highlighting Jacob's humility and desire for peace. It underscores the biblical principle of seeking reconciliation and grace, aligning with the broader scriptural theme of forgiveness and restoration.

in your eyes
The phrase "in your eyes" is a Hebrew idiom "בְּעֵינֶיךָ" (be'eynekha), meaning "in your sight" or "in your judgment." It emphasizes the personal nature of Jacob's appeal to Esau, seeking his personal approval and acceptance. This reflects the importance of personal relationships and the need for reconciliation on an individual level, resonating with the biblical call to live at peace with others.

my lord
Jacob's use of "my lord" (אֲדֹנִי, adoni) is a term of respect and submission. It signifies Jacob's acknowledgment of Esau's position and authority, despite the birthright and blessing Jacob received. This term reflects a cultural and historical context where such titles were used to show deference and honor, illustrating Jacob's changed heart and his willingness to humble himself before his brother.

Jacob replied
Jacob's reply is a culmination of his journey of transformation. The Hebrew verb "וַיֹּאמֶר" (vayomer) means "and he said," indicating a deliberate and thoughtful response. Jacob's words are not just a reply but a reflection of his repentance and desire for reconciliation. This moment is a powerful testament to the work of God in Jacob's life, transforming him from a deceiver to a man seeking peace and restoration with his brother.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who had previously deceived his brother Esau out of his birthright and blessing. In this chapter, Jacob is returning to Canaan after years in Haran and is seeking reconciliation with Esau.

2. Esau
The elder brother of Jacob, who was wronged by Jacob in the past. Esau is now meeting Jacob after many years, and there is tension regarding how he will receive Jacob.

3. The Company
Refers to the gifts and servants sent by Jacob ahead of his meeting with Esau. This was a gesture of goodwill and an attempt to appease Esau.

4. Canaan
The land to which Jacob is returning, which holds significant promise as the land given to Abraham and his descendants.

5. Reconciliation
The event of Jacob and Esau meeting after years of estrangement, highlighting themes of forgiveness and restoration.
Teaching Points
Seeking Reconciliation
Jacob's approach to Esau demonstrates the importance of taking initiative in mending broken relationships. We should actively seek peace and reconciliation with those we have wronged.

Humility in Relationships
Jacob refers to Esau as "my lord," showing humility and respect. In our interactions, we should adopt a posture of humility, especially when seeking forgiveness.

The Power of Gifts
Jacob's use of gifts to appease Esau illustrates how thoughtful gestures can help mend relationships. Consider how acts of kindness can pave the way for reconciliation in your own life.

Trust in God's Promises
Despite his fear, Jacob moves forward in faith, trusting in God's promises. We are encouraged to trust God even when facing difficult or fearful situations.

Forgiveness and Restoration
The eventual reconciliation between Jacob and Esau is a powerful reminder of the possibility of forgiveness and restoration, even after deep hurt.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jacob's approach to Esau reflect principles of reconciliation found in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we apply Jacob's humility in our own efforts to mend broken relationships?

3. How do the gifts Jacob sent ahead of him serve as a practical tool for reconciliation, and how can we use similar strategies today?

4. What role does trust in God's promises play in Jacob's actions, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives when facing fear?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced reconciliation. How did it compare to the account of Jacob and Esau, and what lessons can you draw from both experiences?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 32
Provides context for Jacob's fear and preparation to meet Esau, including his prayer for deliverance and the sending of gifts.

Proverbs 21:14
Discusses how a gift given in secret can pacify anger, which relates to Jacob's strategy in sending gifts to Esau.

Matthew 5:23-24
Jesus teaches about reconciliation with a brother before offering a gift at the altar, paralleling Jacob's actions in seeking peace with Esau.
Forgiveness of InjuriesSydney Smith, M. A.Genesis 33:1-16
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 33:1-16
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 33:1-16
Needless FearsA. K. H. Boyd, D. D.Genesis 33:1-16
Needlessness of AnxietyC. H. M.Genesis 33:1-16
The Brothers ReconciledHomilistGenesis 33:1-16
The Brothers ReconciledJ. C. Gray.Genesis 33:1-16
The ContrastE. Craig.Genesis 33:1-16
The ReconciliationW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 33:1-16
The Reconciliation of Esau and JacobF. Bourdillon.Genesis 33:1-16
The Reconciliation of Jacob and EsauT. H. Leale.Genesis 33:1-16
The Fruits of PrayerR.A. Redford Genesis 33
People
Aram, Esau, Hamor, Jacob, Joseph, Leah, Rachel, Seir
Places
Canaan, Paddan-aram, Penuel, Seir, Shechem, Succoth
Topics
Camp, Company, Drove, Droves, Esau, Favor, Favour, Grace, Herds, Jacob, Lord's, Mean, Meanest, Met, Offering, Sight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 33:1-11

     5799   bitterness

Genesis 33:1-17

     5095   Jacob, life

Genesis 33:8-11

     5861   favour, human
     6672   grace, in relationships

Library
Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision B. At Jacob's Well, and at Sychar. ^D John IV. 5-42. ^d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 and Jacob's well was there. [Commentators long made the mistake of supposing that Shechem, now called Nablous, was the town here called Sychar. Sheckem lies a mile and a half west of Jacob's well, while the real Sychar, now called 'Askar, lies scarcely half a mile north of the well. It was a small town, loosely called
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour,
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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