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In the last article we'd learned, that Jacob had spent the night, wrestling with one of the Lord's angels that had came to visit him. And surprisingly, Jacob wouldn't give up, even though he was found to be, at a tremendous disadvantage. Know that Jacob had stayed very persistent, when it came to his struggle with the divine creature.
And because of his determination, when it came to getting an answer for the prayer, that had caused the Lord to send the angel in the first place. Jacob would come away from this unique experience, somewhat victorious? And perhaps, one could possibly embrace the notion, that Jacob, has now come full circle from within his journey? Understand that after twenty years, Jacob is now just moments away, from reuniting with his twin brother Esau. Now remember, the last time they were found to be around each other, Jacob had went along with the deceptive plan, that his mother had came up with, when it came to tricking her husband (Jacob's father) Isaac. For this was a plan, that dealt with Jacob pretending to be his brother Esau, in order to keep his father from speaking a special blessing upon his brothers life. And it was for these reasons, that Esau had vowed to kill Jacob. And thanks to his mother, Jacob would later on, learn about his brother's vow. And soon after this had happened, Jacob would end up leaving his father's household, in order to avoid his brother's wrath. And it would be from this point forward, that Jacob would end up embarking on a 20 year journey. A journey that would eventually take him through more enduring valleys, and hillside challenges -- which would be more, than he could ever imagine. And this is why, I believe that he has come full circle when it comes to his life. And in a little while, Jacob will finally reunite with the man, who'd caused him to flee from everything, and everyone, that he'd ever knew and loved.
Nonetheless, we now move forward. And this is where the Sacred Record informs us, that Jacob is now watching Esau approaching him, with his 400 men, from a distance. And perhaps, it would also be at this time -- that after seeing this, the worries that Jacob had, when it came to meeting his brother -- would be somewhat confirmed? And this is why Jacob would immediately get his camp ready, by dividing his children, and placing them each with their mothers. Next we find Jacob, putting the maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah (which were his other two wives) in the first group, together with their kids. And after Jacob had done that, he would put Leah and her children in the second group that was to follow. And from within the third group, the one that had made up the rear, Jacob placed Rachel and her son Joseph within that group. And after doing this, Jacob would then hurry to the front, so he could meet his brother first.
Now it's also at this time, that Jacob is found coming before Esau. And while doing so, Jacob would greet his brother, by bowing down to him 7 times as he'd approached. And when Esau had seen his brother coming towards him bowing, he ran towards Jacob and embraced him. And after this had happened, both brothers would hug and kiss each other, as they both began to weep. "Who are these people with you?" Esau asked Jacob as he finally looked up, and saw everybody standing around looking at them. "They are the children that God has graciously given your servant." Jacob replied. And sfter Jacob had said this, Bilhah and Zilpah along with their children, would bow down to Esau as they'd approached. Next it would be Leah and her children approaching and bowing, followed by Rachel and her son Joseph, approaching and bowing.
Now keep in mind, that right before meeting Jacob, Esau had already met all the different groups of animals, and servants, that Jacob had sent ahead as gifts: "Why do you have me meeting all these droves?" Esau asked. "So I can find favor in your eyes my lord." Jacob replied. "I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself." Esau declared. But Jacob would insist that Esau accept his gifts: "No please! If I have found favor in your eyes, accept these gifts from me. For to see your face, is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I have all I need" - Genesis 33:10,11 And because of his brother's persistence, Esau accepts Jacob's gifts. And soon after, Esau would make Jacob an offer, for he wanted to join Jacob and his group, while they continued on towards the land of Seir.
"Let us be on our way; I'll accompany you." Esau proposed. But Jacob had different plans, for he was headed to Succoth -- which was located further west, next to the River Jordan. And from there, Jacob would cross the river, while continuing towards Shechem. Now keep in mind, that Esau had settled in the "land of Seir" -- which was a mountainous region that was located southeast from the land of Canaan, and just past the Dead Sea. Now understand, that if Jacob was to head towards Seir with his brother, he would have disobeyed God, for he was instructed by the Lord to head back home to the "land of Canaan" and take his rightful place as the new steward of the Abrahamic Covenant. But nonetheless, this was a great moment for these two brothers, for I have not read anywhere from within the Sacred Record, that has them as close as they are, during this recorded moment. Know that, for most of their lives, they've always seemed to be going against each other, while being in some kind of competition. Now we find them close, and being respectful towards each other. So I can understand why Jacob reacted the way that he did, when it came to turning his brother's offer down, in a somewhat deceitful way (I'll explain in a little bit).
Now I want you to pay close attention to what Jacob had told Esau: "My lord knows the children are tender and that I must care for the ewes and cows that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard just one day, all the animals will die. So let my lord go on ahead of his servant, while I move along slowly at the pace of the droves before me and that of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir." -- Genesis 33:13,14 And of course, this was a lie? But I state that with great understanding, on why Jacob went about it this way? Please have patience, while I'll attempt to explain this viewpoint, in a little bit. But in the meantime, let's go a little further? After hearing what Jacob had to say, Esau responded by saying: "Then let me leave some of my men with you." But Jacob would insist: "But why do that? Just let me find favor in the eyes of my lord."
Now understand, that it's not that Esau didn't trust Jacob at this point... in actuality, it was because he was very concerned? For he knew, that with Jacob traveling the way that he was with his family, and without protection -- to Esau, it seemed like a very risky journey for Jacob to be taking alone. For Esau knew, that the land had so many possible hidden dangers from within it. But what Esau didn't know, or would not have understood -- dealt with the fact, that the Most High God was providing protection, and was with Jacob every step of the way. So nonetheless, later that day, Esau decided to head back to Mount Seir, while Jacob ended up heading towards Succoth (know that the name signifies 'booth'), for it was also a city that was located from within in the place, that would be later awarded to the "tribe of Gad." For Jacob would build a place for himself there, along with shelters for his livestock. Also know, that this would be a temporary dwelling for Jacob and his family. Now after Jacob had done this, he would later travel to Shalem -- which was a city of Shechem. There, he would buy a plot of land for a 100 pieces of sliver from the "sons of Hamor" in which he'd ended up settling there. Know that Hamor was the father of Shechem. However that may have been, Jacob would end up naming this place El-elohe-Israel: which meant -- God the God of Israel.
Now it's at this time, that I would like to explain, why I'm not going to be too critical, when it comes to Jacob lying to his brother -- especially while they were in the midst, of their long overdue, great moment of reconciliation. First off remember, that Esau use to be extremely upset with Jacob -- and like I'd explained earlier, because of what happened between them and their father, and by Esau being born first from out of the two -- that special blessing that Jacob had received from their father Isaac, was suppose to be Esau's destiny, or so it would seemed... at least, until he gave it away. And this was the very thing, that had Esau so enraged with his brother -- so much so, that he'd vowed to kill Jacob after their father had passed. So I can understand, why Jacob did not want to remind Esau of this fact? For he didn't want to tell his brother, that he was going home to take his proper position as the new steward of the Abrahamic covenant? Now does this mean that Jacob was right for lying? Of course not... and I'll be the first to state, that he should have trusted God more. I'm just pointing out, that Jacob had lied to Esau, for peaceful motives, and not deceitful ones. For his heart was in the right place, but his trust in the Lord wasn't.
Now that Jacob has settled from within the "city of Shalem" -- how will this place end up treating him and his family? And you know what? Let's just say, that something happens to Jacob's daughter Dinah? Something that's so severe, that it ends up putting Jacob's entire family, in a very dangerous position.
The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men **YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE**
56) Rachel the Thief 57) Jacob's Mistake 58) Laban's Pursuit 62) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE-> 63) Dinah the Daughter of Israel
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