And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants. And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Then the servants drew near, they and their children, and bowed down. Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down. And last Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favour in the sight of my lord.” But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.”
Comment: There are stories and deeper understandings hidden within many records of events, even in our history. Thankfully the meeting went well. But I have several questions unanswered, although hinted at. Why did Esau bring 400 men with him? Were they an army initially brought to carry out Esau’s previous murderous threats? Why did Jacob continue to call Esau ‘lord’, when he held the senior rank because of his blessing stolen from his father? Was Esau being cunning, in initially rejecting Jacob’s huge gifts? The saga continues tomorrow, but here Esau has had contact with Jacob and his family and things seem to be going peacefully.
Prayer: There are many tricky situations in life, my God. Help me to walk wisely and to listen well to Your word.
As I read it! 