Turn of Events

Genesis 33

Remember the last chapter Jacob heard that his brother was going to meet up with him with like 400 other men, who were armed. This was somewhat scary because Jacob remembered that Esau wanted to kill him. These were some of the last words that were said to one another. In this passage we see something different taking place. Esau runs to meet the timid and fearful Jacob not only with the 400 men but Esau runs to embrace Jacob and give him a hug and a kiss. This was a turn of events as Jacob and his party were expecting some other type of reaction. Jacob bowed seven times as in reverence to his brother. In the Near Eastern culture, when one person would approach a king they would bow seven times. Jacob was valuing his brother in respect like a king. Instead of the bitter words that were spoken several years ago, that bitterness changed into love and affection. Neither brother could be around each other, but now there was joy because of the separation and the bitterness faded away. 

Esau then wants to accompany Jacob on the rest of the journey to his father’s land. Jacob declined the offer not because he did not trust his brother but because he had a lot of livestock and they do not really want to travel long distances in a short amount of time. It takes days, they need food and they need water.

Jacob left went on the journey to Canaan and finally came to a location called Shechem. This was indeed the land that was promised to Abraham. It is also interesting in Genesis 12:6, 7, God first appeared to Abram here. It was the promise that God had mentioned and it is coming more and more true as we read these chapters. Jacob pitched his tent and built stables. It was sure sign that he was going to stay for good.

Resolution with someone over an issue is so great. I know in my life and anyone else’s that there will be conflict with another person. Maybe it is or was with some family member like Jacob. Maybe you did part ways and you never resolved the issue. But when you work through that conflict and come to terms with each other it is great. We as Christians are called to not hold onto bitterness but work through it. It is hard because feelings do get hurt; people do get offended, but we are to get rid of bitterness (Ephesians 4:31). I am not perfect and I know I have been hurt by people close to me and may have hurt others, but I would be a hypocrite if I challenge you to work out conflicts if I was not willing to do the same. My challenge is for you and for me is to see what issues we may have with a friend or a family member and show Christ in the situation.