_A.M. 2265. B.C. 1739._ We read in the former chapter, how Jacob had power with God, and prevailed; here we find what power he had with men too. We have here, ( 1,) _ A friendly meeting between Jacob and Esau, Genesis 33:1._ (2,) Their conference at their meeting. Their discourse Isaiah, 1, About J... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold, Esau came_ Who had said, Genesis 27:41, “I will slay my brother Jacob;” _and with him four hundred men_ A force sufficient for him to do what he had threatened.... [ Continue Reading ]
_He put Rachel and Joseph hinder-most_ Giving those that were dearest to him most opportunity to escape. _He passed over before them_ Exposing himself to the first and greatest danger for the security of his wives and children. _He bowed himself to the ground_ Thus doing obeisance to Esau as an elde... [ Continue Reading ]
_Esau ran to meet him_ Not in anger, but in love: so wonderfully and suddenly had God, who hath the hearts of all men in his hands, and can turn them when and how he pleases, changed his heart; and of an implacable enemy, made him a kind and affectionate friend! _Embraced him, fell on his neck, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who are these with thee?_ Jacob had sent Esau an account of the increase of his estate, but had made no mention of his children, perhaps because he would not expose them to his rage if he should meet him as an enemy. Esau, therefore, had reason to make this inquiry: to which Jacob returned a seriou... [ Continue Reading ]
_As though I had seen the face of God_ That is, thy meeting me in this peaceable manner is very comfortable and refreshing to me, and an evident token of God's favour to me, Psalms 41:11. Or, I have seen thee reconciled to me, and at peace with me, as I desire to see God reconciled.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Take, I pray thee, my blessing_ This gift, which, as I received it from God, I heartily give thee, with my blessing and prayer that God would bless it to thee.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let us go, I will go before thee_ He offers himself to be Jacob's guide and companion, in token of a sincere reconciliation. We do not find that Jacob and Esau were ever before so loving with one another as they were now. God had made Esau, not only not an _enemy_, but a _friend._ He is become fond... [ Continue Reading ]
_Until I come unto my lord, to mount Seir_ As no mention is made of it, many writers think, that, for some reasons, Jacob never went to mount Seir to see Esau. Certainly it is very doubtful whether he ever did. It cannot be supposed however, that he would delay so long as the time mentioned in the t... [ Continue Reading ]
_He said, What needeth it_? Esau having offered some of his men to be his guard and convoy, Jacob humbly refuses his offer. He is under the divine protection, and needs no other. Those are sufficiently guarded who have God for their guard, and are under a convoy of his hosts, as Jacob was. Jacob add... [ Continue Reading ]
_Jacob journeyed to Succoth_ A place afterward known by that name, in the tribe of Gad, on the other side Jordan; here he rested for the present, set up booths for his cattle, and built a house; doubtless some slight building, because he intended not to stay there; with other conveniences for himsel... [ Continue Reading ]
_He erected there an altar_ 1st, In thankfulness to God, for the good hand of his providence over him. 2d, That he might keep up religion and the worship of God in his family. He dedicated this altar to the honour of _El-elohe-Israel, God the God of Israel:_ to the honour of God in general, the only... [ Continue Reading ]