he friendly meeting of Jacob and Esau. (1-16) Jacob comes to
Succoth and Shalem, He builds an altar. (17-20)
Verses 1-16: Jacob, having by prayer committed his case to God, went on
his way. Come what will, nothing can come amiss to him whose
heart is fixed, trusting in God. Jacob bowed to Esau. A humble,
submissive behaviour goes far towards turning away wrath. Esau
embraced Jacob. God has the hearts of all men in his hands, and
can turn them when and how he pleases. It is not in vain to
trust in God, and to call upon him in the day of trouble. And
when a man's ways please the Lord he maketh even his enemies to
be at peace with him. Esau receives Jacob as a brother, and much
tenderness passes between them. Esau asks, Who are those with
thee? To this common question, Jacob spoke like himself, like a
man whose eyes are ever directed towards the Lord. Jacob urged
Esau, though his fear was over, and he took his present. It is
well when men's religion makes them generous, free-hearted, and
open-handed. But Jacob declined Esau's offer to accompany him.
It is not desirable to be too intimate with superior ungodly
relations, who will expect us to join in their vanities, or at
least to wink at them, though they blame, and perhaps mock at,
our religion. Such will either be a snare to us, or offended
with us. We shall venture the loss of all things, rather than
endanger our souls, if we know their value; rather than renounce
Christ, if we truly love him. And let Jacob's care and tender
attention to his family and flocks remind us of the good
Shepherd of our souls, who gathers the lambs with his arm, and
carries them in his bosom, and gently leads those that are with
young, (Isa 40:11). As parents, teachers or pastors, we should
all follow his example.
Verses 17-20: Jacob did not content himself with words of thanks for
God's favour to him, but gave real thanks. Also he kept up
religion, and the worship of God in his family. Where we have a
tent, God must have an altar. Jacob dedicated this altar to the
honour of El-elohe-Israel, God, the God of Israel; to the honour
of God, the only living and true God; and to the honour of the
God of Israel, as a God in covenant with him. Israel's God is
Israel's glory. Blessed be his name, he is still the mighty God,
the God of Israel. May we praise his name, and rejoice in his
love, through our pilgrimage here on earth, and for ever in the
heavenly Canaan.
he friendly meeting of Jacob and Esau. (1-16) Jacob comes to
Succoth and Shalem, He builds an altar. (17-20)