Genesis Chapter 33 - God Goes Before

After the passing of twenty years, Jacob and Esau meet once again. Jacob had left his home twenty years ago in fear of losing his life, for Esau had planned to kill him after their father died. It was also with fear that Jacob returned to the homeland of his childhood. He had prepared for this reunion with Esau by sending gifts ahead. He had laid a plan in place for his family to escape, if need be, and he had prayed about this time of meeting his brother again. His fate was now in the hands of God.

Jacob must have chosen to momentarily forget God’s promise to bless him and give him the land and many descendants. If he had placed his trust and hope in God completely, he would not have needed to face Esau with fear, but could have met him with confidence. As it turned out Esau was very glad to see Jacob after all the years that had separated them. He had become a wealthy man himself, and he had no need of the herds that Jacob had given him as gifts.

Esau must have had a change of heart in Jacob’s absence, for he displayed no bitterness or anger. Instead he was anxious to have Jacob back home as soon as possible. Jacob declined to immediately travel back with Esau, explaining that his herds and his children needed to move at a slower pace. The necessary forgiveness and healing had taken place between these brothers, and both could go on with their lives in peace with one another. While Esau returned home, Jacob purchased some ground in Shechem in Canaan and pitched his tent there. He had much to be thankful for, and he wasted no time in building an altar to offer the Lord his sacrifice of praise.

In this episode of Jacob’s life we are once again reminded that what God promises, He will do. We need not be afraid of the unseen or the unknown if our trust and hope are in God. He goes before us and prepares the way. He is so deserving of our worship and praise.

"We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.
We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.
And we offer unto him our sacrifices of thanksgiving;
And we offer unto him our sacrifices of joy."
(Kirk Dearman, Copyright 1984 John T. Benson Publishing Co.)