Genesis 33:2-3 . 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 elder brother, though he feared him as an enemy. read more
Meeting with Esau (33:1-17)Jacob may have had a dramatic spiritual experience with God, but he still had to face Esau the next day. He took precautions to protect his family against any possible hostility, then went ahead to meet Esau personally (33:1-3). Esau showed a generous spirit of forgiveness, with the result that the dreaded meeting proved to be a happy reunion. Jacob had gained Esau’s birthright and blessing by cunning and deceit, but he was not allowed to enjoy them fully till he... read more
men = Hebrew sing, 'ish ( App-14 ), as we use the expression "400 foot". When plural, used only of angels. read more
"And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost."What was the reason for Jacob's arrangement of these divisions in his family, divisions that surely separated them in the order of his love for them? Two reasons have been suggested: (1) he... read more
Genesis 33:1. And Jacob lifted up, &c.— It is not said how long time after the event recorded at the end of the former chapter it was that this interview happened: Esau's behaviour is extremely affecting and tender; and the tears of love which flowed from both the brothers' eyes do credit to their feelings. Esau's refusal of the present shewed his freedom from covetousness; I have enough, said he, Genesis 33:9. I have enough, answered Jacob, Gen 33:11 all things needful for me, Happy they... read more
1. behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men—Jacob having crossed the ford and ranged his wives and children in order—the dearest last, that they might be the least exposed to danger—awaited the expected interview. His faith was strengthened and his fears gone ( :-). Having had power to prevail with God, he was confident of the same power with man, according to the promise (compare :-). read more
Jacob arranged his family to preserve those who were most precious to him if his brother proved to be violently hostile (Genesis 33:1-3)."This kind of ranking according to favoritism no doubt fed the jealousy over Joseph that later becomes an important element in the narrative. It must have been painful to the family to see that they were expendable." [Note: The NET Bible note on 33:2.] His going ahead of them to meet Esau shows the new Israel overcoming the fear that had formerly dominated the... read more
1-16.Jacob and Esau meet peaceably.17-20. Jacob settles in Canaan.3. Bowed seven times] in token of submission to Esau. 4. Jacob’s prayer (Genesis 32:11) is answered, and Esau, whatever his original purpose, now shows his brother only goodwill and affection. 10. I have seen thy face, etc.] i.e. I find thee as favourable to me as God is, alluding, no doubt, to the name Peniel (Genesis 32:30).11. My blessing] RV ’my gift’: the present which accompanied expressions of good-will. So Naaman said to... read more
THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.Abraham begat Isaac—The Tôldôth in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan of human redemption.The Syrian.—Really, the Aramean, or descendant of Aram. (See Genesis 10:22-23.) The... read more
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Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 33:1
Genesis 33:1. 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. read more