Genesis 33:1-16 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children to Leah… I. THE FRIENDLY MEETING. II. THE PRUDENT SEPARATION. Perhaps Jacob was still a little afraid of the impetuosity of his brother. But the deepest reason why Jacob politely declined Esau's offer of help and companionship was, we may well believe, a religious one. He saw that the aims which Esau would have in view and the habits of Esau's life would not suit what he (Jacob) wished to keep in mind and do. Besides, he felt that God intended him to keep apart from his brother, and to train his family in the special knowledge of the covenant with Abraham, and of all the promises which God had given. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" III. THE MEMORIAL OF GRATITUDE. Implying — 1. Thankfulness. God had enriched, guided, defended, comforted him. 2. Faith. Jacob would trust and worship God. 3. Hope. God, who had blessed him hitherto, would help him now and in his further career. (W. S. Smith, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. |
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