Genesis 33:1 - Meaning and Application

Here, Jacob saw Esau coming (Genesis 33:1). Some think that when he lifted up his eyes, it showed cheerfulness and confidence rather than a downcast face. After he had committed his case to God in prayer, he went on his way with a settled heart, like Hannah after prayer, whose face was no longer sad (1 Samuel 1:18). Those who have placed their cares in God’s hands can look ahead with calmness and peace, expecting God to work out the outcome. Whatever happens, nothing can truly go wrong for the one whose heart is fixed on trusting God. Jacob stood like a watchman on a tower, waiting to see how God would answer his prayers (Habakkuk 2:1).

He then arranged his family as well as he could to meet Esau, whether Esau came as a friend or as an enemy (Genesis 33:1-2). It is striking how differently the two brothers appeared. Esau came with 400 men and looked impressive, while Jacob came behind a large company of women and children, which he had to protect and care for. Yet Jacob had the birthright, was to have the rule, and was in every way the better man. It is no shame for great and good men to give personal attention to their families and household matters. Jacob, leading his house, set a better example than Esau leading his soldiers.

When they met, they exchanged kindness in the best way possible. Jacob bowed to Esau, even though he feared him as an enemy, because Esau was still his older brother (Genesis 33:3). He likely remembered that God required younger brothers to show proper respect, even when one brother had been chosen above the other, as in the case of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:7). The way to restore broken peace is to do our duty and show respect as though the breach had never happened. Often it is the constant talking over old wrongs that keeps friends apart. A humble and respectful spirit does much to turn away anger, and many save themselves by humbling themselves.

Esau embraced Jacob (Genesis 33:4). He ran to meet him, not in rage but in love, and he welcomed him warmly, embracing him, falling on his neck, and kissing him. Some think Esau had no bad intent when he came out with his 400 men, but only brought them for show, so he could honor his returning brother more greatly. Jacob, however, had understood his messengers differently (Genesis 32:5-6). He was a prudent and courageous man, so we cannot suppose that he was moved by empty fear, or that God would stir him to pray so earnestly about a danger that was not real. And if God had not truly changed Esau’s heart here, it is hard to see how Jacob’s struggle in prayer could have made him so powerful with men that he was called a prince. God holds the hearts of all people in his hand and can turn them whenever he chooses, by a secret and powerful work. He can suddenly turn enemies into friends, as he did with two Sauls, one by holding him back from harm (1 Samuel 26:21, 1 Samuel 26:25), the other by changing his heart completely (Acts 9:21-22). It is never wasted to trust God and call on him in trouble, because those who do often find the result far better than they expected.

Then both men wept. Jacob wept for joy, because his brother received him so kindly after all he had feared. Esau may have wept out of grief and shame, thinking of the wrong he had once planned against his brother, a wrong he now found himself strangely kept from carrying out.