Corvallis Community Church
3-3-24
  • Majesty
  • Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
  • Before The Throne Of God Above

  • Genesis 33:1-20

    Psalm 133:1 NASB95
    1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!
    Psalm 133 NASB95
    A Song of Ascents, of David. 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever.
    David expresses the desirability and attraction when 2 brothers are united and live in harmony. He says it is good and pleasant. The term pleasant refers to what is delightful, sweet (honey or the taste of bread), the melody of music (soothing and comforting). That is the harmony of living in unity—something to treasure. This is a good thing.
    Romans 12:18 NASB95
    18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
    Matthew 5:9 NASB95
    9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
    Hebrews 12:14 NASB95
    14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
    Xns are admonished often in Scripture to seek to be at peace will all. We know from our own experience how difficult this is to achieve this—but it is something we are to aim for as this is God’s will for us.
    But Scripture often attests to the bitter consequences of the breakdown of unity/harmony.
    Cain & Abel
    Abram & Lot
    Jacob & Esau
    Joseph & his brothers
    But where there is unity—there is goodness, sweetness, delightful attractiveness.
    We know that Jacob has been disunited (physically) with his brother for over 20 years. It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to see that disunity thruout their entire lives…even as they came into the world, there was enmity and strife.
    Jacob knew that as he returned to his homeland (at the command of God), he would have to face his brother who was so angry with him 20 years earlier that he was planning to kill him after their father died. In order to appease that anger, Jacob has prepared an elaborate gift of 550 animals and male & female servants to soften Esau’s heart and turn away his anger toward him. He sent this present on its way as Esau was approaching with 400 men and it was nighttime.
    Jacob could not sleep and his imaginings were racing (not knowing Esau’s intentions, but presuming the worst), he sent his family to the other side of the Jabbok river. When he was alone he began to wrestle with an unnamed assailant whose identity we later learned was God, the Angel of the Lord—the preincarnate Christ. Jesus wrestled with Jacob, and after Jacob had been brought to the point of his own nothingness, his name was changed to Israel (God strives/fight/rules). Having his hip dislocated, he would walk with a limp—completely humbled by the LJC.
    Its a new day—still Esau is coming. We pick up the narrative here in 33:1.

    1. Jacob Encounters Esau

    1-16
    After his wrestling bout with Jesus, Jacob was a changed man: new name, new walk. He is a humbled man who met God face-to-face. but as soon as he saw Esau approaching, he seemed to lose everything that was gained during the previous night. Jacob was a changed man but in many ways he was yet unchanged. Its a reminder that even for the believer today—though you are a new creature in Christ, your sanctification is progressive and not all at once. When there is failure on our part, the Lord’s provision for that is to confess our sins and to be cleansed from all unrighteousness thru the blood of the LJC and the rich promise of God (1 Jn 1:9). Jacob’s setback (from his new identity) is noted in 4 ways:

    By Scheming

    1-2
    Every indication is that Esau was rapidly approaching Jacob and his camp “looked, behold, coming” (terms describing alertness, careful watchfulness). What Jacob does next is an indication of his preference of children—in fact, one child in particular. “He divided the children…” then vs 2 “put the maids…front, Leah…Rachel last.”
    So here’s what is happening: Jacob has put the 2 maids first (Zilpah & Bilhah—along with their 4 sons: Dan, Naphtali, Gad & Asher). These were apparently Jacob’s least favorite among his children as he puts them in the front. They would be the first to encounter Esau’s wrath and the first to be attacked by the 400 men quickly approaching. Next in line of Jacob’s preference was the lesser loved wife, Leah. She has with her Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulon, Dinah.
    3 wives and 11 children stand b/t Esau and Jacob’s pride & joy—the one he preferred above everyone else: Joseph and his mother, Jacob’s beloved wife Rachel. These were the last and in Jacob’s mind, the safest against an attack (could reasonably escape if need be).
    Now, Jacob has created a massive problem in his home by his scheming. You knew where you stood in this household by how close you were to the front. It is no wonder Joseph’s brothers hated him (and would plot evil against him) in later times.

    By Bowing

    3-7
    If there is any redeeming quality and act of chivalry in Jacob we see it in vs 3. He passed on ahead of his family and bowed down to the ground 7x until he was near Esau. In those ancient days, bowing down was a way to exchange greetings to another individual. But that is not what Jacob is doing here. He has clearly made it a consistent point as tries to express his own lowliness (earlier “my master Esau, your servant Jacob” 32:4,18,20). But what Jacob has done here, in bowing 7x is reverse of the blessing he had stolen for himself thru deception.
    Genesis 27:29 NASB95
    29 May peoples serve you, And nations bow down to you; Be master of your brothers, And may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse you, And blessed be those who bless you.”
    This is a reversal of the position Jacob held (by right of the blessing and the directive of the Lord—25:23). Before Esau would ever bow down to his younger brother, Jacob is bowing down to Esau in a setback and reversal of the blessing.
    Notice Esau’s response: “ran, embraced, fell, kissed” This is remarkable as much as it is unexpected. As far as we knew, we had presumed the worst along with Jacob—anticipating an all-out war b/t the 2 brothers and each of their camps. To see this change in Esau’s heart (which God accomplished: b/c Israel “God Fights”)—where his wrath, burning anger had melted away is a joyful account.
    It is not unlike the parable Jesus tells of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32). After he had squandered his portion of the father’s inheritance, he came to his senses, returned to his father and we see this same response:
    Luke 15:20–21 NASB95
    20 “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
    The kissing was not just a display of joyful feelings but also an indication of forgiveness on the part of Esau. Esau is magnanimous, gracious, forgiving. But behind such a change in Jacob’s brother is the power, goodness and faithfulness of God to bring about this present result. God was faithful to bless the man of His choosing—Jacob. Esau’s reaction must be seen in this light, that God was at work. Jacob even prayed for this and God has accomplished it.
    Proverbs 21:1 NASB95
    1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.
    The divine hand of God moves men in the direction of accomplishing His purpose.
    Esau asked who all the women and children are and Jacob introduces them in the order they were arranged. Even here, Jacob and his children maintain a foreign position of bowing when it should have been reversed.

    By Pleading

    8-11
    vs 8 Esau is referring to the present that Jacob had sent on ahead the night before. The 550 animals and servants. “What do you mean…?” Jacob explains: “to find favor.” Jacob is not always accustomed to being truthful—but here he lays it all out before Esau. Notice Esau’s response “I have plenty, my brother…” This is an affectionate way of addressing the one who cheated him twice. But that was forgiven and Esau needed nothing.
    vs 10…Jacob didn’t tell Esau about Peniel and wrestling God. He didn’t tell Esau that he has a new name, given to him by the God of their father Isaac. But it’s interesting that LJ wrestled with Jacob before the meeting with Esau took place. Jacob had to see God’s face before he saw his brother’s face. He tells Esau—seeing your face is like seeing God’s face. Until he had seen God’s face Jacob wasn’t ready to see his brother’s face.
    So he pleads with Esau—vs 11.
    Jacob still couldn’t just rest in the fact that Esau’s heart has been changed, softened and Esau is joyful to see his estranged brother. That was Jacob’s setback—pressing Esau to accept that which wasn’t necessary. And Esau refuses the gift (this is the etiquette in those times to refuse a gift). Jacob insists and Esau eventually does accept it and does so without reciprocating.
    Of course, God’s grace is evident thruout this reunion and thru the duration of Jacob’s life. He recognizes this “God has dealt graciously with me.” “I have nothing that belongs to me that God didn’t provide. My life, my wives, my children they are all indicators that God is a God of grace—and His are showers of blessings upon those He loves.” I say this, even though Jacob is maneuvering and scheming, bowing and pleading—in the end, he understands the doctrine of God’s grace.
    For us today, in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). We are alive b/c of God’s grace, we go about living b/c of God’s grace, we have new life from Him b/c of God’s grace, we brought out of darkness into light b/c of God’s grace, we belong to Christ b/c of God’s grace, we are being conformed into His image b/c of God’s grace. Jacob realized this and it very important that we do as well. The grace of God saves you, keeps you: Rom 5 1-2
    Romans 5:1–2 NASB95
    1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
    I fall we have and all we are is by the design of God’s grace—then all glory goes to Him.

    By Lying

    12-16
    There’s one more setback in Jacob’s reunion with Esau—he lies to Esau about his intentions.
    vs 12—Esau’s invitation is a sign of his favorable reception of Jacob. To go before Jacob, with his 400 men, would have been a strong protection for Jacob against any attackers. Esau would lead the way to his home at Mount Seir. They would head to the south…location about 100 mi south of Dead Sea.
    Jacob’s intention is to disengage from his brother but doesn’t want Esau to know. So he responds: vs 13-14.
    “I will travel at my pace until I come to my lord at Seir.” That was what he told Esau. And Esau wants to ensure that Jacob’s journey—with all these children and livestock will not encounter any problems. vs 15.
    So Esau returned to Seir—departing from Jacob. Jacob promised that he would come at a leisurely pace (to avoid putting stress on children and young cattle). Instead he heads NW to Succoth and Shechem. We have no record that Jacob ever did go to Seir and the only indication of a meeting again is when they get together to bury Isaac (35:27-29). They may have never met again after that.
    It is a sad commentary and what happens to so many homes…while the parents are alive the siblings have reason to see each other but when they pass away, families begin to lose touch and will only meet up infrequently. That’s especially true when there is a great distance b/t brothers and sisters.
    Once again, Jacob resorts to deceiving his brother.
    These are all setbacks in Jacob becoming what he truly is: Israel. He continues to resort to leaning on his own understanding, not fully trusting God to straighten out his steps.

    2. Jacob Eludes Esau

    17-20
    For whatever reason, Jacob never does follow through on his promise to join Esau at Seir. Esau travels S and Jacob resumes his journey by going NW to Succoth and on to the city of Shechem.
    What happens in the aftermath is really a matter of disobedience on Jacob’s part. God’s command was to return to Bethel and then to the home of his father in Hebron (35:27).
    Genesis 31:13 NASB95
    13 ‘I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.’ ”
    When he came to Succoth Moses writes that Jacob built a house for himself and made booths (Succoth) for his livestock (vs 17). Jacob is an alien, a sojourner and he settles down at this location—and by doing so is only halfway obedient. Jacob’s obedience to the Lord’s command is incomplete. He stays here an unknown period of time.
    vs 18 we are told of an historic event when he travels 30 miles west to the city of Shechem (40 miles N of Jerusalem). This required crossing the Jordan. That was a monumental occasion for Jacob but his obedience remains incomplete. His first act is to buy a plot of land for 100 pieces of money. The term for “money” is a kesitah but it is an unknown unit of weight and we can’t be sure how much Jacob paid for this piece of land. What is important is that he is intending to stay here—in disobedience to God’s command.
    Now, the first thing Jacob does with his piece of land is to give testimony to the Lord God. He erects and altar and names it: El-Elohe-Israel (God, the God of Israel). He was demonstrating his own faith in His God. Remember, Israel is his new name—so God is the God of Israel. He is a personal God to Jacob—however he still wasn’t living up to all that his new name meant.
    Faith that is mixed with partial obedience is not what God desires. Jacob should have made his way to Bethel at once but he stops in Shechem.
    Ian Duguid has this comment to offer:
    Genesis—Beginning and Blessing Jacob Enters Canaan (vv. 18–20)

    Why was that? What was Jacob doing settling down at Shechem and raising an altar when he should have been continuing on to Bethel to raise the altar there, where he had first had the dream? Did Jacob think that Shechem was a better site for trade and for his flocks? Perhaps he thought it didn’t matter. After all, Bethel was now a mere twenty miles or so away; he could go there whenever it suited him, once he got settled. Why be so precise in these things? Shechem or Bethel—it’s really all the same, isn’t it? Indeed, it is not. Whatever his motivation, Jacob’s compromise and his failure to follow through with complete obedience to what he had vowed would cost him and his family dearly, as we shall see in the following chapter. Almost obedience is never enough. Being in the right ballpark may be sufficient when watching a baseball game, but is not nearly enough when it comes to obeying God. Nothing short of full obedience is required.

    Jacob’s “almost obedience” would bring catastrophe into his own home. We learn in the next chapter of his only daughter’s rape that would result in his sons taking vengeance into their own hands and 2 of them becoming murderers. By Jacob’s partial, incomplete obedience, he will pay such a high price for mixing faith and disobedience. But this is not the end for Jacob.
    It is crucial for God’s people to live in full obedience. That is what He takes delight in us. Obedience is always God’s best for us—even when we don’t understand why.
    Jacob and Esau—by God’s marvelous purpose were nearly totally reconciled. They will join together one more time to bury their father but it appears as though the animosity and anger have dissipated—but this is not long-lasting for Esau’s descendants will harbor the grudge of their father going in to the future.
    We are admonished:
    Romans 12:18 NASB95
    18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
    This is God’s will for us—to be at peace with all (esp. fellow Xns). May God’s Spirit cause His word to bear fruit in our lives.
    ​

      • Psalm 133:1NASB95

      • Psalm 133NASB95

      • Romans 12:18NASB95

      • Matthew 5:9NASB95

      • Hebrews 12:14NASB95

      • Genesis 27:29NASB95

      • Luke 15:20–21NASB95

      • Proverbs 21:1NASB95

      • Genesis 31:13NASB95

      • Romans 12:18NASB95

  • The Old Rugged Cross
  • The Old Rugged Cross
Corvallis Community Church
ccc@corvalliscommunitychurch.org
406-961-3443
http://www.corvalliscommunitychurch.org
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