Genesis:33

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 1-16 - Jacob , having by prayer committed his case to God , went on his way . Come what will , nothing can come amiss to him whose heart is fixed , trusting in God . Jacob bowed to Esau . A humble , submissive behaviour goes far towards turning away wrath . Esau embraced Jacob . God has the hearts of all men in his hands , and can turn them when and how he pleases . It is not in vain to trust in God , and to call upon him in the day of trouble . And when a man 's ways please the Lord he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him . Esau receives Jacob as a brother , and much tenderness passes between them . Esau asks , Who are those with thee ? To this common question , Jacob spoke like himself , like a man whose eyes are ever directed towards the Lord . Jacob urged Esau , though his fear was over , and he took his present . It is well when men 's religion makes them generous , free-hearted , and open-handed . But Jacob declined Esau 's offer to accompany him . It is not desirable to be too intimate with superior ungodly relations , who will expect us to join in their vanities , or at least to wink at them , though they blame , and perhaps mock at , our religion . Such will either be a snare to us , or offended with us . We shall venture the loss of all things , rather than endanger our souls , if we know their value ; rather than renounce Christ , if we truly love him . And let Jacob 's care and tender attention to his family and flocks remind us of the good Shepherd of our souls , who gathers the lambs with his arm , and carries them in his bosom , and gently leads those that are with young , Isaiah strkjv @40:11 . As parents , teachers or pastors , we should all follow his example . * Verse 17-20 - Jacob did not content himself with words of thanks for God 's favour to him , but gave real thanks . Also he kept up religion , and the worship of God in his family . Where we have a tent , God must have an altar . Jacob dedicated this altar to the honour of El-elohe-Israel , God , the God of Israel ; to the honour of God , the only living and true God ; and to the honour of the God of Israel , as a God in covenant with him . Israel 's God is Israel 's glory . Blessed be his name , he is still the mighty God , the God of Israel . May we praise his name , and rejoice in his love , through our pilgrimage here on earth , and for ever in the heavenly Canaan . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

---