Title Jacob Meeting Esau / Genesis 33:1-20
It was said that life is a traveler's road. On the road of the world, sometimes they get lost without help, and there are times when they just hang around with loneliness and wandering, exhausted from uncontrollable fatigue. In this case, if he wants to build an altar to God who is pleased to fill him with comfort and peace, seek God, and listen to God's voice, he will already be enjoying an abundant life in the Lord.
1. Meeting of two brothers (Jacob and Esau) (33:1-4)
Jacob still had weakness and fear when he met Esau.
1) Jacob placed his children and wives in the order of importance to him (1-2)
* Jacob's deep-rooted favoritism still exists (29:30)
2) Jacob approaching his brother with the highest courtesy (3)
Bend to the ground seven times - the best thing ever done to a king or conqueror
As Yeu, he gradually approaches to the point where his body touches the ground.
bowing seven times
3) Esau who ran and embraced Jacob and kissed him (4)
God hears Jacob's prayer and softens Esau's heart.
Discussion 1. Is there someone you hate right now? You want to forgive
don't you have any thoughts? When will you make a concrete reconciliation for forgiveness?
2. Esau, who refuses, and Jacob, who compels him to offer (33:5-11)
1) Jacob introducing his family to his brother in turn (5-8)
Jacob calls Esau “my Lord:” and speaks of himself.
Called "Your Servant, Your Servant"
- Isaac did not claim the rich blessing or birthright to Jacob.
It means not to say no and to apologize carefully and respectfully.
2) Esau refusing to give gifts (9)
3) Jacob offering gifts by compulsion (10-11)
* According to the custom of the time, gifts are a way to seek reconciliation.
Discussion 2. Share your humility (or pride)
3. Esau proposes to be Jacob's guide (33:12-17)
1) Separation from Esau due to Jacob's excuse (13-14)
Jacob's Excuse - Children are weak and struggling (13)
2) Promise to meet at the sale (14)
But Jacob did not go south to Seir, but to Succoth in the north (17).
*Succoth-Located on the north side of the Yabbok River east of the Jordan River.
Jacob thinks it would be wise to live apart from Esau.
4. Jacob settled in Shechem (33:18-20)
1) Jacob came to the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan and camped (18).
Shechem was between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, and Abraham
It was the place where we first pitched our tent when we arrived in Canaan (Genesis 12:6).
When God appeared to Abraham, he said, "I will give this land
I will give it to you.” This is where the promise was made (Genesis 12:7)
2) Jacob built an altar in Shechem (20)
Jacob bought part of the land promised to Abraham and built an altar there.
He built it and named it El Elohe Israel.
* El Elohe Israel - a strong God. God of Israel.
The name of this altar is the name God made with Israel (Jacob's new name).
A name commemorating the importance of a covenant relationship.
Discussion 3. Testify of your encounter with God (about 3 minutes).
Conclusion Jacob, who deceived his brother and his father, had no choice but to live a life of anxiety and fear.
However, through the encounter with God, the joy and hope of the soul can be restored, and the beauty of reconciliation and love can be created. Also, God, who gave Jacob the humble humility of himself, and the meekness of reconciliation to Esau, will give us the same disposition.