Jacob and Esau Meet
Genesis 33:1-20
I. Here Comes Esau with Four Hundred Men (vs. 1-3)
a. What must Jacob have been thinking when at last Esau and his four hundred men come into view?
b. What actions on Jacob’s part show he is still uncertain of Esau’s intent?
c. Do you think there is a pecking order in the arranging of his family that precedes him toward Esau?
d. What action shows Jacob approaches this meeting with humility?
II. Brothers Reunion (vs. 4-11)
a. Was the emotional reunion of Jacob and Esau surprising seeing the last sentiment Esau had for Jacob 20 years prior was to kill him?
(Gen. 27:41)
b. Jacob’s family come in the same order he sent them before him. What do Jacob’s wives, servants, and children do when they come before Esau?
c. Esau asks about the droves of livestock which preceded Jacob and Jacob tells him they are a gift. Does Esau accept the gift?
III. Onward to Canaan (vs. 12-20)
a. Immediately, what is Esau’s suggestion?
b. Why did Jacob resist the invitation for a speedy departure to return to Canaan?
c. Does Jacob agree to meet up with Esau in the land …if so, where?
d. Esau offers to leave some men with Jacob as he completes his journey…What is the likely reason indicated in verse 15?
e. Jacob travels to Succoth (booths) and builds booths for the animals and a house. Succoth was south of the Jabbok (Gen. 32:22) and east of the Jordan. Why might Jacob have needed some additional time before completing his journey?
f. Jacob then travels to Shechem. What does Jacob do there that is significant?
APPLICATION: Was Jacob true to his promise to God and was God true to his promise to Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15, 20?
