Today we are back
to the story of Jacob, after God named him Israel. Now it’s interesting to me, that the writer continues to use Jacob’s name instead of making the change. When the Lord renamed Abram to Abraham, the writing changed - but not so with Jacob to Israel. I wonder “why not”? The scripture says, “Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and saw Esau coming, and with him were four hundred men. So Jacob divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last.” Genesis 33:1-2 It's pretty obvious who Jacob loved best. By the way - I am amazed that Jesus came through the line of Judah instead of Joseph or Benjamin - Rachel’s sons. Judah was born to Leah - the child who Israel loved less. Joseph was the favorite. The scripture then says, “Jacob crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” Genesis 33:3-4 This story reminds me of when the Israelites marched around the city of Jericho seven times, and blew their horns, and the walls of Jericho came falling down. But this time, the walls represent the heart. “Now Esau lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down. And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down. Then Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” Esau was referring to the livestock that Jacob had sent ahead as a gift. Jacob said, “These are to find favor in the sight of my Lord.” Did you hear that? Jacob called Esau his Lord. What do you think he meant? Was Jacob replacing God - or was this a term of endearment? Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” Esau called Jacob “brother” - he did not call him “Lord.” Esau recognized the relationship, but he did not bow down to Jacob. Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.” Jacob acknowledged his brother’s love. Esau’s endearing reception of open arms and tears of joy, was like seeing the face of God. Jacob added, “Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Jacob urged Esau, and he took it. Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.” But Jacob said to him, “My Lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. Please let my Lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my Lord in Seir.” Jacob understood the health of his tribe. The journey this far had been very long. They needed rest. They needed time. Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” Esau was willing to help. But Jacob said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my Lord.” So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.” Genesis 33:1-17 Succoth - every name is scripture seems to have some kind of significance. Let me look up Succoth. Succoth means booths or huts - this is the place where Jacob made booths for his livestock and flocks. Another word for Succoth is Sukkot - and it’s used to describe the Feast of Booths - which is related to the pilgrimage of wandering aimlessly lost only to find the magnificent House of God.
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