V1-3    Jacob continues his fearful journey towards Esau.

V4-7    Jacob is genuinely surprised by Esau’s welcome. God has clearly overruled in their relationship, for Esau holds nothing against him. Yet there is no clear reference to repentance in Esau, nor forgiveness in Jacob.

V8-11 Esau is now wealthy, and unwilling to take Jacob’s gift. The reason for Jacob’s gift now changes; it is no longer to appease Esau’s wrath, but rather from a thankful heart. Better to accept a gift of gratitude than one of appeasement.

V12-17            Esau and Jacob begin the journey together, but Jacob cannot travel as fast. Jacob indicates that he will go to Seir, but fails to do so.

V18-20            Jacob arrives back in Canaan, his struggles largely behind him. He buys a piece of land, and builds an altar. The altar reflects his own changed name, Israel.

1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    11    12    13    14    15    16    17    18    19    20    21    22    23    24    25    26    27    28    29    30    31    32    33    34    35    36    37    38    39    40    41    42    43    44    45    46    47    48    49    50