Changes in Esau (1-3)

The author of Genesis here is taking pains to point out Jacob’s transformation as Esau approached. He divided his family up into groups: in the first group were the concubines and their children, then Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph (1-2). No doubt Jacob arranged his family to be introduced to Esau in order of prominence in Jacob’s own heart.

With 400 men bearing down on the family, Jacob took the lead and placed himself in front, with a newfound courage. Once Esau arrived, Jacob bowed seven times to his older twin brother, expressing a newfound humility. Jacob had been changed (3).

Jacob Meets Esau (4-11)

Esau ignored Jacob’s ceremonious bowing, brushing it aside, and standing Jacob to his feet, he embraced and kissed him with weeping. Esau had, in the convening years, experienced his own transformation and had come to miss his brother (4). Eager to meet Jacob’s family, Esau quickly moved the attention from their reunion to Jacob’s family. They were introduced in the presentation order Jacob had divided them (5-7).

Esau then wanted to know the meaning of all the droves of gifts, describing them as unnecessary and too ample for him to receive. Jacob insisted Esau receive the gifts as a gesture of favor, demonstrating Esau's acceptance of him after all Jacob had done to him. Jacob told Esau his kind face was like seeing the face of God. Esau persisted in not wishing to receive the gifts; he had himself been blessed by God. Jacob was unrelenting, and Esau eventually received the gifts. Another great transformation was revealed in Jacob—he had become generous (8-11).

Esau’s Generosity (12-17)

Esau wanted to journey with his brother, taking the lead and showing him the way to his home. Jacob declined on the basis of the frailty of his family and so many young and nursing animals among his herds. Jacob knew that Esau would become impatient with their pace, so Jacob assured Esau he would eventually make his way to Seir and to the home of Esau (12-14).

Esau, still wanting to care for his little brother, offered to leave some of his men to help him with the journey, but again Jacob told Esau his favor was more than enough kindness and generosity. Esau was satisfied he had extended all the welcome and hospitality he could and returned home. Instead of going to Seir, Jacob journeyed to Succoth, or “Shelters,” and built a house, constructing corrals and sheds for his animals, as well (15-17).

Jacob Enters the Promised Land (18-20)

At long last, Jacob entered the Promised Land and made camp before the city of Shechem, where he bought a field and pitched a camp, intending on making the site his home (18-19). It was there he built an altar named El-Elohe-Israel, or “Mighty is the God of Israel” (20).