Genesis 33:1: “Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men; so he divided the children among Leah, Rachel and the two female servants.”
In the far distance Jacob saw him coming: On horseback with an entourage of approximately 400 men his twin brother Esau was fast approaching. His parting words were still fresh on Jacob’s mind. He had threatened to kill him, should he ever see him again. Now he was back i Canaan and it was time to step up to the plate and face his nemesis.
In haste Jacob arranged his family in the following order: His female servants and their children first, Leah with her children second and Rachel with her son Joseph last. As in many prior instances, his partiality for Rachel was painfully obvious. Jacob’s sons had long recognized what was going on and absolutely hated the preferential treatment. And although Leah routinely overlooked her husband’s insensitive behavior, it still hurt.
Bowing low to the ground seven times, Jacob slowly approached his brother. When he came closer he was amazed to see that Esau’s face was friendly. Better yet, he was actually smiling at him. Jumping off his horse, he ran towards Jacob and before he knew it, Esau embraced and kissed him like a long-lost friend. Jacob melted into his embrace and hugged him back. Both wept while Jacob’s family stood at a distance, watching the scene in shocked relief. At last Esau noticed them and asked: “Who are these with you?” Jacob stepped back and humbly replied: “These are my wives and children God has given your servant.” Meanwhile Jacob’s family tribe stepped forward and bowed low to the ground. Esau patted his brother on the shoulder and said: “Look at you! I never imagined you getting married.”
Then Esau asked: “What’s up with all those camels, cows and donkeys I met along the way?” Jacob smiled and said: “These are my gift to you – to find favor in your eyes, my lord.” Esau shook his head and said: “Let’s drop all these formalities, shall we? I already have plenty. Keep what you have for yourself.” But Jacob insisted: “Please – accept my gift. You have no idea how happy I am to see your smiling face.”
The argument went back and forth for a while until Esau finally agreed: “OK – thanks! I accept your gift. But let’s get going. My men and I will accompany you home.” Now it was Jacob’s turn to shake his head. He spread his hands saying: “Please understand that we cannot march like an army. Many of my animals are nursing and if I drive them too hard their offspring will suffer.” Esau nodded and said, “I understand – but I could leave some of my men with you.” – “You don’t need to do that”, Jacob replied. “You have already given me the greatest gift when you treated me with kindness and respect. I’m so glad that you are no longer mad at me.”
Jacob knew better than to move into his brother’s territory. Before long, his family would be assimilated into Esau’s tribe. And so the brothers said their good byes and parted ways once again, but this time on good terms. Esau went south while Jacob continued west, following the Wadi Farah into the Central Highlands.