As an assignment for this chapter I asked if the class participants would construe why an entire chapter would address the descendents of Esau.  As I began delving into commentaries and scripture references here are my conclusions:

1.     This chapter gives evidence of the original promise that Esau would become the head of a nation.

2.    One of Esau’s descendents (verse 11), Eliphaz the Temanite, was mentioned in the book of Job as one of the friends that came to Job to offer comfort during the trials and tribulations Job was experiencing.  Job himself was from the land of Uz meaning he probably lived in Edom!

3.    A child was born to Esau by the name of Amalek (verse 12).  If you go back to chapter 14, verse 7, you will read about the tribal people living in the Negev and in the Sinai peninsula called the Amalekites.  We will be reading more about this tribe in studies to come so remember the name Amalekites. 

4.    Beginning in verse 31 kings are mentioned that proceed from Esau’s descendents “before any Israelite king reigned”.  As I consulted my commentary I want to give the exact explanation written within the text.  So from the Believer’s Bible Commentary, written by William MacDonald, on page 70, here is what Mr. MacDonald has penned:

“Moses, the author of Genesis, knew by divine revelation that Israel would eventually have a king.  As seven generations of the ungodly line of Cain were given in chapter 4, so seven generations of kings in the ungodly line of Esau are mentioned here in verses 33-39.  Seven, the number of completeness, probably indicates the entire line.  Not one of Esau’s descendants is mentioned in God’s registry of the faithful; all are lost in the obscurity of those who depart from the living God.  They had temporary riches and the passing fame of this world, but nothing for eternity.”

I also remembered that a chapter was dedicated/written about the descendents of Ishmael.  Ishmael was the son of Abraham, just as Esau was the son of Isaac.  Both of these men were sons of the heir to the Promised Covenant.  So close and yet so far.

Father, you have offered eternal life through your only son, Jesus Christ.  We are heirs to the Promised Covenant paid for by the blood of the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  Happy are those who accept and partake of the table you have already prepared.   What an absolutely wonderful feast arranged by our Heavenly Father.   Thank you for loving us so much.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Please read Chapter 37.  From this chapter until the end of the book of Genesis we will be discussing a pivotal character of scripture, Joseph.  Of the two sons born to Jacob by his beloved Rachel, Joseph was the older and Benjamin the youngest.  This story catalogs the adventures of Joseph and subsequently additional consequences suffered by Jacob by the hands of his sons.  Inevitably, God’s Will shines through as the story progresses, but Joseph’s story, like many of our own, is filled with valleys and mountain top experiences which build our faith and belief in Almighty God.

1.      Why did Jacob give a coat of many colors to Joseph?  Didn’t he realize the danger of favoritism? 

2.    Note the dreams of Joseph; what were they and what were their meanings?  Once again, why would Joseph tell these dreams to his older brothers?

3.    What was the original plan to get rid of Joseph by his brothers?  Who tried to avert the plan?  Why?

4.    What did happen to Joseph?  What was the explanation given to Jacob?

Since I asked each of you to find five facts that touched your heart in this week’s reading assignment, I have followed suit.  So here goes (by the way, Cindy, thanks so much for your lovely comments);

1.      God speaks personally to Jacob.  Remember in closing last week that I mentioned God was silent throughout the previous chapter for a Holy God cannot be in the presence of evil.  The physical abusive act of rape against Dinah and her brothers’ revenge were acts of evil.  But once the “dust had settled”, God spoke again to Jacob, the chosen heir of the promise, and gave him further instructions. 

2.    God sent Jacob back to Bethel.  This was the very place Jacob wrestled with God.  Sometimes God takes us back to a previous place or experience where His presence was truly felt to get us going in the direction of His will for our lives.  Ironically the “great tree” mentioned in verse 8 is a landmark that aided individuals living in this area with directions.  How cool is the fact that the tree directed persons physically and spiritually? 

3.    Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, passes away and is buried under this landmark tree.  Although I couldn’t remember the mention of Rebekah’s nurse in previous readings, she is mentioned in Chapter 24, verse 59.  Here is a faithful servant that did her job weand is being given a lovely burial place and recognition in scripture.  Reminds us that we are all important to God regardless of our place in society.

4.    Jacob’s name is changed to Israel.  What a beautiful blessing God bestows on Israel, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number.  A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body.  The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.”  Wow!  Then I love this next sentence, “Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him.”  Sounds like the ascension of Jesus, doesn’t it?

5.    Rachel dies in childbirth and is buried on the way to Ephrath, near Bethlehem.  Jacob not only loses his beloved Rachel, but a while after returning to his homeland and being reunited with his father, Isaac also passes away.  I am touched by the latter part of verse 29, “And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.”  Just as Ishmael and Isaac buried their father, Abraham after many personality struggles, so these two sons of Isaac come together at their father’s death and put aside all previous selfish encounters.

God is good all the time….and all the time God is good!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving us enough to bring us back to those times and places where we had genuine encounters with you.  Times when we laid ourselves and all we are on the altar so that you might work in and through us to bring about your will in our lives.  Remind us to continually stop and make a list of even five situations when you have been faithful and taught us lessons.  I’m sure the list will grow as we meditate on your goodness and mercy.  We love you, Lord.  Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Please read Chapter 36.  This will be a catch up week for us.  If you need to read and answer questions, please use this week to do so.  This chapter deals will all the descendants of Esau.  My question for you to consider, why do you think it is important to devote an entire chapter to naming the descendants of Esau?

Before we get into the comments for Chapter 33, I do realize that I have also posted comments for Chapter 34 without previously assigning my BLBS participants to read this Chapter.  However, once I began reading and studying Chapter 33, the Holy Spirit seemed to urge me to continue reading and include this chapter with our study this week.  I would only ask that you read this chapter before you begin looking over my comments.  I think it will become clearer as to why I followed the “nudges” I encountered.

The factor that stands out to me in Chapter 33 is a change of heart regarding Esau towards the brother he previously wanted to kill after the deceitful way Jacob and his mother stole his firstborn blessing.  Of course this followed the ploy by Jacob to obtain the birthright of the firstborn from Esau over a bowl of stew.  Esau, although accompanied by 400 men to greet Jacob, was mistaken in his intentions as trickery (wonder why?) by Jacob.  Upon hearing about Esau’s entourage coming in his direction, Jacob sends gifts of livestock ahead of him and his family, trying to ease tensions and possible “pay-back” of his older brother by appealing to a potential change of heart.

Interesting, as Chapter 33 opens Jacob sees the hundreds of men escorting his brother and he panics.  But read what Jacob does; he divides his children among their mothers and puts the maidservants first, Leah next and then Rachel and Joseph last.  However, Jacob does something that even surprised me.  He went ahead of all of them and bowed down seven times in front of his brother (this is a 14^th century B.C. sign of total submission).  Esau’s reaction to this gesture?  He RAN to meet his brother, threw his arms around Jacob’s neck and kissed him.  Ever read about the prodigal son?  These are the actions of the father who welcomed home a son he never thought he’d see again.  Think that Esau has changed? However, his brother Jacob isn’t reassured.

Esau is surprised to learn that all those accompanying Jacob are his nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.  After reassuring Jacob that he doesn’t need all the “droves”, or gifts of livestock, Esau accepts them upon Jacob’s insistence, but asks if he can escort Jacob and his family back to their home.  Here’s where Jacob goes back into his human shell of doubt.  He makes an excuse that between his young children and nursing livestock, he needs to travel at a very slow pace and to go ahead of him.  Even though Esau suggests he will leave some of his men to travel with him, Jacob insists he will be following behind and not to bother, so Esau heads to Seir.

This is where the self doubt and distrustful nature we possess as humans in need of a spirit full of faith makes mistakes that cannot be undone.  Instead of believing that his brother, Esau, has truly changed and is making amends for previous threats and behavior, Jacob takes the travel plans of his family into his own hands.  Jacob heads to Succoth and then goes to the city of Shechem in Canaan and camped within site of the city.  But Jacob did a little more than camp within “site” of the city.  He purchased with 100 pieces of silver from the sons of Hamor, father of Shechem, a plot of ground where he pitched his tent.  Sound like he’s moving on to Seir to join his brother, Esau?  Although Jacob made an altar, El Elohe Israel, I think he will regret settling in this area out of doubt and fear of living close to his brother.  Shechem is located in Canaan, but this area is inhabited by the native Canaanites.  Two factors result from dealing with these native Canaanites; either hostility or absorption.  This will be troublesome to Jacob’s household as I continued reading in the next chapter.

It always seems when we follow our own instincts without consulting the Lord, we are given consequences to bear.  In Chapter 34, Dinah, Jacob’s only daughter by Leah, goes out one day to socialize with the women in this land of Shechem.  This seems like a very innocent action; however, Hamor the Hivvite, ruler of the land has a son, ironically by the name of Shechem (probably named after the city itself), saw Dinah and “took her and violated her”.  Then the following verse tells us he was drawn to her and spoke tenderly to her….too little, too late, if you ask me.  This young man like so many in society today had his actions backwards; defile the girl, disgrace her, then ask for her hand in marriage?  Shechem asks his father to “get” her for him.

When Jacob learns what has happened he keeps quiet until his sons come home from the fields.  While Hamor goes to Jacob to secure Dinah for his son, the brothers come in from the fields, are told what has happened to their sister and are furious.  They devise a plan for revenge.  Meanwhile, Hamor is trying to give all the positives of the families merging; the children can intermarry, flocks can be shared and whatever bride price Jacob sets will be met.  Bottom line, I need to get Dinah for my son, Shechem, because he wants her.  A simple deal, right?  However, the brothers come up with a condition (with deceit in their hearts).  If these men want to intermarry with their family (especially their sister, Dinah), all the men will need to be circumcised or Jacob’s family will be disgraced. 

All the men of the city are gathered and told that circumcision is the only way for the tribes to become as one and take their daughters in marriage.  They agree to the stipulation and Shechem forms the line for circumcision.  Three days after the entire city of men have been circumcised and are recovering, two of Dinah’s brothers, Simeon and Levi, go into the city and kill all the males including the ruler of the city, Hamor, and his son, Shechem.  They “rescue” their sister, Dinah, and take her home.  It appears the other brothers come into the city and find all the bodies of the men and begin looting the town.  They take the women, children, livestock, wealth and plunder all the houses.

When Jacob learns what his sons have done, what does he do?  He reprimands them.  He tells them that they have brought trouble on him, by making him, a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, people living in the land.  He continues reminding them that if the surrounding tribes retaliate against him that he, and his household will be destroyed.

His sons’ reply is simple.  “Should he (Shechem) have treated our sister like a prostitute?”

Good question.  I’d like to have known Jacob’s answer.  His only daughter, Dinah, has been disgraced while his sons bear the blood of an entire city of men on their hands because Jacob couldn’t trust nor have faith that his brother’s intentions have changed.  Note:  The name of God closes out Chapter 33, El Elohe Israel and God begins speaking again at the beginning of Chapter 35.  During the events of Chapter 34, the name of the Lord is not mentioned.  A Holy God cannot be in the presence of evil.

Lord, we desperately need to rise above our finite understanding and put on the armor of God that supports a faith that is unbending and unchanging.  Help us to believe in the journey even though we can’t understand the direction and struggle with a firm foundation on which to plant our feet.  Urge us by the Holy Spirit to read and study your Holy Word so that you might encourage us to step out and believe in the unique route especially designed for us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Read Chapter 35.

As you read this chapter, please ask God to show you at least five different facts that touch your heart.  There are some tender moments within this chapter.  See what God, through the Holy Spirit, will point out to you.  If you’d like to share, I’d enjoy reading your comments.  God bless, friends.

Last week we ended the story of Jacob in Chapter 30 with an agreement made between Jacob and Laban concerning the rightful ownership of sheep and goats depending on their outward markings.  All the animals born with spots or speckles would be given to Jacob as payment for back wages and all the solid colored animals would be Laban’s.  Although both men tried to tip the scales in a favorable direction, God intervened and Jacob’s flock prospered immensely.  Not because of anything Jacob did, but because God keeps His promises and Jacob is now the recipient of the covenant promise made to Abraham and his descendents.

Of course, once Jacob’s flocks begin to prosper, Laban’s sons become disgruntled and complain to their father, Laban.  Laban’s attitude toward Jacob changes and Jacob receives a word from the Lord to return to his homeland and God will be with him.  The first thing Jacob does following this directive is to tell Rachel and Leah.  Once they are told of the changing attitude of Laban and reminded of all the unfair wage practices Jacob has endured, they agree to leave their father’s land with Jacob.  The women also add that their father has treated them as foreigners and they hold no share in their father’s inheritance. Therefore Jacob rounds up all his children, his wives and his livestock and head for his father, Isaac’s, home in Canaan. 

But Rachel carries out an action that I didn’t understand until I did a little digging.  Rachel stole her father’s household idols.  Now, being Jacob’s wife it doesn’t seem sensible for Rachel to steal idols for the journey to Canaan.  After all, Jacob served the one, true God…didn’t he explain playing with idols can be dangerous? 

Rachel had been taught that possession of these household idols implied leadership of the family and they preserved for Jacob the title to her father’s (teraphim) estate.   In her humanness, Rachel discerned these idols to be of great importance to her husband.  Once again, a human act seemingly to help give Jacob and his descendants something that God had ordained was his anyway. 

Once Laban realized Jacob and his entourage was gone, he gathered his men and went after them.  However, in a dream Laban was told not to harm Jacob, or his caravan.  When Laban “overtook” them, the only explanation he had for following them was the unfairness of their sudden departure and not being able to say good-bye to his daughters and his grandchildren, nor giving them a proper send-off.  Laban added that his idols were missing and must have been stolen.

Jacob welcomed a search and added that if Laban found the idols he should put that individual to death.  After searching the tents, Laban came to Rachel’s tent and she was sitting down and apologized for not standing because she was on her time of menstruation and didn’t feel well enough to stand.  Actually she was sitting on top of the idols.  Laban, of course, didn’t find the idols and Jacob became very angry with Laban’s accusation.

Jacob begins to list the ways he feels Laban has mistreated him over the years:

1.     He worked for 14 years for Laban’s daughters

2.    He worked 6 years for Laban’s flocks

3.    Laban changed Jacob’s wages 10 times during his employment

4.    Laban flock (sheep and goats) have always prospered and if any animals were lost by wild beasts, Jacob personally took the loss; in fact many times Jacob was weary and tired with lack of sleep trying to protect Laban’s flock during this twenty year “bondage”?

Laban seems to get the last word reminding Jacob in verses 43-44 that Jacob’s wives are still his daughters and all Jacob’s children are his children, as well as the flocks.  But what can he (Laban) do, but try to make peace.  So Laban asks Jacob to enter into a pact, an agreement.  Ironically, this agreement is to make sure neither man does anything to cheat the other one!  It did include that Jacob was not to mistreat Laban’s daughters or marry other wives.  The pillar of stones erected at this place Laban called “Jegar Sahadutha” (Aramaic) and Jacob called the place “Galeed” (Hebrew).  The meaning of both words was “the heap of witness”.  Neither man was to pass to the other side of the “heap” of stones to attack or go after the other.

After a nice meal shared together that night, the next morning Laban kissed his daughters and grandchildren and each man went in opposite directions.

Father, thank you for another portion of your word proclaimed in Genesis.  May we seek to do more for others than for ourselves.  This is what you have taught us from the beginning, Lord, that we need to love, serve and protect others.  As we emulate your actions we become the body of Christ.   It is then we forget about putting ourselves first and learn to give as you have given to us.  Continue to teach us, Lord.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Assignment for next week:  Please read Chapter 32

This is an exciting chapter for us to study.  Jacob, finally on his way back to his father, Isaac, remembers on his journey that his brother, Esau, wasn’t too happy with him when last they parted.  These are the items I’d like for you to consider this week:

1.     Jacob’s encounter with a band of angels on his way to Canaan resulted in Jacob naming this place Mahanaim.  What is the meaning of this name and why would Jacob use this word?

2.    What actions did Jacob take to check out Esau’s emotional attitude?

3.    What clever action did Jacob employ with his family for safety reasons?

4.    Look closely at Jacob’s prayer in verses 9-12.  What did Jacob really pray for?  Was this finally a turning point in Jacob’s life for total surrender to God with no additional “clever” plans to implement?

5.    What further deeds of good will did Jacob perform to lessen his brother’s anger?

6.    Then the night spent at Peniel.  Look closely at what happened at Peniel and what was the lesson Jacob needed to learn from this encounter?