Genesis 33

Understanding culture and custom is essential to understanding. The following is loosely based on a true event. A young pastor’s first church was in the country. He had been born and raised in a big city. His flock was spread over a large distance. One evening he and his wife had dinner with a family from the church. As he was getting up to leave, the man of the house said “There’s no need to hurry off, stay awhile.” So the young pastor stayed overnight. The next day after the evening meal the same thing repeated itself. The same thing happened again on the third night. On the fourth night after the evening meal the pastor started to say goodbye. The man of the house said “Well if you have to go travel safe.” The pastor had just encountered country culture, and he had changed it. His congregation now knew that saying “There’s no need to hurry off” was no longer an acceptable way to say goodbye.

Many commentators have read this chapter and commented upon it. They’re not in agreement. Some believe Jacob deceived Esau by saying he would meet him in Seir. Some believe Jacob saw Esau’s offer to travel together as a threat. Others believe the offer was just polite conversation. Others believe Jacob’s refusal to accept Esau’s offer of men was proof of Jacob’s distrust.

I’m not an expert on the culture and custom of this time. I do have my opinion. I believe the reconciliation between the two brothers was real. I believe they parted ways on good terms. I believe that when God works and people obey, genuine reconciliation happens. I like the saying, “The proof is in the pudding.” I believe the proof of this reconciliation is found in chapter 35:27-29. These verses tell us Jacob returned to the home of his father. They tell us that when Isaac died, his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Real reconciliation will withstand the test of time. Real reconciliation will withstand the stress of death.