659. GEN 33:4. ESAU AND JACOB’S RECONCILIATION

Gen_33:4. Esau and Jacob’s Reconciliation

"And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept."’97Gen_33:4.

Differences and strifes seem the necessary fruit of our depraved nature. No marvel that men quarrel with one another, when they rebel against God, their best Friend. No sooner is human nature corrupted at the fountain, than the stream becomes polluted.

It does not appear that Adam and Eve had their love to each other increased, by their mutual transgression. In the case of Adam, it is evident that he wished to throw upon her the chief odium of the sin. We see this spirit still more manifest in the history of Cain and Abel. Envy, anger, hatred, and at length murder, occupying the breast of the first-born into our world. Alas! from that day to this, strifes, and divisions, and animosities, have distracted the families of men.

Our subject refers to Jacob and Esau; and here we see the same unlovely spirit predominant. From the careless reading of Scripture, we believe that much too high an estimate has been formed of Jacob, while great injustice has been done to Esau. A careful reader of the narrative will find very much to blame in Jacob, and not a few things to commend in Esau. But some never read, without the idea being ever present and preeminent, that Jacob was the elect of God, and therefore all excellency; and that Esau was the reprobated of heaven, and therefore all vileness. Our subject is calculated to rectify such gross and erroneous conclusions.

Observe,

I. It is evident that Jacob was under the influence of considerable alarm and dread.

See chap. Gen_32:7.

Now whence did this arise? Doubtless, from the belief, that Esau was his enemy; and one of a formidable and dangerous character. But was there no cause for this state of mind in Esau, towards Jacob? To find out that, we must go back and review the circumstances that then occurred. See chapter Gen_27:1. Observe the plot to deceive Isaac, and to take Esau’s blessing. Mark, Jacob hesitates, lest there should be a discovery; Gen_27:11. The scheme however succeeds. Jacob wickedly lies, Gen_27:18; and repeats it, Gen_27:24. Esau grievously laments his loss; Gen_27:34. He also became incensed against his brother; Gen_27:41.

Now it may be said, that it was God’s wish that Jacob should supplant Esau; but if God designed Jacob to have the blessing, he could have effected it without falsehood and deceit,’97it is little less than blasphemy to unite the holy Deity with a line of conduct so palpably wicked.

Here then was the ground of Jacob’s fears. He knew he had wronged Esau, and had given occasion for the anger, which still burned within his bosom.

II. Jacob, under this dread, had recourse to God for direction and help.

The haste he made to obtain the blessing, and the sins of that part of his life, had doubtless long been effaced by the mercy of God; but the remembrance of them still affected him. Well, how does he act? Does he now employ stratagem? Or, does he meet the wrath of Esau with the spirit of resistance? No. Read chap. Gen_32:9, &c. How humble, devout, and grateful was this address! What faith too! How he pleads the promises of God; Gen_32:12. How wise and pious this line of procedure! He acknowledges God’97seeks his protecting care, &c. Commits his way to the Lord. Honors God. How many differences would be settled, if men would take them to God, in prayer.

III. He adopts a courteous and conciliatory course of action.

Having obtained the assurance of God’s favor, in prayer, during the eventful night at Peniel, he new arranges his family. At the remotest distance from danger, is Rachel and Joseph. And now observe the spirit under which he acted.

1. In the homage he paid to his brother. He bowed himself seven times, &c. He assumed no superiority. He did not even act as his equal; but gave him reverence as his junior, and inferior. How beautiful to see this self-abasement in one whom God had so visibly honored.

2. He had with him a present of reconciliation.

Gen_32:8-9, Gen_32:10.

We cannot tell which most to admire, the liberality of Jacob, or the generosity of Esau. Both parties were sincere, and acted with true greatness and nobility of mind.

Notice,

IV. The unexpected affectionate meeting. "And Esau ran," &c.

1. The injured was the first to run and forgive.

His heart softened’97his spirit relented. The power of love constrained him.

2. Jacob also wept.

No doubt tears of joy, and gratitude to God, and of overflowing affection for his brother. Surely in this we see the finger of God,’97God made their hearts soft, &c.

Application

I. How important to avoid offences. To avoid giving or taking offence.

2. How deplorable are hatred and strife. Anywhere. Among any class. Especially among friends. Relations and Christians.

3. How desirable is reconciliation. Mat_5:23; Mat_6:14-15, &c.

4. What a beautiful example, as to the spirit in which we should labor to effect it.

5. How necessary that the sinner’s strife should cease against God, and that he should be reconciled to him.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS