Genesis 33

Genesis 33 recounts the emotional reunion between Jacob and his estranged brother Esau after 20 years of separation.

Jacob, anxious about meeting Esau who once threatened to kill him, strategically arranged his family in groups with his most beloved (Rachel and Joseph) at the rear for protection. When Jacob saw Esau approaching with 400 men, he moved ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

Contrary to Jacob’s fears, Esau ran to meet him with open arms. They embraced and wept together. Esau initially refused Jacob's generous gifts, saying he had enough. Jacob insisted that Esau accept them as a sign of reconciliation and finding favor with him.

Esau offered to escort Jacob, but Jacob politely declined, explaining that his children and flocks needed to travel slowly. Esau returned to Seir while Jacob journeyed to Succoth where he built a house and shelters for his livestock. Later, Jacob moved to Shechem in Canaan, purchased land from the sons of Hamor, and set up an altar called “El-Elohe-Israel” (God, the God of Israel).