Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 33

Genesis 33:1-4: Jacob's Interview with Esau In this passage, Jacob finally meets Esau after many years apart. Jacob is nervous because Esau is coming with four hundred men, but he arranges his family carefully and approaches Esau with great respect. Instead of anger, Esau welcomes Jacob with love. Their meeting is full of emotion, and both brothers weep. This story shows how God can change hearts and turn fear and conflict into peace and forgiveness.v. 1: Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with four hundred men. He divided his children among Leah, Rachel, and the two servant women. Jacob was careful and wanted to protect his family, but he was also trusting God after he had prayed for help (Genesis 33:1; 1 Samuel 1:18 ; Habakkuk 2:1 ).

v. 2: Jacob arranged the servant women and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. He put the family in order, possibly to give the most loved ones the best chance to escape if there was danger .

v. 3: Jacob went ahead of his family and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached Esau. This showed humility and respect, especially since Esau was the older brother. Jacob was trying to make peace by showing honor (Genesis 33:3; Genesis 4:7 ).

v. 4: Esau ran to meet Jacob, hugged him, kissed him, and they both wept. God had changed Esau’s heart, so instead of anger, he showed love and forgiveness to Jacob. Their tears showed real emotion—joy and relief for both brothers (Genesis 33:4; 1 Samuel 26:21,25 ; Acts 9:21,22 ).

Genesis 33:5-15: Jacob and Esau's Conversation In this passage, Jacob and Esau talk freely and kindly, showing there is no sign of their old argument. Esau asks about Jacob’s family, and Jacob gives God the credit for his children. They also talk about the gifts Jacob sent, and Esau first refuses but then accepts. Esau offers to travel with Jacob and even sends helpers, but Jacob politely refuses, wanting to care for his family at a gentle pace. This shows the importance of humility, thankfulness, and carefulness in relationships.v. 5-7: Esau saw the women and children and asked Jacob about them. Jacob replied that they were the children God had graciously given him. Then the servant women and their children, followed by Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph, all came near and bowed to Esau. Jacob wanted everyone in his family to show respect and give God the glory for their blessings (Genesis 33:5-7; 3 John 6 ; Psalm 128:3; Psalm 112:9 ).

v. 8: Esau asked about all the animals he met on the way. Jacob explained that they were a gift, hoping to find favor in Esau’s eyes .

v. 9: Esau refused the present at first, saying he already had enough. He did not want to seem greedy or as if he needed a reward for making peace .

v. 10-11: Jacob insisted that Esau take the gift, saying it was a sign of his thankfulness and happiness to see Esau’s friendly face. Jacob said seeing Esau was like seeing the face of God, because Esau had forgiven him. Jacob also said he had enough because God had been good to him. At last, Esau accepted the gift (Genesis 33:10-11; Deuteronomy 8:18 ; 1 Corinthians 3:22; Philippians 4:18 ).

v. 12-14: Esau offered to travel together and lead the way. Jacob, thinking of his children and animals, explained that they needed to move slowly, or the young ones might die. Jacob promised to come to Esau in Seir when he could. Jacob showed care for his family and did not want to rush them (Genesis 33:12-14; Isaiah 40:11 ).

v. 15: Esau then offered to leave some of his men to help Jacob, but Jacob said it was not necessary. He only wanted Esau’s friendship, showing that he trusted God to protect him and did not need an army for safety .

Genesis 33:16-20: Jacob Settles in Canaan After making peace with Esau, Jacob continues his journey and settles in the promised land. He first stays at Succoth, where he builds shelters for his family and animals. Later, he arrives safely at Shechem in Canaan. There, Jacob buys a piece of land and sets up an altar to worship God, calling it El-elohe-Israel, which means "God, the God of Israel." Through these actions, Jacob shows thankfulness for God’s protection and keeps the worship of God at the center of his family life.v. 16: Esau returned to his home in Seir, and Jacob went his own way. Their peaceful parting shows that their conflict was truly over .

v. 17: Jacob traveled to Succoth and made shelters (booths) for his animals and a house for himself. The place was named Succoth, which means "booths." This reminds Jacob’s descendants of their humble beginnings and how God took care of them (Genesis 33:17; Deuteronomy 26:5 ).

v. 18: Jacob arrived safely at Shechem, in the land of Canaan, after his long and difficult journey. He set up his tent near the city, showing he was finally back in the land God had promised .

v. 19: Jacob bought a piece of land from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, paying for it with money. Even though God had promised the land to his family, Jacob waited for God’s timing and was willing to pay for the land to avoid any conflict .

v. 20: Jacob built an altar and called it El-elohe-Israel, meaning "God, the God of Israel." He did this to thank God for His help and to make sure that his family continued to worship the true God. Jacob honored God, especially now that he was called Israel (Genesis 33:20 ).