Studies In Genesis: Chapter 26 Series

Note: When doing a study on a book in the Bible you use a lot of resources. The major influence for me on this study of Genesis is The Genesis Record by Henry Morris.

Genesis 32

We enter into chapter 32 and will see many new things in the life of Jacob. After the many experiences of Jacobs life including the lessons he learned at Labans Jacob is about to have a life changing experience with the Lord. He is coming to a crisis point in his life. God had to humble Jacob and break Jacob to make him realize who he truly was. Now we will see the results.

I believe if we could talk to Jacob he would let us know what is meant in

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every

son whom he receiveth.

1. And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This [is] God's host: and

he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

Mahanaim means "two camps". Jacob was freightened. He knew he had to deal with his brother. It had been twenty years and Jacob did not know what the reaction of his brother would be. So God sent some comfort. He sent his angels. "God's host".

3. And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto

the land of Seir, the country of Edom.

4 And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my

lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with

Laban, and stayed there until now:

5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and

womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find

grace in thy sight.

Jacob is working up a scheme to try to appease Esau. He remembered how he deceived him before and he has no idea how to deal with this. We see that even though he was reassured by the angels he still tries to use his own power and wits. This will change in the end.

6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy

brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred

men with him.

So the servants did meet with Esau but Esau gave no idea about what his intentions were. So this is why we see the reaction of Jacob.

7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided

the people that [was] with him, and the flocks, and herds, and

the camels, into two bands;

8 And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then

the other company which is left shall escape.

So Jacob has a two part plan to talk to Esau. First was this. Divide the flocks and servants into two. If one was attacked maybe the other would escape. He was covering his self. Now lets look at Jacobs second part of his plan.

9. And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my

father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy

country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

Notice his greeting to God. He is the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac still there is no relationship. Sure he believes but only through his family. Some people rely on the salvation of their parents and friends but it will not do them any good until they themselves come to know the Lord. Till they have a crisis experience. This will change soon. Soon this God will be his.

10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all

the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my

staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

Finally a confession. Oh do we need a confession. He admits that he was wrong and in sin. This is the first mention of him sinning. This is what it takes. Remember Jesus said he came to save the lost not the ones who were not lost.

11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from

the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me,

[and] the mother with the children.

12 And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy

seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for

multitude.

Jacob remined God of what he had promised him. He had a purpose for Jacob. He asks for deliverence.

13. And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which

came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;