January 12, 2025 - Homecoming

GENESIS 32:1-35:27

One Year Bible Audio & Daily Reading (oneyearbibleonline.com)

Genesis 32:9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. 11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. 12 But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”

Jacob is worried about his brother still being angry at him and he turns to God. He praises God, acknowledges his unworthiness. He remembers for himself and "reminds" God of what He had promised and acknowledges God’s faithfulness in doing all that He has done to bless him. He asked for God to save Him from any way his brother might harm him.

Genesis 33:4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. 5 Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked.

While Jacob was away God also was working in Esau's life. His heart was changed.

Genesis 33:9 But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.”

Esau was also provided for and was content with all he had and had no need for all the gifts that Jacob had sent. 20 years is a long time to hold a grudge and I am always happy to hear that Esau was able to forgive.

Genesis 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau.”

Jacob returns to the place that God had first appeared to him.

Genesis 35:6 Jacob and all the people with him came to Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. 7 There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother.

God had promised to bring him back and He did. Jacob and all his people worshiped Him.

Genesis 35:27 Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed.

God has proven Himself faithful. Finally Jacob gets back home.