Genesis 30-32

Genesis chapter 32 describes the final preparations that Jacob made before his reunion with Esau.  There were probably many lingering questions in Jacob’s mind but the most prominent one had to do with Esau’s wrath.  Twenty years earlier Jacob had left his family in fear of his brother’s anger.  Had the 20 years brewed a stronger hatred or softened the heart of the oldest brother of Isaac?  Had Esau grown to see his brother through his parents’ hearts or was he still holding on the vengeance?  Would Esau seek to reclaim his birthright and his blessing by taking Jacob’s life?  God had made a promise to Jacob 20 years earlier; would he still hold to that promise?  All of these questions would be answered when Jacob and Esau met.  Jacob made his request to God.  He prepared a gift for his brother, and he divided his family into two parties.  But he did not stop following God’s command to return home.  Unlike Abraham who had made a similar journey long before him Jacob walked into an unknown that held a memory of hatred.  Jacob must have been wondering what work had God done in his absence? 

Stuart