Genesis 33:3-4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 33:2-3

Genesis 33:2-3 . He put Rachel and Joseph hinder-most Giving those that were dearest to him most opportunity to escape. He passed over before them Exposing himself to the first and greatest danger for the security of his wives and children. He bowed himself to the ground Thus doing obeisance to Esau as an elder brother, though he feared him as an enemy. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 33:4

Genesis 33:4. Esau ran to meet him Not in anger, but in love: so wonderfully and suddenly had God, who hath the hearts of all men in his hands, and can turn them when and how he pleases, changed his heart; and of an implacable enemy, made him a kind and affectionate friend! Embraced him, fell on his neck, and kissed him God is the God of nature, and to be without natural affection is to be without God. They wept Jacob wept for joy to be thus kindly received; Esau, perhaps, with grief... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:1-17

Meeting with Esau (33:1-17)Jacob may have had a dramatic spiritual experience with God, but he still had to face Esau the next day. He took precautions to protect his family against any possible hostility, then went ahead to meet Esau personally (33:1-3). Esau showed a generous spirit of forgiveness, with the result that the dreaded meeting proved to be a happy reunion. Jacob had gained Esau’s birthright and blessing by cunning and deceit, but he was not allowed to enjoy them fully till he... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 33:4

and kissed him. This is one of the Hebrew words with "extraordinary points", to show that the Massorites thought it should be omitted. See App-31 . It should read, "and fell on his neck and wept"; without kissing. This is the custom in Genesis. Compare Genesis 45:14 ; Genesis 46:29 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 33:3-7

"And he himself passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are these with thee? And he said, The children whom God hath graciously given thy servant. Then the handmaids came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. And Leah also and her children... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 33:4

Genesis 33:4. Embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him— They who are more intimately acquainted, or of equal age or dignity, among the Easterns, mutually kiss the hand, the head, or shoulder of each other. Dr. Shaw, in his learned Observations on Scripture, p. 237, has not applied this observation to any passage in the Bible; but it cannot be amiss to remark that such passages as, like the present, speak of falling on the neck and kissing a person, seem to have a reference to the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 33:3

3. he bowed himself . . . seven times—The manner of doing this is by looking towards a superior and bowing with the upper part of the body brought parallel to the ground, then advancing a few steps and bowing again, and repeating his obeisance till, at the seventh time, the suppliant stands in the immediate presence of his superior. The members of his family did the same. This was a token of profound respect, and, though very marked, it would appear natural; for Esau being the elder brother,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 33:4

4. Esau ran to meet him—What a sudden and surprising change! Whether the sight of the princely present and the profound homage of Jacob had produced this effect, or it proceeded from the impulsive character of Esau, the cherished enmity of twenty years in a moment disappeared; the weapons of war were laid aside, and the warmest tokens of mutual affection reciprocated between the brothers. But doubtless, the efficient cause was the secret, subduing influence of grace ( :-), which converted Esau... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 33:1-17

Jacob arranged his family to preserve those who were most precious to him if his brother proved to be violently hostile (Genesis 33:1-3)."This kind of ranking according to favoritism no doubt fed the jealousy over Joseph that later becomes an important element in the narrative. It must have been painful to the family to see that they were expendable." [Note: The NET Bible note on 33:2.] His going ahead of them to meet Esau shows the new Israel overcoming the fear that had formerly dominated the... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:1-20

1-16.Jacob and Esau meet peaceably.17-20. Jacob settles in Canaan.3. Bowed seven times] in token of submission to Esau. 4. Jacob’s prayer (Genesis 32:11) is answered, and Esau, whatever his original purpose, now shows his brother only goodwill and affection. 10. I have seen thy face, etc.] i.e. I find thee as favourable to me as God is, alluding, no doubt, to the name Peniel (Genesis 32:30).11. My blessing] RV ’my gift’: the present which accompanied expressions of good-will. So Naaman said to... read more