Genesis 33:3-4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 33:1-4

Here, I. Jacob discovered Esau's approach, Gen. 33:1. Some think that his lifting up his eyes denotes his cheerfulness and confidence, in opposition to a dejected countenance; having by prayer committed his case to God, he went on his way, and his countenance was no more sad, 1 Sam. 1:18. Note, Those that have cast their care upon God may look before them with satisfaction and composure of mind, cheerfully expecting the issue, whatever it may be; come what will, nothing can come amiss to him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:3

And he passed over before them ,.... At the head of them, as the master of the family, exposing himself to the greatest danger for them, and in order to protect and defend them in the best manner he could, or to endeavour to soften the mind of his brother by an address, should there be any occasion for it: and bowed himself to the ground seven times ; in a civil way, as was the manner in the eastern countries towards great personages; and this he did to Esau as being his elder brother,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:4

And Esau ran to meet him ,.... If he rode on any creature, which is likely, he alighted from it on sight of his brother Jacob, and to express his joy on that occasion, and affection for him, made all the haste he could to meet him, as did the father of the prodigal, Luke 15:20 , and embraced him ; in his arms, with the greatest respect and tenderness: and fell on his neck ; laid his head on his neck, where it remained for a while, not being able to lift it up, and speak unto him;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:4

Esau ran to meet him - How sincere and genuine is this conduct of Esau, and at the same time how magnanimous! He had buried all his resentment, and forgotten all his injuries; and receives his brother with the strongest demonstrations, not only of forgiveness, but of fraternal affection. And kissed him - וישקהו vaiyishshakehu . In the Masoretic Bibles each letter of this word is noted with a point over it to make it emphatic. And by this kind of notation the rabbins wished to draw... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:3

Verse 3 3.And bowed himself to the ground seven times. This, indeed, he might do for the sake of giving honor: for we know that the people of the east are addicted to far more ceremonies than are in use with us. To me, however, it seems more probable, that Jacob did not pay this honor simply to his brother, but that he worshipped God, partly to give him thanks, and partly to implore him to render his brother propitious; for he is said to have bowed down seven times before he approached his... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:4

Verse 4 4.And Esau ran to meet him. That Esau meets his brother with unexpected benevolence and kindness, is the effect of the special favor of God. Therefore, by this method, God proved that he has the hearts of men in his hand, to soften their hardness, and to mitigate their cruelty as often as he pleases: in short, that he tames them as wild beasts are wont to be tamed; and then, that he hearkened to the prayers of his servant Jacob. Wherefore, if at any time the threats of enemies alarm us,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:1-20

Jacob and Esau, or the brothers reconciled. I. THE MEETING OF THE BROTHERS . 1. The approach of Esau . 2. The advance of Jacob . 3. The reconciliation of both . The conflict of emotions in the breast of Esau was brought to a decision by the sight of Jacob, which at once cast the balance on the side of fraternal affection. Old memories of boyhood and home revived in the bosom of the stalwart hunter as he looked on his twin-brother, and, under the impulse of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:1-20

The fruits of prayer. The " prince " who has been lifted by the grace of God out of the humiliation of his fear and shame to the height of his favor at the throne of the Most High now reveals his princely power. He takes captive Esau's heart; he blesses him in the name of God, he bestows his gifts upon him. Notice the fruits of Divine discipline in the patriarch . I. THE THEOCRATIC FEELING IS ALIVE IN JACOB 'S HEART . He puts the handmaids first, Leah next, Rachel... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 33:3-4

And he (the introduction of the pronoun giving emphasis to the statement) passed over before them ( i . e . passed on in front of them, thus chivalrously putting himself in the place of danger), and bowed himself to the ground— not completely prostrating the body, as Abraham did in Genesis 19:1 , but bending forward till the upper part of it became parallel with the ground, a mode of expressing deep reverence and respect, which may be seen to life in Oriental countries at the p,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 33:1-20

- Jacob and Esau Meet17. סכת sûkkôth, Sukkoth, “booths,” consisting of poles forming a roof covered with branches, leaves, or grass.19. חמור chămôr Chamor, “ass, red, heap.” קשׂיטה qeśı̂yṭâh Qesitah, weighed or measured. Ἀμνὸς Amnos, Septuagint and OnkelosJacob has a friendly interview with Esau, and re-+enters Kenaan.Genesis 33:1-3Jacob, upon seeing Esau approach with his four hundred men, advances with circumspection and lowly obeisance. He divided his family, arranged them according... read more

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