Genesis 33:3-6

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 33:5-15

We have here the discourse between the two brothers at their meeting, which is very free and friendly, without the least intimation of the old quarrel. It was the best way to say nothing of it. They converse, I. About Jacob's retinue, Gen. 33:5-7. Eleven or twelve little ones, the eldest of them not fourteen years old, followed Jacob closely: Who are these? says Esau. Jacob had sent him an account of the increase of his estate (Gen. 32:5), but made no mention of his children; perhaps because... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:5

And he lift up his eyes, and saw the women and children ,.... After the salutation had passed between him and his brother Jacob, he looked, and saw behind him women and children, Jacob's two wives and his two handmaids, and twelve children he had by them: and said, who are those with thee ? who do those women and children belong to that follow thee? for Jacob had made no mention of his wives and children, when he sent his messengers to him, Genesis 32:5 ; and therefore Esau might... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 33:6

Then the handmaids came near, they and their children ,.... Being foremost, and next to, Jacob, as Bilhah and her two sons, Dan and Naphtali, and Zilpah and her two sons, Gad and Asher: and they bowed themselves ; in token of respect to Esau, as Jacob had done before them, and set them an example, and no doubt instructed them to do it. 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 33:5

Verse 5 5.And he lifted up his eyes. Moses relates the conversation held between the brothers. And as Esau had testified his fraternal affection by tears and embraces, there is no doubt that he inquires after the children in a spirit of congratulation. The answer of Jacob breathes piety as well as modesty; for when he replies, that his numerous seed had been given him by God, he acknowledges and confesses that children are not so produced by nature as to subvert the truth of the declaration,... read more

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