January 23, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Genesis 32 - Jacob prepares to meet Esau by preparing and sending gifts to him.  Jacob prays and God answers with a physical encounter that secures Jacob's need for God in his life.  Jacob had to have his hip out of joint in order to learn to lean on his God.  God calls Jacob by a new name:  Israel.

Genesis 33 - Esau meets Jacob with compassion and love.  This may have been Esau's desire from the start and he didn't need Jacob's gifts to pacify him.  Jacob insists that Esau keep the gifts and then asks Esau to let him move at his own pace.

Genesis 34 - Jacob and his family settle near Shechem.  Dinah is raped and Jacob's family, especially Simeon and Levi, respond with a violent attack.  Jacob is brought low and must now trust God for His protection.