Day 23: Genesis 32-34

After leaving a family crisis with Laban, Jacob learns he is about to enter another potential family crisis with Esau. However, God sends angels to assure him of His presence and protection.

Jacob is humbled by God’s love and faithfulness. This looks like the beginning of his transformation- a humble heart. His fear of Esau drives him to plead with God for deliverance. This makes me think of the many verses throughout God’s word that tell us not to fear man. If you struggle with people-pleasing and caring what others think, this is a wonderful thing to study. One of my favorite verses on the topic is Galatians 1:10:

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Jacob sends gifts ahead of himself in hopes of appeasing his brother and making amends. His gifts give us an idea of his wealth, and this is before he wrestles with God and receives His blessing. 

Just after sending his gift to Esau, he wrestles with a mysterious stranger. We know this to be another theophany (a visible manifestation of God) in which Jacob wrestles with God. God puts Jacob’s hip out of joint and asks His name. Note, God always asks questions He already knows the answers to because He is God. He changes Jacob’s name to Israel and blesses him. Israel leaves blessed and limping with a new identity. This is the beginning of his transformation. 

Our brokenness is the key to our blessing. (modified from Tony Evans Commentary)

In chapter 33, Jacob and Esau reunite. They embrace, and weep, and Esau meets Jacob’s family. Jacob practiced generosity in the gifts he gave to his brother. What a gentle reminder that we should practice generosity toward others, also.

Jacob didn’t want to travel with his brother just in case Esau had a change of heart. They agree to go separately, and Jacob goes in the opposite direction. There, in Canaan, he sets up an altar this time, not a pillar like last time. He names this altar El-Elohe-Israel, which means “God, the God of Israel”. This is where he claims God has his own. The LORD is now his God. This is a physical representation of the change that has taken place in him- his new identity.

In chapter 34, Shechem, the prince of the land, raped Dinah, Jacob’s daughter. Her brothers are outraged and deceive Shechem, Hamor, and their people. They get the men to agree to circumcision on deceptive terms. While the men are all weak and sore, Dinah’s full brothers attack, kill all the men, and plunder the land. Jacob is upset because he is concerned and fearful of his reputation and the retaliation of the people of the land. Yet again, we see he still struggles with the fear of man, as we talked about earlier.

I believe people pleasing and the fear of man are pretty common amongst many people. If you are one of them, I encourage you to seek deliverance from this because oh, what freedom awaits you on the other side! 

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

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