Genesis 32 tells the story of Jacob’s preparation to meet his brother for the first time in years. He separates his wives and children into two groups. His preference for Rachel and Joseph is obvious.

After sending everyone and everything over the river, he spends the night alone in a battle with God. Many of us struggle with our faith. Direct combat with Jehovah is unusual. Jacob’s name is changed to Israel and he is injured in the turmoil. His fear is of his brother and how he will be greeted.

The story of Jacob and Esau’s reunion is told in the thirty-third chapter of Genesis. Esau is happy to see his brother.  Jacob does everything he can to regain his older brother’s trust. It seems this is not needed.

Israel (Jacob) is concerned that Esau is as sneaky as he has been. He does not want the help of his brother or his men. He even lies and says he will follow to Seir but turns to Sukkoth. He still has not changed his devious ways.

It is very unusual when a daughter is listed in the genealogies. In chapter 34 we discover why Dinah was mentioned. She is raped and Jacob’s sons continue the heritage of their father.

They agree to give her as a wife to her rapist, but only if all the men of the city are circumcised. Circumcision is part of the Israelite covenant with Jehovah. It started with Abraham and Isaac. It seems like a reasonable request.

Three days later the true reason is revealed when all the men are killed and all their possessions, women and children are seized. This seemed to be the plan that the Hivites had in mind for Jacob’s family. Were they wrong to exact such severe punishment on the entire city because of the action of one man?

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger