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Bible Commentary
Genesis

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Genesis 33

Gen 33:1

JACOB LOOKED UP: "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills. From whence cometh my help?" (Psa 121:1). "He that keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep... the Lord shall preserve thy going out (to Syria) and thy coming in (return to land of Palestine), from this time forth and forevermore" (future return) (Psa 121). See Lesson, Jacob's life, a type of Israel.

Gen 33:10

YOU HAVE RECEIVED ME FAVORABLY: To Esau, this meant that Jacob was acknowledging his superiority. But to Jacob, this meant that he now saw God's protection and direction everywhere, and that he need not wrestle any longer, as before (Gen 32:24).

Gen 33:14

UNTIL I COME TO MY LORD IN SEIR: Jacob promises a future visit.

Gen 33:18

HE ARRIVED SAFELY AT THE CITY OF SHECHEM: Or, as NIV mg, "he arrived at Shalem, a city of Shechem". "Shalem" sig "peace" (as Shalom!). "Shechem" sig the "burden-bearer". So, figuratively, Jacob came in peace to the "burden-bearer", or Jacob came to the man of peace who bore his burdens!

Gen 33:19

Was it a mistake to buy a piece of land? This would lead to a permanent dwelling, not the best thing for a stranger and a pilgrim (Heb 11:9).

A HUNDRED PIECES OF SILVER: Perh Jacob was forced to repossess a property originally bought by Abraham his grandfather (Act 7:16; WAc 79). Cp difficulties Isaac had with Abraham's wells (Gen 21:32-34; 26:18-33).

Gen 33:20

Cp Abraham's stay there: Gen 12:6,7.

EL ELOHE ISRAEL: "The strength of the mighty ones of the prince of the mighty one". The altar is identified with God himself (Psa 43:4).

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