Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent
Genesis 32:4-36:43
Reading #4 - Genesis 33:6–20
My Thoughts:
I was thinking about journeys today. Jacob parts with his brother (after reconciling) and takes a journey to settle in a new part of the Land. Scripture doesn’t say how he picked out the places he settled, or if Hashem led him there. But, my suspicion is that Hashem directed him to special places to live. And for particular times and seasons. Jacob often shows his “human” side to the reader, but he also shows his very dedicated side of loving and serving G-d.
All of the “journeys” that we see Biblical characters taking seem to be mostly directed by G-d. Makes me think that if we are planning on making a change, it would be good if we spend some time in prayer seeking Hashem and what He wants. It takes practice to hear His voice, but if you think you do and follow what He says -- you will get to know Him better. And end up in a wonderful place!
Challenge:
Jacob gives some incredible gifts to his brother Esau. He gives animals and other items. But, how does Esau respond? He wants him to take it all back. Have you ever given a gift to someone and they say, “Oh no...YOU should have it!” Moms are good at that. The point is the next time that happens to you, I am going to recommend you accept the gift graciously. It is a blessing to be able to “give”. So, we should allow others to be blessed! And not try to turn their special thoughts away. Learn to receive, as well as learn to be a giver.
Reading #4 - Genesis 33:6–20
6 Then the servants came near with their children, and they bowed themselves. 7 Leah also and her children came near, and bowed themselves. After them, Joseph came near with Rachel, and they bowed themselves.
8 Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?”
Jacob said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.”
9 Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; let that which you have be yours.”
10 Jacob said, “Please, no, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present at my hand, because I have seen your face, as one sees the face of Elohim, and you were pleased with me. 11 Please take the gift that I brought to you, because Elohim has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” He urged him, and he took it.
12 Esau said, “Let’s take our journey, and let’s go, and I will go before you.”
13 Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young, and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die. 14 Please let my lord pass over before his servant, and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the livestock that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord to Seir.”
15 Esau said, “Let me now leave with you some of the people who are with me.”
He said, “Why? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.”
16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17 Jacob traveled to Succoth, built himself a house, and made shelters for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
18 Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan Aram; and encamped before the city. 19 He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. 20 He erected an altar there, and called it El Elohe Israel.
