Twenty years after deceitfully receiving the birthright and blessing that His father had intended for his brother Esau, Jacob still felt the pain of guilt for his action. He knew that Esau had reason to be angry with him and he knew that Esau had sufficient men with him that he could easily destroy him and his family.
What Jacob did not know was how God would work his plan for building a nation with the new name God had given him—Israel. The day ended well, with Jacob and Esau renewing their relationship with love and respect.
When Esau offered to accompany Jacob and his family as they continued their journey, Jacob declined, saying that the pace of the trip would be slow to accommodate the flocks and herds and children. Perhaps Jacob was aware that this would avoid distraction in obeying God’s will.
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