Jacob’s Dream reconciliation of Jacob and Esau

Jacob’s Dream 

(Gen. 27: 30-43; 28: 1-3, 10-19; 29: 1-30; 31: 1-3; 32: 1-22, 29; 33: 1-17) 

Jacob called that place Bethel, meaning, House of God.  Then he took the stone he had used as a pillow, poured oil on it and set it up as a sign and as a remembrance.

     Before reaching Haran, Jacob came to a well near which flocks of sheep were lying.  There he met Rachel, daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother.  Jacob fell in love with her and agreed to tend Laban’s flocks for seven years if at the end of that period he would be allowed to marry her.

     Jacob and Rachel finally were married.  Even after his marriage, Jacob stayed with Laban and worked for him.  God blessed Jacob and gave him great riches.  In time, his own flocks increased.  He became so rich that Laban envied him and tried to cheat him.

     Now, Jacob longed to return to the land of his father.  One day, the Lord said to him:  “Return to the land of your father and I shall be with you.”  Jacob started at once to do the Lord’s bidding.  He sent messengers to his brother, Esau.  This is the message they carried: “I am returning from our mother’s country. I have oxen and asses and sheep and servants.  I would like to be friendly with you.”  The messengers returned to Jacob saying: “Your brother is coming with haste to meet you. He has four hundred men with him.”

     At this Jacob became very much frightened.  He prayed: “O God, protect me and my family from the hands of my brother, Esau.”

     That night, Jacob sent presents to Esau.  He sent goats and camels, bulls and other animals.

     But Jacob and his family did not continue on their way.  They passed the night in camp.

     Early the next morning, the Lord said to Jacob: “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel.  You shall be strong among men.”

     When Jacob saw Esau coming toward him, he went to meet his brother and bowed low to the ground.  At the same time, Esau ran to meet Jacob.  Esau embraced Jacob and kissed him, weeping.  Jacob showed Esau the children God had blessed him with, then said: Take a present from me.  The animals you passed by on the road are my gifts to you.  Received them and let us be friends.