Genesis 33:2

2 And he put the two handmaidens and their children with the first, and Lea and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last.

Genesis 33:2 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 33:2

And he put the handmaids and their children foremost
In the first division, as being less honourable and less beloved by him: and Leah and her children after;
still according to the degree of honour and affection due unto them; Leah being a wife that was imposed and forced upon him: and Rachel and Joseph hindermost;
being most beloved by him, and therefore most careful of them; Rachel being his principal and lawful wife, and who had the greatest share in his affection, and Joseph his only child by her.

Genesis 33:2 In-Context

1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and beheld, and lo! Esau his brother coming, and four hundred men with him; and Jacob divided the children to Lea and to Rachel, and the two handmaidens.

2 And he put the two handmaidens and their children with the first, and Lea and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last.

3 But he advanced himself before them, and did reverence to the ground seven times, until he drew near to his brother.

4 And Esau ran on to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him; and they both wept.

5 And Esau looked up and saw the women and the children, and said, What are these to thee? And he said, The children with which God has mercifully blessed thy servant.