Genesis 33:2

2 He put the servants and their children in front. He put Leah and her children next. And he put 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 Jacob looked up. And there was Esau, coming with his 400 men! So Jacob separated the children. He put them with Leah, Rachel and the two female servants.

2 He put the servants and their children in front. He put Leah and her children next. And he put Rachel and Joseph last.

3 He himself went on ahead. As he came near his brother, he bowed down to the ground seven times.

4 But Esau ran to meet Jacob. He hugged him and threw his arms around his neck. He kissed him, and they cried.

5 Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. "Who are these people with you?" he asked. Jacob answered, "They are the children God has so kindly given to me."