Genesis 33:15-20

15 Esav said, "Let me now leave with you some of the folk who are with me." He said, "Why? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord."

16 So Esav returned that day on his way to Se`ir.

17 Ya`akov journeyed to Sukkot, built himself a house, and made shelters for his cattle. Therefore the name of the place is called Sukkot.

18 Ya`akov came in shalom to the city of Shekhem, which is in the land of Kana`an, 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, Shekhem's father, for one hundred pieces of money.

20 He erected an altar there, and called it El-Elohe-Yisra'el.

Genesis 33:15-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 33

In this chapter we find Esau meeting Jacob in a friendly manner, contrary to his fears and expectation, having set his family in order in case of the worst, Ge 33:1-4; putting questions to Jacob concerning the women and children with him, who make their obeisance to him as Jacob had done before, Ge 33:5-7; and concerning the drove he met, which was a present to him, and which he refused at first to take, but at the urgency of Jacob accepted of it, Ge 33:8-11; proposing to travel with him, unto which Jacob desired to be excused, he, with the women, children, and flocks, not being able to keep pace with him, Ge 33:12-14, and to leave some of his men with him to guard him, which Jacob judged unnecessary, upon which they parted friendly, Ge 33:15,16; and the chapter is concluded with an account of Jacob's journey, first to Succoth, then to Shalem, where he pitched his tent, bought a field and built an altar, Ge 33:17-20.