Genesis 33:2

2 He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.

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 Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants.

2 He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear.

3 But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

4 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.

5 When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.”