Genesis 33:2

2 And he put the female slaves and their children first, then Leah and her children next, then Rachel with 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 looked. And behold, Esau [was] coming and four hundred men [were] with him. And he divided the children among Leah and among Rachel, and among the two of his female servants.

2 And he put the female slaves and their children first, then Leah and her children next, then Rachel with Joseph last.

3 And he himself passed on before them and bowed down to the ground seven times until he came to his brother.

4 But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell upon his neck and kissed him, and they wept.

5 Then Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and the children and said, "Who [are] these with you?" And he said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."