Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked. Esau was coming with four hundred men, so Jacob divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two handmaids.

He put the handmaids and their children at the front, followed by Leah and her children, and then Rachel and Joseph brought up the rear. Jacob passed over before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times until he came near his brother Esau. As they met, Esau ran to greet him, embracing him warmly with a heartfelt kiss, and they both wept together.

Looking around at the women and children, Esau asked, "Who are these people with you?" Jacob replied, "The children God has graciously given your servant." The handmaids and their children stepped forward, bowing themselves. Leah came next with her children, followed by Rachel and Joseph, who also bowed low.

Esau inquired about the large crowd he had met. Jacob explained that he was seeking his brother's favor. Esau replied, "I have enough, my brother; let what you have be yours." Jacob then offered a gift, saying, "Please accept this from my hand because I've seen your face as one sees the face of God, and you were pleased with me."

Esau accepted the gift, acknowledging that God had been gracious to Jacob. He urged him to take it, and Jacob did so. Then they proposed to continue their journey together, with Esau suggesting he send some men ahead to accompany Jacob's group. But Jacob declined, saying, "Why would I need them? May I find favor in your sight?"

Esau departed that day on his way to Seir, leaving Jacob to follow at a gentle pace with the children and livestock. As they journeyed on, Jacob arrived in Succoth, where he built an enclosure for his animals and set up shelters for them. The place became known as Succoth.

Continuing their path, Jacob arrived in Shalem, a city of Shechem within the land of Canaan. He had come from Padanaram, and after pitching his tent before the city, Jacob purchased a plot of land from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of money.

On this land, Jacob erected an altar and named it El Elohe Israel, acknowledging God as the true power behind his life.