Take Two: Genesis 33, Proverbs 24

Genesis 33 picks up the narrative of Israel meeting Esau. Israel assembled his family (maids and children first, then Leah and children, then Rachel and children (Gen 33:1-2). This seems to be in order of value/ affection he had for the women from least to greatest. (I wouldn't make too much of it...since they had to be in some order...why not this one?)

Israel led the way and stopped to bow 7 times when approaching his brother Esau. This is a picture of great humility and respect (Gen 33:3). Esau responded in the same manner as the father responded to the prodigal son (Luke 15:20-24)...by running to him to embrace and kiss him (Gen 33:4). After making some introductions, Esau and Israel began the "Near East negotiation dance" where they go back and forth over the presents (Gen 33:8-11).

Esau offers to lead Israel's party back to Seir but Israel prevails and agrees to come at the pace with is best for children and livestock (and a man with a limp...but who would admit that) (Gen 33:12-17).

The section ends with Israel purchasing a piece of land in Shechem where he erected an altar and called it "God, the God of Israel" (Gen 33:18-20). It is a fitting way to end this section of the narrative because it is Israel's resolution to the tension. Remember, God spoke to him and told him to return to Canaan with his family. To do so meant uprooting from all that his wives and children knew...and all that he had acquired. Perhaps more significant...going back meant facing old "skeletons" like Esau. It would have been easy enough to justify staying, yet he went in faith and prepared for the worst. In the midst of the journey, he wrestles with God, has a character transformation, and gains a reminder (a limp) that is ever-present. Of course he would buy a piece of land (it is not worship unless it costs you something), and calls God (the God of Abraham and Isaac) the God of Israel.

Proverbs 24:7 is the takeaway today. It struck me this morning that those who speak foolishness (things that are not of God) recognize that foolishness is lacking. When they are in the presence of wisdom at the gates, they don't even open their mouths. I have found this to be true. On more than one occasion I have seen the "meeting after the meeting." It is the time when a person hears a direction that the "assembly" is going and they separate themselves to one or two which they have influence over and speak to them. Their ideas "make sense" in the small numbers...but do not stand up to the scrutiny of "the gates." Often times, these who call the meeting after the meeting are seen as the experts in their subject. They are respected in their circle. They know that sharing their "wisdom" in the crowd will not "fly," so they wait and try to influence the circle that tells them how smart they are. It usually ends with them telling the circle that "they all" are far more spiritual than the masses and the masses just won't understand. A principle to consider is this...If it is wisdom, true wisdom...it will always triumph in the "city gates." If it won't stand up to this scrutiny...it may in fact be foolishness.

Grace,