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Chapter 32
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Genesis, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
God, Humanity, and Creation
Mistrust, Disobedience, and Death
Covenants and Faith in God’s Promises
The Role of Women
Summary
Analysis
Jacob sees Esau approaching with 400 men, so he divides up his household with the maids in front, followed by Leah and her children, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. Jacob walks in front, bowing seven times before Esau. But Esau runs to Jacob, embraces him, and kisses him; the brothers weep together. Jacob introduces the women and children. Esau tries to refuse Jacob’s gift, but because Esau has received him with such favor, Jacob begs him to keep it, and Esau finally agrees. Esau then returns home, while Jacob and his household follow more slowly. When Jacob arrives at the city of Shechem in Canaan, he purchases land, pitches his tent, and builds an altar there.
Jacob approaches Esau with great humility and deference. However, Esau cuts short Jacob’s formal greeting and joyously embraces him, showing he no longer harbors animosity toward Jacob. Jacob finally makes his way to Canaan, and his first act after establishing a dwelling is to build an altar and worship God. In response to God’s faithfulness in bringing him to Canaan, Jacob obeys God.
Themes
