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Cautiously Jacob/Israel divided his immediate family into four, which is the number of the earth. However he went over by himself making those who passed over to meet Esau, five. Once again the number of blood atonement is in evidence in the life of Jacob. Gen. 33:1-3 Furthermore when he saw Esau he bowed seven times before him. Seven is the number that brings us down to final things, the end of the age. The book of Revelation is filled with sevenís all showing us the climax of life as it is now lived. Inasmuch as this event is a picture of the end of the age and the reconciliation of Jew and Arab there will be a coming together and a time of peace between them.
The reaction of Esau is wonderful to behold, ìAnd Esau ran to meet him.î The Lord had prepared his heart for this time of reunion even as it will be repeated in the end of the age, not on an individual basis but as nations. As far as Esau was concerned the past was forgiven and forgotten. He was filled with genuine excitement to be with his brother once again, so he ran quickly to be with him. To further show the joy of the moment he hugged him, and this is a good one, he fell on his neck. In other words he gave him what we would call a bear hug. A hug of great enthusiasm and sincerity. He earnestly and honestly kissed him as an act of acceptance and love. So moving was the moment, emotionally, that they both wept. Gen. 33:4 The Lord immediately fulfilled His promise that Jacob would have power with God and with man. Prior to this moment, Jacob had no greater enemy than his brother Esau, but now even his enemies were at peace with him. Pr. 16:7.
The attention of Esau was then turned to the family, all of whom came before him and honored him by bowing before them. The flocks were the discussed, and we find that Esau was of a mind to refuse the gift. To Jacob the flocks were a sign of grace or of the acceptance of Esau of the person of Jacob. Some of the animals given were eligible as animals of sacrifice. Grace is only achievable through the shedding of blood, the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Gen. 33:5-8 For all the joy of having just met anew, like family, they bantered back an forth over what to do with the flocks. The spiritual impact of this reunion is found in the most unusual statement made by Jacob, ìI have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God.î So extremely vital was this meeting that Jacob was led to express the joy of having pleased Esau, and that he considered it an evidence of the workings of the Lord in reuniting them. It was a confirmation to him that he was doing the will of the Lord. Gen. 33:10 The gifts offered by Jacob were graciously received by Esau. Gen. 33:12 The gift of life is in Jesus, the Lamb of God.