After twenty years away, Jacob is heading home. He returns a wealthy man, with wives and children and flocks and servants. Having received the blessing of his father-in-law, and, more importantly, a complete separation of assets, he is free to establish his own presence in the land of promise.

All that stands in his way is Esau, the twin brother whom he had swindled. Esau, the brother who had sworn to kill him.

The moment of reunion has been in the background of our story since chapter 28, and surely in the back of Jacob’s mind, for over twenty years. I won’t ruin the dramatic setup, or Jacob’s maneuvering, or the eventual meeting with Esau for you, but I think you’ll see that it is all typical Jacob stuff. And maybe you’ll smile.

While this story unfolds, pay attention to how attentive Jacob is to the LORD’s presence and activity through it all. He sees God’s angels at Mahanaim. He prays for protection and reminds God that this return journey was all God’s idea. And he has the great wrestling match that brings Jacob his new name: Israel, the one who has “striven with God and with men, and has prevailed.” Jacob’s legacy is two sides of the same coin: both heel grabber and God-wrestler.

Jacob lands in a new home in Canaan and our reading today ends with a sour account having to do with his daughter, Dinah. I encourage you to keep your focus on Jacob throughout – how he deals with the treachery, how his sons Simeon and Levi treat him, and, most importantly, from which of Jacob’s wives Dinah and Simeon and Levi all come.

The author is leading us to see the storm that is threatening this family. And not just this family, but the promise that was made to Abram: “to your descendants I will give this land.” Will the LORD be able to overcome what this family is doing to itself?

Remember this week’s verse is Galatians 4:28: Now you brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.

Genesis chapters 32 through 34. Now let’s read it!

Day 10 Guided Podcast