The reading for Tuesday, January 10, 2023 , is Genesis 32 - 34
Today's reading: Genesis 32 - 34 Jacob meets Esau, Jacob Wrestles with God, Dinah and her brothers' revenge Jacob returns home from where he fled because his brother Esau had determined to kill him. Jacob sends a message seeking to find favor with Esau. Esau responds by coming to meet Jacob with 400 of Esau's men. Then Jacob prays and sends Esau gifts. To me, these gifts seem like bribes. I also have to tell myself they lived in a very different culture from mine. On the other hand, if I thought someone was going to kill me and a gift might pacify them, they could have whatever they want. When they do meet, Esau runs up to Jacob. They hug and weep. I find myself wondering if Esau's heart was changed by Jacob's prayer or if Esau was glad to see his brother the whole time. Jacob wrestling with God. Don't we all do this? Yet, I find in this passage also a deep mystery. Also, Jacob asks for a blessing and his name is changed. How important are names? Shechem rap...