Events in Jacob's Life Up To the Death of Isaac (Genesis 32:3 to Genesis 35:1)
Jacob Meets With His Brother Esau (Genesis 32:3 to Genesis 33:17).
This section is built around two covenants. The covenant made with God at Peniel and the covenant of peace made between Esau and Jacob. It is probable that the covenant with God was the central one. But Jacob being a careful man (compare Genesis 25:33 and the passage built around it) would certainly want on record the details of his covenant of peace with Esau.
Even after so long a time Jacob is wary of his brother Esau. He does not know what fate Esau plans for him nor what will be his reaction to his return. But we note that he is aware of his brother's whereabouts. He has clearly kept in touch with his family who have kept him informed.
For Esau, recognising that he now had no part in the rulership of the family tribe (Genesis 27:39-40), had aligned himself by marriage with the confederate tribes of Ishmael (Genesis 28:9). He moved to the desert region and there built up his own tribe, no doubt with Ishmael's assistance and had thus became a minor ruler over a band of warriors with whom he lived out the active life that he had always desired. With their assistance he was able to build up his wealth. Many rich caravans would pass near their territory on the King's Highway (see Numbers 20:14-21) which by one means or another would contribute to their treasury (either by toll or by robbery) and they necessarily built up flocks and herds for their own survival.
Eventually they would gain ascendancy over neighbouring peoples until the land becomes known as the land of Edom (Genesis 36:16-17; Genesis 36:21; Genesis 36:31) i.e. of Esau (Genesis 25:30; Genesis 36:1; Genesis 36:19; Genesis 36:43), although originally called the land of Seir (here and Genesis 37:30). The latter name is connected with the Horites who originally lived there (Genesis 36:20) who were clearly absorbed into the clan or confederacy.
‘And Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau, to the land of Seir, the part possessed by (‘the field of') Edom. And he commanded them saying, “Thus shall you say to my lord Esau. ‘Thus says your servant Jacob, I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. And I have oxen and asses and flocks and menservants and maidservants, and I have sent to tell my lord that I may find grace in your sight.' ” '
Jacob sends to Esau offering terms of peace. He wants Esau to know that he is wealthy on his own account, and that he can therefore expect generous gifts. There may also be the hint that he is well able to defend himself - ‘menservants and maidservants', those who serve in the family tribe. We may remember that from the equivalent Abraham was able to raise three hundred and eighteen trained fighting men.
“The land of Seir, the part possessed by Edom.” The land where Seir the Horite and his tribe and descendants dwelt, part of which was now controlled by Esau's men. See remarks above. Esau appears to lead an itinerant life, partly at home with his father who was blind and needed his assistance, and where he had his own herds and flocks, and partly out with his men adventuring in the season of such activities when the demands of farming were less. It was only after the death of his father that he finally forsook the family tribe (Genesis 36:6).
“My lord Esau.” A title of respect due to an important personage.