He erected there an altar— At the same place where Abraham had built his first altar, ch. Genesis 12:7. Abraham dedicated his, To Jehovah appearing to him; Jacob his, To God, the God of Israel, which was the new name that God had given him. The place was at or near Shechem; so that the woman of Samaria might well say, as she did to our Saviour, that their Fathers worshipped God IN THAT mount. Shechem seems to have been one of the oldest cities in all Canaan. This must be the place which Jacob gave to his son Joseph, and where Joseph's bones were buried.
REFLECTIONS.—Esau now is become a friend to Jacob, nearer than a brother, and offers his house to entertain and his servants to guard him. Jacob modestly excuses himself, and expresses his full satisfaction in the grace he had found in his sight. He pleads,
1. The weakness of the children and the flocks with young: they could not keep pace with Esau without danger.
2. His intention to visit him shortly. Note; We should never be behind in acts of civility.
3. That he needed not his servants, and therefore would not trouble him. He had experienced enough of the divine protection to rest upon it in perfect safety.
4. His favour was the greater obligation he could confer upon him; of this he begs the continuance. Note; If we have found grace in God's sight, what more can we need?
Esau being returned, Jacob gives some rest to his fatigued family in booths at Succoth, and thence goes on to Shalem. His dangers are past, and he is now safe arrived in Canaan. Note; Perils of journies escaped, and safe arrival home, deserve a thankful mention. What joy will it give, when, after escaping the dangers of this world, we come to our rest in the heavenly Canaan! Two things he doth:
1. He buys a field. Though the land be his by promise, it is not yet in his possession.
2. He builds an altar, that God may be remembered wherever he sojourns, and his house be taught the good ways of the Lord. Note; Wherever we have a house God must have an altar. It is a heathen family in which God's worship is neglected. He calls the altar, God the God of Israel. He was called Israel, a prince with God; but his highest honour is to have God for his God and King. Note; Whatever honours a true Israelite enjoys, this is the greatest, Israel's God is Israel's Glory.