Jacob is more self-aware in this chapter than he has ever been. He clearly understands that he has done wrong to his brother, and that his brother should be angry. His twenty years of oppression from his uncle and his open eyes from the wrestling match the night before have given him an empathy and understanding of himself and others that he did not previously possess.
Jacob puts his family in most perceived danger, in order of preference.
vv5 and 11 acknowledge God as the giver of his wealth and blessing. He acknowledges God in his family
Esau is gracious, and affirms Jacob as his brother.
Jacob bows to his brother. In the blessing he stole, his father said his brother would bow to him. He says to Esau that he is servant and Esau is lord. His father's stolen blessing said that he would be Esau's lord. He gives Esau a blessing and begs him to accept it. He originally stole the blessing from his father.
Is Jacob trying to pay Esau back for his birthright and blessing?
Nothing that Jacob stole ever resulted in his final place of blessing and covenant he eventually experienced in God. It all came from God alone.
Esau accepts the gift after it becomes a gift of generous love from a brother, but not when it is defensive payment.
Jacob bought land. This is the second piece of land owned by Abraham's family. The other is Sarah's tomb.
Jacob makes an altar here. Up until now, he has always lifted stones to mark his religious practice. This was part of pagan religion. Here he builds an altar, just as Abraham always did as he moved from place to place. For the first time, he calls God HIS God, the God of Israel.
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