Genesis 33:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let us examine how Jacob's encounter with his brother unfolded. Having drawn great solace from the events that transpired and having received the assurance of strength and steadfastness among his people, he looked and beheld Esau approaching, accompanied by four hundred men. In preparation, he arranged the children of Leah and Rachel along with the two maidservants. He positioned the maidservants and their children at the front, followed by Leah and her children, and finally Rachel and Joseph at the rear. Jacob himself stepped forward and humbled himself before them, bowing to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. Notice how, after making these arrangements, he takes the initiative to go and meet them, displaying his humility and readiness to reconcile.

James did not create three factions as many believe; rather, he formed two. In the passage where it states 'divided,' Aquila translates it as ήμίσευσεν, meaning 'divided in two,' to establish one group consisting of the maidservants and their children, while the second group consisted of Leah and Rachel, who were free, along with their offspring. He arranged for the maidservants to proceed first, followed by the free women. This allowed him to encounter his brother, whom he intended to honor, before either of the two groups.

Behind the two groups were the wives and children of Jacob, with his second wife Rachel and her youngest son Joseph positioned last. Although they were the youngest and held a more sheltered position, this placement was also a reflection of the tender care of their husband and father, ensuring their safety. The discerning gaze of love is subtle, just as the watchful gaze of jealousy is careful.

He designated attendants, etc. Rachel stands out as being particularly safeguarded from harm, not only because she is cherished but also as the primary wife, aligned with Jacob's purpose.