Jacob is about to see Esau again. He lines up his family in order of least loved to most loved (33:2). There is one difference. Before Jacob met God at Peniel he would stay “behind” (32:16, 18, 20). Now he goes “on ahead” of his entourage (33:3a). Not only did Jacob receive a new name at Peniel, but he received new courage as well. The narrator refers to Esau as Jacob’s “brother” (33:3b) as does Esau of Jacob (33:9). Jacob, however, still addresses Esau as “my lord” (33:8, 14–15), and refers to himself as “your servant” (33:5). Jacob insists that Esau accept the gifts he has brought, and Esau tak…