We are now in chapter 33 of Genesis with our word for today. לָקַחְתָּ֥ from the root לָקַח take, grasp, seize, accept, receive, fetch bring, take away. It is used 960 times in the Old Testament. We see it used as the contribution to help build the temple. Exodus 36:3 They וַיִּקְח֞וּ received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. It is used of God receiving prayer. Psalm 6:9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord יִקָּֽחaccepts my prayer. We also see it in the sense of being open to learning. Proverbs 1:3 for לָ֭קַחַת Receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair. Proverbs 2:1 My son, if you תִּקַּ֣חaccept my words and store up my commands within you. It is also used for God receiving us to himself in a relational way. Psalm 49:15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely יִקָּחֵ֣נִיtake me to himself. Psalm 73:24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will תִּקָּחֵֽנִיtake me into glory.
This is how our word for today is used in our chapter. It is used in the sense to receive willingly something given or offered. Genesis 33:10-11 Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then לָקַחְתָּ֥ accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me. Please קַח accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Thus he urged him, and he took it. Because God humbled Jacob, as we saw yesterday, he is now open to reconciliation with his brother. Without humility we think others need to come to us because we already have the moral high ground. When the reality is no one has any moral high ground except God himself. The only reason we have any kind of relationship with God is because God himself paid the price through Jesus death on the cross so that we can be reconciled back to himself. This should humble us and help us realize that our relationships with others are always on a level moral footing. And it should move our hearts to want to reconcile with those around us as God has done with us. God didn’t wait for us to get our act together. Romans 5:6-8 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. At this time in Jacob’s life we see him taking the initiative to make things right with his brother as we are instructed to do as believers in Christ. Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. I close with Jesus words that Jacob lived out in our chapter. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
