Esau took his wives, his children, and his entire household, along with his livestock and cattle—all the wealth he had acquired in the land of Canaan—and moved away from his brother, Jacob. There was not enough land to support them both because of all the livestock and possessions they had acquired. So Esau (also known as Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir. [Genesis 36.6-8]
This passage and Genesis 33.13-17 (from yesterday's One Year Chronological Bible reading) give distinctly different stories of where and why Esau and Jacob lived where they lived at this time in history:
But Jacob replied, “You can see, my lord, that some of the children are very young, and the flocks and herds have their young, too. If they are driven too hard, even for one day, all the animals could die. Please, my lord, go ahead of your servant. We will follow slowly, at a pace that is comfortable for the livestock and the children. I will meet you at Seir.” “All right,” Esau said, “but at least let me assign some of my men to guide and protect you.” Jacob responded, “That’s not necessary. It’s enough that you’ve received me warmly, my lord!” So Esau turned around and started back to Seir that same day. Jacob, on the other hand, traveled on to Succoth. There he built himself a house and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place was named Succoth (which means “shelters”). [Genesis 33.13-17]
Genesis 33 indicates that Joseph deceptively settled away from Esau and, in contrast, Genesis 36.6-8 indicates that Esau openly agreed to settle away from Jacob. Is there any way to reconcile these obviously conflicting accounts?
As history goes, its record is highly susceptible to the viewpoint of the one(s) recalling, reporting and recording it. The events in Genesis occurred a long time ago and most of its stories were passed down verbally for generations before anyone ever attempted to record them (Moses being a key figure in this, who, as of today's reading, hasn't even been born yet).
While this "discrepancy" might indeed be problematic, those who reject all of the Bible based on this discrepancy should consider the deficit of other non-Biblical ancient writings chronicling this time in history... We just don't have much to work with, let alone 100% understanding of what little is conveyed by what little we have. It was indeed pure inspiration of God's Spirit to miraculously get these stories recorded at all in what we know as the Bible!
What is amazing however, while some (trivial?) details don't quite coincide, is that God's character and eternal plan are undeniably consistent from beginning to end in the Bible.
My experience validates nothing, however, reading the Bible through each year for many years has affected in me greater confidence in the Bible with each year I read it. And while I still see conflict in the passages above, I am confident that, in time, with more repeated reading of the Bible, I will find understanding (if it is truly necessary). Compared to what I am learning about God and myself, these inconsistencies are inconsequential as the overriding message of the Bible shines brighter to me year after year. Quite frankly, whether Jacob moved away from Esau, or Esau moved away from Jacob does not affect God's story of His redemption of mankind in any way. Today, I am quite satisfied with that!
Father, may my testimony here have no ill effect on anyone - believer in You, or otherwise. May I and all Your people accept the challenges associated with the Bible without doubt or discouragement. May we instead demonstrate faith in You by continually perusing its pages, learning more each time we read it (as we realize it so consistently provides more with each reading). So be it.
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