Welcome to my Hebrew reading & language series.

Genesis 32:1-5

We are still following the events in Jacob's life and we start a new chapter today. Leban has gone home and Jacob heads off to his own hometown.

Angels met Jacob as he advances, so of course, Jacob names that place Mahanaim, which means "two camps." I assume he named it that because he was between the camp where he was living and the one where he will be living. God's angels in one form or another have been meeting with Abraham, Isaac and now Jacob all throughout the lives of these patriarchs. I suppose that kind of thing comes with the blessing of the most powerful being in the universe.

He is a bit nervous about meeting his brother because the last time they saw one another, Esau threatened Jacob's life. Jacob wants to send a messenger and many gifts of servants and livestock ahead to see what his brother's attitude might be. This will be a tense chapter!

Today's reading

English

Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them he said, "This is God's camp!" So he called the name of that place Mahanaim. And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, "Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, 'I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.' "

---

Hebrew

The story continues next week as the messenger returns...

---

Info on each letter starting at the beginning

If you are just starting, my lessons are all here starting at Alef, adding vowels (the dots and lines) as we go. I explain the meaning of each letter and its numerical value. Just go to my blog and scroll to the bottom or click here

Get your Hebrew Bible now!

Click here to obtain the book we are using. It is a free download or browser usable.

Thanks for reading.

Shabbat Shalom