Reconciliation, a Road to Freedom, Unity and Development (Gen 32:3-33:20): Lessons for Nigeria as a Nation

Jacob and Esau are the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. With the active and masterful connivance of Rebekah, Jacob, the younger of the two, deceitfully obtained from their father, Isaac, the final blessing he had intended for Esau, his first son. The ugly result is that, on account of the threat to his life by Esau, Jacob had to flee into exile, to Laban his uncle. However, after 20 years, he had to return to Canaan, at the behest of Yahweh, but had also to confront his otherwise bitter and estranged brother in the process, as narrated in Gen 32:3-33:20. Thus, although Jacob was initially highly dreadful of this encounter, the two brothers admirably reconciled during that meeting thereby leaving an example of perennial worth to all human beings. This article deeply dwells on this narrative in order to bring out its important details and emphases. The method employed in the study is sociological-theological. This is augmented with the Historical Critical Method of Exegesis so as to interpret the text under study. Through these methods, this paper highlights the fact that even though reconciliation is often difficult to arrive at in the face of conflicts, it is ultimately a blessing and greatly rewarding when achieved. On that score, it becomes highly recommended that all toe the praise-worthy line of these two brothers in the face of conflicts so as to avoid war or aggression which is its unwholesome alternative. This recommendation is especially pertinent to Nigeria, the fast-crumbling giant of Africa, where Christians, especially those in government, are particularly called upon to help to engender this national spirit among its citizens – an aspect that has sadly eluded them since the country’s independence. Significantly, therefore, this paper is a strong appreciation of the reconciliatory example of these twin brothers, with the suggestion, after going down the memory lane, that it is only such a development that would help to move Nigeria forward as a nation from its present debilitating quagmire and national decay.