A Neville Goddard Interpretation
When we turn to Genesis 33, we encounter the long-awaited meeting between Jacob and Esau — two brothers divided by a stolen blessing, now reunited after years apart. On the surface, this is a story of family reconciliation. But, through the teachings of Neville Goddard, it reveals a far deeper truth about the relationship between our inner world and the outer world.
Jacob and Esau: Inner State and Outer Reflection
In Neville's symbolic reading:
-
Jacob represents our inner imaginative activity — the conscious effort to assume a new state of being.
-
Esau symbolises the outer world — the visible manifestation of previous states of consciousness.
Although Esau is the elder brother (the facts of life seem to come first), Neville reminds us that imagination is truly supreme. The external world may appear dominant, but it is only the outpicturing of inner activity — a shadow following its source.
“And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men.”
— Genesis 33:1
The sight of Esau approaching with an army symbolises how overwhelming the facts of life can seem when we first dare to challenge them.
The Fear of Facing the Outer World
When Jacob approaches Esau, he fears rejection and retaliation.
This mirrors our own spiritual journey: after assuming a new state — wealth, health, love — fear often arises.
We worry: "Will the facts of life crush my new belief?"
Jacob’s anxiety symbolises the common fear that the old world will overpower our new inner assumptions.
“Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed...”
— Genesis 32:7
Despite the fear, Jacob continues moving forward, an act of inner persistence we are all called to embody.
The Embrace: Inner Persistence Triumphs
Yet what happens?
Esau, the supposed enemy, runs to Jacob, embraces him, falls on his neck, and kisses him.
“And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.”
— Genesis 33:4
The outer world, rather than resisting, softens and bends to the new state we have assumed within.
Jacob offers Esau gifts — a symbolic act of pouring out emotional energy and gratitude towards the outer manifestation.
Persistence in the inner assumption leads to a reconciliation with the facts of life.
The world cannot help but mirror the transformation within.
"Seeing the Face of God"
Jacob says to Esau:
“I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.”
— Genesis 33:10
Neville would tell us that when the world reflects our inner desires, it feels as though we are beholding the face of God — because God, our own wonderful human imagination, has made it so.
The outer world is no longer an adversary. It becomes a witness to our inner creative power.
The Lesson of Genesis 33
Genesis 33 teaches that:
-
The outer world (Esau) will eventually conform to the inner world (Jacob).
-
Fear is natural but unfounded; if we persist in imagination, reconciliation is inevitable.
-
Imagination (Jacob), though seemingly weaker at first, ultimately directs and transforms facts (Esau).
-
The embrace is a moment of recognition: your inner world has impressed itself upon the outer.
Jacob's cautious journey, bowing seven times before reaching Esau, reminds us:
“And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.”
— Genesis 33:3
Each bow is a humble acknowledgement that the outer world deserves respect — not fear — because it is our own creation.
Final Thought
The reconciliation of Jacob and Esau is not just a touching story of forgiveness; it is a profound spiritual truth:
Your imagination, when faithfully maintained, will be lovingly reflected by your world.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment! Comments are reviewed before publishing.