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Joshua 13:27
And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan andhis border,even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.

Judges 8:5,8,16
And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for theybe faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian…

1 Kings 7:46
In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.

not.

Exodus 12:37
And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on footthat were men, beside children.

Exodus 13:20
And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.

Succoth.

where he built a house for himself
Building a house indicates a shift from Jacob's previous life as a wanderer. This act of settling down suggests a period of stability and security. In the broader biblical narrative, building a house can symbolize establishing a legacy or a new beginning, as seen in David's desire to build a house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7).

and shelters for his livestock
The construction of shelters for livestock highlights Jacob's wealth and the importance of his possessions. Livestock were a primary measure of wealth and sustenance in ancient times. This action also reflects Jacob's responsibility and care for his resources, ensuring their protection and well-being.

that is why the place was called Succoth
The naming of Succoth is directly tied to Jacob's actions. In biblical tradition, naming places often commemorates significant events or divine encounters, as seen with Bethel (Genesis 28:19). The name Succoth serves as a lasting reminder of Jacob's temporary settlement and the provision he made for his family and livestock.

Jacob does not linger with Esau after their reconciliation. “Jacob said to him, ‘My lord knows that the children are frail… let my lord go on ahead’” (Genesis 33:13–14). By choosing a different route:

• He keeps his household’s pace realistic, protecting the weak (cf.Proverbs 4:26).

• He demonstrates cautious wisdom, honoring Esau while preserving the distinct path God marked for him (cf.Proverbs 22:3;Romans 12:18).

God had earlier commanded Jacob to return to Canaan (Genesis 31:3), so every step is intentional obedience even when it diverges from Esau’s direction.

Succoth lies east of the Jordan, still outside the heart of Canaan (Joshua 13:27). Jacob pauses here rather than rushing to Bethel. The stop:

• Provides a buffer to reorganize after twenty years in Haran (cf.Ecclesiastes 3:1).

• Affirms God’s shepherd-like guidance; He leads His people step by step (Psalm 23:1–3).

Although not his final destination, Succoth becomes a tangible reminder of God’s continual provision, much like Israel’s later encampments in the wilderness (Exodus 13:20).

This is the first time Scripture records the patriarchs erecting a permanent house instead of tents. It signals:

• A season of stability granted by God (Psalm 127:1).

• A preview of the settled life Israel will eventually enjoy in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 6:10–11).

Yet Jacob’s true home remains where God directs next (Genesis 35:1), showing believers that earthly houses are temporary waystations (Hebrews 11:9-10).

Jacob’s flocks are God’s means of prospering him (Genesis 30:41-43). Providing booths or sheds:

• Protects the animals through winter, reflecting responsible stewardship (Proverbs 27:23-27).

• Confirms God’s covenant blessing of fruitfulness first promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:2; 28:13-15).

• Anticipates later Israelite life, where feast-time booths would remind them of God’s care in transient places (Leviticus 23:42-43).

“Succoth” means “booths.” Naming the site:

• Marks God’s faithfulness at a specific location, just as Jacob did earlier at Bethel (“House of God,”Genesis 28:19).

• Sets a precedent for Israel to remember divine help through place-names (1 Samuel 7:12).

• Foreshadows the Feast of Tabernacles, where booths become symbols of rejoicing in God’s provision (Deuteronomy 16:13-15;Zechariah 14:16).

Genesis 33:17 records more than a travel note. Jacob separates peaceably from Esau, pauses at Succoth under God’s direction, establishes temporary permanence with a house and livestock shelters, and commemorates God’s care by naming the place. The verse reassures believers that every stop on the journey—whether brief or extended—falls under the Lord’s sovereign, providing hand, inviting us to trust His timing, steward His gifts, and remember His goodness.

(17)Succoth.--That is,booths.There are two claimants for identification with Jacob's Succoth, of which the one is in the tribe of Gad, on the east of the Jordan, in the corner formed by that river and the Jabbok; the other is the place still called Sak-t, on the west of the Jordan, but as it lies ten miles to the north. of the junction of the Jordan and Jabbok, it is not likely that Jacob would go so far out of his way.

Jacob . . . built him an house, and made booths for his cattle.--This is something quite unusual, as the cattle in Palestine remain in the open air all the year round, and the fact that the place retained the name of the booths shows that it was noticed as remarkable. But the fact, coupled with the right translation ofGenesis 33:18, is a strong but undesigned testimony to the truth of the narrative. Jacob had been pursued by Laban, and suffered much from anxiety and the labour attendant upon the hurried removal of so large a household. Delivered from danger in the rear, he has to face a greater danger in front, and passes many days and nights in terror. At last Esau is close at hand, and having done all that man could do, he stays behind to recover himself, and prepare for the dreaded meeting next day. But instead of a few calm restful hours he has to wrestle fiercely all night, and when at sunrise he moves. forward he finds that he has sprained his hip. He gets through the interview with Esan with much feeling, agitated alternately by fear, and hope, and joy, enduring all the while his bodily pain as best he can, and then, delivered from all danger, he breaks down. The word "journeyed" simply means that he broke up his camp from the high ground where he had met his brother, and went into the corner close by, where the two rivers would both protect him and provide his cattle with water and herbage. And there he not only put up some protection, probably wattled enclosures made with branches of trees, for his cattle, but built a house for himself--something, that is, more solid than a tent: and there he lay until he was healed of his lameness. The strained sinew would require some months of perfect rest before Jacob could move about; but it was healed, for "Jacob came whole and sound to the city of Shechem." (See next verse.)

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