ABSTRACT
This chapter argues the exile, far from signifying a punishment and dire consequence for Jacob's sin. On the contrary, a redemptive moment with ethical implications marked by two encounters: with God at Bethel and with the woman Rachel at the well. The story of Jacob is marked by painful episodes of exile. Jacob's ontological exile is evident from the descriptions of his birth. The two exiles are furthermore related in text. In the first exile, Jacob encounters God and a place is named Bethelin order to commemorate this encounter. In the second exile, Jacob wrestles with an angel which he identifies with God at the end of his encounter and again a place is named Penielin order to commemorate the encounter. The encounter with Esau is Jacob's last recorded encounter and, interestingly, follows right after his encounter with God. The divine image and calling is bestowed anew upon Esau, almost like a blessing on the part of Jacob.
