John Calvin Commentary Genesis 33:5

"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are these with thee? And he said, The children whom God hath graciously given thy servant." — Genesis 33:5 (ASV)

And he lifted up his eyes. Moses relates the conversation held between the brothers. And as Esau had shown his brotherly affection by tears and embraces, there is no doubt that he asks about the children in a spirit of congratulation. Jacob's answer breathes piety as well as modesty; for when he replies that his numerous offspring had been given to him by God, he acknowledges and confesses that children are not produced by nature in such a way as to undermine the truth of the declaration that the fruit of the womb is a reward and gift of God.

And truly, since the fecundity of animals is the gift of God, how much more is this the case with humans, who are created in His own image. Let parents then learn to consider and to celebrate the singular kindness of God in their offspring.

It is the language of modesty when Jacob calls himself the servant of his brother. Here again, it is proper to recall what I have recently touched upon: that the holy man sought no earthly advantage or honor in the birthright, because the hidden grace of God was abundantly sufficient for him until the appointed time of its manifestation.

And it is fitting for us also, according to his example, while we sojourn in this world, to depend upon the word of the Lord, so that we may not consider it wearisome to be held wrapped in the shadow of death until our real life is manifested. For although our condition is apparently miserable and accursed, yet the Lord blesses us with His word; and, for this reason alone, He pronounces us happy because He acknowledges us as His sons.