What does Genesis 33:12 mean?

Twenty years prior, Jacob and Esau had a falling-out that caused Jacob to flee for his life (Genesis 27:41–45). Now, the twin brothers have been reunited, apparently without hard feelings on the part of Esau (Genesis 33:4). Questions of revenge and bitterness have seemingly been resolved. Esau has accepted Jacob and has received his large gift (Genesis 32:13–17) as a blessing.

Now Esau invites Jacob to travel with him back to his home in Seir in the region of Edom. Jacob's response will be to plead for rest for his caravan. He will suggest that Esau and his men go on ahead, and that Jacob will continue behind them until reaching Seir (Genesis 33:13–14). Jacob, however, won't go to Seir, instead heading to Succoth, which is literally in the opposite direction (Genesis 33:17).