Jacob Wrestles With God

Genesis 32:1–32
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One New Year’s Eve at London’s Garrick Club, British dramatist Frederick Lonsdale was asked by Symour Hicks to reconcile with a fellow member ... More

Reconciliation

Since God had told Jacob to return to Canaan, he had been obedient. Now he had an unseen angel escort him all the way (vv. 1-2). After Laban is gone Jacob began to think about how he would face Esau and he became greatly afraid. The greater part of this chapter is concerned with all the expensive and unnecessary plans Jacob made to be reconciled to his brother. (1) He tried negotiating (vv. 3-8), sending messengers to Esau to give him flattering messages. Esau responded with 400 men (v. 6), a warning of his ability to deal with Jacob from strength, not weakness. Next (2) He tried intercession (vv. 9-12). He pleaded the purposes of God (v. 9), the providence of God (v. 10), the protection of God (v. 11), and the promises of God (v. 12). Finally (3) He tried reconciliation (vv. 13-21). Not willing to leave matters in God’s hands, he prepared 200 she-goats, 20 he-goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 camels with their colts, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 donkeys and 10 birds to be given to Esau as a gift. Jacob hoped the gifts would make Esau glad to see him.

In the middle of the night, Jacob took his family with their possessions across the brook Jabbok for safety (vv. 22-23). He then returned alone to the other side for the night (v. 24). That night, Jacob wrestled with a man who many commentators believe to have been the pre-incarnated Christ (vv. 25-32). The old, carnal, stubborn, self-sufficient, and unyielding Jacob was very much alive. It was not until the assailant touched Jacob’s hip and it went out of joint that he realized his need for a full and unconditional surrender to God. Jacob, now a man broken by God (vv. 24-27), was no longer fighting but clinging. He was told that his name would be changed from Jacob to Israel as he was blessed (vv. 28-29). He left Peniel limping as he said, “I have seen God face-to-face” (vv. 30-32). That is why even today the people of Israel don’t eat the hip muscle of any animal. Jacob’s wrestling match left him with a painful limp but a better understanding of God, and because of this painful encounter, he took a giant spiritual leap forward.

Application

I can have instant food, instant travel, instant communication, and instant everything, but I cannot have instant holiness. God uses time and some painful experiences to bring us to Spiritual maturity.