Genesis 32:1-32
Q.1. What happened before Jacob was reunited with Esau? Why did Jacob divide into two companies? What was significant about his prayer to God? – (Gen32:1-12)
Jacob had warded off the threat of Laban (c.f. Gen.31:31). He now faced a potentially more hostile foe, in Esau (c.f. Gen.32:11). Bravely, Jacob heeded God’s call to return to Canaan (c.f. Gen.31:3 & 13). To assist him, God sent him angelic protection (Gen.32:1 c.f. Mt.18:10; Heb.1:14). Jacob called the place Manahaim – ‘This is God’s camp’ or two companies (Gen.32:2 c.f. Gen.32:7). He divided his group into two companies, saying – … If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company which is left will escape (Gen. 32:8). He had run from Laban. Now he faced his dreaded brother. He gained strength and wisdom by praying. He approached God in obedience, and his prayer was based on his Covenant relationship with the – … God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord, who said to me, Return to your country and to your relatives, and I will prosper you,' (Gen.32:9). He agreed that he was utterly unworthy, and faced his fears head-on - 10 I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant; for with my staff only I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two companies. 11 Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children (Gen.32:10-11). He showed genuine concern for his wives and their children. He stood on the promises that God had made to him - For You said,I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’ (Gen.32:12). This represented enormous spiritual growth, which had resulted from Jacob’s deep trials
Q.2. What strategy did Jacob employ in order to find favour from Esau? How did he protect his wives and children? – (Gen.32:13-23)
Jacob backed up his dependence on God with a strategy that he hoped would win Esau over – … Then he selected from what he had with him a present for his brother Esau (Gen.32:13). He instructed his servants to put a space between two hundred female goats and twenty male goats – two hundred ewes, and twenty rams – thirty milking camels, and colts – forty cows and ten bulls – twenty female donkeys, and ten male donkeys. When asked – then you shall say, `These belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’ (Gen32:18 c.f. Gen.32:18-20). In this way, Jacob sought Esau’s acceptance (Gen.32:20). He took special action to protect his wives and children (Gen.32:22-23).
Q.3. What was Jacob’s battle all about? Was the wrestling real? What was the significance of Jacob’s new name? What is the lesson for us? – (Gen.32:24-32)
Jacob’s greatest battle, became an all-night wrestling match with God (Gen.32:24 c.f. Gen.32:28). Was it real or imaginary? It left Jacob limping on his thigh. However, the cost was eminently worthwhile – therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip (Gen.32:32 c.f. Mt.18:8-9). This was generally understood to be another Christophany (appearance of Christ) in the Old Testament, since it is recorded that Jacob wrestled with God – He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” (Gen.32:28). Firstly, Jacob had to face up to and admit whom he really was – 26 Then He said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” (Gen.32:26-27). Jacob meant ‘Deceiver’,’ Twister’, ‘Swindler’. Until the sinner admits that he is a lost sinner, he will not reach out for the Saviour. The name change from Jacob to Israel was incredible – from ‘deceiver’ to ‘the one who strives with God’ (Gen.32:28). Jacob was blown away and exclaimed – … “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” (Gen.32:30). Jacob, now Israel, again marked the encounter with a name that unashamedly declared his faith. He called the place – … Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face” (Gen.32:30) i.e. literally ‘the face of God’ (c.f. Gen.32:1-2). Jacob, growing in spiritual confidence, went out to face his brother (Gen.33:2-3).