 Previous Chapter |
 Return to Outline |
 Ask Questions |
 Next Chapter |
Chapter 32 records the preparations of Jacob for what he believes will be a not too gracious welcome home. God comforts Jacob by sending Angels as a sign of His protection. Jacob longs to see his father but dreads seeing his brother. He sends ahead a message to Esau and asks for grace and forgiveness. The messenger returns with this bad news. Esau comes to meet you and he has 400 men with him. He remembers what you stole from him. He resolves to destroy you right there on the road. His men are armed and angry and are 10 times the number needed to destroy you.
Jacob was a man of great faith, but he was afraid. He divided his people in order to perhaps save half of them. He prayed to God for deliverance from his brother. He tries to buy Esau with a present, a gift of 580 cattle.
Early the next day Jacob prepares to meet Esau. He finds a place apart from the others to pray. While he is praying, an Angel takes hold of him. Some believe it was Michael, the angel of the covenant. They wrestle and Jacob holds his ground. The struggle lasted long but the angel did not prevail. It was not in his own strength that Jacob prevailed but by the strength he received from God. The Angel admits defeat and asks Jacob to let him go. Jacob would not let him go until he blessed him. So the Angel, as a sign of his blessing, put a mark upon Jacob and changed his name from Jacob to Israel, which means a Prince with God.
Previous Chapter |
Return to Outline |
Ask Questions |
Next Chapter |