Take Two: Genesis 32, Proverbs 23

Genesis 32 has two major "movements" in it. The first relates to Jacob's encounter with Esau. (He is returning home 20 years after the "stolen blessing"). The second relates the story of Jacob "wrestling with God." This story is both "etiological," in that it explains the "why" of a Jewish cultural phenomenon; and, it is intended to draw the reader's attention back to the life of Abram/Abraham.

Gen 32:1 is very strange. Jacob is cruising back into his family's land and comes upon a camp of angels. The word for these angels is in fact refering to heavenly beings. Angels play a significant role in Genesis. Remember that two angels accompanied the Lord to meet Abram outside his tent and then proceeded to Sodom to usher out Lot (and family) before destroying the city (Gen 18-19). Many have speculated as to why there is a camp of angels. No one knows. Likely, it was a reminder for Jacob that God's protective presence was with him. Based on his actions immediately following the encounter, it may also be that the angels gave him instructions concerning Esau (but this is speculative).

Gen 32:3-8 details the sending of envoys to Esau. When the messengers returned, they notified Jacob that Esau was coming with 400 men. Jacob seems to have "grown up a bit." He does not react emotionally, but responds by dividing his company into two companies (Gen 32:7-8) in case things go wrong.

Gen 32:9-12 details Jacob's calling on God. He cries out in his prayer the promise made by God to his father (and grandfather) and yields himself under God (calling him Lord). He expresses that this circumstance is overwhelming to him, but that he was simply following the instructions that God had given him (Gen 32:9). He declares that God's grace has been upon him (Gen 32:10) and asks for God's help in delivering him (Gen 32:11). His prayer closes with claiming the promise of the covenant (Gen 32:12).

After spending the night, Jacob assembles a large peace offering for his brother and commands his servants to go before him to deliver the gifts (Gen 32:14-20).

In Gen 32:22-23, we see that during the night, Jacob sent his wives and children across the ford along with every other possession he had. He was left alone there in preparation for the meeting with Esau. There, while alone, he is met by "a man" whom he wrestles with until daylight (Gen 32:24-26.

The result of the "wrestling" encounter with "the man" who is revealed to us to be God (Gen 32:28-30) was a changing of the name from Jacob (supplanter/deceiver) to Israel (God strives/ or, one who strives with God). Remember that names reflect character, so name changes reflect a change in character. The Israel who emerges from this struggle is different than the Jacob who entered into the contest. Yes, Jacob won the struggle...but did he?

With a touch from "the man" he gained a dislocated hip and a lifelong limp...to serve as a constant reminder of that day. "The man" asked him his name (Gen 32:27-28) and renamed him, indicating his (the man's) superiority. When Jacob asked "the man's" name, it was not given...only revealed to us by implication. Yes, Jacob won the match, but not because he asserted his will over God and overcame him. He was victorious in the match because at the end of the striving and struggle, God blessed him.

I love when people "wrestle" with God. There are far too many weak "professors" of Christ who have never worked to understand the depth and breadth of who God is. They affirm soundbite theology and are fearful at the first sign of resistance. I love when young people and young-at-heart people ask the tough questions. I love when they refuse to simply affirm a hand-me-down theology, choosing rather to gain their own deep understanding. The quality of "faith" coming out of the struggle is far superior to that obtained without a struggle. When crisis and challenge comes upon us, we are pushed to the ends of ourselves and left to rely only on the One who alone can provide. Praise God for the struggles and for the blessings that are available for the "asking" at the end of the contest.

The man (Israel) who limped away from this fight possessed more confidence, character, and humility before God than ever before. He was, in fact, ready now to face his brother and to take his place in the annals of history as the great Patriarch of the faith.

Proverbs 23:13-14 is the takeaway today. One of the most difficult struggles that parents encounter is the struggle to discipline our children. To discipline (as we ought) takes time, patience, wisdom, self-control, and a steadfast resolve. Discipline forsaken CONDEMNS our children to hell. They never learn about authority, holiness, or expectations. They begin in life without the basic tools to thrive in life. Discipline applied, even when it is hard, will not destroy our children, but will enable them. Culture offers a variant opinion, but who do we trust? The principles of this world...or the power of the Word and the One who gave it for our good?

Grace,