Monday 22 October 2007
- Bible Book:
- Genesis
"Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, 'Let me go, for the day is breaking'. But Jacob said, 'I will not let you go, unless you bless me'". (v.24-26)
Background
Jacob had been keeping out of the way of his brother Esau - he'dconned their father into giving him the blessing that Esau shouldhave had as the elder son. Now, Jacob is about to meet Esau and hassent gifts to prepare the way. This is his final night before thatmeeting. We can only guess what might have been going through hismind as he tried to sleep.
Who is the man Jacob wrestles with? Perhaps Jacob is dreaming abouthis meeting with his brother. Maybe it's a demon? The later part ofthe story suggests that the stranger is God.
Jacob has seen God and lived. This would have been surprising tothe people who told this story. God is so holy that to look at Godwas more than sinful human beings could bear.
Israel means one who strives with God, or Godstrives. Penielmeans the face of God. Jacob haswrestled with God, looked on the face of the holy one.
Jacob has been changed by this overnight wrestling with a stranger.He has a new name. Now he is ready to face his brother - anotherencounter which may change him.
To Ponder
Have you wrestled or struggled with God oversomething. What happened?
"I will not let you go, unless you bless me."What do you want to ask God for? For yourself? For someone you careabout?