Genesis 32:24-31 - Wrestling in prayer
Scripture:
Genesis 32:24-31
24 Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with
him until daybreak.
25 When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he
touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of
Jacob's thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him.
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."
28 He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but
Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and
have prevailed."
29 Then Jacob asked him and said, "Please tell me your
name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?"
And he blessed him there.
30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, " I
have seen God face to face, yet my life has been
preserved."
31 Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over
Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh.
NASU
Thoughts:
Jacob wrestles with God manifesting Himself in the form
of a man (a theophany). It is a strange account whose
only analogy for us, is in prayer. We strive in prayer
in much the same way in our times of anguish. Jacob's
source of concern would seem to have been his soon
meeting with his estranged brother Esau (recall that he
had greatly wronged Esau more than once, for example Genesis
25:29-34). Because of his concern, Jacob sends
what amounts to a bribe before him as he enters Esau's
land:
Genesis 32:19-20
19 Then he commanded also the second and the third,
and all those who followed the droves, saying, "After
this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him;
20 and you shall say, 'Behold, your servant Jacob also
is behind us.'" For he said, "I will appease him with
the present that goes before me. Then afterward I will
see his face; perhaps he will accept me."
NASU
It seems horrible that Jacob was injured in this
episode, however this ailment would remind him for the
rest of his life not only of his struggle with God
(verse 30), but also of the answered prayer that
followed as Esau received him joyfully:
Genesis 33:4
4 Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell
on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.
NASU
Prayer:
Like Jacob wrestled all night, help me to not grow weary
and even apathetic in prayer. Help me to truly believe
You will answer. You are always faithful, remind me as
You did Jacob -- I don't wish for an injury, but strong
memories, nonetheless.
Amen