Genesis 32:12

Thou saidst,. will surely do thee good.

He stands upon the divine word and quotes it to press his plea. It is his hope and his strength. Cavillers have criticised this method of petitioning God, but it is proper to remind him of his promises. He loves to see us place reliance on his word and stand upon it when we come to him in supplication. Then there is the great covenant promise that his seed should be made as the sand of the sea. In order to the fulfillment of this covenant it was needful that God should preserve the offspring of Jacob from the destroyer. The prayer of Jacob is very simple, very trustful and very touching.