GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:1 After separating peacefully from Laban, Jacob prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau. Jacob is naturally hesitant about how he will be received some 20 years after fleeing from Esau in order to avoid being killed by him. Jacob’s preparations are intended to promote... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:3 JACOB SENT MESSENGERS BEFORE HIM. The Hebrew term for “messengers” implies “angels” in v. Genesis 32:1. THE LAND OF SEIR, THE COUNTRY OF EDOM lies east of Canaan in Transjordan. Esau was living in this area before Jacob returned. He may have already separated himself fro... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:6 FOUR HUNDRED MEN WITH HIM. A force of this size suggests that Esau plans to attack Jacob. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:7 TWO CAMPS. Jacob’s actions, while understandable, show that he is still unable to trust God fully for protection. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:9 Jacob prays, because of his fear of Esau. Because God has prospered him so greatly, Jacob is able to divide everything that he has into TWO CAMPS. O LORD. This is the first time Jacob addresses God using his special name, “Yahweh” (see note on 2:4). MAKE YOUR OFFSPRING A... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:18 YOUR SERVANT JACOB... MY LORD ESAU. Jacob’s humility is noteworthy, in light of the earlier statements about the older serving the younger (see Genesis 25:23) and about Jacob being lord over his brothers (Genesis 27:29). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagNam [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:22 This passage records a nighttime encounter between God and Jacob. Jacob is transformed by this extraordinary meeting, and his name is changed from “Jacob” to “Israel.” ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:24 A MAN WRESTLED. By the time their contest ends, Jacob is convinced that his opponent is God himself (see v. Genesis 32:30). This is possible, since God had previously come to Abraham in human form (Genesis 18:1). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img");... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:25 JACOB’S HIP WAS PUT OUT OF JOINT. Jacob’s injury shows the strength of his opponent and his own desire to win the fight. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:26 I WILL NOT LET YOU GO UNLESS YOU BLESS ME. Jacob is so determined to be blessed that he will not release his opponent, even when his thigh is dislocated. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:28 YOUR NAME SHALL NO LONGER BE CALLED JACOB, BUT ISRAEL. “Israel” probably means “he strives with God.” It could also mean “God strives” (see esv footnote). Jacob’s new name marks the end of a lifetime of struggling with others (see Genesis 25:22). Jacob has finally come... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:30 JACOB CALLED THE NAME OF THE PLACE PENIEL. “Peniel” means “face of God.” Jacob’s encounter with God fills him with awe. When later Moses asks to see God’s glory, he is told, “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live” (Exodus 33:20). In light of this, ei... [ Continue Reading ]
GENESIS—NOTE ON GENESIS 32:31 PENUEL is a variant spelling of “Peniel.” ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]