Verses 1–2: After Jacob makes peace with his father-in-law, Laban, he continues his journey home. At one of his stops along the way, Jacob is met by angels and declares, “this is the camp of God” (v. 2, NIV). A similar phrase (“the army of God”) is used in 1 Chronicles 12:22 to describe the mighty men of valor who supported and helped David in the wilderness while he was in exile from King Saul.* No doubt, God sent His angels to support and help Jacob as he prepared to face his past and return home.
As we journey through life, God will meet us where we are, just as He did with Jacob. He's interested in walking with us! He's ready to send help when we need it and stand by us through all the battles and difficulties we face on our way.
3–5: Jacob sends word to Esau that he's returning home. Rather than dwelling in the conflict of the past, he humbly tries to make peace with Esau; he hopes to “find favor in [Esau’s] eyes.” His approach is one of deference, as seen in the messages he sends through his servants calling Esau “lord” and referring to himself as Esau’s “servant.”
6–8: When Jacob’s messengers return, they inform him that Esau is on his way to meet him—with 400 men! Without any word from Esau about his intentions, Jacob panics. Fearing Esau will attack him, Jacob divides his family and possessions into two camps. Maybe one group will escape if the other is attacked.
9–12: Jacob cries out to God, reminding Him of His promise to prosper Jacob and “make his descendants like the sand of the sea” (v. 12). He recognizes God’s goodness: God’s done so much more for him than he's deserved. He’s been faithful to care for Jacob, who left home with virtually nothing, but left Paddam Aram with great wealth. Jacob asks God to protect his life as he prepares to meet Esau. Just like Jacob, when we seek to honor God in life, we can cry out for His presence and protection as we encounter troubles and threats.
13–21: Jacob hopes that generously gifting Esau with livestock from his flocks will put an end to any lingering anger in Esau. He carefully crafts a message that shows deference to Esau, a complete change from the old Jacob, who sought to gain the upper hand by tricking Esau out of his inheritance.
Jacob uses words like “servant” and “lord” to honor Esau, essentially offering back the esteem that would have been Esau’s as the eldest brother. Jacob’s change of heart moves him to give to his brother vs. taking from him—to honor Esau vs. attempting through deception to promote himself.
22–24: Jacob sends his household and possessions over the river, but stays alone to wait out the night. God appears to Jacob physically and wrestles with him throughout the night. But more is happening than just a physical struggle—Jacob is wrestling with God over what may await him the next day; he’s wrestling over his fear. Jacob wants to know that he’ll continue to be safe, secure, and blessed, as God promised.
25–28: Jacob would not let this issue go. It’s daybreak and time for Jacob and his family to move, so God wrenches the socket of Jacob’s hip to put an end to the confrontation. Jacob demands a blessing from God, and God replies by asking his name. Jacob, meaning “to supplant” or “overreach,”** accurately reflects Jacob’s past character. But now, with a new heart and new life with God, God changes Jacob’s name to Israel, meaning “God fights.”*** God will indeed fight for his son, and see that all the blessing He’s destined for him will come to pass. As we offer our lives to God and trust in his care over us, as Jacob did, God will faithfully provide and bless us with all that we need, and far beyond.
29–32: In response, Jacob asks God His name, but God knows his heart. Jacob knows he is encountering the living God, and needs no more information than that. God blesses him and sends him out to face what is no longer a threat inwardly. God is with Jacob and will see him through whatever comes, and Jacob stands more in awe of Him than ever.
Comments