Prevailing by Clinging

Jacob returns to the land of promise facing his greatest fear: Esau. God graciously sends angels to meet him at Mahanaim, a reminder that heaven's army surrounds him. Still, news of Esau's four hundred men leaves Jacob greatly afraid and was distressed. He takes practical steps, but first he prays. His prayer (verses 9-12) appeals to God's covenant name and promises, humbly confesses, I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant, and boldly asks for deliverance.

At the Jabbok, alone in the night, a man wrestles with Jacob until daybreak. The man is later revealed to be God Himself in human form (verse 30; Hosea 12:3-5). With a touch He dislocates Jacob's hip, showing He could have ended the struggle at any time. The fight changes from wrestling to clinging: I won't let you go unless you bless me.

God asks Jacob his name, forcing him to confess, Jacob, the heel-grabber, the very name he had denied in front of Isaac. Then God gives him a new name, Israel. Jacob calls the place Peniel, the face of God, amazed that he has seen God and lived. As the sun rises, Jacob limps on. His strength is broken, but his faith is renewed. In the New Testament, Paul writes that when he is weak, he is strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).