In many ways Jacob is a picture of every person. We were all by nature selfish, deceitful, "graspers". Jacob is a type of our human carnal nature. But, Jacob changed! One night he wrestled with the Lord and begged for a blessing. His blessing came in the form of a changed character, reflected in his new name: Israel. Israel is a picture of a person changed by God, someone with whom the Spirit of God dwells.

1. An exposi*onal study taught by
Harry Morgan

2. For those of you online post your comments or ques3ons
in the “comment sec3on” on your screen. As 3me
affords, they may be read to the class.

3. 1. What is the context in Jacob’s life for the
events about to unfold in Genesis 32?
31:55 And early in the morning Laban arose, and
kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them.
Then Laban departed and returned to his place.
32:1, 3 So Jacob went on his way, and the angels
of God met him. 3 Then Jacob sent messengers…
to Esau his brother

4. 2. Why did Jacob return to Esau?
31:3 Then the LO RD said to Jacob, “Return
to the land of your fathers and to your
family, and I will be with you.”
• The Lord commanded Jacob
• Unresolved conflicts recycle unHl conquered
(Jas. 1:12)

5. 3. How was Jacob’s with facing Esau different
from encounter with Laban?

6. 4. Who did Jacob meet on his way to Esau?
‫פּ‬ָ‫ג‬ַ‫ע‬“met” (pā·ḡǎʿ) = come forward, greet; approach
aggressively or accost

7. 5. What effect did the angels of God have on
Jacob?
• Identified the angels (cp. 28:12)
• Renamed the location (cp. 28:19)

8. 6. Why was it important for Jacob to meet
with the angels of God before meeting with
Esau?
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps all
around those who fear Him and delivers them.
2 Kings 6:16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for
those who are with us are more than those who
are with them.”

9. 7. What function do angels serve in
relationship to the land?
It is likely the angels are guarding the land of promise,
not Jacob. They confront him like customs officers at
the airport. He is entering holy ground and must realize
that there will be consequences for stepping out of line.
Genesis 3:24 …He placed cherubim at the east of
the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which
turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

10. 8. What did Jacob call this place where the
angels of God met him? Why?
‫מ‬ַ‫ח‬ֲ‫נ‬ַ‫ִי‬‫ם‬ (mǎ·ḥǎnǎ·yim) = “two camps”
Josh. 13:26; 21:38, a LeviHcal city in Gad
2 Sam. 2:8–9 the capital of Ishbosheth’s kingdom
2 Sam. 17:24 the refuge of David during Absalom’s
rebellion

11. 9. To what “two camps” was Jacob referring?
‫מ‬ַ‫ח‬ֲ‫נ‬ַ‫ִי‬‫ם‬ (mǎ·ḥǎnǎ·yim) =
“two camps”

12. The “two camps” are referring to:
Laban & Esau?
Behind: Laban and his brethren
(31:22, 23)
Ahead: Esau with 400 men
(32:6)
9. To what “two camps” was Jacob referring?

13. The “two camps” are referring to:
Splitting Jacob’s Family?
Genesis 32:8 And he said, “If Esau comes to the
one company and aUacks it, then the other
company which is leV will escape.”
9. To what “two camps” was Jacob referring?

14. The “two camps” are referring to:
Angels?
Upon leaving the Land: (28:12) angels
ascending and descending
Upon entering the Land: (32:1) So Jacob
went on his way, and the angels
of God met him.
‫מ‬ַ‫ח‬ֲ‫נ‬ַ‫ִי‬‫ם‬ (mǎ·ḥǎnǎ·yim) = “two hosts”
9. To what “two camps” was Jacob referring?

15. The “two camps” are referring to:
The Presence of God?
Bethel: “The is the House of God” (28:19, 20)
Mahanaim: “This is God’s Camp” (32:2)
The Pillar of Cloud went before them by day.
The Pillar of Fire protected their rear by night.
9. To what “two camps” was Jacob referring?

16. 10. Where was Esau at the time Jacob met
with the angels of God?
Judges 5:4 “LORD, when
You went out from Seir,
when You marched
from the field of Edom,
the earth trembled and
the heavens poured,
the clouds also poured
water.

17. 11. Why was it important for Jacob to meet with
Esau at this 8me? What does this passage
teach you about resolving personal conflicts?
Matthew 5:23–25 Therefore if you bring your
gift to the altar, and there remember that your
brother has something against you, 24 leave your
gift there before the altar, and go your way. First
be reconciled to your brother, and then come and
offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary
quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest
your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge
hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown
into prison.

18. 12. What did Jacob do in preparation for his
meeting with Esau?
He attempts to gain some advance intelligence
by sending messengers. He does not want to
sneak back into the land; that would only
aggravate any residual anger.
Van Dyke Parunak www.cyber-chapel.org

20. 13. What does Jacob tell his envoy to say to
Esau? Why?
• Assumes the subservient position
• Explains that he has been with their mother’s family
• Describes his wealth, not to boast, but to show that
he does not need to claim his father’s wealth
• Declares his purpose

21. 14. What informaTon did his envoy relay back
to Jacob?

22. 15. What is the significance of 400 men?
• Esau’s number of men was greater than Abram’s
• 400 men is a round number for a standard militia.
• David became a notable threat to Saul when his
retinue reached 400 (1 Sam. 22:2)
• Gideon’s army of 300 overcame Midianites army of
>135,000

23. 16. What was Jacob’s emotional reaction to
their report?
‫י‬ָ‫ר‬ֵ‫א‬“afraid” (yā·rēʾ) = be afraid, be frightened,
i.e., be in a state of feeling great
distress (cf. Gen. 3:10)
‫צ‬ָ‫ר‬ַ‫ר‬“distressed” (ṣā·rǎr) = be in distress, i.e.,
be in a state of intense trouble

24. 17. What action did Jacob take in response?
1. Jacob divided his people and his flocks into
two bands, so that if Esau destroyed one
band, the other at least might escape.
2. Jacob prayed.
This is the first recorded example of prayer in the Bible.

25. 18. What evidence of spiritual growth do you
observe as Jacob prepares to meet Esau?

26. 19. What are some practical principles of godly
prayer that emerge from Jacob’s prayer?
• Jacob comes to God on the basis of His covenant
• Jacob acknowledges his need, “I fear him”
• Jacob humbly reminds God of His promises
Calvin: “Jacob, recalling the command and promise
of God to memory, is supported as by two pillars.
‘Lord, You told me to return, so I am returning. And
You said You would take care of me. I need You to
fulfill this promise’.”

27. 20. Why did Jacob remain at Mahanaim?
Possibly to let the present
that he prepared go on ahead.
Van Dyke Parunak www.cyber-chapel.org

28. 21. How did Jacob attempt to “appease” his
brother Esau?

29. 21. How did Jacob attempt to “appease” his
brother Esau?

30. 22. How many animals were included in
Jacob’s present to his brother?
This present consists of 580 animals (each nursing
camel would have its young with it), divided into
five droves by the class of animal: goats, sheep,
camels, cows, and asses

31. 23. What sacrificial words of offering are
mentioned in verse 20?
“present”
“appease” ‫פּ‬ָ‫נ‬ֶ‫ה‬ (pā·něh) = “cover the face” often
translated “atone”
‫מ‬ִ‫ְנ‬‫ח‬ָ‫ה‬ (min·ḥāh) = “grain offering”

32. 24. Where did Jacob and his family go after
leaving Mahanaim?
‫י‬ַ‫בּ‬ֹ‫ק‬“Jabbok” (yǎb·bōq) = pouring out, emptying,
flowing

33. Reconciling
with your
Past.

34. 25. What is the meaning of Jabbok?
Jabbok = wrestler

35. 26. Why did Jacob send his family ahead of
him while he remained alone?
1) To Shield himself?
Genesis 33:2–5 And he put the maidservants and their
children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel
and Joseph last. 3 Then he crossed over before them and
bowed himself to the ground seven ?mes, un?l he came near
to his brother. 4 But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced
him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. 5
And he liDed his eyes and saw the women and children, and
said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children
whom God has graciously given your servant.”

36. 26. Why did Jacob send his family ahead of
him while he remained alone?
2) To Be Alone
Genesis 32:24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man
wrestled with him…
“To be left alone with God is the only true way of arriving at a just
knowledge of ourselves and our ways. We can never get a true
estimate of nature and all its actings until we have weighed them
in the balances of the sanctuary, and there we may ascertain their
real worth. No matter what we may think about ourselves, nor yet
what man may think about us, the great question is What does
God think about us?” C. H. Mackintosh

37. 27. Who met with Jacob?

38. 28. Did Jacob wrestle with a man, an angel, or
is this an allegory of his spiritual baXle?
Hosea 12:3–5 He took his brother by the heel
in the womb, and in his strength, he struggled
with God. 4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel
and prevailed; he wept, and sought favor from
Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He
spoke to us— 5 that is, the LORD God of hosts.
The LORD is His memorable name.

39. 28. Did Jacob wrestle with a man, an angel, or
is this an allegory of his spiritual battle?
Genesis 32:30 So Jacob called the name of the
place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face,
and my life is preserved.”

40. “wrestled” (ʾā·ḇǎq) = wrestle, struggle, i.e.,
have a physical engagement (by grabbing and
holding) with an opponent, possibly hosIle,
which is characterized by physical contact,
and gaining advantage through leverage holds
and moves, and so control the opponent by
manipulaIons as contrasted with striking and
hiJng as in boxing.
29. Why did Jacob wrestle with this “Man”?
‫א‬ָ‫ב‬ַ‫ק‬
Wrestling is Control by Strength, Speed, Strategy & Wit.

41. 30. Why couldn’t the “Man” prevail against
Jacob?
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken
you except such as is common to man; but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
beyond what you are able, but with the temptation
will also make the way of escape, that you may be
able to bear it.

42. 31. What is the importance of the “Man”
touching the socket of Jacob’s hip and
puYng it out of joint?
“The hip joint is the pivot of a wrestler’s strength. One
moment Jacob is holding his own; now he is powerless.”
Van Dyke Parunak (2007) www.cyber-chapel.org

43. 32. Why did Jacob weep?
1. Not the physical pain of a dislocated hip.
2. The broken and contrite spirit of an awakened
soul caused Jacob to weep. It was at this point
Jacob became aware of the One with whom he
had been spiritual dislocated.

44. 33. Why did the “Man” insist on being “let
go” before daybreak?
“Not so that he could get back in Ime to sing in
the heavenly choir (Jewish midrash)! Perhaps to
protect Jacob from seeing the deity directly (cf.
Exod. 33:20).”
Van Dyke Parunak (2007) www.cyber-chapel.org

45. 34. Why did Jacob insist on being “blessed”
by this “Man”?
1) Jacob acknowledges the ultimate strength of the
One with whom he wrestles.
2) Jacob knows the “Man” is God.
3) Jacob knows that God is good; that the Lord
intends to bless and not do him harm.

46. 35. What does Jacob’s insistence to be blessed
reveal about Jacob?
1) Jacob acknowledges his ultimate helplessness.
2) Jacob no longer is a passive recipient of God’s
grace. He now passionately pursues after it and
pleads for it. He has become one who “hungers
and thirsts after righteousness” (Matt 5:6).

47. 36. What was required of Jacob before he
could be blessed?
“What's in a name? that which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet.”
― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
A name defines character & purpose.

48. 37. How did the “Man” bless Jacob?
Changing one’s name changes one’s
character & purpose.

49. “Jacob” (yǎ·ʿǎqōḇ) = deceiver, heel grabber,
supplanter
“Israel” (yiś·rā·ʾēl) = God prevails
“struggle” (śā·rāh) = contend, wrestle,
persevere
“prevailed” (yā·ḵōl) = be able, succeed, prevail,
overcome
38. What does the name “Israel” mean?
‫ִי‬‫שׂ‬ְ‫ר‬ָ‫א‬ֵ‫ל‬
‫י‬ַ‫ﬠ‬ֲ‫ק‬ֹ‫ב‬
‫שׂ‬ָ‫ר‬ָ‫ה‬
‫י‬ָ‫כ‬ֹ‫ל‬

50. 39. Why didn’t the “Man” reveal His name to
Jacob?
Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong
to the LORD our God, but those things which are
revealed belong to us and to our children forever,
that we may do all the words of this law.
We are not on a first-name basis with God!

51. 40. What did Jacob call the place of blessing?
“Peniel” (penî·ʾēl) = the Face of God
(later called Penuel, 1 Kgs. 12:25)
“face” (pā·něh) = the face, front of the head
“preserved” (nā·ṣǎl) = saved, delivered,
rescued from danger
‫פּ‬ְ‫ִנ‬‫י‬‫א‬ֵ‫ל‬
‫נ‬ָ‫צ‬ַ‫ל‬
‫פּ‬ָ‫נ‬ֶ‫ה‬

52. 41. What was the physical effect of God’s
blessing on Jacob?
The crippling and the naming show that God’s ends
were still the same: He would have all of Jacob’s will to
win, to attain and obtain, yet purged of self-sufficiency
and redirected to the proper object of man’s love, God
Himself.
Kidner, D. (1967). Genesis: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 1, p. 180). Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

53. 42. What does God’s wrestling with Jacob
teach us about his relaTonship with us?
Ø We also may wrestle alone with God until He
blesses/saves us and changes our character/nature.
Ø Symbolic of Jacob/Israel’s weakness relying on
God’s strength
Ø We should also “limp” (Eph. 6:10; 1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Cor.
11:30; 1 Cor 12:9

54. 43. How do the Jewish people today remember
this event in Jacob’s life?
The ban on eating this part of an animal does
not reappear in the Old Testament, but is found
in Rabbinic Judaism (e.g. Pesaḥim 22a, 83b).

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