MPV Commentary

Jacob sent messengers ahead to Esau, wanting to know his current attitude and circumstances before approaching him. This was a prudent move, as the road to Canaan lay near the wild district where Esau had established himself.

The land of Seir, where Esau now resided, was a highland country east and south of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Horites who were displaced by Esau or his descendants (Deuteronomy 11:12). It's unclear when and why Esau moved there, but he had become powerful and affluent in this new home. His settlement on the outskirts of Canaan was likely a result of Providence, paving the way for Jacob's eventual return to the promised land.

Jacob instructed his messengers to tell Esau that after twenty years in Mesopotamia, he was returning to his native land. He assured Esau that he didn't need anything from him, as he had plenty of livestock and resources. However, he wanted to notify his brother of his arrival and show respect by paying homage.

The messengers were instructed to refer to Jacob as "your servant," acknowledging his subordinate position to Esau. This was likely a gesture of humility and respect, given the complex history between the two brothers. The messengers returned to Jacob with their report, but it left him uncertain about Esau's feelings and intentions.

Jacob's natural timidity was compounded by his conscience, which told him that there were valid reasons for concern. He had to consider the safety of his large family, making this a particularly difficult situation. In response, Jacob turned to prayer, seeking God's guidance and protection.

He prayed to the God of his father Abraham, appealing to their covenant relationship and the promise of safe return (Genesis 28:13-15). Jacob confessed his unworthiness and asked for deliverance from the impending danger. This was a heartfelt prayer from a devoted husband, father, and believer in the promises.

To appease Esau, Jacob prepared an impressive gift consisting of 550 head of cattle, carefully selected to showcase his wealth and respect. The present included milch camels, which were highly valued for their milk and other uses. By dividing the animals into separate groups, Jacob aimed to create a more imposing appearance and give Esau time to calm down as he encountered each successive company.

The messengers were instructed to deliver the same message to Esau, emphasizing that it came from Jacob himself. They returned to Jacob with news of Esau's studied reserve, leaving him in painful uncertainty about his brother's intentions.

Jacob decided to take matters into his own hands and prepare for a potential confrontation. He divided his family and attendants, sending them across the Jabbok River while he remained behind to pray for God's blessing on their journey. The river was shallow enough to be forded during the summer months, but Jacob chose to cross it alone in the night.

As he waded through the river, a mysterious person wrestled with him (Hosea 12:4). This enigmatic figure is often referred to as an angel or God (Genesis 32:28-30; Hosea 12:5), and many believe it was the "angel of the covenant" who appeared in a visible form to comfort Jacob. The nature of this encounter has been debated, with some considering it a real event and others a visionary experience.

The purpose of this mysterious scene was to revive Jacob's spirits and give him confidence in God as he faced the challenges ahead. It serves as an instructive example for believers, showing that faith and prayer can lead to victories that are ultimately attributed to God's grace.

During their struggle, Jacob asked the mysterious person not to let him go until he received a blessing (Genesis 32:26). This was a bold request, given the other party's superior power. However, Jacob believed that this being's power was limited by his promise to do good, and he wanted to secure a blessing.

As a result of their encounter, Jacob's name was changed from Jacob to Israel, reflecting his new character as a sanctified and devout individual (Genesis 32:28). The old name would still be used, but it would now be associated with the descriptive title "Israel."

Jacob asked the mysterious person for his name, but this request was denied, likely to prevent him from becoming too proud or arrogant. Instead, Jacob received a new name that would serve as a reminder of his encounter with God.

As a result of their struggle, Jacob's thigh became lame (Genesis 32:31), a physical reminder of the mysterious scene and the gracious condescension shown to him. This lameness was meant to humble Jacob, just as Paul's "thorn in the flesh" humbled him (2 Corinthians 12:7). In spiritual victories, there is often something that keeps us mindful of our limitations and dependence on God.

The sinew that shrank during their struggle refers to a nerve that connects the thigh bone to its socket. The practice of avoiding this part of the animal in Jewish tradition is not based on the law of Moses but rather a traditional custom.