JACOB SERIES: NAME CHANGE

After twenty years in Haran, Jacob, as directed by God, was returning home with his family and a massive amount of possessions. As he traveled, he saw angels, and he said, ‘This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.”

Knowing that when he left Canaan, his brother wanted to kill him, and not seeing or communicating with Esau for the past twenty years, Jacob was worried about the outcome of their meeting. Therefore, in an attempt to appease Esau, Jacob sent messengers to Esau in the land of Seir with greetings of peace and to inform him of the wealth he had accumulated in Haran. The messengers returned to Jacob, informing him that Esau was coming to meet him, accompanied by four hundred men.

Fearful of the encounter with his brother, Jacob divides his household into two bands, thinking that if Esau kills one band, the other may possibly escape. Then Jacob

prays to the God of his forefathers and reminds God that He told him to return home, and that He would treat him well. Jacob acknowledged his unworthiness to receive the goodness of God; however, he requested that God protect him from the harm that Esau could inflict upon him and his family. Lastly, he ended his prayer by reminding God of the promise He had made to him: to make his family like the sand of the sea by multiplying his descendants.

Setting up lodging for the night, Jacob decided to send his brother livestock presents, consisting of 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 sheep, 20 rams, 30 milk camels with their colts, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. Jacob separated the animals according to their kind and gave them to his servants. He instructed them to go before him, and when each group met his brother, who would probably question them about who they were, they were to say, “They be thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us. “Jacob thought his presents could satisfy or lessen Esau’s anger.

In the night, Jacob sent Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, Zilpah, and his children across the brook Jabbok while he stayed at the campsite. The scripture records that while alone, Jacob wrestled with a man until dawn, and when the man saw that Jacob was overpowering him, he disabled the joint in Jacob’s thigh. Jacob kept holding on to the man and told him. “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” The man asked Jacob his name and said to him, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Jacob requested that the man tell him his name; however, the man would not comply. This encounter ended with the man blessing Jacob and Jacob naming the place Peniel, which means, “for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Jacob left the camp limping, and his ancestors later memorialized this by not eating meat from the hip.

Here is more information and nuggets on Genesis 32:

The host of angels that met Jacob at Mahanaim should have assured him that God was with him and he did not have to fear what he might encounter along the way. There is no need to resort to self-preservation when he had Godly protection.

With his immense herd, Jacob needed to encamp in an area that had water available for watering his herd.

In the East, presents were given to those ranking above you. Jacob wanted to act respectfully toward his brother by showing obeisance and sharing the pastoral wealth that he had gained while in Haran.

Due to his guilt and fear, Jacob thought he might appease Esau by sharing his wealth with him. Jacob’s act of separating and dividing the herd’s gift he sent to Esau was an act of desperation, hoping that Esau would be impressed by his generosity.

Some commentators believed Jacob was wrestling with the preincarnate Christ, but I do not believe this to be accurate because of verse 25, which states, “And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.” There is no person who can prevail against Christ or God. Additionally, Hosea 12:4 states, “Yea, he had power over the angel and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there her spake with us.”

Genesis 32:28 is the first time the name Israel is used in scripture. This name was bestowed on Jacob, signifying that he was no longer to be a deceiver or supplanter, but a warrior and soldier of God.

The outcome of your strategic attempt to pacify the person you deeply offended may not have the desired effect. Restitution does not come easily.

Learning to simply trust God in every situation is difficult when you feel guilty, fearful that your life is threatened, and possible death is near.

There is no need to scheme when you are living by faith.

Pray to God humbly and stand on His promises. His promises never fail; they will come to pass.

Hold on until your blessing is assured.