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| Jabbok Fords from Penuel, |
Jacob wrestles with God
Genesis 32:24-32
A great while before day, Jacob
being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus
employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit
helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words
to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is
indeed wrestling with God. However tried or discouraged, we shall prevail; and
prevailing with Him in prayer, we shall prevail against all enemies that strive
with us. Nothing requires more vigour and unceasing exertion than wrestling. It
is an emblem of the true spirit of faith and prayer.
Jacob kept his ground;
though the struggle continued long, this did not shake his faith, nor silence
his prayer. He will have a blessing, and had rather have all his bone put out
of joint than go away without one. Those who would have the blessing of Christ,
must resolve to take no denial. The fervent prayer is the effectual prayer. The
Angel puts a lasting mark of honour upon him, by changing his name. Jacob
signifies a supplanter. From henceforth he shall be celebrated, not for craft
and artful management, but for true valour. Thou shalt be called Israel, a
prince with God, a name greater than those of the great men of the earth. He is
a prince indeed that is a prince with God; those are truly honourable that are
mighty in prayer. Having power with God, he shall have power with men too; he
shall prevail, and gain Esau's favour. Jacob gives a new name to the place. He
calls it Peniel, the face of God, because there he had seen the appearance of
God, and obtained the favour of God. It becomes those whom God honours, to
admire his grace towards them. The Angel who wrestled with Jacob was the second
Person in the sacred Trinity, who was afterwards God manifest in the flesh, and
who, dwelling in human nature, is called Immanuel,
Hos_12:4,
Hos_12:5.
Jacob halted on his thigh. It might serve to keep him from being lifted up with
the abundance of the revelations. The sun rose on Jacob: it is sun-rise with
that soul, which has had communion with God.
Concise Commentary, M. Henry
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