Read Genesis 32.22-32
Jacob wrestles with God.
This is an ancient story that has played different roles in its long history.
The story explained the reason for the place name, Peniel ("Face of God," v. 30).
It also explained the reason for the dietary law that Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle of an animal (v. 32) and the reason for the change of Jacob's name to Israel (v. 28).
Jacob's life as an individual becomes a portrait of Israel's life as a nation.
Israel as a people will struggle with God and limp away with a blessing.
In verse 24: the sudden and unexplained appearance of a man in the night suggests a mysterious or supernatural figure.
In verse 25: Jacob was winning the wrestling match until he is crippled by a wrestler"s trick the dislocated his hip.
In verse 28: The identity of the man is now revealed: Jacob has striven with God.
In verse 30: Jacob's experience is remarkable in light of prevailing Old Testament tradition that no human can see God face to face and live (Ex 33.11-23; Judg 6.22-23).
Comments or Questions..
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment