The sinew in beasts of any kind, corresponding with that part of Jacob's thigh. (Haydock) --- Some refrain from the whole quarter, others extract the sinew. This they do, without any command, in memory of this transaction. (Calmet) read more
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... read more
The Struggle at Peniel v. 24. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day, until the morning dawned and its brightness arose in the eastern sky. Jacob, having crossed first with his family, returned and sent over his herds in charge of the servants, while he himself remained on the north side of the brook. Suddenly there came upon him a nameless man, and the two engaged in a fierce wrestling-match. v. 25. And when he saw that he prevailed not... read more
FIFTH SECTIONJacob’s return. His fear of Esau. His night wrestlings with God. Peniel. The name Israel. Meeting and reconciliation with Esau. Genesis 32:3 to Genesis 33:163And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned [have been a stranger] with Laban, and stayed there until now: 5And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and... read more
Jacob Wrestles and Prevails Genesis 32:13-32 There is a fulsomeness in Jacob’s address to Esau, which sounds inconsistent with the noblest manhood and the firmest faith. Why should he speak of “my lord” Esau, and endeavor to appease his wrath with soft speeches and rich gifts? Evidently much had to be effected in his character before he could become one of the great spiritual forces of the world, and his supreme discipline came in that midnight wrestle. The Angel who wrestled with him could... read more
This is unquestionably one of the great chapters of the Bible, and it is significant how constant and powerful is its appeal to all who live on the principle of faith. It gives the account of the third direct communication of God to Jacob. As he returned to his own land, the same conflicting principles which have been evident throughout are still manifest. His going at all was in direct obedience to the distinct command of God. There was really no other reason to return. He might still have... read more
‘That is why the children of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the hollow of the thigh to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.’ This explanatory information was a later comment probably added when the whole was brought together, either in the time of Moses or earlier. Genesis 33:1 a ‘And Jacob lifted up his eyes and behold Esau came and with him four hundred men.’ The opening phrase is general. There is no necessary direct... read more
Genesis 32:22-Jonah : . The Wrestling of Jacob.— The narrative, for which Hosea 12:3-Deuteronomy : should be compared. is distributed between J and E by recent critics. Gunkel attributes Genesis 32:23-Jeremiah : a, Genesis 32:25 a, Genesis 32:26-Hosea :, Genesis 32:31 a to E; Genesis 32:22; Genesis 32:24, Genesis 32:25 b, Genesis 32:29 f., Genesis 32:31 b to J. The older critics treated the section as a unity, generally attributing it to J. So much uncertainty hangs over the analysis, that it... read more
Not from any superstitious conceit about it, but only for a memorial of this admirable conflict, the blessed effects whereof even the future generations received. read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 32:32
Perhaps this custom was piously observed by the Israelites, in order to keep alive the remembrance how prevailing fervent prayer is, as manifested in this instance of their Great Ancestor. REFLECTIONS Reader! I charge you not to close your review of this lovely chapter, which under God's teachings hath refreshed the minds of thousands, and will continue so to do until time shall be no more, without first gathering to yourself some of the many sweet things it speaks of to the people of God. You... read more