Genesis 32:2

Geneva Study Bible - Genesis 32:2

32:2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, {a} This [is] God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.(a) He acknowledges God’s benefits: who for the preservation of his, sends hosts of angels. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:1-32

RETURNING TO FACE ESAU As Jacob continues his journey we are told that the angels of God met him (v.1). It was not God Himself as yet who met him, but the angels were no doubt intended as an encouragement for Jacob to be diligent to return all the way to the Lord's place for him. We may wonder in what way they appeared, but Jacob recognized them as "God's host," and names the place "Mahanaim," meaning "two camps." Jacob had not yet learned that his interests ought to be merged with God's... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:1-32

JACOB BECOMES ISRAEL MEETING WITH THE ANGELS (32:1-2) Filled with wonders is this lesson! The appearance of the angels, the divine wrestling, the transformation of Esau how much we need the Holy Spirit to understand the meaning of these things! Be sure to identify these places: Galeed or Mizpah of the preceding chapter, and Mahanaim, Peniel and the river Jabbok named in this, are all on the east of the Jordan, not far from what was known later as Ramoth- Gilead. How condescending of God to... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 32:2

Mahanaim, signifies two bands, or camps. See Song of Solomon 6:13 ; Hebrews 1:14 ; Psalms 34:7 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:2

Mahanaim, "two camps." A town was afterwards built here. read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:1-8

1-8 The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares them by great comforts. While Jacob, to whom the promise belonged, had been in hard service, Esau was become a prince. Jacob sent a message, showing that he did not insist upon the birth-right. Yielding pacifies great offences, Ecclesiastes 10:4. We must not refuse to speak respectfully, even to those unjustly angry with us. Jacob... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Genesis 32:1-29

Gen_32:1 Gen_35:29 . Thus far, many blemishes have marred the history of Jacob. His desire at the outset for the birthright and the blessing of God, which accompanied it, was right: the way he schemed to obtain it altogether wrong. God had been but little in his thoughts, and when, fleeing from Esau's vengeance, in a night vision he discovered the house of God, he felt it to be a dreadful place. One of our hymn writers describing his soul's journey, began with, "All of self and none of Thee."... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 32:1-8

The Messengers to Esau v. 1. And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him, literally, they came up with him, joined him. Their protection had shielded him on Mount Gilead, and the meeting with them at this time gave him the assurance of their further assistance. v. 2. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host; and he called the name of that place Mahanaim (double host). He thus commemorated in the name of the place where he was shown this vision the fact that the army... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Genesis 32:1-2

FOURTH SECTIONJacob’s flight. Laban’s persecution. The covenant between the two on the mountain of Gilead. Departure. Genesis 31:4 to Genesis 32:2, 4And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock. 5And said unto them, I see [am seeing] your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before: 6but the God [Elohim] of my father hath been with me. And ye3 know that with all my power I have served your father. 7And your father hath deceived4 me, and changed my wages ten... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - Genesis 32:1-2

Genesis MAHANAIM: THE TWO CAMPS Gen_32:1 - Gen_32:2 . This vision came at a crisis in Jacob’s life. He has just left the house of Laban, his father-in-law, where he had lived for many years, and in company with a long caravan, consisting of wives, children, servants, and all his wealth turned into cattle, is journeying back again to Palestine. His road leads him close by the country of Esau. Jacob was no soldier, and he is naturally terrified to meet his justly incensed brother. And so, as... read more