29. Jacob asked, Tell me . . . thy name—The request was denied that he might not be too elated with his conquest nor suppose that he had obtained such advantage over the angel as to make him do what he pleased. read more
12. Jacob at the Jabbok 32:22-32"Hebrew narrative style often includes a summary statement of the whole passage followed by a more detailed report of the event. Here Genesis 32:22 is the summary statement, while Genesis 32:23 begins the detailed account." [Note: The NET Bible note on 32:22.] This site was probably just a few miles east of the Jordan Valley (Genesis 32:22). The Jabbok joins the Jordan River about midway between the Sea of Chinnereth (Galilee) and the Salt (Dead) Sea. [Note: On... read more
The Approach of Esau. Jacob Wrestles with the Angel1. The angels of God] God had given Jacob, by an angelic vision, a pledge of His watchful love, when he left his home (Genesis 28:12). Now that he was returning to Canaan after twenty years, and with dangers at hand, God renews this assurance by another heavenly vision.2. God’s host] Heb. Mahanaim. It was an important city in Gilead. 3. The land of Seir] or Edom, S. of the Dead Sea, where Esau settled (Genesis 36:8). 6, 7. Esau’s large retinue... read more
THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.Abraham begat Isaac—The Tôldôth in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan of human redemption.The Syrian.—Really, the Aramean, or descendant of Aram. (See Genesis 10:22-23.) The... read more
(28) Israel.—That is, a prince of God, or, one powerful with God. (See Note on Genesis 17:15.) Esau had given a bad meaning to the name of Jacob, nor had it been undeserved. But a change has now come over Jacob’s character, and he is henceforth no longer the crafty schemer who was ever plotting for his own advantage, but one humble and penitent, who can trust himself and all he has in God’s hands. The last words signify, for thou art a prince with God and men; or possibly, for thou hast striven... read more
(29) Wherefore . . . —In much the same manner the angel refuses to tell Manoah his name (Judges 13:18). Probably, however, in the blessing which followed there was a clear proof that Jacob’s opponent was a Divine personage. read more
Jacob the Aspiring Genesis 32:1 We are accustomed to think of Jacob as a character of lights and shadows mingling without reason. I. As commonly understood, the portrait of this man does present an inconsistency. This apparently bad man has a beautiful dream, so beautiful that it has become immortal. What the best men of the past had not seen this fraudulent youth beholds. II. Why did the artist give such a vision to such a man? The previous life of Jacob had not been that prosaic thing which... read more
JACOB AT PENIELGenesis 32:1-32"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:10JACOB had a double reason for wishing to leave Padan-aram. He believed in the promise of God to give him Canaan: and he saw that Laban was a man with whom he could never be on a thoroughly good understanding. He saw plainly that Laban was resolved to make what he could out of his skill at as cheap a rate as possible-the characteristic of a selfish, greedy, ungrateful, and therefore,... read more
CHAPTER 32 Jacob’s Fear of Esau and Prayer at Peniel 1. The vision at Mahanaim (Genesis 32:1-2 ) 2. The message to Esau (Genesis 32:3-5 ) 3. Esau’s coming and Jacob’s fear (Genesis 32:6-8 ) 4. Jacob’s prayer (Genesis 32:9-12 ) 5. Preparing to meet Esau (Genesis 32:13-23 ) 6. Jacob’s prayer at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-32 ) What a welcome it was when he came near to his land, that the angels of God met him. They were like divine ambassadors sent to welcome him back to assure him of... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 32:28
28. Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel—The old name was not to be abandoned; but, referring as it did to a dishonorable part of the patriarch's history, it was to be associated with another descriptive of his now sanctified and eminently devout character. read more