Genesis 32:1-32 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:1-2

1. Here is Jacob's convoy in his journey (Gen. 32:1): The angels of God met him, in a visible appearance, whether in a vision by day or in a dream by night, as when he saw them upon the ladder (Gen. 28:12), is uncertain. Note, Those that keep in a good way have always a good guard; angels themselves are ministering spirits for their safety, Heb. 1:14. Where Jacob pitched his tents, they pitched theirs about him, Ps. 34:7. They met him, to bid him welcome to Canaan again; a more honourable... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:3-8

Now that Jacob was re-entering Canaan God, by the vision of angels, reminded him of the friends he had when he left it, and thence he takes occasion to remind himself of the enemies he had, particularly Esau. It is probable that Rebekah had sent him word of Esau's settlement in Seir, and of the continuance of his enmity to him. What shall poor Jacob do? He longs to see his father, and yet he dreads to see his brother. He rejoices to see Canaan again, and yet cannot but rejoice with trembling... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:9-12

Our rule is to call upon God in the time of trouble; we have here an example to this rule, and the success encourages us to follow this example. It was now a time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it; and here we have him praying for that salvation, Jer. 30:7. In his distress he sought the Lord, and he heard him. Note, Times of fear should be times of prayer; whatever frightens us should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guard of angels, but, in this... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:13-23

Jacob, having piously made God his friend by a prayer, is here prudently endeavouring to make Esau his friend by a present. He had prayed to God to deliver him from the hand of Esau, for he feared him; but neither did his fear sink into such a despair as dispirits for the use of means, nor did his prayer make him presume upon God's mercy, without the use of means. Note, When we have prayed to God for any mercy, we must second our prayers with our endeavours; else, instead of trusting god, we... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:24-32

We have here the remarkable story of Jacob's wrestling with the angel and prevailing, which is referred to, Hos. 12:4. Very early in the morning, a great while before day, Jacob had helped his wives and his children over the river, and he desired to be private, and was left alone, that he might again more fully spread his cares and fears before God in prayer. Note, We ought to continue instant in prayer, always to pray and not to faint: frequency and importunity in prayer prepare us for mercy.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:1

And Jacob went on his way ,.... From Gilead towards the land of Canaan: and the angels of God met him ; to comfort and help him, to protect and defend him, to keep him in all his ways, that nothing hurt him, Psalm 91:11 ; these are ministering spirits sent forth by God to minister to his people, the heirs of salvation; and such an one Jacob was. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:2

And when Jacob saw them ,.... These appeared in a visible form, most probably human, and in the habit, and with the accoutrements of soldiers, and therefore afterwards called an host or army. Aben Ezra thinks that Jacob alone saw them, as Elisha first saw the host of angels before the young man did that was with him, 2 Kings 6:17 , he said, this is God's host : or army, hence he is often called the Lord of hosts; angels have this name from their number, order, strength, and military... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:3

And Jacob sent messengers before him unto Esau his brother ,.... Or "angels": not angels simply, as Jarchi, for these were not under the command, and in the power of Jacob to send, nor would they have needed any instruction from him afterwards given, but these were some of his own servants. Esau it seems was removed from his father's house, and was possessed of a country after mentioned, called from his name; and which Aben Ezra says lay between Haran and the land of Israel; but if it did... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:4

And he commanded them ,.... Being his servants: saying, thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau ; being not only a lord of a country, but his eldest brother, and whom he chose to bespeak in this manner, to soften his mind, and incline it to him; and that he might see he did not pique himself upon the birthright and blessing he had obtained; and as if these were forgotten by him, though hereby he does not give up his right in them: thy servant Jacob saith thus , expressing great... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:5

And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants ,.... This he would have said, lest he should think he was come to ask anything of him, and put himself and his family upon him; and lest he should treat him with contempt, as a poor mean beggarly creature, and be ashamed of the relation he stood in to him: and I have sent to tell my lord ; of his coming, and of his state and circumstances: that I may find grace in thy sight ; share in his good will, which was all... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:1-2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:3-8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:9-12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:13-23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 32:24-32

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:5

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