Genesis 32:2

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

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:2

Mahanaim - The two hosts, if read by the points, the angels forming one, and Jacob and his company forming another; or simply hosts or camps in the plural. There was a city built afterwards here, and inhabited by the priests of God, Joshua 21:38 . For what purpose the angels of God met Jacob, does not appear from the text; probably it was intended to show him that he and his company were under the care of an especial providence, and consequently to confirm his trust and confidence in God. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 32:1-2

Divine protection. The pilgrim on his way is met by the angels of God. They are two hosts—"Mahanaim," that is, twofold defense, before and behind. There was fear in the man, but there was trust and prayer. He saw the objective vision, but the inward preparation of heart enabled him to see it. On our way we may reckon on supernatural protection—protection for ourselves, protection for those who are Divinely appointed to be with us. The double host is an emblem of that angelic guardianship... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 32:1-23

Mahanaim, or preparing for Esau. I. THE ANGELIC APPARITION . 1. The time when it occurred . 2. The impression which it made. Whether completely surrounding him, or divided into two companies, one on either side of him, Jacob's angelic visitors, from their number, their orderly array, their military dispositions, assumed the appearance of a heavenly army lying encamped over against His own; and the sight of the two companies immediately suggested the ejaculation, "This is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 32:2

And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host :— Mahaneh Elohim ; i . e . the army (cf. Genesis 1:9 ; Exodus 14:24 ) or camp ( 1 Samuel 14:15 ; Psalms 27:3 ) of God, as opposed to the Mahanoth, or bands of Jacob himself ( vide Genesis 32:7 , Genesis 32:10 )— and he called the name of that place Manahan. — i . e . Two armies or camps, from the root חָנַה decline or bend, and hence to fix oneself down or encamp; meaning either a multitudinous host, reading... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 32:1-32

- Jacob Wrestles in Prayer3. מחנים machănāyı̂m, Machanaim, “two camps.”22. יבק yaboq, Jabboq; related: בקק bāqaq “gush or gurgle out” or אבק 'ābaq in niphal, “wrestle.” Now Wady Zurka.29. ישׂראל yı̂śrā'ēl, Jisrael, “prince of God.”31. פניאל penı̂y'ēl = פנוּאל penû'ēl, Peniel, Penuel, “face of God.”After twenty years spent in Aram, Jacob now returns to Kenann. As his departure was marked by a great moment in his spiritual life, so he is now approaching to a crisis in his life of no... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 32:2

Genesis 32:2. This is God’s host Or army; so the angels are justly called, because of their great number, their excellent order, their mighty power, and the service they perform for God and his church, for the protection of which they are sent. A good man may see by faith what Jacob saw with his bodily eyes. To preserve the remembrance of this favour Jacob named the place Mahanaim, two hosts, or two camps. Probably they appeared to him in two hosts, one on either side, or one in the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 32:1-32

Preparing to meet Esau (32:1-32)During the twenty years that Jacob had been in Mesopotamia, Esau had established his household in territory to the south near the Dead Sea. Jacob knew that if he was to live in peace in Canaan, he would first have to put things right with Esau. With much fear and anxiety he sent news to Esau that he was coming to meet him (32:1-8).Jacob had by now learnt a humility before God that was lacking the previous time he met Esau. He thanked God for his remarkable... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 32:2

host = camp. Hebrew. mahaneh as in verses: Genesis 32:8 , Genesis 32:21 . Compare Deuteronomy 33:2 .Joshua 5:14 , Joshua 5:15 .Psalms 27:3 ; Psalms 78:28 ; Psalms 106:16 . Mahanaim = two camps. read more

Group of Brands