Genesis 32:1-2 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

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 which we are told ( Psalms 34:1-22 , and Psalms 91:1-16 .) "encampeth round about them that fear the Lord , and delivereth them," "keepeth them in all their ways."— R .