Genesis 32: 24-32 Interpretive Questions

Interpretive Questions 3

Genesis 32:24- And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

Question- Who was the “man” with whom Jacob wrestled? On Jacob’s journey, back to Canaan he got into a wrestling match with a man. This passage of scripture has been heavily debated. Many commentators have different views on this passage of scripture. Davis stated in his book, “this man is regarded by some as the preincarnate Christ, and by others as an angel, a special messenger from God.” During this altercation, some exceptional things took place. The Bible declares, “And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint,

Finis believes that the man that Jacob was wrestling was God. In fact, he highlighted other men that was left alone with God. For example, “Moses (Exodus 24:2), Jeremiah (Jer. 15:17), Daniel (Dan. 10:7-8), Jesus (Luke 9-18), and Paul (1Th. 3:1).” Consequently, Jacob further states who he was wrestling. In verses 30 states, “Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Moreover, Finis Dake goes on to give assurance that Jacob was definitely wrestling with God. He mentioned, “Jacob recognize Him as the Blesser (26), because the sinew shrank miraculously (25), God Himself acknowledged Jacob had prevailed against Him (28), the blessing upon Jacob was one which God alone could bestow (28-30), Jacob claimed he had seen God’s face (30), and Jacob claimed salvation by this experience (30). This encounter that Jacob had with God, changed his life, and it is a testament to us

He was a trickster, manipulator, and a liar. In addition, name Jacob not only means deceiver, but more literally it means grabber. Although, Jacob embodied all these negative attributes, God still promised through him will come a great nation. Consequently, Jacob has come to a very important time in his life, and God needed to intervened. After Jacob and Laban split, him and his embittered brother, Esau was destined to meet. In fact, Esau had it out for Jacob. Subsequently, Jacob sent gifts, and his family ahead in hopes of buttering Esau. Know it lead to a point where Jacob was physically tired, and the most pivotal time in his life that was life changing. The question at hand, is Who exactly is the man the Jacob was wrestling? I believe that the man that Jacob was wrestling was Jesus in the Old Testament. During this time, some very important things happened to Jacob, not to mention, this too applies to believers today.

In summation, just one encounter with God will change the old person to a new person. God will change our old characteristics of sin to a new creation. For the Bible declares, “Therefor if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Not to mention, the encounter that Jacob had with God at the Jabbok that night reminds us: though we may fight God and His will for us, in truth, God is good. As believers in