Gen. 32

In this chapter are 2 wonderful illustrations of prayer from which we can learn much.  But before we look at those illustrations, note that after each one we continue to see Jacob earnestly trying to find his own answer for what he expects to be a difficult reunion with his brother Esau.  Jacob is moving in the right direction, but the dependence on the flesh does not die easily. 

As Jacob travels back from Padan Aram God encourages him by sending His angels to minister to him.  Jacob acknowledges God’s help by naming the place Mahanaim, meaning “2 camps”.  Likely Jacob means that he has come to God’s camp, making it “our camp”.  It is at this point that Jacob sends a message to Esau, only to have the messenger return with the news that Esau is on his way to meet Jacob, Esau and 400 men!  Jacob, moved by fear, first goes into action with a plan to save at least half of his family and belongings.  But then he falls before the Lord in prayer.

This prayer is wonderful in its form.  It begins with adoration, as Jacob acknowledges God’s character (still as the God of his fathers) and God’s promise to protect and provide for him.  He then makes a confession, not of his specific sins but of his own, general unworthiness.  He has begun the prayer well, putting God in His exalted place and himself in his humble place.  This moves into thanksgiving as Jacob acknowledges God’s mercy and truth (faithfulness).  Jacob knows God has blessed him though he did not deserve it; God has kept His promise though he did not deserve it.  Finally Jacob pours out his heart in supplication, asking God to deliver him from Esau.  His request is anchored in God’s word, the promise made to Abraham, Isaac and to Jacob as well.  

What a wonderful lesson in prayer for us when we come to God.  And yet it seems Jacob is still depending on himself and has not fully cast himself on God.  In v20 Jacob still is thinking … I will appease him … perhaps he will accept me.

That night Jacob remains by himself at “2 camps”; and there God comes to meet him.  He wrestles with a Man that Hosea 12:2-6 helps us understand is the Angel of the Lord, God making an appearance in angelic form.  Jacob is able to prevail physically until the Angel weakens him.  Even then he will not let go unless the Angel bless him.  This makes it clear that Jacob realizes this Being is the One on whom he must call for blessing.  God’s blessing comes in the form of a change of names.  

Some consider the name “Israel” to mean God’s prince but more likely it means he struggles with God.  Jacob has struggled with his brother, with his father, with his uncle, and with his wives.  All those struggles were Jacob trying to do for himself what God would do for him.  Now he is struggling with the One that truly matters.  Jacob was known from birth as the struggler.  Finally he has come to struggle with God.  Will he finally come to rest in God’s mercies and faithfulness?  That is Jacob’s question.  That is our question!  Like Jacob we must come to God in prayer; unlike Jacob we must leave our fear at His feet!