Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Although the being (whether regarded as an angel, or as a theophany of the pre-incarnate Christ) with whom Jacob was struggling had injured him by putting Jacob's hip out of joint, I would say that it was the extraordinary aspect of that act (which had been accomplished by the being merely touching Jacob's hip) that indicated to Jacob that his opponent was more than merely human, and therefore had the power to confer a blessing on him. This, in turn, fueled Jacob's determination (despite his handicap) not to release his opponent until that blessing had been obtained.

This struggle also represented an acknowledgement and submission on Jacob's part that he could not succeed through his own efforts alone (which had included such former acts as depriving his elder brother Esau of his birthright (Genesis 25), as well as obtaining Isaac's paternal blessing (which rightfully belonged to Esau) by deceiving Isaac (Genesis 27-28)), but that he needed God's blessing and help, especially since (at the time of his struggle), he was facing (and fearing) encountering Esau, whom he anticipated might be understandably hostile toward him, to the point of wanting to kill him.

June 12 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report