Sunday, January 31, 2010

Genesis 32 gives the account of Jacob journeying back toward Canaan and preparing to meet Esau. Jacob was concerned about how Esau would receive him, so he made plans to send him gifts ahead of his arrival to appease any remaining hostility towards Jacob. Jacob prayed, " I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant... Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children". Jacob wrestled that night with an Angel of the Lord and God spoke to him saying, "your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Jacob realized he had seen God face to face and yet his life was spared.