Jacob, whose name means “he grasps the heel” or “he deceives,” has lived up to his name all his life. He tricked his brother, Esau, out of his birthright as the firstborn and out of their father’s best blessing. He’s had to flee from his brother’s murderous and totally understandable anger. He’s learned what it’s like to be tricked, too, in his Uncle Laban’s camp. Along the way, he’s had encounters with the God of Abraham and Isaac and heard the promise that God made with his family. But he hasn’t been wholehearted in his relationship with God. He’s tried to make an “if-then” deal with God in Chapter 28:20 and following. IF God will be with him in his wanderings as he flees his brother’s rage, will supply him with food and clothes, and bring him safely home, THEN he will worship God.
Suddenly Jacob’s life takes a frightening turn. He hears that Esau and 400 men are coming to meet him. He prays to a God he still doesn’t call his own and begs for a way to be saved from Esau. Jacob reminds God that the promise to increase his family like the sands of the sea depends on him!
God comes and finds Jacob in his fear and solitude when “a man” wrestles with Jacob until dawn. This being does not want to be seen in the light of day and asks to be let go. But Jacob, who loves getting blessings, demands to be blessed. And then the being renames him “He struggles with God” or Israel. He won’t tell Jacob his name. But Jacob calls the place Peniel, which means “face of God.” The next time Jacob makes an altar, he calls it The God of Israel, El Elohe Israel. This God who has come close and wrestled with him, blessed him, and renamed him, is now truly his God.
May we be as ready as Jacob was to wrestle with God and let God bless us even in our stress and brokenness. May we be willing to let God reshape and reorient us for a life of faith, in spite of our former unbelief.