Wrestling With the Angel

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Introduction: Jacob reaches great heights of spiritual maturity in this lesson. He wrestles with the angel of God and prevails. His name is changed from one that means subplanter to one that means prince of God. He faces his greatest fear (Esau) and comes out victorious. He is touched by God and is never the same again.

I.           JACOB PLANS (32:1-8) 

A.   Mahanaim (v.1-2) 

1. Means two hosts or two camps

2. Refers to his camp and the camp of angels (see 2Kings 6:15-17) 

B.   Messengers Sent (v.3-5) 

C.   Messengers Received (v.6-8) 

1. Esau comes with 400 men (v.6)

2. Jacob is greatly distressed (v.7)

3. Jacob divides his people for safety (v.7-8)

4. NOTE: God revealed that Jacob already had two camps (v.2). It was therefore unnecessary for Jacob to divide his group. 

II.          JACOB PRAYS (32:9-12)

A.   He Reminds God of his Relationship (v.9a)

B.   He Reminds God of His Command (v.9b)

C.   He Declares his Unworthiness (v.10)

D.   He Prays for Deliverance From Esau (v.11)

E.   He Reminds God of His Promise (v.12) 

III.         JACOB PREPARES (32:13-23) 

A.   He Sends a Present for Esau (v.13-21) 

B.   He Sends his Family Across the Brook Jabbok (v.22-23) 

IV.        JACOB PREVAILS (32:24-32) 

A.   Jacob’s Wrestling Match (v.24) 

1. He wrestled alone (see Matthew 26:56)

2. He wrestled with the Lord (see v.30; Hosea 12:3-5) –we often fight God without realizing it

3. He wrestled until daybreak (cp.1Kings 18:42-44; Luke 18:1-7) –how often have we stopped right before we received the answer from the Lord? 

B.   Jacob’s Unusual Encounter (v.25-29) 

1. The Lord touched Jacob (v.25) –he was never the same again

2. The Lord blessed Jacob (v.26,29)

3. The Lord renamed Jacob (v.27-28)

a.    His name – Israel: a prince of God (2Timothy 2:12)

b.    His fame – power

(1)   With God (Galatians 1:10; James 5:16-18)

(2)   With man 

C.   Jacob’s Changed Outlook (v.30-32) 

1. His new confidence (v.30; Philippians 4:13) “my life is preserved”

2. His new vision (v.31a; Proverbs 29:18; Philippians 3:14)

3. His new walk (v.31b-32; 2Corinthians 5:7) 

V.         JACOB IS PRESERVED (33:1-16) 

A.   Jacob and Esau Meet (v.1-7) 

B.   Jacob Insists on Esau Accepting his Present (v.8-11) 

C.   Jacob Insists that he Needs No Protection (v.12-16) 

Conclusion: What changes in Jacob’s life brought him to the victories that he experiences in this chapter? How is God working in your life?

MEMORY VERSES:

1. Genesis 32:24
2. Genesis 32:28
3. Genesis 32:10