Genesis 32:27 - Printer Friendly

Taken by itself, this verse seems unspectacular. However, this simple question and answer represents a colossal moment in human history, and a defining example for understanding Christian theology.

Jacob is a man with a reputation for deception and lies (Genesis 27:36). He famously impersonated his brother, Esau, in order to trick his elderly father into giving him a blessing (Genesis 27:30–35). Even his name suggests deception: Ya'aqōb means "heel-grabber." Further, this event takes place by a river named Yab'bōq, meaning "emptying." And, the Hebrew word for "grappling" is yē'ābēq. Jacob is waiting to see how his reunion with Esau will go (Genesis 32:6). All of this emphasizes the level of conflict, struggle, and scheming present in Jacob's life.

After grappling for some time, the stranger suddenly takes advantage in the fight by dislocating Jacob's hip. At this point, Jacob seems to realize he has been wrestling with a physical manifestation of God Himself, or possibly some kind of angel. Though seriously injured, Jacob not only refused to submit, he demanded the man bless him before he will release his grip.

In a brilliant, pointed moment of crisis, the man asks a question striking right at the heart of Jacob's past, his personality, and his need: what is your name? Jacob has demanded a blessing, something he once stole by lying about his identity (Genesis 27:19). In this instant, Jacob can either continue to be a liar, and a deceiver, or he can be honest about who he really is. As confirmed soon, this mysterious man is some manifestation of God—his question is exactly like the one asked of Adam and Eve after their sin (Genesis 3:8–9). It's an opportunity to confess, and Jacob passes the test.

Jacob "the heel puller," the "usurper"—Jacob the liar—admits the truth. As a result, God will give him a new name, and a new identity, as the father of God's chosen people.

The symbolism of this event is critical to Christian understanding of sin and salvation. Despite Jacob's lies and schemes, and all of his struggling against God, he cannot be truly blessed until he recognizes his own disadvantage and admits who he really is. This not only involves identity, it is an act of submission—ancient people believed that knowing and using a person's name gave the speaker power. In response, God grants Jacob a new name, symbolically making him into a "new man" with a renewed purpose.

Genesis 32:22–32 describes the fight Jacob was not expecting. While preparing in fear to meet his brother Esau, Jacob finds himself grappling with an unknown stranger in the dark. He wrestles with the mysterious man for much of the night. Near morning, the man gains a massive advantage over Jacob by dislocating Jacob's hip. Jacob realizes his opponent is divine, and asks for a blessing. Poetically, God insists that Jacob, known for his deception and lies, identify himself first. In response to Jacob's honest answer, God changes his name to Israel and blesses him. As the sun rises, Jacob limps to rejoin his family and meet his brother.

As Jacob turns from Laban and returns to his own country, he must face another fearful potential conflict. His twin brother Esau is coming with 400 men. Jacob fears this group approaches to take revenge for cheating Esau out of the family blessing 20 years earlier. Jacob is so afraid that he splits his company into two camps, even as he prays for deliverance. He also prepares an enormous gift to appease Esau. Finally, while alone in the dark, Jacob is unexpectedly forced to wrestle a mysterious man, who turns out to be God Himself in some manifested form. In a profound moment of symbolism, God forces Jacob to state his own name, which God then changes to Israel.

Jacob came to work for Laban while running from the murderous rage of his twin brother, Esau. Jacob was routinely cheated by Laban, eventually resolving to go back home along with his entire family. Unfortunately, this means coming back to face Esau. Jacob soon learns that Esau is headed his way with 400 men. Are they coming to kill Jacob in revenge for his deceit in stealing Isaac's blessing 20 years earlier? Jacob is afraid. He divides his large company into two camps. He prays earnestly to God for deliverance, and he prepares a huge gift to appease Esau. Finally, alone in the dark, Jacob physically grapples with a mysterious man who turns out to be God Himself, in some form. The man questions Jacob, changes his name to Israel, and pronounces a blessing. Thus prepared, Jacob will finally be reunited with his brother in the next chapter.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.