BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 31

Wrestling

Genesis 32

Me-

One of the things that I have discovered is that those who accomplish much will face many challenges in their lives.  Those who have no struggles for the most part are doing little.  As I have looked at the Bible one thing has become very clear that all of the major players in the history of God’s people faced difficult times in their lives. Abraham, Jacob, Elijah, Jeremiah and many others dealt with the same issues in life that each of us have today.  Outside of the Bible I only had to look as far as the Revolutionary War to find an example of extraordinary sacrifice and endurance.  The year was 1778 and the American army had been in almost constant retreat before the powerful army of England almost from the beginning of the war.  The winter of that year found the ragtag army of Washington at Valley Forge where they would camp and wait for spring.  I will leave out the details of their story except for the fact that many historians believe that what occurred during that time was possibly the turning point of the war.  During the winter a German general named Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben trained the army until they became the core of the army that eventually defeated Cornwallis at Yorktown.  Theirs was an epic struggle against very heavy odds.  It was questionable going into Valley Forge if Washington would still have an army that would survive the encampment.  With God’s help they not only survived but were a much stronger army because of the difficulties they faced.

We-

As is true with each individual the church becomes stronger as it faces the ordeals and challenges thrust upon it by the devil.  He will try to undermine and destroy the church and weaken it until it becomes ineffective.  As we encounter the difficulties of this world the decisions we make will determine our fitness for His service.  Sometimes the struggles are self-inflicted while others come from the outside.  Usually it is more difficult to overcome the internal ones because we must deal with those who are part of the church family.

If we look at God’s word we see that victory only came with direct interaction with God.  Some prayed and some grew because they had to make the tough choices.  They had to decide to either trust God or fail in their efforts to work out a solution for themselves.  Sometimes it took a long time to do things God’s way.  Jacob certainly provides a good example of one who God had finally had to confront in a dramatic way. 

God

Genesis 32:1

Soon after having making a pact with Laban, Jacob knew there possibly was a more volatile situation awaiting him.  God had told him to go back to Canaan.  By doing so he would have    to face his brother.  It is interesting that Moses writes that some angels met him along the way.  They possibly appeared to encourage him after his encounter with Laban and to let him know that God was true to His promise to be with Jacob all along the way.  His naming of the place where he was staying indicates that he did not see it as a permanent dwelling place.  He called it Mahanaim which translated means two camps.

1. Why did God send His angels to Jacob?
2. What was He trying to say to Jacob?
3. Why did Jacob name the place where he was staying two camps?
4. What did he know was ahead of him?

Genesis 32:3-5

While at Mahanaim, Jacob sent messengers to Esua in Seir (Edom) to let him know that he was coming back into the land of Canaan. He spoken of having been with Laban for a lengthy period of time.  During his stay he had become prosperous.  The last statement was to let his brother know that he did not need any of what belonged to his father hoping that this would remove what had been the point of contention with Esau.  To send a message would indicate that Jacob feared his brother. For twenty years he had never let go of the guilt of what had brought about the division between the two.  He had been carrying with him that baggage for twenty years and now God had him to go home and deal with it.

1. Why did Jacob send messengers to Esau?
2. What was the intent of the specific words he used?
3. In the mind of Jacob why was the last instruction vitally important?
4. What does the fact that Jacob even needed to do this, tell us about him?
5. Why does God not allow us to carry around baggage but forces us to face it?

Genesis 32:6

Upon their return they brought the worse possible news.  Esau was coming with four hundred men to meet him.  This says that neither man knew what to expect when the confronted each other.  Esau came armed because he did not know how many men Jacob had with him or his intent.  Jacob was not expecting Esau to come all the way to where he was camped.  It is evident that Esau, for one, wanted to meet Jacob away from the prying eyes of his father if indeed there would be an armed engagement. 

1. What was the bad news brought by the messengers?
2. Why did Jacob send them in the first place?
3. Why did Esau choose to come to where Jacob was?
4. Why did he bring so many men with him?
5. What does this say about the relationship that still existed between the two brothers?
6. What did Jesus say about the way we should prepare to meet those that oppose us?
7. Does this reflect the approach either of them took?

Genesis 32:7-8

The immediate response of Jacob was one of fear and distress.  Esau had done the unexpected. He then began to plan for a way to minimize his losses.  He divided all he possessed into two companies thinking that at least one of them might survive if the purpose of his brother was to destroy him. 

1. Why did Jacob need to fear his brother?
2. What had he forgotten so quickly?
3. How did his actions once again reflect his true nature?
4. What lessons had he learned from the twenty years with Laban?
5. Who had given him all he had?
6. Why did he not trust God with all he possessed, especially in light of God’s promises?
7. Why is it that we so quickly forget what God has promised us when trials and challenges come our way?

Genesis 32:9-10

True to his nature, Jacob reminded God that it was He who had told him to return home.  Whether the humility he displayed by telling God of his unworthiness to have received His blessings was genuine or out fear of Esau is difficult to conclude because of his actions.  As part of his prayer he asked for deliverance.  He then explains to God why he fears his brother.  It was the fear that Esau was such a vengeful man that he would resort to killing women and children to get back at Jacob.  That statement shows how irrational fear can be.  Surely, Esau had nothing against Jacob’s family that would cause him to act in such a barbaric way.

1. What do you think of Jacob’s claim of humility?
2. Why did he remind God that He had commanded Jacob to return?
3. How does fear change a person like Jacob into an irrational individual?
4. Why did Jacob paint a worse case scenario for God?

Genesis 32:12

As if God did not know what He had promised Jacob, he set about reminding Him. Jacob was fearful of his brother and used everything means possible to assure his own safety and that of at least part of his possessions.  He had still not learned to trust God with his life and all that he had been given.  It seems that he was holding on to something that really did not belong to him in the first place.  All that Jacob owned belonged to God.  He only had use of it while he was on this earth. God had promised He would take care of Jacob and what He said He would do but He must do it in His own way.  His way is always best for those He loves.

1. What did God know about Jacob?
2. Why did Jacob believe he had to remind God of His promises?
3. What does this show us about Jacob’s faith?
4. How much like Jacob when we are faced with a difficult challenge or are afraid of what the future holds for us?
5. What would be the proper stance for us to take?
6. Why is stuff so important to us?
7. Who really owns all of it?
8. When we try to hold on to our possession what does it say about our relationship with God?

Genesis 32:13-21

While he camped there he devised a plan that he thought might appease the wrath of his brother.  He would try to buy his friendship by giving him a series of presents.  In a way this was the old Jacob trying to maneuver and manipulate the situation to his own benefit.  The presents included three companies of servants leading flocks and livestock.  Their instructions were to respond to Esau if she should ask about who owned the animals was, they belonged to Jacob and were a present for him.  Then they were to let him know that Jacob was behind them.

1. How does the decision to send the droves of animals before him show the old nature of Jacob?
2. What was he trying to do by his actions?
3. What does this say about his attitude toward his brother?
4. In what ways might we try to manipulate others to do what we want?
5. How do his actions show he still did not have complete faith in God?
6. How would you feel if someone tried to do this to you?

Genesis 32:22-23

Prior to meeting his brother the next day he sent his family across the stream from the camp where they had been staying.  Evidently he felt he needed a time alone to decide how he would handle the situation facing him the next day.

1. Why did Jacob need time alone?
2. Why did he send his family to the other side of the stream?
3. What do you do when you have to make tough decisions?
4. Why is it sometimes best to be alone when facing a new challenge in your life?

Genesis 32:24-25

Jacob had an unexpected visitor that night.  It was to be another of the turning points in his life. It is strange that the two would be involved in an all night wrestling match.  Since the outcome could not be determined any other way the man dislocated Jacob’s hip.  The only thing that Jacob could do at that point was hold onto the man with all of his might.  He had to sense that this was no ordinary man but one sent from God.  Many believe that this was what is called a Theophany which means a pre-incarnate appearance in the flesh by Jesus. Why did Christ appear to Jacob?

1. Why did He allow Himself to become involved with Jacob in a wrestling match?
2. What was important about this event in the life of Jacob?
3. How is it that he was a match for Christ that night?
4. Why did Jacob refuse to release the man?
5. What does this wrestling match represent in our own lives?

Genesis 32:26-28

Even when the Lord had caused the injury to him, Jacob would not let go until he had received a blessing from this One whom he perceived to be divine and greater than him. The man then asked what might seem to be a strange question.  If however the man was the Lord the question was intended for Jacob to confess by saying his name, the kind of man he had been, the grabber, supplanter and deceiver.  This admission was important.  In order to receive the new name that he was to be given the old nature had to be replaced.  The Lord then told him that his new name would be Israel, one who had wrestled with God and man and had prevailed.

1. Why did Jacob seek a blessing from the man?
2. Why was he so tenacious in asking for it?
3. How did the Lord deal with Jacob?
4. Why was the confession so important?
5. What did it mean for Jacob to be given the new name of Israel?
6. If after you began to follow Christ what kind of name would you want to have?

Genesis 32:29

Wanting to be assured that the man had the authority to give him a new name, Jacob wanted to know who He was.  The Lord did not answer him but gave Jacob the blessing that he sought.  It had to freeing for Jacob to know what he had stolen twenty years earlier was now his from his heavenly father.

1. Why did Jacob ask the man his name?
2. Why did the Lord not tell it to him?  
3. What did He do for Jacob that was important than anything that happened in his life up to that point?
4. What did it do for him?
5. Why is receiving God’s blessing so important in your own life?

Genesis 32:30

Jacob realized what a great gift he had received.  He had received God’s blessing.  The importance of what had happened to him dawned on him when he had been in the presence of God.  Unlike Bethel, when he had seen God at a distance, this time he had the great honor of interacting with him as no one else in the Old Testament ever did.  When he realized what had happened he name the place Penuel because he had “seen God face to face, yet my (his) life had been preserved.”

1. What had happened to Jacob?
2. What was different between the encounter with God at Bethel and the one that took place at Penuel?
3. What kind of encounters have you had with God?
4.  What difference did it make in your life?

Genesis 32:31

When the new day dawned, a different man crossed over the stream to his family and face Esau.  He was a broken man as symbolized by the hip that was out of joint.  His brokenness, however, had resulted in receiving a new name and the blessing of God.  God had to change the old Jacob into the new Israel who would learn to depend on God during his lifetime. As a perpetual reminder of the work that God did in the life of Jacob the Jews to this day will not eat the sinew of the hip.

1. How was Jacob different when he crossed over to his family at sunrise?
2. Why did God have to deal with him in that way?
3. What did it mean for him to now be thought of as Israel in the mind of God?
4. What has God had to do with you to break and remold you as a follower of Christ?

You-

• When facing a difficult situation, remember God is always with you.  Jacob had his angels you will have the Holy Spirit encouraging and watching over you.
• Unlike Jacob seek God’s guidance in making decisions.
• Do not to manipulate others with gifts or flattery to do what you desire. 
• Remember our greatest growth comes in times of struggles.
• Remember that all great accomplishments come after a period of wrestling with God.  We see this in the life of many of the men and women of the Bible.

We-

There has never been a time when the church has not faced challenges.  Some of those have come because of the decisions made or stands taken.  History is replete with examples of the church attacking each other. Protestants have fought against Catholics and then the Catholic Church has taken on Protestants.  Eventually, such actions will bring about devastating consequences with many people getting hurt in the process.  To undo the damage done to the Christian witness we are to have, God calls us to repentance and reconciliation.  He will not allow for us to try and negotiate with Him when He calls us to rectify the situation.  God truly cares for His church.  If we refuse we will face such an internal struggle that it will seem as we are in a wrestling match with Him.  Once we turn back to Him, we have nothing to fear in facing the future.  Remember, there are many promises that He has made to us.  The most important of these is commitment He is to be with us through good and difficult times.  Our part is to trust Him for leadership in the decisions we have to make in serving Him.  We do not know how many Esau’s are in our future.  God will equip us to face each one of them.

Additional Notes:

BL-   First, we backtracked slightly to Genesis 32:22-32, in which Jacob wrestles until daybreak with a “man” who is really the Lord.  Jacob refuses to give in until the Lord blesses him, and Buddy pointed out that we must also persevere in our trials if we want to reap all the blessings that God has in store for us.  Sometimes we grow weary or discouraged by our struggles, thereby putting limits on how effectively God can work in our lives.  We need to trust God, and believe, as Paul states in Philippians 1:6, that “. . .he who began a good work in you will carry in on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Buddy also pointed out that the Lord would not allow Jacob to cling to Him too long, just as He warned Mary in John 20:17.  The reason, Buddy said, is that while the Lord blesses us from time to time with “mountain-top” experiences, we cannot remain on such spiritual highs forever.  These experiences are precious times in which to recharge our spiritual “batteries” in preparation for the work He has for each of us to do. 
C-Jacob continued his journey knowing that he would have to face his brother Esau.  He had to remember that his brother had planned to kill him for the way he had been mistreated twenty plus years earlier.  (Gen. 32:1-9)

WM-Jacob’s old attitude of material success was still alive.  In his words to his brother it seems that he was trying to impress Esau with all he had acquired while he was with Laban.  Did Jacob really believe that he could change the heart of Esau with this news?  Could he not accept that just possibly that Esau had moved on with his life and might be successful in his own endeavors?  We have to remember that Isaac had said of Esau that he would “break his yoke from your neck.” Thoughts of Jacob no longer dominated his life or controlled who he was. (Gen. 27:40; 32:3-5)

WM-Even though God had promised Jacob he would become a great nation and after twenty years in Syria he was still afraid of facing Esau. (Gen. 32:7-12)

M-Sometimes fear will move a person to action.  More importantly it will cause a person to turn his attention to God.  At that point he will realize that God is the only provider of blessings and protection. (Gen. 32:9-11)

RT- How often do we say we believe God’s promises and trust Him with all we possess, even our very lives?  However, when a situation arises that out of our control our faith seems to waiver and we begin to attempt instruct God rather than trust him and act according to all His promises. (Gen. 32:9-12)

GC-It was a wise decision for Jacob to call upon God in his time of great distress.  Although he believed in his heart he was praying about the situation of having to face Esau, his prayer was a reminder to himself of

1. Why he was in this dilemma in the first place
2. That without the Father he was nothing and would have had nothing
3. The fact that his dependence on God led him to having a heart of humility
4. The promise he had made to God                                                                       (Gen 32:9-10; Ps.3:5; 18:6; 34:6; 54:2; 86:6; 102:1; 106:44; 107:6, 13, 19;      118:5; 119:145, 147; 142:1-2, 5-6)

C-Jacob had gone out from his family empty handed.  He was now returning having become two companies of people. (32:10)

C-His prayer reflects a beginning of a change in his heart.  He had begun to change from the deceiver to one who confessed who and what he was. He confessed that he was fearful and an undeserving sinner asking for deliverance.  In no way can we question his motives knowing that we often come to God with less than perfect reasons for him to answer us other than to rescue us from the deep troubles we have created for ourselves.      (Gen. 32:10-11)

GC-A follower of Christ has the assurance that he can always turn to God in a time of need.  Jacob’s prayer was one of asking for deliverance from what he thought the reaction of his brother would be upon meeting him.  Putting aside what you know about this particular incident how would you expect Esau to act towards his brother?  In what ways was he like us and in what ways did he differ from us in handling the meeting?  What was one of the characteristics did Esau display that Jacob seemed to have lacked?  What possible answer was a peace in his life.  (Gen. 32:11)

GC-For the first time he truly was honest before God.  He admitted his fears.  He reminded himself of the promises of God. (Gen. 32:11-12)

GC-Jacob now faced a situation which was completely out of his control.  This was a point in his life that all of his scheming, planning and manipulating would do him not good, he had to rely totally on God’s intervention and His faithfulness.  (Gen 32:12)

GC-There was everything to lose if the meeting with Esau was not handled correctly, or at least that was Jacob appeared to believe with his gift for his brother.  What he sought was reconciliation.  To accomplish this part of the process the one seeking to be reconciled must begin to understand himself and his part (guilt) he has played in the breech, before he can expect forgiveness to come and healing to take place.               (Gen. 32:17-22; 33:10)

C-Even after expressing his faith in God, Jacob lapses back into the mode of trying to handle the situation with Esau by himself.  His plan was to appease Esau with a series of gifts. It appears that he was trying to buy peace and forgiveness with things.  This method never works for the long term. (Gen. 32:13-20)

TM-The greatest lessons to be learned can only take place when we find ourselves alone in the presences of God truly seeking His face. The great joy then comes when a person realizes that He has revealed Himself to him and has given His blessings to him.          (Gen. 32:20, 29-30)

WM-Jacob thought if he gave enough stuff to Esau that he might be able to buy his forgiveness.  The word Jacob used was appease. (Gen. 32:20)

WM-Jacob was searching for a true blessing in his life.  If the material wealth he had accumulated provided joy for him he would have not asked the man with whom he wrestled for a blessing.  In his desperation he dare not let go of the Man until his request had been granted. (Gen. 32:24-26, 29)

C-For the second time Jacob had to face God alone.  The first was at Bethel when he was starting off to Syria.  This time as he wrestled with God he had his name changed to Israel, which describes one who has striven with God and succeeded.  Why would God take the time to confront Jacob?  What did God achieve by wrestling with Jacob?  How did Jacob benefit? (Gen. 32:24-28, 30)

UE-The Lord cared enough for Jacob that He wrestled with him and allowed Himself to be restrained for a time.  Christ restrained himself on this earth by giving up His position in heaven for a while and limited himself to being just like us. (Phil. 2) Jacob understood that struggle brought him face to face with God and passionately wanted His blessing.  The Lord not only blessed him but gave him a new name in the process. (Gen. 32:24-31)

RT-Resourceful Jacob, whether it was obtaining his brother’s birthright or stealing his blessing by deceit he knew how to get things done.  On his trip to Haran he bargained with God and coming back to Canaan he wrestled with Him and received a blessing. (Gen. 28:10; 32:24-32)

RT-Is was not that the angel of the Lord was trying to get away from Jacob that He threw his hip out of joint.  The time had come for Jacob to face the issue of dealing with his brother, Esau. (Gen. 32:24-32)

M-Jacob’s competitive nature was displayed when he wrestled with God.                  (Gen. 32:24-30)

E-As a result of his tenacious struggle, Jacob received a blessing, a new name, Israel and a dislocated hip.  He recognized that he had wrestled with God during the night and named the place Peniel.  In the morning he crossed the brook to face Esau and all that meeting might portend. (Gen. 32:24)

RT-Jacob was so wrapped up in the event taking place at that moment that he forgot about all else.  Is that not what God demands of us that our full attention be given to Him?  Why would this attitude make a difference in our lives? (Gen. 32:24-40)

 RT-The Bible gives us a very clear picture of the tenacious character of Jacob.  He was determined to succeed at everything he undertook.  The Lord properly named him, calling him Israel one who strives with God and succeeds. (Gen. 32:25-26)

RT-The wrestling match that the Lord had with Jacob showed how much He cared for him. (Gen. 32:24-32)

GC-The person in dire straits like Jacob dare not turn loose of God no matter what happens or the circumstances to be faced. (Gen. 32:24-28)

GC-Each one of us at some point in time is confronted with God and must wrestle with Him concerning the commitment He requires. No one can do this for you.  You must always do it alone, although others may give you encouragement.  There comes that time when each person must wrestle within himself with God to discover his identity and the calling God has for him.  It will not be an easy task.  It might require the long dark night of the soul when God does not seem to be answering and a breakthrough comes with great difficulty.  Each must face his own place of Peniel. (Gen 32:24-30)

DM-For the first since he had left his family twenty years earlier Jacob found himself completely alone.  He knew that it was possible that he could lose everything for which he had worked so hard.  Only when he had faced his greatest challenge, wrestling with God’s messenger would God give him the name Israel.  Jacob still had many lessons to learn, but this was the beginning point of the change that needed to occur in his life.  There he received the blessing, not from man, but from God.  He now believed that God had preserved him even though he had seen the face of God. (Gen. 32:24-30)

RT-The dawn was breaking and the match needed to end because Jacob needed to prepare for his meeting with Esau. This time with God set the stage for that event.  If he could succeed with God nothing was impossible not even reconciliation with his brother. (Gen. 32:26)

WM-It seems strange that any man who had wrestled with God as Jacob had done would fear any man. For what purpose did God bless him and give him a new name if he was not going to protect him? How would we respond in this kind of situation? When have you sensed God working in your life and then continued on the path you were taking?   (Gen. 32:26-29; 33:3, 8)

WM-The blessing Jacob sought came in the form of a name change.  The one given to him by his parents was indicative of his entire life up until this point.  He had been striving for success by his own ingenuity and it had not brought him peace.  Now at this point in his life he had striven with God and was given what he had been seeking all along. What advantage was everything Jacob possessed if there was no peace in his life? (Gen. 32:27-29) 

RT-Both Jacob and Manoah, Samson’s father, asked the name of the angel of the Lord and neither of them was given His name.  One of the reasons other than it was too wonderful for them to hear was the fact that it was not the time for Him to be revealed to the world. (Gen 32:29; Judges 13:17-18)

WM-Jacob constantly had a problem of confronting those who had done wrong. Even when his daughter was raped he did nothing until his sons returned home. (Gen. 32; 34:5)

RT-In the two preceding events when he faced down Laban and wrestling with God Jacob had taken important steps.  Now he would encounter a greater challenge to this new found courage in facing his brother. The question is would he rise to the occasion or once again try to figure out a way to avoid the confrontation? (Gen. 32:40)

C-Esau had done an about face from the angry man who planned to kill his brother to one who forgave him for all that had taken place in the past.  He truly fulfilled the prophecy of Isaac which said of about Esau, “You shall break his yoke from your neck.”  What characteristics did Esau display? (Gen. 32:40; 33:4, 9-11)

RT- Jacob’s fear of his brother shows how true the statement about worry is.  It is that 80% of all the things about which we worry never come to pass.  When Jacob and Esau met it was a reunion not a confrontation.  Esau had made peace with all that had occurred while Jacob continued to let his deception haunt him.  Guilt has a way of hanging around the neck of the perpetrator of the act. (Gen. 32-33)