The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Prevailed” it comes from the Hebrew Word “sarah” which means “to strive, to contend, to prevail.”
The night before facing his brother, Jacob wrestles with a stranger until dawn. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Genesis 32.
As Jacob nears home, he sends messengers ahead to Esau, only to learn that Esau is approaching with four hundred men. Terrified, Jacob divides his people and flocks into two camps in case of attack, and prays desperately, reminding God of His promise to make Jacob’s descendants as numerous as the sand of the sea. He sends generous gifts ahead to appease Esau.
That night, alone, “there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” Jacob refuses to let go, even after the man touches his hip and puts it out of joint, saying, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” The man asks Jacob’s name, then changes it. “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” The Hebrew word behind this new name relates to “sarah,” meaning to strive or contend.
Jacob names the place Peniel, saying, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” He limps away from the encounter permanently changed.
Jacob spent his whole life scheming and striving with people. His final, defining struggle was with God Himself, and it left him limping but blessed. Sometimes God meets us in our most desperate moments, not to remove the struggle, but to transform who we are through it.
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