Genesis 32 recounts a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life as he prepared to reunite with his estranged brother Esau after 20 years.
The chapter begins with Jacob continuing his journey home after leaving his father-in-law Laban. Angels of God met him on the way, and Jacob called the place “Mahanaim,” meaning “two camps.”
As he approached his homeland, Jacob sent messengers ahead to Esau, humbly announcing his return and seeking favor. The messengers returned with alarming news: Esau was coming to meet Jacob — with 400 men. Terrified of his brother’s potential revenge for stealing his birthright and blessing, Jacob divided his household into two groups, hoping at least one might escape if Esau attacked.
Jacob then prayed earnestly to God, acknowledging his unworthiness of God’s faithfulness (“mercies” and “truth”) and asking for deliverance from Esau. He reminded God of the promise to make his descendants as numerous as the sand.
As a strategic gesture, Jacob sent waves of generous gifts ahead to Esau — goats, sheep, camels, cattle, and donkeys — hoping to appease his brother.
That night, after sending his wives, children, and possessions across the Jabbok River, Jacob remained alone. A mysterious man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man couldn't overpower Jacob, he touched Jacob’s hip socket, wrenching it. Despite his injury, Jacob refused to let go until the man blessed him. The man renamed Jacob as “Israel,” meaning “he who struggles with God,” acknowledging that Jacob had wrestled with God and with humans and had prevailed.
Jacob named the place “Penuel” or “Peniel” (meaning ”facing God”), saying, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” As the sun rose, Jacob limped away because of his injured hip.
