GOD in the Old Testament - Part 18

Genesis 32:1-2

    Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When he saw them, he said, "This is the camp of God!" So he named that place Mahanaim (meaning two camps).

 

Genesis 32:7-12  

    In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds of cattle as well. He thought, "If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape."

    Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, LORD, you who said to me, 'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,' I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, 'I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.' " 

 

Genesis 32:24-30  

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."

    But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

    So the man asked him, "What is your name?"

    "Jacob," he answered.

    Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob (meaning "he grasps the heel" a Hebrew idiom for "he deceives."), but Israel (probably means "he struggles with God."), because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome."

    Jacob said, "Please tell me your name."

    But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.

    So Jacob called the place Peniel (meaning "face of God"), saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."  (see all Genesis 32) 

  

(parentheses are mine) 

 

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Limited to 15 verses per post.