WRESTLING WITH GOD

Jacob prayed, Oh God of Abraham and Isaac, you said to go home and you would protect me. Rescue me I beg you, from Esau. I'm afraid that he will attack me and my family. You said you would make my seed as the sand of the sea that can't be numbered.

Jacob stayed there that night, and decided to give all that he had to his brother. He divided his servants among the flocks and herds, as well as the camels, cows, bulls, donkeys and colts. He sent them one group at a time in front of him, with space between each group. He told the ones in front that when Esau asks who they are and where they're going, they should say they are your servant Jacob's and they are a present sent to you, and to be sure to say that Jacob was behind them. Jacob thought that by the time his many flocks, herds and servants had gone ahead and then he reached Esau, that his anger would diminish and Esau would accept him.

He sent his wives and children ahead of him over a brook there and remained behind for the night. And a man wrestled with him there until dawn. And Jacob said, I will not let you go unless you bless me. The man touched the inner part of his thigh which made Jacob's thigh out of joint as they wrestled. The man said, Let me go, it's daylight. Jacob said no, not until you bless me. Then the man asked, What is your name? And he answered, Jacob. Then He said, Your name is no longer Jacob, but Israel because you have power like a prince with God and with men and have won. The name Israel means, who prevails with God.

And Jacob asked the man His name. And the man said, Why do you ask my name and never answered. He blessed Jacob there. And Jacob named that place Peniel (face or vision of God), and said, I have seen the face of God and my life is preserved.