God also strengthened and encouraged him by sending an angel to wrestle with him - for if Jacob could contend with an angel he would not fear any man, even his brother Esau. At the end of this episode Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, meaning “a prince having power with God”. This passage well illustrates the use of the word “God” in the scriptures: it is applied not only to the Creator himself but also to those who act as his agents, such as the angels and Israel’s rulers John 10:34-35.Waiting for response for John 10:34-35 Thus, Jacob saw the face of an angel, a manifestation of the Creator, and therefore he called the place “the face of God”. It is impossible for mortal man to see the Almighty and live, therefore he has manifested himself in other “Gods”, including angels and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom men have seen and from them learned what the Creator himself is like.
Verses 9-12
Waiting for response for Genesis 32:9-12Returning to the promised land with his family and servants, Jacob made contact with his brother Esau not knowing if, after so long a time, he still harboured murderous intention against him. He soon heard that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred armed men, and his reaction is instructive. He first prayed to God, citing the LORD’s promise to him and seeking his protection, but he did not then sit back doing nothing to leave everything to God. While trusting in the LORD, he acted prudently to protect his family from the potential danger: sending abundant presents to Esau to conciliate him and organising his company for the maximum safety of his wives and children.