Genesis 32

I. Jacob meets the angels of God. Genesis 32:1-2

A. The angels are God’s host.

B. Jacob named the place Mahanaim, which means two camps.

Note: Some scholars interpret this to mean that there were two camps of angels; others interpret this to mean that there was one camp of angels and Jacob’s camp. I believe that there were two camps of angels. Psalms 91:11 “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Psalms 34:7 “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”

II. Jacob sends messengers to Esau. Genesis 32:3-5

A. Jacob wants to meet with Esau in peace.

III. Esau takes 400 men with him to meet with Jacob. Genesis 32:6

IV. Jacob is afraid and prepares to meet Esau. Genesis 32:7-23

A. Jacob divides all that he has into two bands. Genesis 32:7-8

1. If Esau smites one band the other can escape.

B. Jacob prays to God. Genesis 32:9-12

1. He reminds God that he was following his instructions. Genesis 32:9

2. He confesses that he is not worthy of God’s blessings. Genesis 32:10

3. He asks to be delivered from harm by Esau. Genesis 32:11

4. He reminds God of his promise to take care of him and his family. Genesis 32:12

C. Jacob sends five droves of different animals as presents to Esau. Genesis 32:13-21

1. 200 female goats and 20 male goats. Genesis 32:14

2. 200 sheep and 20 rams. Genesis 32:14

3. 30 milk camels with their colts. Genesis 32:15

4. 40 cows and 10 bulls. Genesis 32:15

5. 20 female donkeys and ten foals. Genesis 32:15

6. Instructs the drivers what to say when met by Esau. Genesis 32:16-21

D. Jacob sends his wives, servant, children and baggage over the brook Jabbok by night. Genesis 32:22-23

E. Jacob stays behind and wrestles with an angel until day break. Genesis 32:24

F. Jacob prevails, becomes lame and his name is changed to Israel. Genesis 32:25-32

1. “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.” Genesis 32:28

2. Jacob names the place Peniel. Genesis 32:30

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