Jacob Wrestles with the Angel

Jacob heard that his brother Esau was coming toward him with many people, and he was very afraid. He prayed to God, admitting that he needed God’s mercy and protection, and sent gifts ahead to Esau in groups. At night, Jacob helped his family cross the Jabbok and stayed alone. A man came and wrestled with Jacob until daybreak. The man touched Jacob’s hip, and Jacob began to limp, yet Jacob still held on and said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man changed Jacob’s name to Israel because he had struggled with God and with people and had prevailed. Jacob understood that God had met him in a holy way and spared his life. As the sun rose, Jacob continued forward with a new name and a changed heart, depending on God’s mercy as he went to meet his brother.