ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Genesis 32

Gen. 32:1–21 After separating peacefully from Laban, Jacob prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau. Jacob is naturally hesitant about how he will be received some 20 years after fleeing from Esau in order to avoid being killed by him. Jacob’s preparations are intended to promote a peaceful reconciliation.

Gen. 32:1–2 The reference to the angels of God brings to mind Jacob’s dream at Bethel (28:12), the only other place in the OT where this expression is used. This is God’s camp is also an unusual phrase. Since camps were mobile, unlike houses, Jacob’s remark suggests that God has sent his angels to accompany Jacob safely back to the land of Canaan. Mahanaim means “two camps,” possibly referring to God’s camp and Jacob’s camp.

Gen. 32:3–5 Jacob sent messengers before him. The Hebrew term for “messengers” implies “angels” in v. 1. The land of Seir, the country of Edom lies east of Canaan in Transjordan. Esau was living in this area before Jacob returned. He may have already separated himself from his father Isaac, who is living at Mamre, near Hebron (see 35:27). “Seir” means “hairy” in Hebrew, and “Edom” is similar to the word for “red” (see 25:25).

Gen. 32:6 four hundred men with him. A force of this size suggests that Esau plans to attack Jacob.

Gen. 32:7–8 two camps. Jacob’s actions, while understandable, show that he is still unable to trust God fully for protection.

Gen. 32:9–13 Jacob prays, because of his fear of Esau. Because God has prospered him so greatly, Jacob is able to divide everything that he has into two camps. O Lord. This is the first time Jacob addresses God using his special name, “Yahweh” (see note on 2:4). make your offspring as the sand of the sea. Genesis does not specify when this divine promise was made to Jacob, as it was to Abraham (see 22:17).

Gen. 32:18 your servant Jacob . . . my lord Esau. Jacob’s humility is noteworthy, in light of the earlier statements about the older serving the younger (see 25:23) and about Jacob being lord over his brothers (27:29).

Gen. 32:22–32 This passage records a nighttime encounter between God and Jacob. Jacob is transformed by this extraordinary meeting, and his name is changed from “Jacob” to “Israel.”

Gen. 32:22–23 ford of the Jabbok. The Jabbok River flows westward into the Jordan Valley about 24 miles (39 km) north of the Dead Sea.

Gen. 32:24 a man wrestled. By the time their contest ends, Jacob is convinced that his opponent is God himself (see v. 30). This is possible, since God had previously come to Abraham in human form (18:1–15).

Gen. 32:25 Jacob’s hip was put out of joint. Jacob’s injury shows the strength of his opponent and his own desire to win the fight.

Gen. 32:26 I will not let you go unless you bless me. Jacob is so determined to be blessed that he will not release his opponent, even when his thigh is dislocated.

Gen. 32:28 Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel. “Israel” probably means “he strives with God.” It could also mean “God strives” (see esv footnote). Jacob’s new name marks the end of a lifetime of struggling with others (see 25:22). Jacob has finally come to realize the importance of being blessed by God. The God of his father has now become his God (32:9). See Hos. 12:3–4.

Gen. 32:30 Jacob called the name of the place Peniel. “Peniel” means “face of God.” Jacob’s encounter with God fills him with awe. When later Moses asks to see God’s glory, he is told, “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live” (Ex. 33:20). In light of this, either Jacob’s encounter is a remarkable exception or face to face is a figure of speech for closeness to God.

Gen. 32:31 Penuel is a variant spelling of “Peniel.”