meet him on His own terms. Jacob wrestles with the angel of the Lord all night. The angel of the Lord touches the hollow of Jacob’s thigh and he is finally mastered. Jacob has to become lame before he submits to the will of God. He was felled that he might prevail with the Lord. He was made powerless that he might petition for the blessing of God. This wrestling match was not a dream; it was real. Again, the devil was thwarted, and righteousness prevailed. People do not often stop to realize the power and purpose of Satan in this world. This adversary and enemy of God would seek to bring you spiritual defeat, even as he tried to prevent Christ’s coming into the world and going to the cross. We are seeking to show you that man can go nowhere beyond the reach of God. The ears of the Lord are open to the cries of His own people. When Jacob arrived in the land of Canaan he was not at Bethel where God desired him to be. His gratitude to God for the miraculous events connected with his return had seemingly lost their importance. When Jacob reached the lush meadows of Shechem he purchased land with every intention of settling down. All personal danger from Laban and Esau had now passed. Perhaps Rachel, his wife, had persuaded him that she wanted to settle down. Maybe his sons urged him to remain there so that they could make marriage alliances with those of the area. SATAN A TTA CKS THE WHOLE HEBREW RA C E
Jacob was confused over the rude search of his tents by Laban, he replied with dignity. He proved that he had been a willing, careful, humble and honest shepherd. Finally the two of them decide to make a covenant. Neither was blameless. Heaps of stones were piled up for a table where food and drink were shared. Later on a sacrifice was made. The name given to the area was Mizpah which means “ a watchtower.” It was to stand between the two when they could not see each other. The idea is full of suspicion. It is far from a benediction, although some people use it in that way. Laban appealed to the Almighty under different titles while Jacob called upon the God whom his fathers loved and feared. Jacob is now caught in a vise. On one side is Laban, and on the other is his brother Esau (Genesis 32:3-12). Jacob sent messengers to Esau to try to pacify him. He is desperate and promises to bring gifts to him of various types. E s a u ’ s s upe r i o r i t y was acknowledged for Jacob wanted the courtesy of passing through Canaan in safety. Esau was evidentally still bent on revenge. He had assembled an army of 400 men and was on the advance. Jacob was trapped and he knew it. Neither deceit or trickery could save him now. He relied on his own strength not realizing that such is always futile. Reaching the end of his own resources Jacob begins to pray. He expresses self-abasement, gratitude for mercies and need for deliverance. We see this great conflict of soul in Genesis 32:24. He was so stubborn God had to Page 52
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