Why this story matters

(commentary on Genesis 32-33)

(Page 1 of 3)

Introduction

In her book, In the Beginning, Karen Armstrong called this, “One of the most haunting scenes in Genesis.” In her description of the event, she noted that Jacob, “wrestled all night long” with a stranger only to discover, “he had in reality been struggling with God” (Random House, 1996, p.3). From Armstrong’s perspective, the story is allegorical and, as she puts it, “eloquently describes the religious experience of Israel." But if Armstrong's description of the event is correct, that Jacob was wrestling with God, then, for those who believe that all stories in the Bible are literal events, this particular story presents a serious problem.

Meeting the angels

Before we get to the match, itself, there are a couple of puzzling things to mention about the meeting with the angels. The Bible tells us only that God's angels came to meet Jacob. We're given no details about the meeting, so we have no idea how the conversation went. But the angels appear to have remained strangely silent on a couple of matters. First, Jacob is extremely worried about the reception he will get from his brother who he cheated out of his rightful inheritance 30 years ago. Now, most commentators believe God sent the angels to comfort Jacob, and we know from other parts of the Bible that angels can talk to humans. So, why would the angels not  let Jacob know here was nothing to fear? And second, if they're God's angels, why didn't they say anything about the "gods", Rachel had stolen from her father and was hiding in her saddle? (Gen 31:34). Jacob, who was about to be blessed as the titular head of Israel, was carrying a trove of blasphemous idols in his company, and yet Yahweh's angels didn't seem to think this even worth mentioning.

After the angels leave, Jacob sends delegations ahead with gifts for Esau to try to determine if his brother is still angry at him. For some reason they are unable to find this out, but they tell Jacob that Esau is on his way to meet him along with 400 men. Jacob is terrified and prepares for attack. That night, he is understandably having a difficult time sleeping. He sends his family across the river so he could be alone. Then we're told, someone wrestled him until daybreak. The Bible refers to this person as "a man", but other parts of the story demonstrate that this was no mere mortal. So who was Jacob wrestling with?

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