About Genesis

Genesis is the book of beginnings, recording the creation of the world, the origin of humanity, the entrance of sin, and the beginning of God's plan of redemption through the family of Abraham.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 32
CreationFall of ManCovenantFaithProvidenceRedemption

King James Version

Genesis 32

32 verses with commentary

Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.<br><br>Key themes i...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXXII. (1) **Jacob went on his way.**—The meeting of Jacob and Laban had been on the dividing line between the Aramean and the Canaanite lands, and consequently at a spot where Laban would have found no allies in the natives, but rather the contrary. Delivered thus from danger from behind, Jacob now takes his journey through the country that was to be the heritage of his seed, and doubtless he was...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 31:22-55. Laban Pursues Jacob--Their Covenant at Gilead. **22-24. it was told Laban on the third day--**No sooner did the news reach Laban than he set out in pursuit, and he being not encumbered, advanced rapidly; whereas Jacob, with a young family and numerous flocks, had to march slowly, so that he overtook the fugitives after seven days' journey as they lay encamped on the brow of mount Gil...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 32 Chapter Outline Jacob's vision at Mahanaim, His fear of Esau. (1-8) Jacob's earnest prayer for deliverance, He prepares a present for Esau. (9-23) He wrestles with the Angel. (24-32) **Verses 1-8** The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares ...
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And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. Mahanaim: that is, Two hosts, or, camps

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Mahanaim.**—That is, *the two camps, *his own and that of the angels; or, possibly, two camps of angels, one on either side of him. Mahanaim was in the tribe of Gad, and became an important town. (See 2Samuel 2:8; 2Samuel 17:24; 1Kings 4:14.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 31:22-55. Laban Pursues Jacob--Their Covenant at Gilead. **22-24. it was told Laban on the third day--**No sooner did the news reach Laban than he set out in pursuit, and he being not encumbered, advanced rapidly; whereas Jacob, with a young family and numerous flocks, had to march slowly, so that he overtook the fugitives after seven days' journey as they lay encamped on the brow of mount Gil...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 32 Chapter Outline Jacob's vision at Mahanaim, His fear of Esau. (1-8) Jacob's earnest prayer for deliverance, He prepares a present for Esau. (9-23) He wrestles with the Angel. (24-32) **Verses 1-8** The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares ...
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And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. country: Heb. field

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**JACOB’S RECONCILIATION WITH ESAU.** (Genesis 32:3 to Genesis 33:16.) (3) **Jacob sent messengers.**—As Jacob travelled homewards to Hebron the news somehow reached him that Esau, at the head of a large body of retainers, was engaged in an expedition against the Horites. These, as we have seen on Genesis 14:6, were a miserable race of cave-men, utterly unable to cope with Esau and his trained ser...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 31:22-55. Laban Pursues Jacob--Their Covenant at Gilead. **22-24. it was told Laban on the third day--**No sooner did the news reach Laban than he set out in pursuit, and he being not encumbered, advanced rapidly; whereas Jacob, with a young family and numerous flocks, had to march slowly, so that he overtook the fugitives after seven days' journey as they lay encamped on the brow of mount Gil...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 32 Chapter Outline Jacob's vision at Mahanaim, His fear of Esau. (1-8) Jacob's earnest prayer for deliverance, He prepares a present for Esau. (9-23) He wrestles with the Angel. (24-32) **Verses 1-8** The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares ...
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And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, ...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 32 Chapter Outline Jacob's vision at Mahanaim, His fear of Esau. (1-8) Jacob's earnest prayer for deliverance, He prepares a present for Esau. (9-23) He wrestles with the Angel. (24-32) **Verses 1-8** The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares ...
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And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my l...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Laban said ... What hast thou done?--**Not a word is said of the charge (Ge 31:1). His reproaches were of a different kind. His first charge was for depriving him of the satisfaction of giving Jacob and his family the usual salutations at parting. In the East it is customary, when any are setting out to a great distance, for their relatives and friends to accompany them a considerable way...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 32 Chapter Outline Jacob's vision at Mahanaim, His fear of Esau. (1-8) Jacob's earnest prayer for deliverance, He prepares a present for Esau. (9-23) He wrestles with the Angel. (24-32) **Verses 1-8** The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares ...
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And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to mee...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Laban said ... What hast thou done?--**Not a word is said of the charge (Ge 31:1). His reproaches were of a different kind. His first charge was for depriving him of the satisfaction of giving Jacob and his family the usual salutations at parting. In the East it is customary, when any are setting out to a great distance, for their relatives and friends to accompany them a considerable way...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 32 Chapter Outline Jacob's vision at Mahanaim, His fear of Esau. (1-8) Jacob's earnest prayer for deliverance, He prepares a present for Esau. (9-23) He wrestles with the Angel. (24-32) **Verses 1-8** The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares ...
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Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the f...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Jacob was greatly afraid.**—Jacob’s message to his brother had been very humble, for he calls Esau his lord, and himself a servant. He hopes also to “find grace in his sight,” and by enumerating his wealth shows that he required no aid, nor need claim even a share of Isaac’s property. But Esau had given no answer, being probably undecided as to the manner in which he would receive his brothe...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Laban said ... What hast thou done?--**Not a word is said of the charge (Ge 31:1). His reproaches were of a different kind. His first charge was for depriving him of the satisfaction of giving Jacob and his family the usual salutations at parting. In the East it is customary, when any are setting out to a great distance, for their relatives and friends to accompany them a considerable way...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 32 Chapter Outline Jacob's vision at Mahanaim, His fear of Esau. (1-8) Jacob's earnest prayer for deliverance, He prepares a present for Esau. (9-23) He wrestles with the Angel. (24-32) **Verses 1-8** The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares ...
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And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall ...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Laban said ... What hast thou done?--**Not a word is said of the charge (Ge 31:1). His reproaches were of a different kind. His first charge was for depriving him of the satisfaction of giving Jacob and his family the usual salutations at parting. In the East it is customary, when any are setting out to a great distance, for their relatives and friends to accompany them a considerable way...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 32 Chapter Outline Jacob's vision at Mahanaim, His fear of Esau. (1-8) Jacob's earnest prayer for deliverance, He prepares a present for Esau. (9-23) He wrestles with the Angel. (24-32) **Verses 1-8** The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares ...
Read full commentary →

And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto m...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Jacob said.**—Jacob’s prayer, the first recorded in the Bible, is remarkable for combining great earnestness with simplicity. After addressing God as the Elohim of his. fathers, he draws closer to Him as the Jehovah who had personally commanded him to return to his birthplace (Genesis 31:13). And next, while acknowledging his own unworthiness, he shows that already he had been the recipient ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Laban said ... What hast thou done?--**Not a word is said of the charge (Ge 31:1). His reproaches were of a different kind. His first charge was for depriving him of the satisfaction of giving Jacob and his family the usual salutations at parting. In the East it is customary, when any are setting out to a great distance, for their relatives and friends to accompany them a considerable way...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. I am not: Heb. I am less than all

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto t...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31-32. Jacob said, ... With whomsoever thou findest thy gods let him not live--**Conscious of his own innocence and little suspecting the misdeed of his favorite wife, Jacob boldly challenged a search and denounced the heaviest penalty on the culprit. A personal scrutiny was made by Laban, who examined every tent [Ge 31:33]; and having entered Rachel's last, he would have infallibly discovered t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. with: Heb. upon

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31-32. Jacob said, ... With whomsoever thou findest thy gods let him not live--**Conscious of his own innocence and little suspecting the misdeed of his favorite wife, Jacob boldly challenged a search and denounced the heaviest penalty on the culprit. A personal scrutiny was made by Laban, who examined every tent [Ge 31:33]; and having entered Rachel's last, he would have infallibly discovered t...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot ...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his ...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **He lodged there.**—That is, at Mahanaim. On the first news of Esau’s approach in so hostile a manner, Jacob had divided his possessions into two main divisions, in the hope of saving at least one. He now, quieted by his prayer, makes more exact arrangements, selects a present for Esau of five hundred and fifty head of cattle, sends them forward with intervals between, that repeated impressi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34. Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them--**The common pack saddle is often used as a seat or a cushion, against which a person squatted on the floor may lean.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14, 15) **Goats**—**ewes—camels**—**kine**—**asses.**—As the kinds of cattle are arranged according to their value, it is remarkable that kine should be prized above camels; for the milk of cows was regarded as of little worth. This high estimation of them, therefore, must have arisen from an increased regard for agriculture, the ploughing being done in the East by oxen. Asses of course come last...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God gr...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36-37. Jacob was wroth--**Recrimination on his part was natural in the circumstances, and, as usual, when passion is high, the charges took a wide range. He rapidly enumerated his grievances for twenty years and in a tone of unrestrained severity described the niggard character and vexatious exactions of his uncle, together with the hardships of various kinds he had patiently endured.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space betwixt drove and drove.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves; and said unto his se...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **A space.**—*Heb., a breathing place. *These paration of the droves would be a matter of course, as each kind would travel peaceably onward only by itself. But Jacob rightly concluded that the repeated acknowledgment of Esau as his lord, added to the great value of the gift, would fill his brother’s heart with friendly feelings, and perhaps therefore he put a longer space than usual between ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**36-37. Jacob was wroth--**Recrimination on his part was natural in the circumstances, and, as usual, when passion is high, the charges took a wide range. He rapidly enumerated his grievances for twenty years and in a tone of unrestrained severity described the niggard character and vexatious exactions of his uncle, together with the hardships of various kinds he had patiently endured.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, W...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**38. The rams of thy flock have I not eaten--**Eastern people seldom kill the females for food except they are barren.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
Read full commentary →

Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behol...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**39. That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee--**The shepherds are strictly responsible for losses in the flock, unless they can prove these were occasioned by wild beasts.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
Read full commentary →

And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this man...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**40. in the day the drought ... and the frost by night--**The temperature changes often in twenty-four hours from the greatest extremes of heat and cold, most trying to the shepherd who has to keep watch by his flocks. Much allowance must be made for Jacob. Great and long-continued provocations ruffle the mildest and most disciplined tempers. It is difficult to "be angry and sin not" [Ep 4:26]. B...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me. of me: Heb. my face

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with th...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **I** **will appease him.**—The Heb. literally is, *he said I will cover his face with the offering that goeth before my face, and afterwards I will see his face; peradventure he will lift up my face. *The covering of the face of the offended person, so that he could no longer see the offence, became the usual legal word for making an atonement (Leviticus 9:7, &c). For the “offering” (Heb., *...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So went the present over before him: and himself lodged that night in the company....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transf...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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Jacob Wrestles with God

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, a...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **The ford Jabbok.**—Heb., *the ford of the Jabbok. *This river, now called the Wady Zerba or Blue Torrent, formed afterwards the boundary between the tribes of Manasseh and Gad. It flows through a deep ravine, with so rapid a current as to make the crossing of it a matter of difficulty. Dr. Tristram (*Land of Israel, *p. 558) says that the water reached his horse’s girths when he rode throug...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. sent them: Heb. caused to pass

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.<br...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **The brook.**—Really, the ravine or valley; Arab., *wady. *Jacob, whose administrative powers were of a very high character, sees his wives, children, and cattle not only through the ford, but across the valley on to the high ground beyond. Staying himself to the very last, he is left alone on the south side of the torrent, but still in the ravine, across which the rest had taken their way. ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**44. Come thou, let us make a covenant--**The way in which this covenant was ratified was by a heap of stones being laid in a circular pile, to serve as seats, and in the center of this circle a large one was set up perpendicularly for an altar. It is probable that a sacrifice was first offered, and then that the feast of reconciliation was partaken of by both parties seated on the stones around ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-23** Times of fear should be times of prayer: whatever causes fear, should drive us to our knees, to our God. Jacob had lately seen his guards of angels, but in this distress he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his fellow-servants, Re 22:9. There cannot be a better pattern for true prayer than this. Here is a thankful acknowledgement of former undeserved favours; a hum...
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And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. breaking: Heb. ascending of the morning

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciousl...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **There wrestled.**—This verb, *abak, *occurs only here, and without doubt it was chosen because of its resemblance to the name Jabbok. Its probable derivation is from a word signifying *dust, *because wrestlers were quickly involved in a cloud of dust, or because, as was the custom in Greece, they rubbed their bodies with it. **A man.**—Such he seemed to be to Jacob; but Hosea (Genesis 12:4)...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollo...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **The hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint.**—The hollow is in the Hebrew the pan or socket into which the end of the thigh bone is inserted, and the verb more probably signifies that it was sprained from the over-tension of the muscles in the wrestling. But, in spite of his sprained tendons, Jacob still resisted, and could not be thrown down, and the angel, unable to gain any further adv...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **Let me go . . . —**Heb., *send me away, for the gleam of morning has gone up. *The asking of permission to depart was the acknowledgment of defeat. The struggle must end at daybreak, because Jacob must now go to do his duty; and the wrestling had been for the purpose of giving him courage, and enabling him to meet danger and difficulty in the power of faith. A curious Jewish idea is that th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.<br><br>Key themes...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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And he said, 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. Israel: that is, A prince of God

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power wit...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Israel.**—That is, *a prince of God, *or, *one powerful with God. *(See Note on Genesis 17:15.) Esau had given a bad meaning to the name of Jacob, nor had it been undeserved. But a change has now come over Jacob’s character, and he is henceforth no longer the crafty schemer who was ever plotting for his own advantage, but one humble and penitent, who can trust himself and all he has in God’...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that tho...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Wherefore . . . —**In much the same manner the angel refuses to tell Manoah his name (Judges 13:18). Probably, however, in the blessing which followed there was a clear proof that Jacob’s opponent was a Divine personage.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Peniel: that is, The face of God

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is pres...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Peniel.**—Elsewhere *Penuel, *and so probably it should be read here. It means, “the face of God.” For the rest of the verse see Note on Genesis 16:13.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transfo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **As he passed over Pemiel**.—Rather, *as he passed Penuel. *It was the place where he had wrestled, and as soon as the angel left him he proceeded onwards to rejoin his wives. It appears, from what is here said, that it was not till he tried to walk that he found out that he was lame. As his sinews grew cool, the injury *to *his hip-joint showed itself.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**52. This heap be witness--**Objects of nature were frequently thus spoken of. But over and above, there was a solemn appeal to God; and it is observable that there was a marked difference in the religious sentiments of the two. Laban spake of the God of Abraham and Nahor, their common ancestors; but Jacob, knowing that idolatry had crept in among that branch of the family, swore by the "fear of ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the ...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **The sinew which shrank.**—This translation has much authority in its favour, as the LXX. render *the sinew that became numb, *and the Vulgate *the sinew that withered. *More probably, however, it is the proper name for the large tendon which takes its origin from the spinal cord, and extends down the thigh unto the ankle. Technically it is called *nervus ischiaticus, *and by the Greeks was ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 24-32** A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or...
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