mh_parser/vol_split/1 - Genesis/Chapter 32.xml

<div2 id="Gen.xxxiii" n="xxxiii" next="Gen.xxxiv" prev="Gen.xxxii" progress="22.29%" title="Chapter XXXII">
<pb id="Gen.xxxiii-Page_191" n="191"/>
<h2 id="Gen.xxxiii-p0.1">G E N E S I S</h2>
<h3 id="Gen.xxxiii-p0.2">CHAP. XXXII.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Gen.xxxiii-p1">We have here Jacob still upon his journey towards
Canaan. Never did so many memorable things occur in any march as in
this of Jacob's little family. By the way he meets, I. With good
tidings from his God, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.1-Gen.32.2" parsed="|Gen|32|1|32|2" passage="Ge 32:1,2">ver. 1,
2</scripRef>. II. With bad tidings from his brother, to whom he
sent a message to notify his return, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.3-Gen.32.6" parsed="|Gen|32|3|32|6" passage="Ge 32:3-6">ver. 3-6</scripRef>. In his distress, 1. He divides his
company, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.7-Gen.32.8" parsed="|Gen|32|7|32|8" passage="Ge 32:7,8">ver. 7, 8</scripRef>. 2. He
makes his prayer to God, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.9-Gen.32.12" parsed="|Gen|32|9|32|12" passage="Ge 32:9-12">ver.
9-12</scripRef>. 3. He sends a present to his brother, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.13-Gen.32.23" parsed="|Gen|32|13|32|23" passage="Ge 32:13-23">ver. 13-23</scripRef>. 4. He wrestles with
the angel, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.24-Gen.32.32" parsed="|Gen|32|24|32|32" passage="Ge 32:24-32">ver.
24-32</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32" parsed="|Gen|32|0|0|0" passage="Ge 32" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.1-Gen.32.2" parsed="|Gen|32|1|32|2" passage="Ge 32:1-2" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.32.1-Gen.32.2">
<h4 id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.9">Jacob Pursuing His Journey. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxxiii-p1.10">b. c.</span> 1739.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxxiii-p2">1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of
God met him.   2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This
<i>is</i> God's host: and he called the name of that place
Mahanaim.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p3">Jacob, having got clear of Laban, pursues
his journey homewards towards Canaan: when God has helped us
through difficulties we should go on our way heaven-ward with so
much the more cheerfulness and resolution. Now, 1. Here is Jacob's
convoy in his journey (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.1" parsed="|Gen|32|1|0|0" passage="Ge 32:1"><i>v.</i>
1</scripRef>): <i>The angels of God met him,</i> in a visible
appearance, whether in a vision by day or in a dream by night, as
when he saw them upon the ladder (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.28.12" parsed="|Gen|28|12|0|0" passage="Ge 28:12"><i>ch.</i> xxviii. 12</scripRef>), is uncertain. Note,
Those that keep in a good way have always a good guard; angels
themselves are ministering spirits for their safety, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.1.14" parsed="|Heb|1|14|0|0" passage="Heb 1:14">Heb. i. 14</scripRef>. Where Jacob pitched his
tents, they pitched theirs about him, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.34.7" parsed="|Ps|34|7|0|0" passage="Ps 34:7">Ps. xxxiv. 7</scripRef>. They met him, to bid him welcome
to Canaan again; a more honourable reception this was than ever any
prince had, that was met by the magistrates of a city in their
formalities. They met him to congratulate him on his arrival, as
well as on his escape from Laban; for they have pleasure in the
prosperity of God's servants. They had invisibly attended him all
along, but now they appeared to him, because he had greater dangers
before him than those he had hitherto encountered. Note, When God
designs his people for extraordinary trials, he prepares them by
extraordinary comforts. We should think it had been more seasonable
for these angels to have appeared to him amidst the perplexity and
agitation occasioned first by Laban, and afterwards by Esau, than
in this calm and quiet interval, when he saw not himself in any
imminent peril; but God will have us, when we are in peace, to
provide for trouble, and, when trouble comes, to live upon former
observations and experiences; for <i>we walk by faith, not by
sight.</i> God's people, at death, are returning to Canaan, to
their Father's house; and then the angels of God will meet them, to
congratulate them on the happy finishing of their servitude, and to
carry them to their rest. 2. The comfortable notice he took of this
convoy, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.2" parsed="|Gen|32|2|0|0" passage="Ge 32:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. <i>This
is God's host,</i> and therefore, (1.) It is a powerful host; very
great is he that is thus attended, and very safe that is thus
guarded. (2.) God must have the praise of this protection: "This I
may thank God for, for it is his host." A good man may with an eye
of faith see the same that Jacob saw with his bodily eyes, by
believing that promise (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.91.11" parsed="|Ps|91|11|0|0" passage="Ps 91:11">Ps. xci.
11</scripRef>), <i>He shall give his angels charge over thee.</i>
What need have we to dispute whether every particular saint has a
guardian angel, when we are sure he has a guard of angels about
him? To preserve the remembrance of this favour, Jacob gave a name
to the place from it, <i>Mahanaim, two hosts,</i> or <i>two
camps.</i> That is, say some of the rabbin, one host of the
guardian angels of Mesopotamia, who conducted Jacob thence, and
delivered him safely to the other host of the angels of Canaan, who
met him upon the borders where he now was. Rather, they appeared to
him in two hosts, one on either side, or one in the front and the
other in the rear, to protect him from Laban behind and Esau
before, that they might be a complete guard. Thus he is
<i>compassed</i> with God's favour. Perhaps in allusion to this the
church is called <i>Mahanaim, two armies,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p3.7" osisRef="Bible:Song.6.13" parsed="|Song|6|13|0|0" passage="So 6:13">Cant. vi. 13</scripRef>. Here were Jacob's family, which
made one army, representing the church militant and itinerant on
earth; and the angels, another army, representing the church
triumphant and at rest in heaven.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxxiii-p3.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.3-Gen.32.8" parsed="|Gen|32|3|32|8" passage="Ge 32:3-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.32.3-Gen.32.8">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxxiii-p4">3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau
his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.   4
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:   5 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.   6 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.
  7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he
divided the people that <i>was</i> with him, and the flocks, and
herds, and the camels, into two bands;   8 And said, If Esau
come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which
is left shall escape.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p5">Now that Jacob was re-entering Canaan God,
by the vision of angels, reminded him of the friends he had when he
left it, and thence he takes occasion to remind himself of the
enemies he had, particularly Esau. It is probable that Rebekah had
sent him word of Esau's settlement in Seir, and of the continuance
of his enmity to him. What shall poor Jacob do? He longs to see his
father, and yet he dreads to see his brother. He rejoices to see
Canaan again, and yet cannot but rejoice with trembling because of
Esau.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p6">I. He sends a very kind and humble

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message to Esau. It does not appear that his way lay
through Esau's country, or that he needed to ask his leave for a
passage; but his way lay near it, and he would not go by him
without paying him the respect due to a brother, a twin-brother, an
only brother, an elder brother, a brother offended. Note, 1. Though
our relations fail in their duty to us, yet we must make conscience
of doing our duty to them. 2. It is a piece of friendship and
brotherly love to acquaint our friends with our condition, and
enquire into theirs. Acts of civility may help to slay enmities.
Jacob's message to him is very obliging, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.4-Gen.32.5" parsed="|Gen|32|4|32|5" passage="Ge 32:4,5"><i>v.</i> 4, 5</scripRef>. (1.) He calls Esau his lord,
himself his servant, to intimate that he did not insist upon the
prerogatives of the birthright and blessing he had obtained for
himself, but left it to God to fulfil his own purpose in his seed.
Note, <i>Yielding pacifies great offences,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Eccl.10.4" parsed="|Eccl|10|4|0|0" passage="Ec 10:4">Eccl. x. 4</scripRef>. We must not refuse to speak in a
respectful and submissive manner to those that are ever so unjustly
exasperated against it. (2.) He gives him a short account of
himself, that he was not a fugitive and a vagabond, but, though
long absent, had had a certain dwelling-place, with his own
relations: <i>I have sojourned with Laban, and staid there till
now;</i> and that he was not a beggar, nor did he come home, as the
prodigal son, destitute of necessaries and likely to be a charge to
his relations; no, <i>I have oxen and asses.</i> This he knew would
(if any thing) recommend him to Esau's good opinion. And, (3.) He
courts his favour: <i>I have sent, that I might find grace in thy
sight.</i> Note, It is no disparagement to those that have the
better cause to become petitioners for reconciliation, and to sue
for peace as well as right.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p7">II. He receives a very formidable account
of Esau's warlike preparations against him (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.6" parsed="|Gen|32|6|0|0" passage="Ge 32:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), not a word, but a blow, a very
coarse return to his kind message, and a sorry welcome home to a
poor brother: <i>He comes to meet thee, and four hundred men with
him.</i> He is now weary of waiting for the days of mourning for
this good father, and even before they come he resolves to slay his
brother. 1. He remembers the old quarrel, and will now be avenged
on him for the birthright and blessing, and, if possible, defeat
Jacob's expectations from both. Note, malice harboured will last
long, and find an occasion to break out with violence a great while
after the provocations given. Angry men have good memories. 2. He
envies Jacob what little estate he had, and, though he himself was
now possessed of a much better, yet nothing will serve him but to
feed his eyes upon Jacob's ruin, and fill his fields with Jacob's
spoils. Perhaps the account Jacob sent him of his wealth did but
provoke him the more. 3. He concludes it easy to destroy him, now
that he was upon the road, a poor weary traveller, unfixed, and (as
he thinks) unguarded. Those that have the serpent's poison have
commonly the serpent's policy, to take the first and fairest
opportunity that offers itself for revenge. 4. He resolves to do it
suddenly, and before Jacob had come to his father, lest he should
interpose and mediate between them. Esau was one of those that
hated peace; when Jacob speaks, speaks peaceably, <i>he</i> is for
war, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.120.6-Ps.120.7" parsed="|Ps|120|6|120|7" passage="Ps 120:6,7">Ps. cxx. 6, 7</scripRef>. Out
he marches, spurred on with rage, and intent on blood and murders;
four hundred men he had with him, probably such as used to hunt
with him, armed, no doubt, rough and cruel like their leader, ready
to execute the word of command though ever so barbarous, and now
breathing nothing but threatenings and slaughter. The tenth part of
these were enough to cut off poor Jacob, and his guiltless helpless
family, root and branch. No marvel therefore that it follows
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.7" parsed="|Gen|32|7|0|0" passage="Ge 32:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>), <i>then Jacob
was greatly afraid and distressed,</i> perhaps the more so from
having scarcely recovered the fright Laban had put him in. Note,
Many are the troubles of the righteous in this world, and sometimes
the end of one is but the beginning of another. The clouds return
after the rain. Jacob, though a man of great faith, yet was now
greatly afraid. Note, A lively apprehension of danger, and a
quickening fear arising from it, may very well consist with a
humble confidence in God's power and promise. Christ himself, in
his agony, was sorely amazed.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p8">III. He puts himself into the best posture
of defence that his present circumstances will admit. It was absurd
to think of making resistance, all his contrivance is to make an
escape, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.7-Gen.32.8" parsed="|Gen|32|7|32|8" passage="Ge 32:7,8"><i>v.</i> 7, 8</scripRef>. He
thinks it prudent not to venture all in one bottom, and therefore
divides what he had into two companies, that, if one were smitten,
the other might escape. Like a tender careful master of a family,
he is more solicitous for their safety than for his own. He divided
his company, not as Abraham (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.14.15" parsed="|Gen|14|15|0|0" passage="Ge 14:15"><i>ch.</i> xiv. 15</scripRef>), for fight, but for
flight.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxxiii-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.9-Gen.32.12" parsed="|Gen|32|9|32|12" passage="Ge 32:9-12" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.32.9-Gen.32.12">
<h4 id="Gen.xxxiii-p8.4">Jacob's Prayer. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxxiii-p8.5">b. c.</span> 1739.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxxiii-p9">9 And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham,
and God of my father Isaac, the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxxiii-p9.1">Lord</span>
which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred,
and I will deal well with thee:   10 I am not worthy of the
least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast
showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this
Jordan; and now I am become two bands.   11 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, <i>and</i> the mother
with the children.   12 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p10">Our rule is to call upon God in the time of

<pb id="Gen.xxxiii-Page_193" n="193"/>

trouble; we have here an example to this
rule, and the success encourages us to follow this example. It was
now a time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it; and
here we have him praying for that salvation, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.30.7" parsed="|Jer|30|7|0|0" passage="Jer 30:7">Jer. xxx. 7</scripRef>. In his distress he sought the
Lord, and he heard him. Note, Times of fear should be times of
prayer; whatever frightens us should drive us to our knees, to our
God. Jacob had lately seen his guard of angels, but, in this
distress, he applied to God, not to them; he knew they were his
fellow-servants, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.22.9" parsed="|Rev|22|9|0|0" passage="Re 22:9">Rev. xxii.
9</scripRef>. Nor did he consult Laban's <i>teraphim;</i> it was
enough for him that he had a God to go to. To him he addresses
himself with all possible solemnity, so running for safety into the
name of the Lord, <i>as a strong tower,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.18.10" parsed="|Prov|18|10|0|0" passage="Pr 18:10">Prov. xviii. 10</scripRef>. This prayer is the more
remarkable because it won him the honour of being an <i>Israel, a
prince with God,</i> and the father of the praying remnant, who are
hence called <i>the seed of Jacob,</i> to whom he never said,
<i>Seek you me in vain.</i> Now it is worth while to enquire what
there was extraordinary in this prayer, that it should gain the
petitioner all this honour.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p11">I. The request itself is one, and very
express: <i>Deliver me from the hand of my brother,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.11" parsed="|Gen|32|11|0|0" passage="Ge 32:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. Though there was no
human probability on his side, yet he believed the power of God
could rescue him as a lamb out of the bloody jaws of the lion.
Note, 1. We have leave to be particular in our addresses to God, to
mention the particular straits and difficulties we are in; for the
God with whom we have to do is one we may be free with: <i>we have
liberty of speech</i> (<b><i>parresia</i></b>) at the throne of
grace. 2. When our brethren aim to be our destroyers, it is our
comfort that we have a Father to whom we may apply as our
deliverer.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p12">II. The pleas are many, and very powerful;
never was cause better ordered, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Job.23.4" parsed="|Job|23|4|0|0" passage="Job 23:4">Job
xxiii. 4</scripRef>. He offers up his request with great faith,
fervency, and humility. How earnestly does he beg! <i>Deliver me, I
pray thee,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.11" parsed="|Gen|32|11|0|0" passage="Ge 32:11"><i>v.</i>
11</scripRef>. His fear made him importunate. With what holy logic
does he argue! With what divine eloquence does he plead! Here is a
noble copy to write after.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p13">1. He addresses himself to God as the God
of his fathers, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.9" parsed="|Gen|32|9|0|0" passage="Ge 32:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>.
Such was the humble self-denying sense he had of his own
unworthiness that he did not call God his own God, but a God in
covenant with his ancestors: <i>O God of my father Abraham, and God
of my father Isaac;</i> and this he could the better plead because
the covenant, by divine designation, was entailed upon him. Note,
God's covenant with our fathers may be a comfort to us when were
are in distress. It has often been so to the Lord's people,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.22.4-Ps.22.5" parsed="|Ps|22|4|22|5" passage="Ps 22:4,5">Ps. xxii. 4, 5</scripRef>. Being born
in God's house, we are taken under his special protection.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p14">2. He produces his warrant: <i>Thou saidst
unto me, Return unto thy country.</i> He did not rashly leave his
place with Laban, nor undertake this journey out of a fickle
humour, or a foolish fondness for his native country, but in
obedience to God's command. Note, (1.) We may be in the way of our
duty, and yet may meet with trouble and distress in that way. As
prosperity will not prove us in the right, so cross events will not
prove us in the wrong; we may be going whither God calls us, and
yet may think our way hedged up with thorns. (2.) We may
comfortably trust God with our safety, while we carefully keep to
our duty. If God be our guide, he will be our guard.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p15">3. He humbly acknowledges his own
unworthiness to receive any favour from God (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.10" parsed="|Gen|32|10|0|0" passage="Ge 32:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>): <i>I am not worthy;</i> it is
an unusual plea. Some would think he should have pleaded that what
was now in danger was his own, against all the world, and that he
had earned it dear enough; no, he pleads, <i>Lord, I am not worthy
of it.</i> Note, Self-denial and self-abasement well become us in
all our addresses to the throne of grace. Christ never commended
any of his petitioners so much as him who said, <i>Lord, I am not
worthy</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.8.8" parsed="|Matt|8|8|0|0" passage="Mt 8:8">Matt. viii. 8</scripRef>),
and her who said, <i>Truth, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs
which fall from their master's table,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:Matt.15.27" parsed="|Matt|15|27|0|0" passage="Mt 15:27">Matt. xv. 27</scripRef>. Now observe here, (1.) How
magnificently and honourably he speaks of the mercies of God to
him. We have here, <i>mercies,</i> in the plural number, and
inexhaustible spring, and innumerable streams; <i>mercies and
truth,</i> that is, past mercies given according to the promise,
and further mercies secured by the promise. Note, What is laid up
in God's truth, as well as what is laid out in God's mercies, is
the matter both of the comforts and the praises of active
believers. Nay, observe, it is <i>all</i> the mercies, and
<i>all</i> the truth; the manner of expression is copious, and
intimates that his heart was full of God's goodness. (2.) How
meanly and humbly he speaks of himself, disclaiming all thought of
his own merit: "<i>I am not worthy of the least of all thy
mercies,</i> much less am I worthy of so great a favour as this I
am now suing for." Jacob was a considerable man, and, upon many
accounts, very deserving, and, in treating with Laban, had justly
insisted on his merits, but not before God. <i>I am less than all
thy mercies;</i> so the word is. Note, The best and greatest of men
are utterly unworthy of the least favour from God, and just be
ready to own it upon all occasions. It was the excellent Mr.
Herbert's motto, <i>Less than the least of all God's mercies.</i>
Those are best prepared for the greatest mercies that see
themselves unworthy of the least.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p16">4. He thankfully owns God's goodness to him
in his banishment, and how much it had outdone his expectations:
"<i>With my staff I passed over this Jordan,</i> poor and desolate,
like a forlorn and despised pilgrim;" he had no guides, no
companions, no attendants, no conveniences for travel, but his
staff only, nothing else to stay himself upon; "<i>and now I have
become two bands,</i> now I am surrounded with a numerous and
comfortable retinue of

<pb id="Gen.xxxiii-Page_194" n="194"/>

children and
servants:" though it was his distress that had now obliged him to
divide his family into two bands, yet he makes use of that for the
magnifying of the mercy of his increase. Note, (1.) The increase of
our families is then comfortable indeed to us when we see God's
mercies, and his truth, in it. (2.) Those whose latter end greatly
increases ought, with humility and thankfulness, to remember how
small their beginning was. Jacob pleads, "Lord, thou didst keep me
when I went out with only my staff, and had but one life to lose;
wilt thou not keep me now that so many are embarked with me?"</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p17">5. He urges the extremity of the peril he
was in: <i>Lord, deliver me from Esau, for I fear him,</i>
<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.11" parsed="|Gen|32|11|0|0" passage="Ge 32:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. The people of
God have not been shy of telling God their fears; for they know he
takes cognizance of them, and considers them. The fear that
quickens prayer is itself pleadable. It was not a robber, but a
murderer, that he was afraid of; nor was it his own life only that
lay at stake, but the mothers' and the children's, that had left
their native soil to go along with him. Note, Natural affection may
furnish us with allowable acceptable pleas in prayer.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p18">6. He insists especially upon the promise
God had made him (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.9" parsed="|Gen|32|9|0|0" passage="Ge 32:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>): <i>Thou saidst, I will deal well with thee,</i> and
again, in the close (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.12" parsed="|Gen|32|12|0|0" passage="Ge 32:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>): <i>Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good.</i>
Note, (1.) The best we can say to God in prayer is what he has said
to us. God's promises, as they are the surest guide of our desires
in prayer, and furnish us with the best petitions, so they are the
firmest ground of our hopes, and furnish us with the best pleas.
"Lord, thou saidst thus and thus; and wilt thou not be as good as
thy word, the word upon which thou had <i>caused me to hope?</i>"
<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.119.49" parsed="|Ps|119|49|0|0" passage="Ps 119:49">Ps. cxix. 49</scripRef>. (2.) The
most general promises are applicable to particular cases. "Thou
saidst, <i>I will do thee good;</i> Lord, do me good in this
matter." He pleads also a particular promise, that of <i>the
multiplying of his seed.</i> "Lord, what will become of that
promise, if they be all cut off?" Note, [1.] There are promises to
the families of good people, which are improvable in prayer for
family-mercies, ordinary and extraordinary, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p18.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.17.17 Bible:Ps.112.2 Bible:Ps.102.28" parsed="|Gen|17|17|0|0;|Ps|112|2|0|0;|Ps|102|28|0|0" passage="Ge 17:17,Ps 112:2,Ps 102:28"><i>ch.</i> xvii. 7; Ps. cxii. 2; cii.
28</scripRef>. [2.] The world's threatenings should drive us to
God's promises.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxxiii-p18.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.13-Gen.32.23" parsed="|Gen|32|13|32|23" passage="Ge 32:13-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.32.13-Gen.32.23">
<h4 id="Gen.xxxiii-p18.6">Jacob's Present to Esau. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxxiii-p18.7">b. c.</span> 1739.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxxiii-p19">13 And he lodged there that same night; and took
of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;
  14 Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred
ewes, and twenty rams,   15 Thirty milch camels with their
colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
  16 And he delivered <i>them</i> 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.
  17 And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my
brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose <i>art</i>
thou? and whither goest thou? and whose <i>are</i> these before
thee?   18 Then thou shalt say, <i>They be</i> thy servant
Jacob's; it <i>is</i> a present sent unto my lord Esau: and,
behold, also he <i>is</i> behind us.   19 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.
  20 And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob <i>is</i>
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.   21 So went the present over before him:
and himself lodged that night in the company.   22 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.   23 And
he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he
had.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p20">Jacob, having piously made God his friend
by a prayer, is here prudently endeavouring to make Esau his friend
by a present. He had prayed to God to deliver him from the hand of
Esau, for he feared him; but neither did his fear sink into such a
despair as dispirits for the use of means, nor did his prayer make
him presume upon God's mercy, without the use of means. Note, When
we have prayed to God for any mercy, we must second our prayers
with our endeavours; else, instead of trusting god, we tempt him;
we must so depend upon God's providence as to make use of our own
prudence. "Help thyself, and God will help thee;" God answers our
prayers by teaching us to order our affairs with discretion. To
pacify Esau,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p21">I. Jacob sent him a very noble present, not
of jewels or fine garments (he had them not), but of cattle, to the
number of 580 in all, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.13-Gen.32.15" parsed="|Gen|32|13|32|15" passage="Ge 32:13-15"><i>v.</i>
13-15</scripRef>. Now, 1. It was an evidence of the great increase
with which God had blessed Jacob that he could spare such a number
of cattle out of his stock. 2. It was an evidence of his wisdom
that he would willingly part with some, to secure the rest; some
men's covetousness loses them more than ever it gained them, and,
by grudging a little expense, they expose themselves to great
damage; <i>skin for skin, and all that a man has,</i> if he be a
wise man, <i>he will give for his life.</i> 3. It was a present
that he thought would be acceptable to Esau, who had traded

<pb id="Gen.xxxiii-Page_195" n="195"/>

so much in hunting wild beasts that perhaps he
was but ill furnished with tame cattle with which to stock his new
conquests. And we may suppose that the mixed colours of Jacob's
cattle, ring-straked, speckled, and spotted, would please Esau's
fancy. 4. He promised himself that by this present he should gain
Esau's favour; for a gift commonly <i>prospers, which way soever it
turns</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.17.8" parsed="|Prov|17|8|0|0" passage="Pr 17:8">Prov. xvii. 8</scripRef>),
<i>and makes room for a man</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.18.16" parsed="|Prov|18|16|0|0" passage="Pr 18:16">Prov.
xviii. 16</scripRef>); nay, <i>it pacifies anger and strong
wrath,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p21.4" osisRef="Bible:Prov.21.14" parsed="|Prov|21|14|0|0" passage="Pr 21:14">Prov. xxi. 14</scripRef>.
Note, [1.] We must not despair of reconciling ourselves even to
those that have been most exasperated against us; we ought not to
judge men unappeasable, till we have tried to appease them. [2.]
Peace and love, though purchased dearly, will prove a good bargain
to the purchaser. Many a morose ill-natured man would have said, in
Jacob's case, "Esau has vowed my death without cause, and he shall
never be a farthing the better for me; I will see him far enough
before I will send him a present:" but Jacob forgives and
forgets.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p22">II. He sent him a very humble message,
which he ordered his servants to deliver in the best manner,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.17-Gen.32.18" parsed="|Gen|32|17|32|18" passage="Ge 32:17,18"><i>v.</i> 17, 18</scripRef>. They
must call Esau their <i>lord,</i> and Jacob his <i>servant;</i>
they must tell him the cattle they had was a small present which
Jacob had sent him, as a specimen of his acquisitions while he was
abroad. The cattle he sent were to be disposed of in several
droves, and the servants that attended each drove were to deliver
the same message, that the present might appear the more valuable,
and his submission, so often repeated, might be the more likely to
influence Esau. They must especially take care to tell him that
Jacob was coming after (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.18-Gen.32.20" parsed="|Gen|32|18|32|20" passage="Ge 32:18-20"><i>v.</i>
18-20</scripRef>), that he might not suspect he had fled through
fear. Note, A friendly confidence in men's goodness may help to
prevent the mischief designed us by their badness: if Jacob will
seem not to be afraid of Esau, Esau, it may be hoped, will not be a
terror to Jacob.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxxiii-p22.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.24-Gen.32.32" parsed="|Gen|32|24|32|32" passage="Ge 32:24-32" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.32.24-Gen.32.32">
<h4 id="Gen.xxxiii-p22.4">Jacob Wrestles with an
Angel. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxxiii-p22.5">b. c.</span> 1739.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxxiii-p23">24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled
a man with him until the breaking of the day.   25 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.   26 And he said, Let me go, for the day
breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless
me.   27 And he said unto him, What <i>is</i> thy name? And he
said, Jacob.   28 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.   29 And Jacob asked
<i>him,</i> and said, Tell <i>me,</i> I pray thee, thy name. And he
said, Wherefore <i>is</i> it <i>that</i> thou dost ask after my
name? And he blessed him there.   30 And Jacob called the name
of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life
is preserved.   31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose
upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.   32 Therefore the
children of Israel eat not <i>of</i> the sinew which shrank, which
<i>is</i> upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he
touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p24">We have here the remarkable story of
Jacob's wrestling with the angel and prevailing, which is referred
to, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:Hos.12.4" parsed="|Hos|12|4|0|0" passage="Ho 12:4">Hos. xii. 4</scripRef>. Very early
in the morning, a great while before day, Jacob had helped his
wives and his children over the river, and he desired to be
private, and was left alone, that he might again more fully spread
his cares and fears before God in prayer. Note, We ought to
continue instant in prayer, always to pray and not to faint:
frequency and importunity in prayer prepare us for mercy. While
Jacob was earnest in prayer, <i>stirring up himself to take hold on
God,</i> an angel takes hold on him. Some think this was a created
angel, the <i>angel of his presence</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.63.9" parsed="|Isa|63|9|0|0" passage="Isa 63:9">Isa. lxiii. 9</scripRef>), one of those that <i>always
behold the face of our Father</i> and attend on the
<i>shechinah,</i> or the divine Majesty, which probably Jacob had
also in view. Others think it was Michael our prince, the eternal
Word, the angel of the covenant, who is indeed the Lord of the
angels, who often appeared in a human shape before he assumed the
human nature for a perpetuity; whichsoever it was, we are sure
<i>God's name was in him,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p24.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.23.21" parsed="|Exod|23|21|0|0" passage="Ex 23:21">Exod.
xxiii. 21</scripRef>. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p25">I. How Jacob and this angel engaged,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.24" parsed="|Gen|32|24|0|0" passage="Ge 32:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>. It was a
single combat, hand to hand; they had neither of them any seconds.
Jacob was now full of care and fear about the interview he
expected, next day, with his brother, and, to aggravate the trial,
God himself seemed to come forth against him as an enemy, to oppose
his entrance into the land of promise, and to dispute the pass with
him, not suffering him to follow his wives and children whom he had
sent before. Note, Strong believers must expect divers temptations,
and strong ones. We are told by the prophet (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p25.2" osisRef="Bible:Hos.12.4" parsed="|Hos|12|4|0|0" passage="Ho 12:4">Hos. xii. 4</scripRef>) how <i>Jacob wrestled:</i> he
<i>wept, and made supplication;</i> prayers and tears were his
weapons. It was not only a corporal, but a spiritual, wrestling, by
the vigorous actings of faith and holy desire; and thus all the
spiritual seed of Jacob, that pray in praying, still wrestle with
God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxxiii-p26">II. What was the success of the engagement.
1. Jacob kept his ground; though the struggle continued long, the
angel, <i>prevailed not against him</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.25" parsed="|Gen|32|25|0|0" passage="Ge 32:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>), that is, this discouragement
did not shake his faith, nor

<pb id="Gen.xxxiii-Page_196" n="196"/>

silence his
prayer. It was not in his own strength that he wrestled, nor by his
own strength that he prevailed, but in and by strength derived from
Heaven. That of Job illustrates this (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.2" osisRef="Bible:Job.23.6" parsed="|Job|23|6|0|0" passage="Job 23:6">Job xxiii. 6</scripRef>), <i>Will he plead against me
with his great power?</i> No (had the angel done so, Jacob had been
crushed), <i>but he will put strength in me;</i> and by that
<i>strength Jacob had power over the angel,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.3" osisRef="Bible:Hos.12.4" parsed="|Hos|12|4|0|0" passage="Ho 12:4">Hos. xii. 4</scripRef>. Note, We cannot prevail with God
but in his own strength. It is his Spirit that intercedes in us,
and <i>helps our infirmities,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.4" osisRef="Bible:Rom.8.26" parsed="|Rom|8|26|0|0" passage="Ro 8:26">Rom.
viii. 26</scripRef>. 2. The angel put out Jacob's thigh, to show
him what he could do, and that it was God he was wrestling with,
for no man could disjoint his thigh with a touch. Some think that
Jacob felt little or no pain from this hurt; it is probable that he
did not, for he did not so much as halt till the struggle was over
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.31" parsed="|Gen|32|31|0|0" passage="Ge 32:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>), and, if so,
this was an evidence of a divine touch indeed, which wounded and
healed at the same time. Jacob prevailed, and yet had his thigh put
out. Note, Wrestling believers may obtain glorious victories, and
yet come off with broken bones; for <i>when they are weak then are
they strong,</i> weak in themselves, but strong in Christ,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.12.10" parsed="|2Cor|12|10|0|0" passage="2Co 12:10">2 Cor. xii. 10</scripRef>. Our
honours and comforts in this world have their alloys. 3. The angel,
by an admirable condescension, mildly requests Jacob to let him go
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.26" parsed="|Gen|32|26|0|0" passage="Ge 32:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>), as God said
to Moses (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.32.10" parsed="|Exod|32|10|0|0" passage="Ex 32:10">Exod. xxxii. 10</scripRef>),
<i>Let me alone.</i> Could not a mighty angel get clear of Jacob's
grapples? He could; but thus he would put an honour on Jacob's
faith and prayer, and further try his constancy. <i>The king is
held in the galleries</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.9" osisRef="Bible:Song.7.5" parsed="|Song|7|5|0|0" passage="So 7:5">Cant. vii.
5</scripRef>); <i>I held him</i> (says the spouse) <i>and would not
let him go,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.10" osisRef="Bible:Song.3.4" parsed="|Song|3|4|0|0" passage="So 3:4">Cant. iii. 4</scripRef>.
The reason the angel gives why he would be gone is <i>because the
day breaks,</i> and therefore he would not any longer detain Jacob,
who had business to do, a journey to go, a family to look after,
which, especially in this critical juncture, called for his
attendance. Note, Every thing is beautiful in its season; even the
business of religion, and the comforts of communion with God, must
sometimes give way to the necessary affairs of this life: God
<i>will have mercy, and not sacrifice.</i> 4. Jacob persists in his
holy importunity: <i>I will not let thee go, except thou bless
me;</i> whatever becomes of his family and journey, he resolves to
make the best he can of this opportunity, and not to lose the
advantage of his victory: he does not mean to wrestle all night for
nothing, but humbly resolves he will have a blessing, and rather
shall all his bones be put out of joint than he will go away
without one. The credit of a conquest will do him no good without
the comfort of a blessing. In begging this blessing he owns his
inferiority, though he seemed to have the upper hand in the
struggle; for <i>the less is blessed of the better.</i> Note, Those
that would have the blessing of Christ must be in good earnest, and
be importunate for it, as those that resolve to have no denial. It
is the fervent prayer that is the effectual prayer. 5. The angel
puts a perpetual mark of honour upon him, by changing his name
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.11" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.27-Gen.32.28" parsed="|Gen|32|27|32|28" passage="Ge 32:27,28"><i>v.</i> 27, 28</scripRef>):
"Thou art a brave combatant" (says the angel), "a man of heroic
resolution; what is thy name?" "Jacob," says he, a
<i>supplanter;</i> so <i>Jacob</i> signifies: "Well," says the
angel, "be thou never so called any more; henceforth thou shalt be
celebrated, not for craft and artful management, but for true
valour; thou shalt be called <i>Israel, a prince with God,</i> a
name greater than those of the great men of the earth." He is a
prince indeed that is a prince with God, and those are truly
honourable that are mighty in prayer, Israels, Israelites indeed.
Jacob is here knighted in the field, as it were, and has a title of
honour given him by him that is the fountain of honour, which will
remain, to his praise, to the end of time. Yet this was not all;
having power with God, he shall have power with men too. Having
prevailed for a blessing from heaven, he shall, no doubt, prevail
for Esau's favour. Note, Whatever enemies we have, if we can but
make God our friend, we are well off; those that by faith have
power in heaven have thereby as much on earth as they have occasion
for. 6. He dismisses him with a blessing, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.12" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.29" parsed="|Gen|32|29|0|0" passage="Ge 32:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>. Jacob desired to know the
angel's name, that he might, according to his capacity, do him
honour, <scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.13" osisRef="Bible:Judg.13.17" parsed="|Judg|13|17|0|0" passage="Jdg 13:17">Judg. xiii. 17</scripRef>.
But that request was denied, that he might not be too proud of his
conquest, nor think he had the angel at such an advantage as to
oblige him to what he pleased. No, "<i>Wherefore dost thou ask
after my name?</i> What good will it do thee to know that?" The
discovery of that was reserved for his death-bed, upon which he was
taught to call him <i>Shiloh.</i> But, instead of telling him his
name, he gave him his blessing, which was the thing he wrestled
for: <i>He blessed him there,</i> repeated and ratified the
blessing formerly given him. Note, Spiritual blessings, which
secure our felicity, are better and much more desirable than fine
notions which satisfy our curiosity. An interest in the angel's
blessing is better than an acquaintance with his name. The tree of
life is better than the tree of knowledge. Thus Jacob carried his
point; a blessing he wrestled for, and a blessing he had; nor did
ever any of his praying seed seek in vain. See how wonderfully God
condescends to countenance and crown importunate prayer: those that
resolve, though God slay them, yet to trust in him, will, at
length, be more than conquerors. 7. Jacob gives a new name to the
place; he calls it <i>Peniel,</i> the <i>face of God</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.14" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.30" parsed="|Gen|32|30|0|0" passage="Ge 32:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>), because there he had
seen the appearance of God, and obtained the favour of God.
Observe, The name he gives to the place preserves and perpetuates,
not the honour of his valour or victory, but only the honour of
God's free grace. He does not

<pb id="Gen.xxxiii-Page_197" n="197"/>

say, "In this
place I wrestled with God, and prevailed;" but, "In this place I
saw God face to face, and my life was preserved;" not, "It was my
praise that I came off a conqueror, but it was God's mercy that I
escaped with my life." Note, It becomes those whom God honours to
take shame to themselves, and to admire the condescensions of his
grace to them. Thus David did, after God had sent him a gracious
message (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.15" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.7.18" parsed="|2Sam|7|18|0|0" passage="2Sa 7:18">2 Sam. vii. 18</scripRef>),
<i>Who am I, O Lord God?</i> 8. The memorandum Jacob carried of
this in his bones: <i>He halted on his thigh</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.16" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.31" parsed="|Gen|32|31|0|0" passage="Ge 32:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>); some think he
continued to do so to his dying-day; and, if he did, he had no
reason to complain, for the honour and comfort he obtained by this
struggle were abundantly sufficient to countervail the damage,
though he went limping to his grave. He had no reason to look upon
it as his reproach thus <i>to bear in his body the marks of the
Lord Jesus</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxxiii-p26.17" osisRef="Bible:Gal.6.17" parsed="|Gal|6|17|0|0" passage="Ga 6:17">Gal. vi.
17</scripRef>); yet it might serve, like Paul's thorn in the flesh,
to keep him from being lifted up with the abundance of the
revelations. Notice is taken of the sun's rising upon him when he
passed over <i>Penuel;</i> for it is sunrise with that soul that
has communion with God. The inspired penman mentions a traditional
custom which the seed of Jacob had, in remembrance of this, never
to eat of that sinew, or muscle, in any beast, by which the
hip-bone is fixed in its cup: thus they preserved the memorial of
this story, and gave occasion to their children to enquire
concerning it; they also did honour to the memory of Jacob. And
this use we may still make of it, to acknowledge the mercy of God,
and our obligations to Jesus Christ, that we may now keep up our
communion with God, in faith, hope, and love, without peril either
of life or limb.</p>
</div></div2>