Gò0dNews for Everyone
Learning To Lean
R
by Dr. Rob Debelak
eturning from his lengthy stay abroad, Jacob prepares to face his elder twin, Esau. Arrangements are deliberate, tension mounts, prayer is restless—he anticipates conflict. Only scant
hours remain, and a dramatic night struggle pits a sleepless Jacob against an unnamed opponent (Genesis 32:22-32). Discerning his sparring partner’s identity is an exciting challenge as this twilight contest illuminates salient details of personal transformation. The scene transpires on a dark stage (32:22). Shadowed by a death threat, Jacob left two decades prior under less-than-optimal circumstances. He had no way of knowing if Esau still held a grudge (Genesis 27-28). Jacob seemingly follows cordial protocol by announcing his arrival (32:3-5), yet this herald also makes him a target. Jacob was vulnerable, and messengers report Esau will confront his brother in force (32:6). Jacob left home a single man without possessions. He returns married, with maidservants, children, livestock, and material goods (32:22-23). On the eve of their meeting, Jacob employs a survival strategy. Fearfully facing an uncertain future (32:7), he divides the company in two, calculating if one group suffers an attack, the other might escape. He deploys his household under cover of darkness (32:22). Divestment of belongings complete, his bareness revisits how his self-imposed exile began: alone, with nothing but his staff (32:10). The narrative portrait is of a man at the end of himself, but a
a name change. Jacob will now be “Israel” “…because you have
picture of liminal poise set for the dawn of a new beginning.
struggled with God and with man and have overcome” (v. 29).
In his solitude, a nameless wrestler contends with him through
Jacob models an encounter with the Almighty. He no longer
the night. The anonymous fighter lands a successful blow against
grasps but receives; like Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 17:5, 19), God
Jacob’s hip, requiring Jacob to release him. The phrasing suggests
chose his name. Spiritually, this man would never be the same.
Jacob had a hold on the warrior, subtly reflecting on Jacob’s name:
Physically, he would never be the same either. His life journey
“one who grasps.” Jacob, though, wants something in return (32:26):
began with only his staff (32:9-12), and now his transformational
he wants to be blessed! Years ago, in a tent of darkness, Jacob deceived
pivot point is characterized by a limp (v. 32): he would need to
his blind father for a blessing—one intended for his brother. Now he
lean on something for support. A temporary injury? The only
desires favor without the interference of his family history baggage.
other mention of his staff occurs at the end of his life. The New
Exhausted and in pain, the singular longing he ardently clings to is all
Testament Book of Hebrews (11:21) comments on Genesis 48: “By
he has left: he fervently desires God’s approval.
faith, Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph;
As in the case of Isaac rendering a verbal blessing, words matter. The question is, “What is your name?” Casual readings
and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” Surrender, sincerity, seeking God’s unhindered favor: these may be essential factors integral to our walk of faith. Jacob’s
call”—a moment of truth, an admission of who one is. Jacob spent
transparency and vulnerability result in a change of character and
his life grasping at what God would give. At birth, he clutched his
reconciliation with others. If we take our relationship with God
brother’s heel (Genesis 25:24-28) and again took matters into his
seriously, perhaps these are instructive features of encounter for
own hands to obtain the blessing (Genesis 27). He replies, “Jacob,”
the modern-day believer.
conceding, “I am the supplanter (heel grabber)”: the one who deceived. With honest admission, blessing comes in the form of
44 // June 2021
About The Author
assume this is a mere revelation of identity. Instead, it is an “altar
Dr. Rob Debelak is associate professor of Bible in Lee University’s Online Program. He has taught at Lee University for 25 years, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He and his family reside in Cleveland, TN.
