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Jacob not only escaped the mortal danger with his soul; he overcame, he conquered his worst fears, and his brother's strength, by the power of his faith in the G-d of his fathers Abraham and Isaac.He emerged a new man, a transformed man, the chosen prince and patriarch of the people of G-d, the chief of the nations41. He arose, renewed in strength, mighty in faith, as the sun rose upon him like the sun of righteousness, with healing in its wings42. For although he was limping (on account of a certain weakness Samael had discovered and attacked), he was strong. He had become a true "tzaddik" [righteous one] of G-d. His body of flesh had sustained a lasting blow, an injury reverberating through future generations. But his soul and faith had remained whole. He was from now on, irrevocably, the blessed of G-d.
Now he was prepared to meet his mortal enemy, his brother Esau.
And there came wild man Esau with four hundred men, fearfully superior in manpower and weaponry. If Esau’s intentions had been peaceful from the beginning, he certainly would not have come in the company of 400 armed men. Then he would have come in the company of his sons and a few of his most honored men. Jacob faced his opponent with his family and his servants only. He appeared to be at a terrible disadvantage. But --- this was no longer Jacob. This was Israel, and the victory was on his side --- the Lord G-d Almighty, the Holy One of Israel, would fight for him.
Israel lined up his family - the two maids with their children first, Leah and her children next, and finally, Rachel and Joseph. The place each of Israel's four wives held in his heart is obvious. The treasure of his heart and the apple of his eye he placed last to ensure their escape should need be.
But whom G-d has blessed men cannot curse!
Clothed with the righteousness of faith, mind and soul garrisoned with trust in G-d and His promises, with such G-d makes even his enemies to be at peace.
Hosea 12:3-5, KJV:
“He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength [best,
first and foremost of his substance, effort and faith] = ôwno
he had power [as a prince] = sara with God:
12:4 Yea, he had [the] power [of
authority, rule] = jasaar (sûwr) over the angel,
messenger = êl’malâch, and prevailed [as
one who is able to overcome <even> through suffering and by endurance]
= yuchal [yâkôl]: he wept [as with
lamentation; or simply, having tears in his eyes, perhaps from pain}
= bâkâh, and made supplication unto him [as
the superior entreating the favor of the inferior] = vajitchanen’lo
[chanan]: he found him/us = jimtza’enu in Bethel,
and
there he spake with us = v’sham jidaber imanu;
12:5 Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD
is his memorial.”
Only Hosea makes reference to this event (besides the N.T. Scriptures) and tells us that this “man = ish” was a “malâch,” which means angel as well as messenger. This “man” apparently was a messenger from Satan, Samael, the angel of Esau. And Hosea confirms that Jacob had the power and authority of a prince or ruler over him, while the strength by which he had power with G-d was one of tremendous effort and exertion of faith, by which he became a prince/minister before G-d, one who has divinely delegated power of authority.
Neither Jacob’s weeping nor his supplication are to be understood as begging. Rather, he shows humility by entreating - and not harshly demanding - the defeated foe to confirm the blessing .
In no wise do these two verses in Hosea 12 contradict what is written in Genesis 32. On the contrary: verse 4 goes immediately into G-d having found him, or us, at Beit-el (Bethel) and spoken there to us. Since these words follow immediately the “supplication” without any interruption, the supplication is presented as a natural outcome, or reflection of Jacob’s experience at Beit-el, where G-d confirmed the covenant and the promise. The image created by these words is that of Jacob suddenly remembering what G-d had said and promised --- his G-d Who is the L-RD of hosts; and the memorial of the covenant he had made there with G-d. The covenant with this mighty G-d of battle - his G-d - was sure, hence he needed neither begging nor tearful pleading. But with the authority of the heir of which he now was sure he entreated this “man” to make valid what G-d already had confirmed.
For thus says the
L-RD: "Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,
and raise shouts
for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise,
and say, 'The
L-RD has saved His people, the remnant of Israel.'"
Blessed and praised be the Lord our G-d Whose Truth is imbedded in the words inspired by Him, and which He reveals to all who delight in His Word and approach it with reverential awe, digging into its depth as one who seeks for great treasures. To Him alone be glory and honor forever and ever.
Amen and Amen
| 41 Jeremiah 31:7 | 42 Malachi 4:2 |
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