Does The Bible Say An Angel Whacks Jacob in the Hip?

“The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the hip socket, because he struck Jacob on the hip socket at the thigh muscle.” Genesis 32:22-32

Jacob is a liar and a cheat. I have spoken of his antics by which he receives the birthright and the blessing from his father in the place of his brother Esau. But, instead of his deeds leading to separation from G-d and his people, he receives a blessing. This story of his wrestling match with a messenger of G-d leads to his being renamed “Israel” — and he will become the father of the sons for which the tribes of Israel get their names.

This is an incredible story of amazing Grace and redemption for someone who appears to be a scoundrel. In his struggle with the messenger of the Lord, he becomes a symbol for the whole nation of Israel. Through the many years of their striving to understand what it means to be G-d’s chosen people, the Israelites will continue to struggle with their relationship with G-d and the world. This struggle continues to this day.

And there is a message of hope in this struggle for all people. Many people struggle with the world, struggle with survival, and struggle with G-d. But just because we struggle with G-d does not mean G-d abandons us for our struggling. It often is in the struggle where we learn more about G-d, more about our relationship with G-d, and more about our relationship with each other.

If you find yourself struggling with your faith, struggling with the world, and struggling with G-d, I believe you should count yourself blessed. We are blessed that we have a G-d who likes us to struggle with Him.

Pastor Dave