Bible Commentaries
Genesis 32

Introduction

Overview

Genesis 32:1, Jacob’s vision at Mahanaim; Genesis 32:3, His message to Esau; Genesis 32:6, He is afraid of Esau’s coming; Genesis 32:9, He prays for deliverance; Genesis 32:13, He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok; Genesis 32:24, He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel; Genesis 32:31, He halts.

Verse 1

angels: Psalms 91:11, Hebrews 1:4, 1 Corinthians 3:22, Ephesians 3:10

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:12 - ladder Genesis 35:9 - General Joshua 13:26 - Mahanaim Psalms 34:7 - encampeth Zechariah 9:8 - I will Matthew 18:10 - their Luke 2:13 - a multitude Hebrews 1:14 - sent

Verse 2

God's: Joshua 5:14, 2 Kings 6:17, Psalms 34:7, Psalms 103:21, Psalms 148:2, Daniel 10:20, Luke 2:13

the name: Joshua 21:38, 2 Samuel 2:8, 2 Samuel 2:12, 2 Samuel 17:24, 2 Samuel 17:26, 2 Samuel 17:27, 1 Kings 2:8, 1 Kings 4:14

Mahanaim: i.e. two hosts, or camps, Song of Solomon 6:13, Mahanaim was situated between Gilead and the river Jabbok, near the present Djezan.

Reciprocal: Genesis 28:12 - ladder Joshua 13:26 - Mahanaim 1 Chronicles 6:80 - Mahanaim 1 Chronicles 12:22 - like the host of God 2 Chronicles 18:18 - all the host Nehemiah 9:6 - the host Zechariah 9:8 - I will Matthew 18:10 - their Hebrews 1:14 - sent

Verse 3

sent: Malachi 3:1, Luke 9:52, Luke 14:31, Luke 14:32

land: The land, or mountains, of Seir was situated south and east of the Dead Sea; forming a continuation of the eastern Syrian chain of mountains, beginning with Antilibanus, and extending from thence to the eastern gulf of the Red Sea.

Seir: Genesis 14:6, Genesis 33:14, Genesis 33:16, Genesis 36:6-8, Deuteronomy 2:5, Deuteronomy 2:22, Joshua 24:4

country: Heb. field

Edom: Genesis 25:30

Reciprocal: Genesis 36:1 - General Genesis 36:8 - mount Seir Numbers 20:14 - thy brother Joshua 11:17 - that goeth Joshua 12:7 - Seir Psalms 78:12 - Zoan Ezekiel 35:2 - mount Matthew 5:25 - with Luke 12:58 - give

Verse 4

my lord: Genesis 32:5, Genesis 32:18, Genesis 4:7, Genesis 23:6, Genesis 27:29, Genesis 27:37, Genesis 33:8, Exodus 32:22, 1 Samuel 26:17, Proverbs 6:3, Proverbs 15:1, Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 3:6

servant: 1 Kings 20:32, Ecclesiastes 10:4

Reciprocal: Numbers 20:14 - thy brother Proverbs 25:15 - long Daniel 4:19 - My Lord

Verse 5

have oxen: Genesis 30:43, Genesis 31:1, Genesis 31:16, Genesis 33:11, Job 6:22

may find: Genesis 33:8, Genesis 33:15, Genesis 47:25, Ruth 2:2, 1 Samuel 1:18, 2 Samuel 16:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:16 - he had Genesis 18:3 - favour Genesis 23:6 - my lord Genesis 32:4 - my lord Genesis 32:10 - two bands Genesis 32:18 - General Genesis 39:4 - Joseph Daniel 4:19 - My Lord

Verse 6

and four: Genesis 32:8, Genesis 32:11, Genesis 27:40, Genesis 27:41, Genesis 33:1, Amos 5:19

Reciprocal: Genesis 25:23 - two manner Genesis 32:12 - thou Numbers 20:20 - Thou shalt Proverbs 16:7 - he Proverbs 18:19 - brother

Verse 7

greatly: Exodus 14:10, Psalms 18:4, Psalms 18:5, Psalms 31:13, Psalms 55:4, Psalms 55:5, Psalms 61:2, Psalms 142:4, Matthew 8:26, John 16:33, Acts 14:22, 2 Corinthians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:12

distressed: Genesis 35:3, Psalms 107:6

and he: Psalms 112:5, Proverbs 2:11, Isaiah 28:26, Matthew 10:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:10 - two bands Genesis 33:1 - And he 1 Samuel 30:6 - was greatly 2 Chronicles 20:3 - feared Job 5:8 - seek Psalms 77:2 - In the Psalms 118:5 - called Proverbs 16:7 - he Jeremiah 30:7 - it is Jonah 2:2 - I cried Philippians 4:6 - in

Verse 8

Genesis 33:1-3, Matthew 10:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:6 - and four

Verse 9

Jacob: 1 Samuel 30:6, 2 Chronicles 20:6, 2 Chronicles 20:12, 2 Chronicles 32:20, Psalms 34:4-6, Psalms 50:15, Psalms 91:15, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:7

O God: Genesis 17:7, Genesis 28:13, Genesis 31:29, Genesis 31:42, Genesis 31:53, Exodus 3:6

the Lord: Genesis 31:3, Genesis 31:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:12 - O Lord Genesis 28:15 - I am 1 Kings 18:36 - Lord God Nehemiah 4:9 - Nevertheless Psalms 22:4 - General Psalms 25:6 - for they Psalms 118:5 - called Psalms 119:49 - Remember Psalms 119:170 - deliver me Jeremiah 32:16 - I Prayed Daniel 2:23 - O thou Hosea 12:4 - made Mark 12:26 - I am Luke 18:1 - that Luke 20:37 - when John 16:24 - in Hebrews 11:15 - mindful

Verse 10

not worthy of the least of all: Heb. less than all, Genesis 18:27, 2 Samuel 7:18, Job 42:5, Job 42:6, Psalms 16:2, Isaiah 6:5, Isaiah 63:7, Daniel 9:8, Daniel 9:9, Luke 5:8, Luke 17:10, 2 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Timothy 1:12-15, 1 Peter 5:5, 1 John 1:8-10

mercies: Genesis 24:27, Psalms 8:5

truth: Genesis 24:27, Genesis 28:15, Psalms 61:7, Psalms 85:10, Micah 7:20

my staff: Genesis 28:10, Genesis 28:11, Job 8:7, Psalms 18:35

two bands: Genesis 32:5, Genesis 32:7, Genesis 30:43, Deuteronomy 8:18, Psalms 18:35, Psalms 84:7, Job 17:9, Proverbs 4:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:49 - deal kindly and truly Genesis 28:2 - Padanaram Judges 6:15 - the least 2 Samuel 6:22 - in mine 2 Samuel 19:28 - were 1 Chronicles 17:16 - Who am I 1 Chronicles 29:14 - who am I Job 40:4 - Behold Song of Solomon 4:3 - thy temples Matthew 8:8 - I am Matthew 15:27 - Truth Luke 7:6 - for Luke 15:19 - no 1 Corinthians 16:2 - as God

Verse 11

Deliver: 1 Samuel 12:10, 1 Samuel 24:15, Psalms 16:1, Psalms 25:20, Psalms 31:2, Psalms 43:1, Psalms 59:1, Psalms 59:2, Psalms 119:134, Psalms 142:6, Proverbs 18:19, Daniel 3:17, Matthew 6:13

the mother: Deuteronomy 22:6, Hosea 10:14

with: Heb. upon

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:6 - and four Genesis 43:14 - And God Nehemiah 1:11 - grant Psalms 56:10 - General Psalms 119:74 - I have Proverbs 18:10 - the righteous

Verse 12

thou: Genesis 32:6, Exodus 32:13, Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29, Matthew 24:35, 2 Timothy 2:13, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:17

I will: Genesis 28:13-15, Genesis 46:3, Genesis 46:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:16 - General Genesis 17:4 - a father Genesis 28:14 - thy seed Genesis 35:11 - a nation Genesis 48:4 - Behold I Numbers 10:29 - for the Lord Joshua 11:4 - as the sand 2 Samuel 7:25 - establish it 1 Chronicles 17:23 - let the thing Job 23:4 - fill my mouth Job 29:18 - as the sand Psalms 119:74 - I have Isaiah 43:26 - Put Isaiah 62:6 - make mention of the Lord Hosea 1:10 - the number Hebrews 11:12 - as the sand

Verse 13

which: 1 Samuel 25:8

to his hand: Or, "under his hand" or power; i.e., what Providence had put in his power or possession.

a present: Genesis 32:20, Genesis 32:21, Genesis 18:2, Genesis 33:10, Genesis 42:6, Genesis 43:11, Genesis 43:26, 1 Samuel 25:27, Proverbs 17:8, Proverbs 18:16, Proverbs 19:6, Proverbs 21:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:16 - he had Genesis 33:8 - What meanest thou by all this drove Genesis 33:11 - my blessing 1 Samuel 25:18 - took two Nehemiah 4:13 - Therefore Matthew 5:25 - with

Verse 14

This was a princely present. The "thirty milch camels" were particularly valuable; for among the Arabs they constitute a principal part of their riches; being every way so serviceable, that the providence of God appears peculiarly kind and wise in providing such animals for those countries, where no other animal could be of equal service. The she-camel gives milk continually, not ceasing even when with young; the milk of which, when mixed with three parts of water, affords the most pleasant and wholesome beverage. Genesis 30:43, Genesis 31:9, Genesis 31:16, Deuteronomy 8:18, 1 Samuel 25:2, Job 1:3, Job 42:12

Verse 16

space: Genesis 32:20, Genesis 33:8, Genesis 33:9, Psalms 112:5, Proverbs 2:11, Isaiah 28:26, Matthew 10:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:1 - And he 1 Samuel 25:19 - Go

Verse 17

Whose art: Genesis 33:3

Reciprocal: Judges 19:17 - whither

Verse 18

Genesis 32:4, Genesis 32:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 23:6 - my lord Daniel 4:19 - My Lord

Verse 20

I will appease: Genesis 43:11, 1 Samuel 25:17-35, Job 42:8, Job 42:9, Proverbs 15:18, Proverbs 16:14, Proverbs 21:14

peradventure: 1 Samuel 6:5, 1 Kings 20:31, Jonah 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:25

of me: Heb. my face, Job 42:8, Job 42:9, Proverbs 6:35

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:13 - a present Genesis 32:16 - space 1 Samuel 25:19 - Go 2 Kings 18:31 - Make an agreement with me 2 Chronicles 20:26 - the name Esther 5:4 - the banquet Proverbs 18:16 - General Proverbs 19:6 - and Isaiah 36:16 - Make an agreement with me by a present Daniel 10:17 - talk

Verse 21

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:13 - a present Joshua 8:9 - lodged

Verse 22

his two wives: Genesis 29:21-35, Genesis 30:1-24, Genesis 35:18, Genesis 35:22-26, 1 Timothy 5:8

the ford Jabbok: Or, "the ford of Jabbok," a stream which takes its rise in the mountains of Gilead, and falls into the Jordan to the south of the lake of Gennesareth. It is now called the Zerka. Deuteronomy 2:37, Deuteronomy 3:16, Joshua 12:2

Reciprocal: Genesis 16:3 - his Genesis 25:6 - concubines Numbers 21:24 - Arnon Judges 11:13 - Jabbok Nehemiah 2:12 - I arose Ezekiel 27:23 - Asshur

Verse 23

sent them: Heb. caused to pass, Genesis 32:23

Verse 24

wrestled: Genesis 30:8, Luke 13:24, Luke 22:44, Romans 8:26, Romans 8:27, Romans 15:30, Ephesians 6:12, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 2:1, Colossians 4:12, Hebrews 5:7

man: Genesis 32:28, Genesis 32:30, Genesis 48:16, Isaiah 32:2, Hosea 12:3-5, 1 Corinthians 15:47

breaking of the day: Heb. ascending of the morning, Exodus 14:27, Song of Solomon 2:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 16:10 - the angel Genesis 35:3 - who answered Genesis 35:9 - General Exodus 24:11 - laid not Joshua 5:13 - a man 1 Kings 18:37 - Hear me 2 Chronicles 20:3 - feared Psalms 30:5 - in the Psalms 119:55 - night Psalms 143:8 - to hear Psalms 146:5 - the God Jeremiah 30:7 - it is Ezekiel 1:26 - the appearance of a man Ezekiel 10:1 - as the Daniel 10:8 - I was Jonah 2:2 - I cried Zechariah 1:10 - the man Matthew 6:6 - enter Mark 10:48 - but Luke 6:12 - continued Luke 18:1 - that John 1:48 - when Acts 7:30 - an Romans 12:12 - continuing Philippians 2:6 - thought Hebrews 1:1 - at Hebrews 1:14 - sent

Verse 25

that he: Genesis 19:22, Numbers 14:13, Numbers 14:14, Isaiah 41:14, Isaiah 45:11, Hosea 12:3, Hosea 12:4, Matthew 15:22-28, Luke 11:5-8

touched: Genesis 32:32, Psalms 30:6, Psalms 30:7, Matthew 26:41, Matthew 26:44, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:8 - Naphtali Genesis 32:31 - he halted Daniel 10:8 - turned Matthew 20:31 - but they cried Mark 6:5 - General Luke 13:24 - Strive

Verse 26

Let me go: Exodus 32:10, Deuteronomy 9:14, Song of Solomon 7:5, Isaiah 45:11, Isaiah 64:7, Luke 24:28, Luke 24:29

I will not: Song of Solomon 3:4, Hosea 12:4, Luke 18:1-7, Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 2 Corinthians 12:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 5:7

thou bless: 1 Chronicles 4:10, Psalms 67:1, Psalms 67:6, Psalms 67:7, Psalms 115:12, Psalms 115:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:33 - And the Genesis 19:18 - General Genesis 32:29 - blessed Numbers 6:27 - and I will 1 Kings 18:37 - Hear me 1 Kings 18:43 - Go again Psalms 63:8 - followeth Psalms 115:15 - blessed Psalms 123:2 - so our eyes Proverbs 4:13 - let Song of Solomon 6:5 - away Isaiah 62:6 - keep Matthew 15:25 - came Mark 6:48 - would Luke 11:8 - because of Luke 13:24 - Strive Luke 18:39 - but John 4:40 - they

Verse 27

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:29 - Wherefore Genesis 35:10 - General Psalms 20:1 - God Hosea 12:12 - Israel

Verse 28

Thy name: Genesis 17:5, Genesis 17:15, Genesis 33:20, Genesis 35:10, Numbers 13:16, 2 Samuel 12:25, 2 Kings 17:34, Isaiah 62:2-4, Isaiah 65:15, John 1:42, Revelation 2:17

Israel: i.e. a prince of God

as a prince: Or, according to the LXX, Vulgate, Houbigant, Dathe, and Rosenmuller, "because thou hast power with God, thou shalt also prevail with men." There is a beautiful antithesis between the two terms, with אלהים, Elohim, God, the Almighty, with אנשים, anashim, weak, feeble men, as the word imports; seeing thou hast had power with the Almighty, surely thou shalt prevail over perishing mortals.

power: Genesis 32:24, Hosea 12:3-5

with men: Genesis 25:31, Genesis 27:33-36, Genesis 31:24, Genesis 31:36-55, Genesis 33:4, 1 Samuel 26:25, Proverbs 16:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:36 - Jacob Genesis 48:16 - my name Exodus 2:24 - remembered Exodus 34:23 - the God Judges 18:29 - who was 2 Samuel 17:14 - the Lord 1 Kings 18:31 - saying 1 Kings 18:37 - Hear me 2 Kings 19:15 - O Lord God 1 Chronicles 1:34 - Israel 1 Chronicles 2:1 - Israel 1 Chronicles 4:10 - the God 1 Chronicles 6:38 - Israel 1 Chronicles 16:4 - the Lord God 1 Chronicles 29:10 - Lord God Ezra 6:6 - be ye far Ezra 7:6 - according to Ezra 7:28 - extended Nehemiah 1:11 - grant Nehemiah 2:8 - the king Nehemiah 4:9 - Nevertheless Esther 5:2 - she Job 31:37 - as a Psalms 9:19 - let not Psalms 22:4 - General Psalms 77:2 - In the Proverbs 18:10 - the righteous Isaiah 48:1 - which are Jeremiah 2:21 - wholly Jeremiah 9:4 - every brother Jeremiah 20:3 - hath Daniel 1:9 - General Hosea 11:12 - ruleth Hosea 12:12 - Israel Malachi 1:2 - yet I Matthew 15:31 - God John 1:18 - he hath Romans 9:4 - are Israelites James 5:16 - The effectual

Verse 29

Wherefore: Genesis 32:27, Deuteronomy 29:29, Judges 13:16-18, Job 11:7, Proverbs 30:4, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 1:19

blessed: Genesis 32:26, Genesis 27:28, Genesis 27:29, Genesis 28:3, Genesis 28:4, Genesis 28:13, Genesis 28:14, Hosea 6:1

Reciprocal: Exodus 3:13 - What is his name Numbers 6:27 - and I will Judges 13:6 - his name Judges 13:18 - Why askest Proverbs 18:10 - the righteous Hosea 12:4 - angel John 21:12 - durst Revelation 19:12 - a name

Verse 30

Jacob: Genesis 32:31

Peniel: Genesis 28:19, Judges 8:8, Judges 8:17, 1 Kings 12:25

Peniel: i.e. the face of God, Peniel, or Penuel, was evidently situated near the ford of Jabbok, on the north of that stream, about forty miles from Jerusalem.

I have: Genesis 16:13, Exodus 24:10, Exodus 24:11, Exodus 33:14, Exodus 33:19-23, Numbers 12:8, Deuteronomy 5:24, Deuteronomy 34:10, Judges 6:22, Judges 6:23, Judges 13:21, Judges 13:22, Isaiah 6:5, John 1:18, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Galatians 1:6, Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 1:15, 2 Timothy 1:10, Hebrews 11:27

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:7 - appeared Genesis 22:14 - called Genesis 32:24 - man Genesis 33:10 - I have seen Exodus 20:19 - let not Exodus 33:11 - spake Exodus 33:20 - Thou canst not Numbers 14:14 - art seen Ezekiel 10:1 - as the Hosea 12:5 - Even Matthew 5:8 - for John 21:12 - durst Hebrews 12:14 - no man 1 John 4:12 - seen

Verse 31

rose upon: Genesis 19:15, Genesis 19:23, Malachi 4:2

he halted: Genesis 32:25, Psalms 38:17, 2 Corinthians 12:7, 2 Corinthians 12:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:30 - Jacob Judges 8:8 - General Judges 15:18 - shall 1 Kings 12:25 - Penuel Daniel 10:8 - turned

Verse 32

eat not: 1 Samuel 5:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:25 - touched 1 Chronicles 13:11 - to this day