Jacobs Touble

[Clayton W.Guice]

Who can help me understand why Jacob wrestled with God,It takes two to wresle,who started it and why? Jacob was given a dream,so God was comunicating to him,and Jacob didnt worship Labans Idols,But why did he bury them,instead of destroying them,say like moses.Thanks,Clayton

[William H.]

Hebrews 12-16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears

[William H.]

Nice to cross paths Clayton, & interesting area of consideration!

When i look at this area (Gen.32:24-29) I believe this was presented to us to highlight how God's favor works in the walk of his people.

Jacob and Esau had a slight issue between them pertaining to the weight of the (1st born) birth right and now Jacob is told that Esau is coming to see him (Gen.32:6) and Jacob expresses concern over this. Jacob takes precautions and then when it is said that he is alone (Gen.32:24) we have mention of him "wrestling" with a masculine individual/of/Elohim. I don't view this as a "Fight" in the modern sense where there is a spark and from there things get out of control. I see it more of how we are where we are at any given time and God is constantly weighing the heart. So Jacob being in great concern over his family, and all that he has at the approach of Esau he naturally takes these concerns to God and this is communicated to us through the wrestle with Elohim.

In this reguard I apply scriptures on how we are to mature in the Word and our relationship with God and by this all things will be added unto us (He shall provide).

 

Devarim 23:8 You shall not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not despise an Egyptian, for you were a sojourner in his land…. 
Pro.16:1-5/7

The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

vs7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

We know G-d isnt simpley a respecter of persons. The Elect (Jacob) are the elect cause their will aligns with His: in a way that He has choosen them and given them favor. This is being highlighted with the wrestle. Much like Joseph weighed the hearts of his brothers in Egypt.

 (Chabbad) (2 Kiss of Esau and Jacob related to Kiss of Judas and Christ?)

Lk.13:24-27

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

Jacob was interested in peace with Esau for he sent gifts before him to Esau as he approached(Gen.32:20).

 

Gen.33:10-11

And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.

Rom.8:27-30

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

(Jude.1:2-3)

(Pro.21 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom destroying wrath)

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I would have no issue with Jacob destroying these idols (in Gen 35:4) but i think something profound is being said by saying he hid them under the terebinth (Heb. אֵלָה, ) tree for this is a species of tree that bears no fruit. Men of course being liked unto trees in the Word Yeshua told us one without fruits is dead and good for nothing thus stressing judgement on idol worship.

Gen.32:22-32/ Hosea 12:4

I notice I am the first to respond here, this site isnt the most popular but I was coming not knowing this was a post for open discussion rather thinking it was a "blog" study. Take care and may The LORD our God bless our studies and going forth! 

 Other face of Esau EEEE