Genesis 32:22-31

Lectionary Year A
August 4, 2002
Genesis 32:22-31

Step II: Disposition

A. GENRE

(JFC)
Here, we have an account of a wrestling match. The match ends with a conversation and a blessing. The conversation gives us some direct address. The blessing sneaks in and interrupts the dialogue.

(JFC) B. PERSONAL INTERACTION

I have to wonder why the blessing seems grammatically, compositionally and dialogically almost incidental. Isn't the blessing the climax of the story? It is for me. The first time I preached this text I was working on it when I came down with multiple sclerosis and I have wrestled with this neurological disorder ever since and God has blessed me all along, too.

Of course, the identity of Jacob's wrestling opponent remains questionable. If it is not God, how effective is the blessing bestowed?

And, what do we do with God's sovereignty if Jacob can hold off such an adversary. And, is God properly adversarial?

Parts of the conversation are worth noting. The changing of Jacob's name has significance, surely, if not only for the reason that it has lasted even as a descriptive name of a people, still.

And, the naming of the place, Penuel, warrants our attention for what experience Jacob has there deserves an interpretive identify.

Do we have to deal much with the polygamy and the servants and Jacob's children and belongings? Aren't they simply customs the people then and there observed? We'll see.