Genesis 32
SIBGenesis 32:24-28
The son of God in human form appeared to Jacob, as if he intended to cast him down; but Jacob, enabled of God, with bodily, and chiefly spiritual, strength, in fervent prayer prevailed over what is his first wife. To render him sensible of his weakness, Christ & God, his High; 24 or 25, 7; but, after encouraging his supplications, he changed his name, as a token of bettering his condition. Hence, when the country is a great form, she is called Jacob; Amos vii. 2, 5, 8. Isa. vii. 14. God, who is a colour and excellency are signified, she is called Israel; God, 1. The God gave Jacob strength to overcome, and also the reward and praise of the victory
Genesis 32:29
He granted his request, and confirmed the blessings which he had formerly obtained; chap. xxvii. 28, 29, and xxviii. 3, 4, 13—15, and comforted him under the hurt of his thigh; Hos. vi. 1
Genesis 32:30
He saw not the divine essence itself; Ex. xxxiii. 20, 23, but God in human shape, in a most familiar and friendly manner; Num. xii. 8. REJECTIONS FROM CHAP. XXXII.—What sore trials saints often meet with in the very way which God directs them to take! But seasonable are the visits which God and his angels make to his people in such times of need. May Jesus and his angels so meet each day way to the Canaan above! Deep-seated, in fact, a 10 day sentiment, which neither length of days can wear out, nor the most subtle of yielding passage, and when what would make a friend rejoice makes a brother easy and rage! Mollions spirits never forget anything, and as the grave, and in this disordered world power and policy are even with the applause. In distress it is necessary to betake ourselves to prayer, and to join the protection of God with our prudent endeavours: and amidst fear of danger we ought to trust to, and plead, God’s promises; and while commemorating our mercies, and conscious of our unworthiness, we must insist on his fulfilment of his word. In danger it is prudent to present a part, if that can preserve the whole, for peace cannot be bought too dear; and a large present is a good recommendation to a worldly mind, since apparent courage and confidence in a man’s goodness lay him under a kind of obligation to shew it.—They, who would prevail in temptations, must first wrestle with God in prayer. If he exercise us with sore trials, we may depend on him, that as our days are, so shall our strength be. A deep sense of our insufficiency gives our faith occasion to take more firm hold of Christ.—God loves importunate prayers; and perseverance therein will be crowned with victory. How pleasant to have our hearts, and names and things made new! Such memorials of remarkable fellowship with God are honourable and pleasing; and even children may look back upon their pure mercies, as upon their own, with regard and thankfulness.—Let me here myself, What experience have I had of the ministration of God’s angels? What instances have I broken the bones with a soft answer, and packed so much with a gift in the bosom? What promises, spoken to my heart, have I pleaded at the throne of grace? What nights or days have I spent in wrestling with God, in behalf of myself, my family, my country, or the church of God? What blessings and answers of peace have I obtained? Where are the Belles, and Penels, in which God Almighty hath appeared unto me, and have seen him in the person of Jesus Christ, as it were, face to face, and be preserved?