Bible Questions and Answers

Jacob was the name of the patriarch whose name was changed to Israel.

 

 

This verse is in the context of his wrestling with the angel.  How did Jacob "prevail" against an angel?  The same we we do.  Firstly, Jacob said in verse 26 "I will not let you go unless you bless me." He showed a tenacity of faith.  More importantly, he showed passion and tenacity in prayer.  

 

Here's how the prophet Hosea describes the way in which Jacob "prevailed":

 

 

How did he "overcome" an immortal angel endowed with the Spirit of Almighty God? He wept and sought his favour.  So it was with our Lord Jesus Christ:

 

Hebrews 5:7,8  In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear. 8  Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 

 

As it was with Jacob so it was for the Lord Jesus Christ, the true "Israel" (Prince with God), and so must it be for us. The Lord prevailed over sin through the tenacity of his faith and the passionate intensity of his prayer.  He prayed with "strong crying and tears" like Jacob with the angel desperately aware of his own insufficiency and need for God.  May we have the faith and tenacity of Jacob and the courage to follow the example of our Lord as we cling to him in tearful prayer until that great day when he shall return to this earth. Then we shall be blessed indeed!

 

I hope you have found this helpful.

 

God bless,

Mike