“And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.”
Cross references: : Gen. 48:16
“And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. Mahanaim: that is, Two hosts, or, camps”
Or, tents. He acknowledgeth God’s benefits: who for the preservation of his, sendeth hosts of Angels.
“And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:”
He reverenced his brother in worldly things, because he chiefly looked to be preferred to the spiritual promise.
“Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;”
Albeit he was comforted by the Angels, yet the infirmity of the flesh doth appear.
“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. I am not: Heb. I am less than all”
That is, poor and without all provision. Hebrew, I am less than all thy mercies .
“Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. with: Heb. upon”
Meaning, he will put all to death. This proverb cometh of them which kill the bird together with his young ones.
“And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;”
Not distrusting God’s assistance, but using such means as God had given him.
“And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me. of me: Heb. my face”
He thought it no loss to depart with these goods, to the intent he might follow the vocation whereunto God called him. Hebrew, receive my face .
“And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.”
For God assaileth his with the one hand, and upholdeth them with the other.
“And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Israel: that is, A prince of God”
Gen. 35:10 God gave Jacob both power to overcome, and also the praise of the victory.
“And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.”
The faithful to overcome their tentations, that they feel the smart thereof, to the intent that they should not glory, but in their humility.