Bible Discussion Thread

....He is in need of God's help. In this instance, instead of God initiating the interaction by appearing to him and speaking to him first, Jacob calls on God in prayer for help in facing a perceived adversary. He has realized the he does not need to wait on God to show up, but he can go straight to God and get a response. This is a challenge of his faith, "will God answer my prayer?"

I noticed that Jacob was willing to stay all night in camp seeking God's help even though his family has gone ahead. So by morning, his family is 8+ hours ahead of him. And, as a result of the wrestling match, he has a limp from where God touched his thigh. He will be walking more slowly for the rest of his life. He will be constantly reminded of the night of wrestling with God. He will always know that God is stronger than him. He will also know that God is with him adn only a prayer away.

Gigi I don't see how Going to God in prayer would be challenging or a test of faith, prayer in its common denominator is asking God to do something i.e. help, just like a human child going to there father. It says in hebrews for us to boldly come to the throne of grace to find help in time of need.

David,

I was intending that I don't think that Jacob was used to going to God in prayer before he left for Haran. that is why he made a conditional vow to God..."If God will...then I will..."

At this time, before he was to meet Esau, he had grown some in his relationship with God, but this night was pivotal in him coming to the realization and belief that he could really trust God and also go to him first and not just wait for Him to show up, as He had in past events. It was after this night that Jacob began referring to God as the God of Israel. Before he referred to God as the God of Abraham or the God (Fear) of Isaac, but his own personal God.