I think that Jacob still really wins. Jacob received the blessing he desired from this mysterious man, and was also told his name is now Israel. Israel is the setting for many prominent events in the rest of the Bible so this name is the precedent for what is to come. Jacob’s “death” is when he leaves Laban with almost everything he owns, essentially robbing him. This act is controversial and leads God to try and test Jacob’s character. Coming in the form of some random man and literally wrestling with Jacob is symbolic of God testing Jacob’s character, in particular his strength. However, it is also the promise that God gave Rebekah coming to fruition. He told her that her younger son (Jacob) would ultimately rule the older one (Esau) and this happens in Genesis 33 and 36. In Genesis 33, Jacob confronts his brother and Esau never avenges him. In Genesis 36 it’s revealed that Esau has less sons than Jacob and therefore less power.
Jacob is the father of the 12 tribes of Israel: an important role to partake. Even though God ultimately wins the fight, Jacob gains something much greater. He is given a legacy that will rule over God’s land, which will eventually be named Israel. This battle is one of the only, if not the only, face to face encounter someone has had with God. Such an event is extremely important. It’s interesting to see how God’s promise to Abraham has come to fruition and exactly how God tests people. Through the Great Flood, potential human sacrifice, and a wrestling match, God ensures that these successors are truly up to the challenge to restore communion with God and maintain His creation.
Hey Summer! I really enjoyed reading about your opinion on the assigned passages. Even though I do agree with what you say, I would like to add that because just after the blessing Jacob walks away as the sun rises, this symbolically portrays a re-birth and I think this is a very important point when mentioning why and what Jacob wins.
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