R.C. Sproul

Let's look briefly then at that moment in history when the name of Jacob was changed.

We read it in Genesis chapter 32.

I'm going to pick it up at verse 23 where we read, "...he took them and sent them over the brook and sent over what he had.

But then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until the breaking of day."

Now when he saw that he did not prevail against him, he touched the socket of his hip, and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as he wrestled with him.

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaks.

But he, that is Jacob, said, I will not let you go unless you bless me.

So he said to him, what is your name?

He said, Jacob.

And he said, your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel.

For you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.

And then Jacob asked, saying, Tell me your name, I pray.

And he said, Why is it that you ask about my name?

And he blessed him there.

And so Jacob called the name of the place Peniel.

For I have seen God face to face.

and my life is preserved.

This event at Peniel records a struggle, conflict, combat between a human being, Jacob, and a representative from God himself.

The angel of the Lord comes down from heaven and meets Jacob where he is.

And the two engage in conflict.