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Jacob Research Paper

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Today’s text describes Jacob’s fight with a man.
Jacob wrestled with the man until daybreak.
During the hard fighting, the man struck Jacob’s hip, which was put out of joint.
Despite great pain, Jacob was fighting against the man without giving up
At last, the man ardently asked Jacob, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” (32:26)
From this scene, we wonder, why didn’t Jacob allow the man to go?
Clearly, we are able to know the answer from Jacob’s saying.
“I will not let you go, unless you bless me.”(32:26)
To Jacob, the reason to fight with the man was to receive a blessing.
Why did Jacob need the blessing, even putting his life in danger?

In order to answer the question, we first should look at his life.
Jacob was a born fighter.
Even before …show more content…

Regarding this, the prophet, Hosea said that “[Jacob] wept and sought his favor.” (Hosea 12:4)
Then, a wonderful thing happened.
The man wrestling with Jacob asked, “What is your name?”(32:27)
And, Jacob answered, “Jacob.” (32:27)
Then the man said to Jacob, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel,
For you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.”(32:28)

Now, we can answer to the question I raised at the beginning of this sermon.
Why Jacob needed a blessing, even putting his life in danger?
In fact, Jacob’s past life was to plunder Esau’s birthright and blessing.
Jacob was a thief and a bad fighter.
So, in order to face Esau confidently, he urgently needed a true blessing gained through a fair fight.
At that time, God was willing to fight with Jacob to give an opportunity to fight in a right way, to give a blessing through the new name, Israel.
Through the fight, God made Jacob reconcile with himself.
Through the name, God gave Jacob new personality.
“You have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.”
Now, Jacob was ready to meet Esau.
Now, Jacob was ready to go forward.

In light of today’s scripture, I want to ask

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