Jacob The Wrestler

Q

What is the meaning behind the Story of Jacob and his all night wrestling match which results in his dislocated hip?

A

I think this was a model for God’s relationship with His people. Remember, Jacob was renamed Israel after this event. Israel means “struggles with God” and that’s certainly the way it’s been for them.

Obviously God could have pinned Jacob at any time, so there has to be a hidden meaning. And Jacob didn’t give up until he was seriously injured. At the end of the Age Israel will return to God only after they’ve almost been destroyed. Hosea 6:1-2 says, “Come, let us return to the LORD.He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us,that we may live in his presence.