This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on August 6, 2017.

I imagine that when Jacob left home after receiving the blessing that belonged to his brother Esau, he left with very little. His mother implored him to flee “at once” when Esau sought to kill him (Genesis 27:43). And at Bethel, he rested his head on a rock—not a pillow—prior to his infamous ladder dream (Genesis 28). Throughout the years following his flight, however, Jacob accrued plenty: his animals, his slaves, his family. But he carried all of that with relative ease compared to the burden of seeking reconciliation with the brother who had wanted him dead.

As this passage opens, Jacob is helping his traveling party make their way across the Jabbok. He is releasing every piece of baggage he has, save this most important one. Before Jacob can cross, however, he has to release this final burden. His internal struggle manifests itself externally as this mysterious man who wrestles with Jacob until daybreak.

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