 |  |
this time with a live coal from off the altar. Isaiah who had spoken so directly to the
people about their sins, suddenly cries:--
"Woe is me, for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the
midst of a people of unclean lips; FOR MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE KING"
(Isa. 6: 5).
Other instances will occur to the reader. Daniel, Paul and John, all stood upon the
same ford Jabbok as a prelude to Peniel.
It is at this place that we read the first real recorded prayer of Scripture
(Gen. 32: 9-12). In this passage we find the following features:--
A | The pleading of covenant interest.--"O God of my father Abraham."
B | A reminder of God's promise.--"Return . . . I will deal well . . ."
C | Confession of unworthiness.--"I am not worthy."
C | Acknowledgment of blessing.--" I am become two bands."
B | A request for God's protection.--"Lest he . . . smite . . ."
A | The pleading of covenant interest.--"Thy seed as the sand."
The wrestling at Jabbok is in structural correspondence with this prayer, and the
recognition of this will help us somewhat in the understanding of the passage. Further, it
must be remembered that the introduction of Esau so prominently here is the echo of the
earlier vision at Bethel.
A |
Hatred of Esau.
B
| Bethel.--His vow.
B
| Peniel.--His vow.
A |
Reconciliation of Esau.
This, with the omission of much detail, is the ground plan of the passage: the fear of
Esau is uppermost throughout.
(To be concluded).