Genesis 32:1-9 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.… I. JACOB'S VISIBLE WORLD. He had just escaped the persecutions of his father-in-law, and was now expecting to meet with a fiercer enemy in his brother. All was dread and anxiety. II. JACOB'S INVISIBLE WORLD. What a different scene is presented to him when his spiritual eye is opened, and God permits him to see those invisible forces which were engaged on his side. We are told that "the angels of God met him." He was weak to all human appearance; but he was really strong, for God's host had come to deliver him from any host of men that might oppose. The host of God is described as parting into two bands, as if to protect him behind and before; or to assure him that as he had been delivered from one enemy, so he would be delivered from another enemy, which was coming forth to meet him. Thus Jacob was taught — 1. To whom he owed his late mercies. 2. The true source of his protection. 3. His faith is confirmed. It is justified for the past, and placed upon a firmer basis for the future. (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. |
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