This document discusses the biblical story of Jacob as he prepares to meet his brother Esau after many years, highlighting his intense prayer and divine encounter at Jabbok. Jacob's fear of Esau's possible hostility compels him to pray fervently, leading to a transformation that allows for a peaceful reconciliation rather than conflict. The account illustrates the importance of prayer, repentance, and the power of divine intervention in resolving conflicts and restoring relationships.

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ADULT STS LESSON 20 – JACOB PREVAILS AT JABBOK
MEMORY VERSE: “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for
as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Gen 32:28).
TEXT: Gen 32:1-32; 33:1-20
After sealing a non-aggression pact with Laban, Jacob continued his journey homeward. He
met “angels of God” on his way and recognized that “This is God’s host”. Since he obeyed
divine instruction by departing Padanaram, God also ensured his protection and preservation
through the ministry of angels. That, notwithstanding, Jacob sent a message of appeasement
to his twin brother, Esau. The feedback that his brother was coming to meet him with 400
men of war brought fear and distress. He came to his wit’s end; danger loomed large and
near in his thoughts and imagination. His conflict resolution skills and gifts could do little to
pacify Esau. Death and destruction would soon be unleashed on the women, children,
servants and flock. The wealth acquired for twenty years was soon to be plundered and
wasted. It was this painful premonition that drove Jacob to pray with unparalleled intensity
and wrestling with a divine personality at Jabbok. The outcome of this encounter was
impressive and teaches a vital lesson on the power of importunate and fervent prayer. Esau’s
heart that was filled with hatred and murderous intention was melted. Rather than hurt
Jacob with his four hundred men, Esau embraced and kissed him. At last, both of them wept
over each other’s shoulders and Esau accepted Jacob’s presents and went away with his men
in peace. God answered his prayers by turning his aggrieved brother to a friend. The account
teaches the benefits of obeying God, absolute dependence on Him at difficult times and the
possibilities of effectual, fervent prayer of importunate seekers of divine intervention. God is
a very present Help in trouble. Life’s challenges will turn to testimonies to the glory of God if
we tread the path of obedience and pray with fervency.
1. JACOB’S DISTRESS AT THE NEWS OF ESAU’S ADVANCE
Gen 32:1-21; 17:7; Matt 5:23-24; 18:15-18
Jacob’s goodwill message of his sojourn with Laban and his peaceful return with wealth was
no value to his offended brother. His servants returned with frightful news of Esau’s coming
to meet him with four hundred men. “And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, we
came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men
with him” (Gen 32:6). Time does not always heal hurts and injuries done to our neighbors.
What is the use of gifts without repentance and restitution? Scriptural principle must be
followed to mend soured relationships (Matt 5:23,24; 18:15-18). Jacob responded to the
imminent calamity by dividing the people that were with him, including the flocks, herds and
camels into the bands; “And said if Esau come to the one company and smite it, then
the other company which is left shall escape” (Gen 32:8). Who would adjudge his fear
unnecessary though he had left Laban for home on the strength of divine directive? The Lord
had recently graciously mollified Laban from executing his cruel intent against him. And
Jacob had recently had a vision of angelic host around him. All these, coupled with the divine
support he had consistently enjoyed, should have emboldened him to move on without fear.
But they could not because of a lingering reconciliation he was yet to carry out, saints are
enjoined to exercise themselves “to have always a conscience void of offence towards
God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16). The word of God commands that we should follow
peace with all men. There is no account of scriptural promises and assurance, coupled with
living testimonies of various deliverance, that will hide us from God’s wrath if we are guilty
of wrong doing against our fellow men. Confession, repentance and full restitution must be
done in order to be reconciled with the offended person before we can enjoy the promises of
victory and protection from the Lord, Restitution is an act of making amends for wrongs done
against our fellow men, restoring stolen items to their rightful owners, paying debts, giving
back where one has defrauded, making confession to the offended and apologizing to those

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slandered to have a conscience void of offence towards God and men (Gen 20:1-8; Lev 6:1-
7; Matt 5:23,24; Acts 23:1-5; 24:16; James 4:17). Unsatisfied with his strategy, Jacob
resorted to praying. This is a commendable response to the light of scriptures (Ps 56:3).
When faced with challenges, believers should pray as Jacob did. In his prayer, he
acknowledged God’s covenant relationship with Abraham and Isaac and His instruction that
he returned home. The believer in Christ has God as father by virtue of adoption through
Christ (Rom 8:15; Eph 1:5). Jacob was humbly thankful as he expressed his unworthiness
of God’s favours that, “…with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now, I am become
two bands” (Gen 32:10). He asked God to deliver him and his family from being wiped out
by Esau. “Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau:
for I fear him. Lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children”
(Gen 32:11). His prayer was hinged on God’s promises. The realization that gifts would not
pacify Esau drove him to the place of prayer.
2. JACOB’S ENCOUNTER WITH AN ANGEL IN PREVAILING PRAYER
Gen 32:22-32; Hosea 12:3-5; Matt 15:22-28
Jacob rose up that night and sent his wives and children over the ford Jabbok. He also sent
over all that he had. “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him
until the breaking of the day” (Gen 32:24). His resort to prayer teaches us that if a godly
desire has not been met, we should pray more and depend on God. There is no alternative
for a child of God. Jacob’s prayer was more resolute, concentrated, intense and involving. As
a result of his importunity, he received an unexpected guest, a divine touch and an eventual
divine intervention (Gen 32:25; Hosea 12:4; Isa 63:9). The identity of this personality who
at different times was referred to as ‘man’, and ‘anger’ was actually divine, despite his
human physique (Gen 32:30; Hosea 12:4,5). The prayer encounter offers valuable lessons for
New Testament believers.
i. Though Jacob had received divine promises and assurance, this encounter was necessary
to transform and purge his life and character of any trace of crookedness. God always
desires perfection in those He favors.
ii. The Lord was not in a hurry to bless Jacob. Recall that Abraham waited a long time before
the promised child came. David waited for some years before his anointing culminated
into his coronation; the disciples waited some weeks after Christ’s ascension before the
promised Holy Spirit baptism was manifested. Contemporary believers have need of
patience to inherit the promises (Isa 30:18; Habakkuk 2:3; Mark 14:34; Lk 24:49;
Heb 6:11,12; 10:35-37; James 5:7,8).
iii. The wrestling was tough and long; it lasted till daybreak. This man desperate for divine
blessing and elevation.
iv. The divine wrestler weakened Jacob physically and left him with a dislocation of his hip;
“…he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hallow of Jacob’s thigh was out of
joint, as he wrestled with him” (Gen 32:25). It was also to indicate that lasting victory
is not won on the basis of physical strength or human schemes: we must overcome in
the strength which God Himself bestows (Ps 33:16, 2 Cor 12:10).
v. It appeared the angel attempted to leave without dropping the much-desired blessing but
Jacob would not let go. Believers must learn to be purposeful in the quest for divine
intervention in life and ministry (2 kings 2:1-14; Lk 24:28,29).
vi. The angel asked a pertinent question: “What is thy name? And he said, Jacob”. His
response was not required for information but for contrition and confession. Recall that
Jacob’s answer to a similar question about twenty years earlier was a calculated
falsehood through which he deceptively obtained blessings from his father. Christians
must tell the truth at all times. God had unilaterally determined that the covenant
blessing was meant for Jacob. Claiming a different appellation was only a shortcut to
needless delays, suffering and lifelong insecurity. The grace of God is primarily meant for

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the unworthy. Poverty of spirit and prayer for mercy make sinners and backsliders
appropriate His provision of salvation.
vii. Having been considered successful in the night encounter, the Lord blessed Jacob,
changed his name and commended him. “…Thy name shall be called no Jacob, but
Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast
prevailed” (Gen 32:28).
3. JACOB’S MEETING AND RECONCILIATION WITH ESAU
Gen 33:1-20; Pro 17:8; Hosea 12:4
Having met God in prayer, Jacob was then prepared to meet Esau physically. As Esau
approached with his four hundred men, Jacob marched straight to him. “And he passed
over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to
his brother” (Gen 33:3). It is obvious that he obtained the virtues of humility and absolute
faith in God. He discarded all arrangements he had put in place out of fear. Jacob lifted his
eyes and saw Esau approach with his men. His warm embrace, hug, kiss and tears were
evidence that God had softened his heart (1 Sam 26:2,25; Pro 16:7). Although Jacob knew
he could not buy his way out, he still prevailed on Esau to receive his presents. He accorded
him the honour of a superior both in his word and mien. Esau was pleased and Jacob’s
family and flocks were spared. The lesson here is that God’s favour is upon the meek. And
when we pray for grace, there would be strength to carry out difficult but necessary
restitution. After the reconciliation, Esau offered to leave some of his men as escort for Jacob,
but the latter considered it unnecessary. He politely declined. “Let my Lord, I pray thee,
pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that
goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my Lord unto
Seir” (Gen 33:14). In conclusion, we learn that the Lord knows how to deliver those that
depend on Him and seek his help, provided aethey are resolutely committed to obeying Him
(Ps 18:2,3,17-19; 22:5; 34:4, Num 20:19-21; Deu 2:32,33; Ps 68:30; 140:1-4). Tarrying
in prayer unto God for precious blessings like sanctification of the heart and Holy Ghost
baptism should last until the answer is given. We should learn to pray until the fire fall.
QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW:
1. Why is it necessary to pray before reconciliation and restitution?
2. Why was Jacob afraid of Esau?
3. How important is restitution in our walk with God and fellow men?
4. List some lessons from the encounter of Jacob with the heavenly visitor.
5. What can believers learn from Jacob’s prevailing prayer and reconciliation with
Esau?
6. Why is prayer indispensable to believers?
7. Give examples of other men of God who prevailed through prayers.