Genesis 32:22

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.

And he rose up {H6965} that night {H3915}, and took {H3947} his two {H8147} wives {H802}, and his two {H8147} womenservants {H8198}, and his eleven {H6240}{H259} sons {H3206}, and passed over {H5674} the ford {H4569} Jabbok {H2999}.

He got up that night, took his two wives, his two slave-girls, and his eleven children, and forded the Yabok.

During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two handmaids, and his eleven children, and passed over the ford of the Jabbok.

Commentary

Genesis 32:22 describes a critical moment in Jacob's journey back to Canaan, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal encounters in his life.

Context

Having spent twenty years with Laban, Jacob is now on his way back to his homeland, Canaan, with his large family and possessions. This verse immediately precedes his highly anticipated and dreaded reunion with his brother, Esau. Jacob had previously defrauded Esau of his birthright and blessing, leading to a deep rift (Genesis 27:41). Jacob's actions in the preceding verses, sending lavish gifts ahead to appease Esau and dividing his camp, reveal his profound anxiety and strategic preparation for this potentially dangerous meeting. Rising up "that night" emphasizes the urgency and trepidation surrounding this imminent confrontation.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Preparation and Prudence: Jacob meticulously plans his approach to Esau, sending his family and possessions across the Jabbok first. This demonstrates a careful and calculated effort to protect his loved ones and minimize risk, even as he faces his own fears.
  • Vulnerability and Isolation: By sending everyone else ahead, Jacob intentionally isolates himself. This act of being alone at the ford Jabbok is crucial, creating the necessary solitude for the profound, personal encounter that follows.
  • Anticipation of Divine Encounter: While Jacob is primarily focused on Esau, his actions and the timing of this separation hint at a deeper spiritual readiness. His previous encounters with God, such as the dream at Bethel, underscore his awareness of God's presence in his life, even amidst fear.

Linguistic Insights

The location, the "ford Jabbok" (Hebrew: Yabboq), holds significant symbolic weight in the narrative. The name Yabboq itself sounds remarkably similar to the Hebrew word for "to wrestle" (אָבַק - ’avaq), foreshadowing the intense physical and spiritual struggle Jacob is about to experience. This linguistic connection underscores the divine intentionality behind the chosen location for Jacob's transformative encounter.

Practical Application

Genesis 32:22 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Facing Challenges: Like Jacob, we often face daunting situations or difficult "reunions" from our past. This verse encourages us to prepare wisely, taking practical steps to protect what is valuable, while also acknowledging our fears.
  • Moments of Solitude: Sometimes, God calls us to moments of isolation or vulnerability, not to abandon us, but to meet us in a profound and personal way. Jacob's solitude at the Jabbok was essential for his spiritual transformation, preparing him for his new identity as Israel, "he who struggles with God".
  • Trust Amidst Fear: Despite his fear of Esau, Jacob continues to move forward, trusting in God's promises. This reminds us that faith often involves taking steps forward even when apprehension is present, knowing that God can meet us in our deepest struggles, much like Jacob's wrestling match at the Jabbok.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 3:16

    And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, [which is] the border of the children of Ammon;

  • Deuteronomy 2:37

    Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, [nor] unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

  • Joshua 12:2

    Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, [and] ruled from Aroer, which [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, [which is] the border of the children of Ammon;

  • Genesis 35:22

    And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

  • Genesis 35:26

    And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these [are] the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.

  • Genesis 35:18

    And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
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