"Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank."
Genesis 32:32 is part of the narrative describing the encounter between Jacob and a man with whom he wrestled all night. This event took place just before Jacob was to meet his estranged brother, Esau, whom he had deceived and from whom he had fled many years earlier.
In the preceding verses, Jacob sent his family and possessions ahead and found himself alone. Suddenly, a man appeared and wrestled with him until daybreak. During the struggle, the man realised he could not overpower Jacob, so he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh, causing his thigh muscle to be strained or dislocated. Still, Jacob refused to let go until the man blessed him.
The verse in question, Genesis 32:32:provides an explanation for a practice among the children of Israel that persisted until the time the book of Genesis was written. It states that the Israelites refrain from eating the sinew (or tendon) that shrank, specifically the sinew on the hollow of the thigh. This practice originated from the incident where Jacob’s thigh was affected during his wrestling match.
This verse sheds light on the origins of a dietary restriction observed by the Israelites, which can be seen as a remembrance of Jacob’s encounter. It serves as a reminder of Jacob’s struggle and the divine encounter he experienced during that time.
While the significance of this particular dietary prohibition may not be immediately apparent to us today, it holds significance within the cultural and religious context of the ancient Israelites. It serves as a reminder of their ancestral history, the trials they faced, and the divine encounters they had with God.
It is worth noting that interpretations and practices related to this verse may vary among different religious and cultural traditions. Some groups may still observe this dietary restriction, while others may not consider it relevant or applicable in the present context.
