“And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.”
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Jacob’s encounter with God at the Jabbok River. To understand the context, let’s explore the surrounding verses and the events leading up to this point.
In Genesis 32, Jacob was returning to his homeland of Canaan after living with his uncle Laban for many years. He was accompanied by his wives, children, and a large entourage of livestock. However, Jacob was filled with anxiety and fear because he knew that his brother Esau, whom he had deceived and from whom he had fled years ago, was coming to meet him with a sizable force.
Before his encounter with Esau, Jacob had a life-changing encounter with God. In Genesis 32:24, we read:
“And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.”
This mysterious “man” is often interpreted as a manifestation of God or an angel. Jacob wrestled with him throughout the night. This wrestling match can be seen as a symbolic representation of Jacob’s struggle with his own past, his fear of Esau, and his desire for reconciliation.
In verse 25, we learn that the “man” saw that he could not prevail against Jacob and touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh, causing it to be dislocated. Despite the pain, Jacob continued to wrestle and said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26).
In response, the man said, “What is thy name?” And Jacob replied, “Jacob” (Genesis 32:27). The significance of this exchange lies in the meaning of Jacob’s name, which means “supplanter” or “deceiver.” By acknowledging his true identity, Jacob was essentially confessing his past and surrendering to God.
Then, in verse 28, the man said to Jacob, “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.”
Here, the man bestowed a new name upon Jacob, Israel, which means “he who strives with God” or “God strives.” This renaming signifies a transformation in Jacob’s character and his relationship with God. It signifies a shift from being a deceiver to becoming a prince or a ruler in the eyes of God.
Finally, in Genesis 32:29, Jacob asked the man to reveal his name, but the man replied, “Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?” This response suggests that the man’s true identity is beyond Jacob’s understanding and is left unknown. Instead, the man blessed Jacob.
Now, coming back to Genesis 32:23, it states, “And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.” The “them” in this verse refers to Jacob’s wives, children, and servants. After the wrestling match and receiving the new name Israel, Jacob took his family and possessions and sent them across the brook, or Jabbok River. Jacob himself remained on the other side of the river.
This act of sending his family and possessions across the brook can be seen as a demonstration of Jacob’s faith and trust in God. It symbolizes Jacob’s commitment to face his past and confront his brother Esau alone. By separating himself from his family, Jacob prepared himself for the upcoming encounter with Esau, seeking reconciliation and peace.
In conclusion, Genesis 32:23 is a transitional verse that describes Jacob’s act of sending his family and possessions across the brook before his confrontation with Esau. It
highlights Jacob’s newfound faith, transformation, and willingness to face his past. This verse is part of a larger narrative that showcases Jacob’s wrestling with God, receiving a new name, and preparing for reconciliation with his brother.
