“And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis where Jacob, after separating from his father-in-law Laban, is returning to the land of Canaan. He is about to encounter his brother Esau, whom he had deceived in the past and from whom he had fled many years earlier.
In the preceding verses, Jacob had sent messengers ahead of him to inform Esau of his return, and the messengers returned with the news that Esau was coming to meet Jacob with four hundred men. This news troubled Jacob, and he was afraid that Esau might seek revenge against him.
In Genesis 32:24-28, we find the account of Jacob wrestling with a man until daybreak. During this wrestling match, the man touched the socket of Jacob’s hip, causing it to be dislocated. However, Jacob did not give up and continued to wrestle, saying that he would not let the man go unless he blessed him. Then the man asked Jacob his name, and Jacob replied, after which the man blessed him and changed his name from Jacob to Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.”
In verse 29, Jacob, now known as Israel, asks the man to reveal his name. However, instead of answering directly, the man responds by questioning Jacob’s motive for asking his name. The man’s response is somewhat enigmatic, and his refusal to disclose his name suggests a higher significance beyond a mere personal identification. Some interpretations suggest that the man represents an angel or even a manifestation of God Himself.
The exchange ends with the man blessing Jacob there. This encounter is significant because it marks a transformative moment in Jacob’s life. Through his wrestling with the man, Jacob demonstrates his perseverance and determination. The change of his name to Israel symbolizes not only a physical struggle but also a spiritual transformation. It signifies that Jacob has prevailed over both men and God and has been blessed by God Himself.
The significance of the man’s response, “Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?” may lie in the understanding that knowing someone’s name implies having power or authority over them. By not revealing his name, the man emphasizes that he holds a divine position and authority that surpasses human understanding. It reflects the mystery and transcendence of God’s nature.
Overall, Genesis 32:29 captures a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life, signifying his spiritual growth and transformation. It reminds us of the importance of perseverance, seeking God’s blessing, and recognizing the transcendent nature of God Himself.
