Song # 1736.1 from Our Gospel In Song Collection by Col Johnston. In the Book of Genesis we read in chapter 32 that Jacob wrestled with a man during the night, near the ford of Jabbok. Jacob did not know at the time, but the man was God. As neither could overpower the other before sunrise, God touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that it was wrenched. And to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was touched near the tendon by God (Genesis 32:32).
Jacob sent his family and possessions across the ford of Jabbok (Genesis 32:22-23). So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak (Genesis 32:24). When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man (Genesis 32:25). Then the man said “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26). The man asked him “What is your name?” “Jacob” he answered (Genesis 32:27). Then the man said “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel*, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome” (Genesis 32:28). Jacob said “Please tell me your name.” But the man replied “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there (Genesis 32:29). So Jacob called the place Peniel**, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared” (Genesis 32:30). The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel and he was limping because of his hip (Genesis 32:31). Therefore, to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob’s hip was touched near the tendon (Genesis 32:32).
* Israel means: he struggles with God.
** Peniel means: face of God.
Thought for today: for eternal life, it’s not what you know, but who you know.
Thought for the future: Jesus knows the way to heaven, so follow Him for life. Where will you spend your eternity?