NOTES for Gen 32:24
The wrestle of Jacob can be considerer as one of the most mysterious episodes of the biblical history. With whom Jacob wrestled? The Hebrew text gives a completely unambiguous answer: with God. Literally, the words of the mysterious Unknown of the night sound like this: "Thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed". What does this mean? How can a man not only fight with God, but also overcome Him? And of what could Jacob himself think of all that was happening then? On the last question, however, answers the narrative itself, completely corresponding to the representations common in the time of Jacob. Blessing was understood in those times as the transmission from one to another of this supernatural power, which was behind all the processes that occurred in the nature.
The representations about this power are inherent in all nations, it, as all that belongs to the man, could be transmitted, offered, given or taken and even seized, as the winner seized it to the loser after the battle. If we add to all which was said that such a power was not only possessed by people, but also by gods and spirits, which could also share it quite as with people, as with one another, and this not always voluntarily, the picture will become complete. And Jacob, when blessing was necessary for him, decided, as a decisive person to receive it at all costs.
Objectively, the meeting with God has apparently to lead him to a stormy ecstasy, which also was not in those days a rarity. But for Jacob it was precisely wrestle, the most real wrestle for blessing. Although the blessing was not completely such as Jacob imagined it. He wanted that his God gives him power for the meeting with his brother, which was to take place the next day.
Considering, how they separated themselves several years ago, power would be very useful for Jacob. But something else takes place: with the blessing, Jacob receives a new name. A new name - the symbol of the inner, spiritual renewal, this new life, to which joins the man. Jacob becomes another person after the encounter with God, and it is in this blessing. And the meeting with the brother will end for Jacob without any expectation successfully. Indeed, the power of God can act differently. Sometimes it changes the heart of man. And so, the power for wrestle may be unnecessary.