514
The Great Controversy
disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of
conscience.
Having sent his family away, that they may not witness his distress,
Jacob remains alone to intercede with God. He confesses his sin
[617]
and gratefully acknowledges the mercy of God toward him while
with deep humiliation he pleads the covenant made with his fathers
and the promises to himself in the night vision at Bethel and in the
land of his exile. The crisis in his life has come; everything is at
stake. In the darkness and solitude he continues praying and humbling
himself before God. Suddenly a hand is laid upon his shoulder. He
thinks that an enemy is seeking his life, and with all the energy of
despair he wrestles with his assailant. As the day begins to break, the
stranger puts forth his superhuman power; at his touch the strong man
seems paralyzed, and he falls, a helpless, weeping suppliant, upon
the neck of his mysterious antagonist. Jacob knows now that it is the
Angel of the covenant with whom he has been in conflict. Though
disabled and suffering the keenest pain, he does not relinquish his
purpose. Long has he endured perplexity, remorse, and trouble for his
sin; now he must have the assurance that it is pardoned. The divine
visitant seems about to depart; but Jacob clings to Him, pleading for
a blessing. The Angel urges, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh;” but
the patriarch exclaims, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.”
What confidence, what firmness and perseverance, are here displayed!
Had this been a boastful, presumptuous claim, Jacob would have been
instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his
weakness and unworthiness, yet trusts the mercy of a covenant-keeping
God.
“He had power over the Angel, and prevailed.”
Hosea 12:4
.
Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring
mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his
trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite
Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea. As an evidence of his
triumph and an encouragement to others to imitate his example, his
name was changed from one which was a reminder of his sin, to one
that commemorated his victory. And the fact that Jacob had prevailed
[618]
with God was an assurance that he would prevail with men. He no
longer feared to encounter his brother’s anger, for the Lord was his
defense.