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The Truth About Angels
Directly before ... [Jacob], as if leading the way, he beheld two
armies of heavenly angels marching as a guide and guard; and when he
[85]
saw them he broke forth in language of praise, and exclaimed, “This
is God’s host.” And he called the name of the place Mahanaim, which
signifies two hosts, or camps.—
The Signs of the Times, November 20,
1879
.
Yet Jacob felt that he had something to do to secure his own safety.
He therefore dispatched messengers with a conciliatory greeting to
his brother.... But the servants returned with the tidings that Esau was
approaching with four hundred men, and no response was sent to the
friendly message.... “Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” ... He
accordingly divided them [his family and servants] into two bands, so
that if one should be attacked, the other might have an opportunity to
escape....
They had now reached the river Jabbok, and as night came on,
Jacob sent his family across the ford of the river, while he alone
remained behind. He had decided to spend the night in prayer, and he
desired to be alone with God....
Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an
enemy was seeking his life, and he endeavored to wrest himself from
the grasp of his assailant. In the darkness the two struggled for the
mastery. Not a word was spoken, but Jacob put forth all his strength,
and did not relax his efforts for a moment. While he was thus battling
for his life, the sense of his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up
before him, to shut him out from God. But in his terrible extremity he
remembered God’s promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty
for His mercy. The struggle continued until near the break of day,
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when the stranger placed his finger upon Jacob’s thigh, and he was
crippled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his
antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly
messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not
gained the victory.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 196, 197
.
The One who wrestled with Jacob is called a man; Hosea calls
Him the angel; while Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face.” He is
also said to have had power with God. It was the Majesty of heaven,
the Angel of the covenant, that came, in the form and appearance of a
man, to Jacob.—
The Signs of the Times, November 20, 1879
.