EGW WritingsGenesis 32
Ellen G. White
Read Genesis 32 in the BibleGenesis 32:8
Patriarchs and Prophets
Appendix
PP 759.3
The statement in Exodus 12:40, that “the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years,” gives the impression that the Israelites, from Jacob’s entry into Egypt to the Exodus, actually spent 430 years in the country of the Nile. That this impression cannot be correct is obvious from Paul’s inspired interpretation presented in Galatians 3:16, 17, where the 430 years are said to cover the period beginning when God made His covenant with Abraham until the law was promulgated at Sinai. Paul seems to refer to the first promise made by God to Abraham when he was called to leave Haran. Genesis 12:1-3. At that time the 430 years began, when Abraham was seventy-five years old (chapter 12:4), while the 400 years of the prophecy of Genesis 15:13 began thirty years later, when Abraham was 105 and his son Isaac five years old (Chapter 21:5). At that time Ishmael, who “was born after the flesh persecuted him [Isaac] that was born after the Spirit” (Galatians 4:29; Genesis 21:9-11), beginning a time of affliction of Abraham’s seed which intermittently would be continued until the time of the Exodus. Isaac had not only troubles with his half brother Ishmael, but also with the Philistines (Genesis 26:15, 20, 21); Jacob fled for his life from Esau (Genesis 27:41-43), and later from Laban (Genesis 31:21), and then was again in jeopardy from Esau (Genesis 32:8); Joseph was sold into slavery by his brethren (Genesis 37:28), and the children of Israel were oppressed by the Egyptians for many decades (Exodus 1:14).Genesis 32:24
Homeward Bound
The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, November 26
HB 359.1
Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.—Genesis 32:24.Genesis 32:24-30
Conflict and Courage
The Time of Jacob’s Trouble, March 3
CC 68.1
Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7.CC 68.2
When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man’s behalf, then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin....CC 68.3
Then the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicked who are seeking to destroy them. And as the patriarch wrestled all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau, so the righteous will cry to God day and night for deliverance from the enemies that surround them....CC 68.4
When in his distress Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and made supplication with tears, the heavenly Messenger, in order to try his faith, also reminded him of his sin, and endeavored to escape from him. But Jacob would not be turned away. He had learned that God is merciful, and he cast himself upon His mercy. He pointed back to his repentance for his sin, and pleaded for deliverance. As he reviewed his life, he was driven almost to despair; but he held fast the Angel, and with earnest, agonizing cries urged his petition until he prevailed.CC 68.5
Such will be the experience of God’s people in their final struggle with the powers of evil. God will test their faith, their perseverance, their confidence in His power to deliver them. Satan will endeavor to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless; that their sins have been too great to receive pardon. They will have a deep sense of their shortcomings, and as they review their lives their hopes will sink. But remembering the greatness of God’s mercy, and their own sincere repentance, they will plead His promises made through Christ to helpless, repenting sinners. Their faith will not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. They will lay hold of the strength of God, as Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and the language of their souls will be, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” 5Patriarchs and Prophets, 201, 202.The Great Controversy
Chapter 39—The Time of Trouble
GC 616.2
Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24-30), represents the experience of God’s people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at God’s command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob’s company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach, for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.GC 622.3
The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path save that upon which they could ask God’s blessing. If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner, but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places where they could say: “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30. They would be accounted of heaven as princes, having power to prevail with God and with men.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 39—“The Time of Trouble”
GC88 616.2
Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau, [Genesis 32:24-30.] represents the experience of God’s people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at God’s command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob’s company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach; for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.GC88 622.2
The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path, save that upon which they could ask God’s blessing. If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner, but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places where they could say, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” [Genesis 32:30.] They would be accounted of Heaven as princes, having power to prevail with God and with men.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 34—The Time of Trouble
4SP 432.3
Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau, [Genesis 32:24-30.] represents the experience of God’s people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at God’s command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob’s company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach; for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.From Here to Forever
Chapter 39—The Time of Trouble
HF 374.3
As the Sabbath becomes the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, it will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to the church and the state ought not to be tolerated, that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. The same argument was brought against Christ. “It is expedient for us,” said Caiaphas, “that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” John 11:50. This argument will appear conclusive; a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them and giving the people liberty after a certain time to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course. The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of distress described as “the time of Jacob’s trouble.” Jeremiah 30:5-7; Genesis 32:24-30.Conflict and Courage
Power Guaranteed, March 4
CC 69.1
As a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 32:28.CC 69.2
Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God could not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they will have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins will have been blotted out by the atoning blood of Christ, and they cannot bring them to remembrance....CC 69.3
All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession, and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of God, and the more certain the triumph of the great adversary.CC 69.4
Yet Jacob’s history is an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. It was by self-surrender and confiding faith that Jacob gained what he had failed to gain by conflict in his own strength. God thus taught His servant that divine power and grace alone could give him the blessing he craved. Thus it will be with those who live in the last days. As dangers surround them, and despair seizes upon the soul, they must depend solely upon the merits of the atonement.... None will ever perish while they do this....CC 69.5
Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined.... It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.6Ibid., 202, 203.Genesis 32:24-32
The Story of Redemption
Chapter 13—Jacob and the Angel
SR 94.1
Jacob’s wrong in receiving his brother’s blessing by fraud was again brought forcibly before him, and he was afraid that God would permit Esau to take his life. In his distress he prayed to God all night. An angel was represented to me as standing before Jacob, presenting his wrong before him in its true character. As the angel turns to leave him, Jacob lays hold of him, and will not let him go. He makes supplications with tears. He pleads that he has deeply repented of his sins and the wrongs against his brother, which had been the means of separating him from his father’s house for twenty years. He ventures to plead the promises of God and the tokens of His favor to him from time to time in his absence from his father’s house.SR 94.2
All night Jacob wrestled with the angel, making supplication for a blessing. The angel seemed to be resisting his prayer, by continually calling his sins to his remembrance, at the same time endeavoring to break away from him. Jacob was determined to hold the angel, not by physical strength, but by the power of living faith. In his distress Jacob referred to the repentance of his soul, the deep humility he had felt for his wrongs. The angel regarded his prayer with seeming indifference, continually making efforts to release himself from the grasp of Jacob. He might have exercised his supernatural power and forced himself from Jacob’s grasp, but he did not choose to do this.SR 95.1
But when he saw that he prevailed not against Jacob, to convince him of his supernatural power, he touched his thigh, which was immediately out of joint. But Jacob would not give up his earnest efforts for bodily pain. His object was to obtain a blessing, and pain of body was not sufficient to divert his mind from his object. His determination was stronger in the last moments of the conflict than at the beginning. His faith grew more earnest and persevering until the very last, even till the breaking of the day. He would not let go his hold of the angel until he blessed him. “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” The angel then inquired, “What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”SR 95.2
Jacob’s persevering faith prevailed. He held fast the angel until he obtained the blessing he desired, and the assurance of the pardon of his sins. His name was then changed from Jacob, the supplanter, to Israel, which signifies a prince of God. “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. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” It was Christ that was with Jacob through that night, with whom he wrestled, and whom he perseveringly held until He blessed him.SR 96.1
The Lord heard the supplications of Jacob, and changed the purposes of Esau’s heart. He did not sanction any wrong course which Jacob pursued. His life had been one of doubt, perplexity, and remorse because of his sin, until his earnest wrestling with the angel, and the evidence he there obtained that God had pardoned his sins.SR 96.3
Esau was marching against Jacob with an army, for the purpose of killing his brother. But while Jacob was wrestling with the angel that night, another angel was sent to move upon the heart of Esau in his sleeping hours. In his dream he saw Jacob in exile from his father’s house for twenty years, because he was afraid of his life. And he marked his sorrow to find his mother dead. He saw in his dream Jacob’s humility and angels of God around about him. He dreamed that when they met he had no mind to harm him. When Esau awoke he related his dream to his four hundred men and told them that they must not injure Jacob, for the God of his father was with him. And when they should meet Jacob, not one of them should do him harm.SR 96.4
“And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men.... And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him; and they wept.” Jacob entreated Esau to accept a peace offering, which Esau declined, but Jacob urged him: “Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.”SR 97.1
Jacob and Esau represent two classes: Jacob, the righteous, and Esau, the wicked. Jacob’s distress when he learned that Esau was marching against him with four hundred men, represents the trouble of the righteous as the decree goes forth to put them to death, just before the coming of the Lord. As the wicked gather about them, they will be filled with anguish, for, like Jacob, they can see no escape for their lives. The angel placed himself before Jacob, and he took hold of the angel and held him and wrestled with him all night. So also will the righteous, in their time of trouble and anguish, wrestle in prayer with God, as Jacob wrestled with the angel. Jacob in his distress prayed all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau. The righteous in their mental anguish will cry to God day and night for deliverance from the hand of the wicked who surround them.SR 97.2
Jacob confessed his unworthiness: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant.” The righteous in their distress will have a deep sense of their unworthiness and with many tears will acknowledge their utter unworthiness and, like Jacob, will plead the promises of God through Christ, made to just such dependent, helpless, repenting sinners.SR 97.3
Jacob took firm hold of the angel in his distress and would not let Him go. As he made supplication with tears, the angel reminded him of his past wrongs and endeavored to escape from Jacob, to test and prove him. So will the righteous, in the day of their anguish, be tested, proved, and tried, to manifest their strength of faith, their perseverance and unshaken confidence in the power of God to deliver them.SR 98.1
Jacob would not be turned away. He knew that God was merciful, and he appealed to His mercy. He pointed back to his past sorrow for, and repentance of, his wrongs, and urged his petition for deliverance from the hand of Esau. Thus his importuning continued all night. As he reviewed his past wrongs he was driven almost to despair. But he knew that he must have help from God, or perish. He held the angel fast and urged his petition with agonizing, earnest cries, until he prevailed.SR 98.3
The righteous, like Jacob, will manifest unyielding faith and earnest determination, which will take no denial. They will feel their unworthiness but will have no concealed wrongs to reveal. If they had sins, unconfessed and unrepented of, to appear then before them, while tortured with fear and anguish, with a lively sense of all their unworthiness, they would be overwhelmed. Despair would cut off their earnest faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God thus earnestly for deliverance, and their precious moments would be spent in confessing hidden sins and bewailing their hopeless condition.SR 99.1
The period of probation is the time granted to all to prepare for the day of God. If any neglect the preparation and heed not the faithful warnings given, they will be without excuse. Jacob’s earnest, persevering wrestling with the angel should be an example for Christians: Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined.SR 99.2
All who desire the blessing of God, as did Jacob, and will lay hold of the promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. There is so little exercise of true faith and so little of the weight of truth resting upon many professed believers because they are indolent in spiritual things. They are unwilling to make exertions, to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for the blessing, and therefore they do not obtain it. That faith which will live through the time of trouble must be daily in exercise now. Those who do not make strong efforts now to exercise persevering faith, will be wholly unprepared to exercise that faith which will enable them to stand in the day of trouble.The Story of Redemption
An Object Lesson
SR 98.2
Thus will it be with the righteous. As they review the events of their past lives, their hopes will almost sink. But as they realize that it is a case of life or death they will earnestly cry unto God, and appeal to Him in regard to their past sorrow for, and humble repentance of, their many sins, and then will refer to His promise, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. Thus will their earnest petitions be offered to God day and night. God would not have heard the prayer of Jacob and mercifully saved his life if he had not previously repented of his wrongs in obtaining the blessing by fraud.The Story of Redemption
Prevailing Faith
SR 96.2
“Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed. He wept, and made supplication unto Him: He found him in Bethel, and there He spake with us; even the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is his memorial.” Hosea 12:4, 5.Genesis 32:26
Christ Triumphant
Valuable Lessons in Jacob’s Experience, March 23
CTr 89.1
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32:26.In Heavenly Places
“Arise, Shine,” November 3
HP 314.3
It is the purpose of God to glorify Himself in His people before the world. He longs to make them channels through which He can pour His boundless love and mercy.... Let us come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness. Satan is working with intensity of purpose to enslave and destroy souls. Let us take a firm stand against him. He who is fully consecrated to the service of God will be made strong for the battle. He will be strengthened with “all might.” He who feels his weakness, and wrestles with God as did Jacob, saying, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26), will go forth with the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. The atmosphere of heaven will surround him. He will go about doing good. His influence will be a positive force in favor of the religion of Christ.Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1551—Severe Problems Resolved at the 1880 Milton, Oregon, Camp Meeting
21MR 245.3
I then asked them to come forward, every one who wished to be converted. There were several seats quickly filled. Then we gave them opportunity to speak and many testimonies were borne right to the point. Confessions of sins were made with many tears. We had a praying season. My heart was drawn out in earnest prayer to God. I felt like Jacob, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). And we did indeed receive the blessing of God. Light came in amid the darkness. Two took their stand with us for the first time. After we rose from prayer many again bore testimony.Our High Calling
Strong in the Lord, January 16
OHC 22.3
If we cling to Him by living faith, saying with Jacob, “I will not let thee go” (Genesis 32:26); if we entreat, “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me,” (Psalm 51:11), the promise is to us, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” ...The Desire of Ages
Chapter 20—“Except Ye See Signs and Wonders”
DA 198.4
Like a flash of light, the Saviour’s words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, “Sir, come down ere my child die.” His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.Ye Shall Receive Power
Youth Receiving Power to Be Overcomers, May 14
YRP 143.2
In surrendering ourselves to God, we reap great advantages; for if we have weaknesses of character, as we all have, we unite ourselves to One who is mighty to save. Our ignorance will be united to infinite wisdom, our frailty to enduring might, and, like Jacob, we may each become a prince with God. Connected with the Lord God of Israel, we shall have power from above which will enable us to be overcomers; and by the impartation of divine love, we shall find access to the hearts of men. We shall have fastened our trembling grasp upon the throne of the Infinite, and shall say, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26).Ye Shall Receive Power
Now Is the Time for Preparation, November 30
YRP 343.3
Those who have delayed a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time of trouble, or at any future period. The righteous will not cease their earnest, agonizing cries for deliverance. They cannot bring to mind any particular sins; but in their whole life they can see little good. Their sins have gone beforehand to judgment, and pardon has been written. Their sins have been borne away into the land of forgetfulness, and they cannot bring them to remembrance. Certain destruction threatens them, and, like Jacob, they will not suffer their faith to grow weak because their prayers are not immediately answered. Though suffering the pangs of hunger, they will not cease their intercessions. They lay hold of the strength of God, as Jacob laid hold of the angel; and the language of their soul is “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26).Ye Shall Receive Power
A Seat Upon His Throne, December 24
YRP 367.3
It is our privilege to have faith and salvation. The power of God has not decreased. It would be just as freely bestowed now as formerly; but the church have lost their faith to claim, their energy to wrestle, as did Jacob, crying, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). Enduring faith has been dying away. It must be revived in the hearts of God’s people. They must claim the blessing. Faith, living faith, always leads upward to God and glory; unbelief, downward to darkness and death.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Love of the World
1TT 43.2
It is our privilege to have faith and salvation. The power of God has not decreased. His power, I saw, would be just as freely bestowed now as formerly. It is the church of God that have lost their faith to claim, their energy to wrestle, as did Jacob, crying: “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26. Enduring faith has been dying away. It must be revived in the hearts of God’s people. There must be a claiming of the blessing of God. Faith, living faith, always bears upward to God and glory; unbelief, downward to darkness and death.Conflict and Courage
From Doubt to Faith, October 16
CC 295.2
Like a flash of light, the Saviour’s words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, “Sir, come down ere my child die.” His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26).From Heaven With Love
Chapter 20—“Except Ye See Signs and Wonders”
HLv 125.2
Like a flash of light, the Saviour’s words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. In an agony of supplication he cried, “Sir, come down ere my child die.” His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.From the Heart
A Resolution, December 26
FH 372.1
I will not let You go unless You bless me! Genesis 32:26.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 1, 1856
1LtMs, Ms 1, 1856, par. 7
If ye love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. The Word of God has been neglected; in that are the warnings to God’s people and in it are their dangers pointed out. But [they have had so many] cares and perplexities [that] they have hardly allowed themselves time to pray. There has been a mere empty form without the power of salvation. Jesus prayed, and O, how earnest I saw were His prayers, and yet He was the beloved Son of God. If Jesus manifested so much earnestness, so much energy, and agonizing, how much more need those whom He has called to be heirs of salvation, dependent upon God for all their strength, to have their whole souls stirred to wrestle with God, and cry, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] But I saw hearts here had been overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and the cares of this life, and God and His Word have been neglected.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 59, 1874
2LtMs, Lt 59, 1874, par. 15
I entreat of you to make no delay. Let not one night or one day go over your head without a special move on your part. Make an entire surrender to God, agonize before God, both of you. Like Jacob cry, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] When you come with brokenness of heart before God, feeling your entire worthlessness and sinfulness, saying with all your heart, “Lord, nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling,” Jesus will meet you. Jesus will accept you and love and bless you both. I want you to make a thorough business of this matter and leave nothing undone on your part. The promise is spoken by God; it will be verified. “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 8, 1873
2LtMs, Lt 8, 1873, par. 26
We may indeed say, “Thy presence is our security, our treasure, our glory, our joy. How can the duties of life be discharged without Thee? How can its trials be endured without Thy presence?” Do we pray that Christ will go where we go, and dwell where we dwell? If we can live without Christ in this world, He will live without us in the better world. But if we cling to Him by living faith, saying with Jacob, “I will not let thee go” (Genesis 32:26); if we entreat, “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me,” (Psalm 51:11), the promise is to us, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 3:5. We cannot afford to live in neglect of the great salvation offered to us upon such liberal terms. The knowledge of the claims of God as our Father will keep us from offending Him. This will make us anxious to please Him. As His children we must walk in the light, walk worthy of God, who hath called us unto glory and His immortal kingdom.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 55, 1874
2LtMs, Lt 55, 1874, par. 10
My brethren, in your holy work, gather a firm hold from above, and say with your whole souls, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me, even me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Kindle your tapers at the sacred altar, and then make your way through the moral darkness of the world, shedding light in your track wherever you go. You may become acquainted with the mystery of godliness and experience the depth of the riches of the grace of God. Up brethren, to the work, as never before. Expect anything and everything in God. May God fire your testimony and may the burning words of truth melt their way into cold hearts. I tell you, brethren, you do not expect half that God is ready and willing and anxious to bestow upon you. Heaven is all full of weighty blessings that we may all receive, for they are waiting to flow down, that we may bestow them upon others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 49, 1879
3LtMs, Lt 49, 1879, par. 24
Children, what you need is the presence of your Saviour. It is not too late for wrongs to be righted. It is not too late for you to make a success in overcoming every defect in character. But you can never make a success without constant watchfulness and earnest prayer. Let the words of Jacob be your words, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 11, 1880
3LtMs, Ms 11, 1880, par. 17
A line of Bible history should be the foundation of knowledge. The teachers in our colleges, from the highest to the lowest grade, should have a burden for the souls of the students. They should have a spirit of wrestling with God as did Jacob, who said, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Such will be blessed in the work.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 30, 1880
3LtMs, Lt 30, 1880, par. 3
I then asked them to come forward, every one who wished to be converted. There were several seats quickly filled. Then we gave the opportunity to speak and many testimonies were borne right to the point. Confessions of sins were made with many tears. We had a praying season. My heart was drawn out in earnest prayer to God. I felt like Jacob, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The Character of Teachers
CT 498.2
Patient, conscientious teachers are needed to arouse hope and aspiration in the youth, to help them to realize the possibilities lying before them. Teachers are needed who will train their students to do service for the Master; who will carry them forward from one point to another in intellectual and spiritual attainment. Teachers should strive to realize the greatness of their work. They need enlarged views; for their work, in its importance, ranks with that of the Christian minister. With persevering faith they are to hold to the Infinite One, saying as did Jacob, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 50, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 50, 1886, par. 8
There is, my dear brother, a great work before us, and we must believe that Jesus is ready and will work with our efforts. Be of good courage, my dear brother; Jesus loves you and will lift upon you the health of His countenance. Take the Lord at His word; believe that He will do just as He said He would. Hang your helpless soul on Jesus Christ, as Jacob hung upon the neck of the angel, and declare: “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] There is a fulness for us in Jesus. You may be strong; you may be of good courage. Look up, look up. The Lord in His glory is above the ladder, and angels are ascending and descending this ladder to bring light and blessings to the workers. Jesus will give you rest and peace in Him. Only believe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 35, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 35, 1885, par. 17
The end of all things is at hand; are we ready to meet Christ when He shall appear? Will He say to us, “Come ye blessed of My Father, enter into the city”? [Matthew 25:34; Revelation 22:14.] When we see the great reward that is in store for the faithful, how our hearts should reach out after others, that they may receive the light. You know not how many hearts are really thirsting for the waters of life, but here is the Bible to open before them. Will you do it? Will you act like men and women that expect the Lord to come? Will you have living faith and pray as never before? Will you wrestle with God as Jacob wrestled with Him? “I will not let You go except Thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] And when His blessing rests upon you, you will be anxious to have others receive it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 125, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 125, 1886, par. 5
The eye of Jesus, looking down the ages, was fixed upon our time when He said, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!” Luke 19:42. It is still thy day, O church of God, whom He has made the depositary of His law. This day of trust and probation is drawing to a close. The sun is fast westering. Can it be that it will set and thou wilt not know “the things which belong unto thy peace”? Luke 19:42. Must the irrevocable sentence be passed, “but now they are hid from thine eyes.” Luke 19:42. I tell you, there is need to be alarmed. It is time to seek God earnestly, saying with Jacob, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26. It will be of no avail to make a spasmodic effort, only to fall back into spiritual lethargy and lukewarmness. The past, with the slighted mercies, the admonitions unheeded, the earthly passions uncorrected, the privileges and opportunities unimproved, the soul temple filled with desecrated shrines—all is recorded in the book of heaven. But the most solemn moments are still before you. Because of past neglect, the efforts you make must be the more earnest now.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 24, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 24, 1888, par. 10
When I am weak, then am I strong. In self-distrust we cry to God for help and work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Casting away all confidence in the arm of flesh, we cling with firm grasp to Jesus. The soul cry will harmonize with that of Moses, “Unless Thou go with us, let us not go up,” and with [that of] Jacob, whose sole urgency was demonstrated in his words, “I will not let thee go unless Thou bless me.” [Exodus 33:15; Genesis 32:26.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 1, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 1, 1889, par. 54
Jacob was ensnared. He defrauded his brother of his birthright. As he wrestled with Christ, and his sins came up before him. And the Angel wrestled with him and said, “Let Me go,” and Jacob said, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 48, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, par. 7
This occasion was a season of wrestling in earnest prayer to God. I could say with Jacob of old, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26. And like Moses as he interceded with God, “Send me not up to speak to the people unless thy presence go with me.” The work is solemn, the message to be borne so important, I cannot live under the weight of the responsibility. Jesus take it, carry the burden for me, and make me a fit vessel into which Thou canst put the new wine.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 7, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 7, 1892, par. 13
As a co-worker with Jesus Christ, he is fully entitled to the cheering assurance that the Holy Spirit is his great Helper, in short does the work while he is but the instrument in His hands. If he feels his powerlessness, that is as it should be; but when he looks and trusts in Jesus, he knows that God is Omnipotence. At every post of duty he must be girded with a power which he does not possess. Help, divine help has been provided and pledged by God to him. The greatest, the most deadly struggles, the sorest trials and besetments, constitute the very emergencies when he may take hold by living faith upon the strength of the Mighty One and like Jacob say, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 9, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 9, 1891, par. 28
We know that those who go out from their homes, frequently never return again. Therefore, when you arise in the morning, rise with the praise of God upon your lips; and when you go out to your work, go with a prayer to God for help. If you have a large amount of work to do don’t you see that then you have a large amount of praying to do as well? And if you have a press of financial responsibilities, then you are to seek the throne of grace with greater earnestness, saying, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me,” just as did Jacob, praying to the Mighty One. [Genesis 32:26.] As you feel after God, He takes your hand, and lays it in His own.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 27a, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 27a, 1892, par. 14
My love to Jesus and my heavenly Father has increased in depth and breadth. When hope has for a moment seemed dim, when pain seemed almost beyond endurance, I have prayed as did Jacob, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” [Genesis 32:26], and after an earnest struggle, what light has come into my heart! What blessings! I could say as never before, “I know that my Redeemer liveth to make intercession for me before the Father.” I have found a refuge in Christ. He has seemed to be as a wall of fire about me. Sometimes there was a soft, subdued light all about me. I seemed to understand as never before these words of the Psalmist: “The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” [Psalm 46:7.] “For this God is our God forever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” [Psalm 48:14.] “My soul, wait thou upon God; for my expectation is from him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 18, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 18, 1895, par. 12
I am so thankful that we can grasp the promises by living faith, and hold Him, so that we can say with Jacob, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Do you think if we were to say that, that Christ would tear Himself away? No indeed. He never will do this. Just as soon as Peter <began to sink beneath the white-capped waters, [and] he> cried out <in terror,> “Lord save me, I perish,” the Lord was there to support him. [Matthew 14:30, 31.] And Christ reproved Him for his lack of faith. What we all want is to take Christ at His word, and believe that He will do exactly as He has promised. But, you say, I <cannot> originate faith. No; faith is the gift of God, and <the Lord responds> [to] every soul that has true faith <which is> the living fire of God’s own kindling <for you to use in prayer.> The human being is to look to God and lay hold of His promises <day by day> by living faith. God will hold and protect us, and keep us from falling. We will then be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Faith and Works
The Overcomer’s Portion
FW 75.1
Jacob was ensnared. He defrauded his brother of his birthright. As he wrestled with Christ, his sins came up before him. And the angel wrestled with him and said, “Let Me go,” and Jacob said, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 30, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 30, 1896, par. 19
In our college the ambition should not be so great to send forth intellectual giants, as to make a success in the holy work of educating men and women to cherish firm principles, and to live for the higher, immortal life. A line of Bible history should be the foundation of knowledge. The teachers in our college, from the highest to the lowest grade, should have a burden for the souls of the students. They should have a spirit of wrestling with God as did Jacob: “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Such will be blessed in the work.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 53, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 53, 1897, par. 9
O, I am so thankful that it is not the prerogative of finite, erring man to work the Holy Spirit. Every one must be worked by the Holy Spirit, or else he had better call a halt, and seek the Lord with all humility of mind, and with the persevering purpose, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] We are to believe in Jesus, not in self. We are not to exalt self one jot or tittle, but to walk humbly with God. Then He can work with us. Our lofty, self-sufficient ideas only bring dearth to the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 42, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 42, 1898, par. 21
Shall we not arise to our high privilege? Shall we not labor as we have never before? Shall we not seek as did Jacob, for the blessing, saying, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me”? [Genesis 32:26.] Oh, what a depth of love, what fulness and completeness there is in Christ Jesus. It is the purpose of God to exceed all our highest imaginations by glorifying His name, through the endless ages of eternity, in the redemption and glorification of the sons and daughters of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 135, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 135, 1898, par. 10
Goodness alone is true greatness. With persevering faith educators are to hold to the infinite One, saying as did Jacob, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Education is not perfect unless the body, the mind, and the heart are equally educated. Students who go from school with this education will draw to Christ not only men and women, but children and youth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 71, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 71, 1898, par. 9
We need to pray without ceasing. Let the heart long after God. Let the heart go out in daily, hourly prayer, believing, trusting, holding on to the promise, saying as did Jacob, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] “Hold up my goings in thy path,” O God, “that my footsteps slip not” into pitfalls which men have dug for my feet. [Psalm 17:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 63, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 63, 1898, par. 6
Thus God has planned it, and I am instructed to say to you: Hold fast. Do not descend to any cheap ideal. God has planned, therefore rise by faith and practice. Rise by human endeavor co-operating with the divine. God sees the human agent struggling with great difficulties, but reach up. His promise is, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] Say, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me,” even me. [Genesis 32:26.] Sanctify me, and make me fit for the Master’s use. Great light comes to man as he sees the privileges that are for him. He sees God’s plans for him and he dies to self. He sees that he has been working with all his powers to do some great and wonderful thing, when he was continually at cross-purposes with his Master. He submits to be worked, and God directs him, causing him to stand in his lot and place.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 66, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 66, 1901, par. 14
The truth in our possession is of the highest value. How essential then that it loses none of its power in passing from us to those who are in darkness. We must not spoil the truth by our inefficiency. It must not be bereft of its luster while in our possession. Our expression of God’s wondrous loving-kindness, frame our words as we may, will be tame enough as it falls from human lips. But when with sanctified lips we offer praise for God’s love, hearts are reached. We are to pray with fervency. Jacob wrestled all night until the breaking of the day with his unknown antagonist. Then the holy Being with whom he was in conflict touched Jacob’s thigh with His divine finger, and how quickly he was mastered. Then he knew with whom he had been in contest, and he fell, a helpless suppliant, on the Angel’s neck, crying, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 99, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 99, 1902, par. 35
Our faith is small. We need more earnestness in prayer. A heaven full of blessings awaits our demand. These blessings will be given in answer to the fervent prayer that asks with an earnestness that will not be denied. The firm hold of a wrestling Jacob is now called for. The holding power of unquestioning faith is to come into the lives of God’s people. God’s work needs men who will say, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] It needs men who will consecrate themselves unreservedly to God. Genuine, earnest faith will prepare the heart for the reception of God’s power.God’s Amazing Grace
Invincible, September 28
AG 279.3
Such will be the experience of God’s people in their final struggle with the powers of evil. God will test their faith, their perseverance, their confidence in His power to deliver them. Satan will endeavor to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless.... They will have a deep sense of their shortcomings, and as they review their lives, their hopes will sink. But remembering the greatness of God’s mercy, and their own sincere repentance, they will plead His promises made through Christ to helpless, repenting sinners. Their faith will not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. They will lay hold of the strength of God, as Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and the language of their souls will be, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26)....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 21, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 21, 1902, par. 9
Our faith is small. We need more earnestness in prayer. A heaven full of blessings awaits our demand. These blessings will be given in answer to the fervent, effectual prayer that asks with an earnestness that will not be denied. The firm hold of a wrestling Jacob is called for now. The holding power of unquestioning faith needs to come into the lives of God’s people. God’s work needs men who will say, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] It needs men who will consecrate themselves unreservedly to God. Genuine, earnest faith will prepare the heart for the reception of God’s power.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 16, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 16, 1903, par. 3
We do not reach high enough. We do not come to God with the faith that will not be denied. He says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven of the wind, and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” [James 1:5-7.] We must lay hold of the promises, saying, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] And when you receive the blessing, you will carry it to others. The atmosphere of heaven will surround your soul because Christ will be with you. He says, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” [Isaiah 27:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 161, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 27
Bring your cases to the Lord, and cast your helpless souls upon Jesus Christ. Wrestle as did Jacob, until you will obtain the victory. You remember how he wrestled all night with an enemy, as he supposed. God could have easily taken away his strength, but finally He touched Jacob’s thigh, and it was put out of joint. Then Jacob realized that this was no enemy, and in response to the entreaty “Let me go, for the day breaketh,” Jacob responded, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] And when we seek with such an intensity for the blessing of God, we shall receive it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 335, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 335, 1905, par. 9
What definite light God has given us in this chapter. It becomes every soul to be sure that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. O let us constantly walk humbly with God. We need now that living faith which takes God at His word. We are not to allow any discouraging features of opposition to depress our souls. It would not be for the glory of God for us to become discouraged. We are living amidst the closing scenes of this earth’s history, and we must now like Jacob cling to Jesus with all our power, exclaiming, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me, even me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Hold fast to the promises of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 173, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 173, 1905, par. 13
Gather to yourself fewer responsibilities, and be careful not to give anyone by your example an occasion for stumbling. “Be strong in the Lord.” [Ephesians 6:10.] Plead with God. Wrestle with Him as did Jacob, saying, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” [Ephesians 6:11-16.] Consider these words, and do all that is in your power to make peace.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 190, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 190, 1905, par. 19
We want a strength that we have not now. We want a power to prevail with God as did Jacob. There was poor Jacob praying, and the Lord Jesus came to him, and he did not recognize Him. But there the Lord just began to wrestle with him, and wrestled as with an enemy. First one seemed to get the victory and then the other. For Christ just placed Himself in accordance with the being that He was wrestling with. And then at last He touches his thigh. He has got to give an affliction. He cannot gain a victory over the man until He has to afflict him, and then when He afflicts him, he casts his helpless soul upon Jesus Christ. He says, “Let me go.” “No,” he says, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.]20LtMs, Ms 190, 1905, par. 20
Now we want more Jacobs. We want more that hold on. “I will not let Thee go.” [Verse 26.] He wouldn’t consent. And then what? The blessing came upon him. He blesses him, and then he was prepared to meet Esau. With the blessing of God shining in his countenance he comes right to meet Esau, and Esau sees that he is with the angel of God. That is the very conviction that Esau had. He came to slay him, but he could not do anything. There was his army, but he just harmonized with Jacob in that very work, and God Himself made the impression upon the mind of Esau. I will not attempt to say any more now, but at some time I may be able to say more.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 73, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 73, 1905, par. 16
He who is meek in spirit, he who is purest and most childlike will be made strong for the battle. He will “be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.” [Ephesians 3:16.] He who feels his weakness, and wrestles with God as did Jacob, and like this servant of old cries, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me” [Genesis 32:26], will go forth with the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. The atmosphere of heaven will surround him. He will go about doing good. His influence will be a positive force in favor of the religion of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 88, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 88, 1906, par. 6
There are at Graysville those who need an earnest experience in soul-saving. This is the very experience that families need now. Tell those in Graysville to agonize with God in prayer, to say, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] All who will carry the burden of souls will have a deep and living experience. Hunt for souls; fish for souls. Every family should have experience in this work.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Consecration to the Work
GW92 39.1
God will not place his benediction upon those who are negligent, selfish, and ease-loving, who will not lift burdens in his cause. The “Well done” will be pronounced upon those only who have done well. Every man is to be rewarded “according as his work shall be.” [Revelation 22:12.] We want an active ministry,—men of prayer, who will wrestle with God as did Jacob, saying, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] If we obtain the victor’s crown, we must stretch every nerve, and exercise every power. We can never be saved in inactivity. To be an idler in the Lord’s vineyard is to relinquish all title to the reward of the righteous.—Testimonies for the Church 4:523.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 13, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, par. 19
The record shows the power that prayers of faith, thought offered by frail human beings, have with God. The earnest cry “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me” has saved many a soul. [Genesis 32:26.] If there were far more urgent intercessions for perishing souls, there would be far more souls saved. Of Christ it is written, “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him.” [Isaiah 59:16.] He wondered that there was no man who would lay hold by living faith of his fellow men, and save them with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted by the flesh. “He put on righteousness as a breastplate.” He was not covering up the sins of the transgressor, but was making the most determined effort to bring the sinner to a sense of the sinfulness of sin. His own hatred of sin, His own integrity brought salvation to the sinner. “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for Me, this is My covenant with them, saith the Lord: My Spirit that is upon thee, and My words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.” [Verses 17-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 63, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 63, 1908, par. 12
He who is meek in spirit, who is purest and most childlike, will be made strong for the battle. He will be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. He who feels his weakness, and wrestles with God as did Jacob, and like this servant of old, cries, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me” [Genesis 32:26], will go forth with the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. The atmosphere of heaven will surround him. His influence will be a positive force in favor of the religion of Christ.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Heavenly Messenger, May 13
JNN 144.1
And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”—Genesis 32:26In Heavenly Places
Perils on Life’s Pathway, September 8
HP 258.4
We need to pray without ceasing. Let the heart long after God. Let the heart go out in daily, hourly prayer, believing, trusting, holding on to the promise, saying as did Jacob, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). “Hold up my goings in thy paths,” O God, “that my footsteps slip not” into the pitfalls which men have dug for my feet.Genesis 32:26-28
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Strive to enter in at the strait gate.”—Luke 13:24.
MB 144.1
Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose—to seek for transformation of character. But while he was pleading with God, an enemy, as he supposed, placed his hand upon him, and all night he wrestled for his life. But the purpose of his soul was not changed by peril of life itself. When his strength was nearly spent, the Angel put forth His divine power, and at His touch Jacob knew Him with whom he had been contending. Wounded and helpless, he fell upon the Saviour’s breast, pleading for a blessing. He would not be turned aside nor cease his intercession, and Christ granted the petition of this helpless, penitent soul, according to His promise, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. Jacob pleaded with determined spirit, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Genesis 32:26. This spirit of persistence was inspired by Him who wrestled with the patriarch. It was He who gave him the victory, and He changed his name from Jacob to Israel, saying, “As a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Genesis 32:28. That for which Jacob had vainly wrestled in his own strength was won through self-surrender and steadfast faith. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 1, 1869
2SAT 8.4
Jacob wrestled with the angel all night before he gained the victory. When morning broke the angel said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. But Jacob answered, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” [Genesis 32:26]. Then his prayer was answered. “Thy name shall be no more Jacob,” said the angel, “but Israel; for as a Prince hast thou power with God, and hast prevailed” [verse 28].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 2, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 2, 1903, par. 30
All night Jacob wrestled with the Angel. Finally the strong wrestler was weakened by a touch on his thigh. He was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not lose his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel; “he wept, and made supplication,” pleading for a blessing. [Hosea 12:4.] He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh;” but Jacob answered, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.] Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts to the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.18LtMs, Ms 2, 1903, par. 32
As an evidence that Jacob had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the Angel, “shall be no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God, and hast prevailed.” [Genesis 32:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 78, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 78, 1906, par. 6
We must have the converting power of God in our hearts and in our characters. May God help us to catch the Holy Spirit’s power. Jacob’s prayer, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me,” prevailed, and victory was gained. [Genesis 32:26, 28.]In Heavenly Places
Faith That Will Not Let Go, March 22
HP 88.1
And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32:26.HP 88.3
Jacob wrestled with the Angel all night before he gained the victory. When morning broke, the Angel said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” But Jacob answered, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Then his prayer was answered. “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob,” said the Angel, “but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Genesis 32:26-28).Genesis 32:26-30
Homeward Bound
Pray Like Jacob, May 8
HB 149.1
I will not let You go unless You bless me!—Genesis 32:26.HB 149.5
The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path save that upon which they could ask God’s blessing. If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner, but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places where they could say: “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Genesis 32:30.) They would be accounted of heaven as princes, having power to prevail with God and with men.—The Great Controversy, 621, 622.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 187, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 187, 1898, par. 29
We cannot see the working of the human mind, but there is One who sees it. The True Witness understands the sentiments of the heart better than we do. Who of us have emptied ourselves of pride and self-esteem? Who of us are really in earnest as was Jacob, who wrestled with the angel with all the energy of his being? Jacob put forth all his strength, supposing that he was wrestling with a lawless opponent; but the Lord put His finger with a divine touch upon him, and the wrestling ceased. Jacob knew that it was the Lord. Then, all broken, he fell upon the neck of the angel, and held him, pleading, “Bless me, even me.” [See Genesis 27:34.] The angel said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” [Genesis 32:26.]13LtMs, Ms 187, 1898, par. 30
It was now Jacob’s turn to make the terms, and he said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God, and hast prevailed. 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 be blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” [Verses 26-30.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 151, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 151, 1898, par. 23
We cannot see the working of the human mind, but there is One who sees it. The True Witness understands the sentiments of the heart better than we do. Who of us have emptied ourselves of pride and self-esteem? Who of us are really in earnest as was Jacob, who wrestled with the angel with all the energy of his being? Jacob put forth all his strength, supposing that he was wrestling with the lawless opponent; but the Lord put His finger with a divine touch upon him, and the wrestling ceased. Jacob knew that it was the Lord. Then, all broken, he fell upon the neck of the angel, and help him, pleading, “Bless me, even me.” [See Genesis 27:34.] The angel said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” [Genesis 32:26.]13LtMs, Ms 151, 1898, par. 24
It was now Jacob’s turn to make the terms, and he said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God ... and hast prevailed. 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. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” [Verses 26-30.]Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Young Ministers
GW92 135.2
The greatest victories which are gained to the cause are not by labored argument, ample facilities, abundance of influence, and plenty of means; but they are those victories which are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power. When Jacob found himself utterly prostrate and in a helpless condition, he poured out his soul to God in an agony of earnestness. The angel of God pleaded to be released; but Jacob would not let go his hold. The stricken man, suffering bodily pain, presented his earnest supplication with the boldness which living faith imparts. “I will not let thee go,” he said, “except thou bless me.” [Genesis 32:26.]GW92 136.1
Young men who have never made a success in the temporal duties of life will be equally unprepared to engage in the higher duties. A religious experience is attained only through conflict, through disappointment, through severe discipline of self, through earnest prayer. Living faith must grasp the promises unflinchingly, and then many may come from close communion with God with shining faces, saying, as did Jacob, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” [Genesis 32:30.]This Day With God
Empty of Pride and Self-esteem, October 16
TDG 298.5
It was now Jacob’s turn to make the terms, and he said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. 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. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (Genesis 32:26-30).Genesis 32:28
Our Father Cares
Power Guaranteed, July 7
OFC 200.1
As a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 32:28.Sons and Daughters of God
From a Slave to Sin, to a Prince of God, April 30
SD 127.1
And he [Christ] said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 32:28.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 1, 1869
2LtMs, Ms 1, 1869, par. 23
Jacob wrestled with the angel all night before he gained the victory. When morning broke the angel said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. But Jacob answered, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Then his prayer was answered. “Thy name shall be no more Jacob,” said the angel, “but Israel; for as a Prince hast thou power with God, and hast prevailed.” [Genesis 32:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 34, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 34, 1896, par. 19
This morning, while others are sleeping, my heart is drawn out to write to you. Be of good courage in the Lord. Have faith in God, and you will have “Power with God, and will prevail.” [Genesis 32:28.] Receive my affection and love.Genesis 32:29
Conflict and Courage
What Fruit? January 4
CC 10.5
Jacob resorted to fraud, and he reaped the harvest in his brother’s hatred. Through twenty years of exile he was himself wronged and defrauded.... But God says: “... I have seen his ways, and will heal him....” (Isaiah 57:18). Jacob in his distress was not overwhelmed. He had repented, he had endeavored to atone for the wrong to his brother. And when threatened with death through the wrath of Esau, he sought help from God.... “He wept, and made supplication” (Hosea 12:4). “And he blessed him there” (Genesis 32:29).... The power of evil in his own nature was broken; his character was transformed....Education
Chapter 16—Bible Biographies
Ed 147.3
Jacob in his distress was not overwhelmed. He had repented, he had endeavored to atone for the wrong to his brother. And when threatened with death through the wrath of Esau, he sought help from God. “Yea, he had power over the Angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication.” “And He blessed him there.” Hosea 12:4; Genesis 32:29. In the power of His might the forgiven one stood up, no longer the supplanter, but a prince with God. He had gained not merely deliverance from his outraged brother, but deliverance from himself. The power of evil in his own nature was broken; his character was transformed.Genesis 32:30
Reflecting Christ
Power to Prevail With God and Men, April 16
RC 120.1
I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Genesis 32:30.Reflecting Christ
Wrestling With God to Victory, December 23
RC 371.7
If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray ... fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places where they could say: “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (Genesis 32:30). They would be accounted of heaven as princes, having power to prevail with God and men.—The Great Controversy, 620-622.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 10—The Voice in the Wilderness
DA 107.4
“I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance,” said John; “but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Matthew 3:11, R. V., margin. The prophet Isaiah had declared that the Lord would cleanse His people from their iniquities “by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.” The word of the Lord to Israel was, “I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin.” Isaiah 4:4; 1:25. To sin, wherever found, “our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them. Jacob, after his night of wrestling with the Angel, exclaimed, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30. Jacob had been guilty of a great sin in his conduct toward Esau; but he had repented. His transgression had been forgiven, and his sin purged; therefore he could endure the revelation of God’s presence. But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed “with the Spirit of His mouth,” and destroyed “with the brightness of His coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked.Genesis 32:31
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“If thy right hand causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee.”—Matthew 5:30, R. V.
MB 62.3
Not until he fell crippled and helpless upon the breast of the covenant angel did Jacob know the victory of conquering faith and receive the title of a prince with God. It was when he “halted upon his thigh” (Genesis 32:31) that the armed bands of Esau were stilled before him, and the Pharaoh, proud heir of a kingly line, stooped to crave his blessing. So the Captain of our salvation was made “perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10), and the children of faith “out of weakness were made strong,” and “turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:34). So do “the lame take the prey” (Isaiah 33:23), and the weak become “as David,” and “the house of David ... as the angel of the Lord” (Zechariah 12:8).EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Genesis 32:1-32
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
Chapter 14—The Sealing
CET 100.3
I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble.1See Genesis 32. Then all the saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The one hundred and forty-four thousand triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of God.Conflict and Courage
A Life and Death Matter, March 2
CC 67.1
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32:26.CC 67.2
Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose—to seek for transformation of character.2Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 144.CC 67.3
It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth.... With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before 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.CC 67.4
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, 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. It was Christ, “the Angel of the covenant,” who had revealed Himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loosen his hold....CC 67.5
He urged, “Let me go, for the day breaketh;” but Jacob answered, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.3Patriarchs and Prophets, 196, 197.CC 67.6
That for which Jacob had vainly wrestled in his own strength was won through self-surrender and steadfast faith.4Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 144.From Eternity Past
Chapter 18—Jacob’s Terrible Night of Wrestling
EP 127.1
With many misgivings Jacob retraced the road he had trodden as a fugitive twenty years before. His sin in the deception of his father was ever before him. He knew that his long exile was the direct result of that sin. He pondered over these things day and night, an accusing conscience making his journey very sad. As the hills of his native land appeared before him in the distance, all the past rose vividly before him. With the memory of his sin came also the promises of divine help and guidance.EP 127.2
The thought of Esau brought troubled foreboding. Esau might be moved to violence not only by revenge, but to secure undisturbed possession of the wealth he had long looked upon as his own.EP 127.3
Again the Lord granted Jacob a token of divine care; two hosts of heavenly angels advanced with his company, as if for their protection. Jacob remembered the vision at Bethel so long before, and his burdened heart grew lighter. The divine messengers who brought him hope and courage at his flight from Canaan were to be the guardians of his return. And he said, “This is God’s host.”EP 127.4
Yet Jacob felt that he had something to do to secure his own safety. He therefore dispatched messengers with a conciliatory greeting to Esau. The servants were sent to “my lord Esau.” They were to refer to their master as “thy servant Jacob.” And to remove the fear that he was returning to claim the inheritance, Jacob was careful to state in his message, “I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants.”EP 128.1
But no response was sent to the friendly message. It appeared certain that Esau was coming to seek revenge. Terror pervaded the camp. “Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” His company, unarmed and defenseless, were wholly unprepared for a hostile encounter. He sent from his vast flocks generous presents to Esau, with a friendly message. He did all in his power to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger. Then he pleaded for divine protection: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant... . Deliver me, I pray Thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.”EP 128.2
Jacob decided to spend the night in prayer, alone with God. God could soften the heart of Esau. In Him was the patriarch’s only hope.EP 128.3
It was a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts, robbers, and murderers. Unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were exposed to danger and death. Bitter was the thought that his own sin had brought this peril upon the innocent.EP 128.4
Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an enemy was seeking his life. 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 battling for his life, his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up to shut him out from God.EP 128.5
But in his terrible extremity he remembered God’s promises. The struggle continued until near break of day, when the stranger placed his finger on Jacob’s thigh, and he was crippled instantly. The patriarch now knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly messenger. This was why his almost superhuman effort had not gained the victory. It was Christ, “the angel of the covenant.” Jacob was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loosen his hold. Penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel; “he wept, and made supplication,” pleading for a blessing. He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. The Angel urged, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh”; but Jacob answered, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” His was the assurance of one who confesses his unworthiness yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.EP 129.2
The error that had led to Jacob’s sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud was now clearly set before him. He had not trusted God’s promises but had sought by his own efforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time and way. As an evidence that he had been forgiven, his name was changed to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the Angel, “shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”EP 129.3
The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed. Sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God could move the heart of Esau to accept his humiliation and repentance.EP 129.4
While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty years an exile; he witnessed his grief at finding his mother dead; he saw him encompassed by the hosts of God. The God of his father was with him.EP 130.1
The two companies at last approached each other, the desert chief leading his men of war, and Jacob with his wives and children followed by long lines of flocks and herds. Leaning upon his staff, the patriarch went forward, pale and disabled from his recent conflict. He walked slowly and painfully, but his countenance was lighted up with joy and peace.EP 130.2
At sight of that crippled sufferer, “Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, ... and they wept.” Even the hearts of Esau’s rude soldiers were touched. They could not account for the change that had come over their captain.EP 130.3
In his night of anguish Jacob had been taught how vain is the help of man, how groundless is trust in human power. Helpless and unworthy, he pleaded God’s promise of mercy to the repentant sinner. That promise was his assurance that God would pardon and accept him.EP 131.1
Satan had accused Jacob before the angels of God, claiming the right to destroy him because of his sin; he endeavored to force upon him a sense of his guilt in order to discourage him and break his hold on God. When Jacob made supplication with tears, the heavenly Messenger, in order to try his faith, also reminded him of his sin, and endeavored to escape from him. But Jacob had learned that God is merciful. As he reviewed his life, he was driven almost to despair, but he held fast the Angel, and with earnest, agonizing cries urged his petition until he prevailed.EP 131.2
Such will be the experience of God’s people in their final struggle with the powers of evil. God will test their faith, their perseverance, their confidence in His power. Satan will endeavor to terrify them with the thought that their sins have been too great to receive pardon. As they review their lives, their hopes will sink. But remembering God’s mercy and their own sincere repentance, they will plead His promises. Their faith will not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. The language of their souls will be, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.”EP 131.3
Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God could not have mercifully preserved his life. So in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But they will have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins will have been blotted out by the atoning blood of Christ, and they cannot bring them to remembrance.EP 131.4
All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more certain is the triumph of the great adversary.EP 132.1
Jacob’s history is an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been betrayed into sin, but have returned unto Him with true repentance. God taught His servant that divine grace alone could give him the blessing he craved. Thus it will be with those who live in the last days. In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. None will ever perish while they do this.EP 132.2
Jacob’s experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of unyielding faith. The greatest victories are not those gained by talent, education, wealth, or the favor of men. They are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.EP 132.3
All who will lay hold of God’s promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he, will succeed as he succeeded.From Eternity Past
An Angel Wrestles With Jacob
EP 129.1
Jacob “had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” Hosea 12:4. 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.From Eternity Past
The Future “Time of Jacob’s Trouble”
EP 130.4
Jacob’s experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the people of God must pass just before Christ’s second coming. “We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace... . Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:5-7.EP 130.5
When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man’s behalf, this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. The solemn announcement is made, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:11. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicked. The righteous will cry to God day and night for deliverance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47, 1886, par. 13
The counsels are of God, and His Word was not given in a few days on a high-pressure plan. It took a long space of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm was composed, a proverb penned, a vision from God recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years were occupied from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John. God would not have us so excitable, in such a hurry; and yet there are some who need to be taught diligence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47a, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47a, 1886, par. 14
The Lord would not have us be so excitable, in such a hurry. The counsels of God in His Word were not given in a few days, on the high-pressure plan. It took a long period of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm composed, a proverb penned, a vision recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years passed from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis, down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 16, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 16, 1888, par. 13
Men should let God take care of His own Book, His living Oracles, as He has done for ages. They begin to question some parts of revelation and pick flaws in the apparent inconsistencies of this statement and that statement. Beginning at Genesis, they give up that which they deem questionable, and their minds lead on, for Satan will lead to any length they may follow in their criticism and they see something to doubt in the whole Scriptures. Their faculties of criticism become sharpened by exercise, and they can rest on nothing with a certainty. You try to reason with these men, but your time is lost. They will exercise their power of ridicule even upon the Bible. They even become mockers, and they would be astonished if you put it to them in that light.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 40, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 40, 1894, par. 17
From Genesis to Revelation the conditions upon which eternal life is promised are made plain. God requires that those who shall enter heaven shall be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. “Keep My commandments and live” is the requirement of God. [Proverbs 4:4.] But one says, “My conscience does not condemn me in not keeping the commandments of God.” But in the Word of God we read that there are good and bad consciences, and the fact that your conscience does not condemn you in not keeping the law of God does not prove that you are uncondemned in His sight. Take your conscience to the Word of God, and see if your life and character are in accordance with the standard of righteousness which God has revealed in His Word. You can then determine whether or not you have an intelligent faith, and what manner of conscience is yours.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 67, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 67, 1895, par. 14
Christ came in the form of humanity to live the law of God. He was the Word of life. He came to be the gospel of salvation to the world, and to fulfill every specification of the law. Jesus is the Word, the guidebook, which must be received and obeyed in every particular. How necessary that this mine of truth be explored, and the precious treasures of truth be discovered and secured as rich jewels. The incarnation of Christ, His divinity, His atonement, His wonderful life in heaven as our Advocate, the office of the Holy Spirit—all those living, vital themes of Christianity are revealed from Genesis to Revelation. The golden links of truth form a chain of evangelical truth, and the first and staple link is found in the great teachings of Christ Jesus. Why, then, should not the Scriptures be ennobled and exalted in every school in our land? How little children are educated to study the Bible as the Word of God, and feed upon its truths, which are the flesh and blood of the Son of God! “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood” (that is, continue to receive the words of Christ, and practice them) “hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [John 6:53-56.] “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” [1 John 3:24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 75, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 75, 1897, par. 1
Those who accept Christ will follow on to know the Lord. This acceptance means conversion through the Holy Spirit’s power and efficiency. The working of the Holy Spirit upon the human agent brings to him a conviction of sin, makes him susceptible to truth, [and] enables him to discern and make earnest application of it to his own heart. This power preserves him from falling under temptation, and imparts to him wisdom in winning souls to Christ. And every true believer who will follow on to know the Lord will have this power working in him. He will discern in Christ not only the Alpha of Genesis, but the Omega of Revelation. He will learn by personal experience that Christ is the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, and that it is through His church, His people in their unity, that He is to shine in undimmed luster to the world. He beholds himself as the work of Christ. Having the mind of Christ, he walks in His footsteps, and his good works and love for others testify to the world that He is Christ, that God has sent His Son to impart His Spirit to His people, and that they may represent Christ in their love for one another.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 52, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 2
After His crucifixion and resurrection, thousands would be led to open the Scriptures with an intense desire to study the prophecies, from Genesis to Revelation. And they would see with anointed eyes the predictions in the prophetic Roll of the advent of a divine Teacher. In Christ crucified they would see the very work done which the prophecies declared He would do to proclaim the gospel, the Word of life to a world that was shadowed and corrupted by transgression and sin. And the words of Christ would be gathered up; the New Testament would declare to them a work which would thrill the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 33, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 30
When the students of prophecy shall set their hearts to know the truths of Revelation, they will realize what an importance is attached to this search. Christ Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Genesis of the Old Testament, and the Revelation of the New. Both meet together in Christ. Adam and God are reconciled by the obedience of the second Adam, who accomplished the work of overcoming the temptations of Satan and redeeming Adam’s disgraceful failure and fall. The two Adams will meet in Paradise and embrace each other, while the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, and all who have refused the opportunities and privileges given to them at such an infinite cost, and have not returned to their loyalty, will be shut out of Paradise.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 21, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 29
Here we have the Alpha of Genesis and the Omega of Revelation. The blessing is promised to all those who keep the commandments of God, and who co-operate with Him in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning Star.” [Revelation 22:16.] That which Christ has spoken in the Old Testament is for all the world. What He has said in reference is His commandments is not Yea and Nay, but Yea and Amen.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 69, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 15
Our youth must have well-conducted schools, where they can gain an all-round education. From Genesis to Revelation the gospel shines forth with no uncertain light. From the time when God talked with Adam and Eve in Eden, giving them heavenly instruction, the light has continued to shine down through the ages. Christ appeared to His servant John, and gave him a revelation of the closing events of this earth’s history.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 98a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 98a, 1897, par. 49
All who join the ranks of Sabbathkeepers should become diligent Bible students, that they may know the pillars and ground work of the truth. They should study prophetic history, which has brought us down point by point to where we are at the present time. This is God’s plan for our school. Young men should attend who desire to become educated for any line of work, who have capabilities and see the necessity of learning more and still more where we stand today in prophetic history, uniting link after link in the prophetic chain, even from Genesis to Revelation. Christ is the Alpha, the first link, and the Omega, the last link, of the gospel chain, which is welded in Revelation. These young men will not have fixed habits of wrong, or defects in disposition and character that will make them inflexible.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 54, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 54, 1898, par. 8
Perfection of character is required by God, and this is kept before us in His Word from Genesis to Revelation. “When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” [Genesis 17:1.] To Israel God said, “I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy for I am holy. ... For I am the Lord your God that bringeth you out of the land of Egypt, to by your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” “And the Lord spake unto Moses saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.” [Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 117, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 117, 1898, par. 12
The uneducated heathen then learns his lessons through nature, and through his own necessities; and, dissatisfied with darkness, he is reaching out for light, searching for God in the first great cause. There is recorded in Genesis various ways in which God speaks to the heathen. But the contrast between the revelation of God in Genesis and the ideas of the heathen is striking. Pagan philosophers, many of them, had a knowledge of God which was pure, but degeneracy, the worship of created things, began to obscure this knowledge. The handiwork of God in the natural world, the sun, the moon, the stars, were worshipped.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 12, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 12, 1899, par. 2
The Word of God is to be the great lesson book in all our schools. From Genesis to Revelation it is full of instruction in practical godliness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 85, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 12
The history of the world from the beginning is contained in Genesis. There it is revealed that all nations who forget God and discard His way and His sign of obedience, which distinguishes between the just and the unjust, the righteous and the wicked, the saved and the unsaved, will be destroyed. The first books of the Bible, which trace down the history of nations, including the destruction of the old world, show the overruling providence of God, which from generation to generation has provided for the education of a chosen people. The plainly written Word in regard to the just and the unjust is a living testimony in regard to those whom the Lord will sanctify. None who live in disobedience can receive His blessing. Only those who are obedient can receive this.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 153, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 32
We cannot know God and Jesus Christ until we search the Scriptures, beginning with Genesis. In this Word we find out why it was necessary for Christ to leave His high command in heaven, to separate Himself from the angelic family, laying off His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothe His divinity with humanity. For our sake He became poor, that by His poverty He might make many rich, securing for them eternal riches. That He might work in our behalf, He came to live among fallen humanity, in a world marred by sin and misery.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 68, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 68, 1900, par. 15
The whole gospel from Genesis to Revelation is the means appointed and specified of God through which to reveal His will to the people, and it is to be appreciated, respected, and heeded.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 110, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 110, 1901, par. 6
While they were talking thus of their crucified and buried Lord, “Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?” [Luke 24:15-17.] “Have ye not heard,” they answered, “that the prophet mighty in deed and word has been taken and crucified by cruel hands, and is now buried?” Beginning at Genesis, the Stranger told them what had been prophesied from the first concerning Jesus. While He was comforting their hearts, they came to the house where they lived, and invited their Companion to come in. He acted as though He were going further, but they constrained Him to tarry with them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 70, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 9
The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light which streams from the cross of Calvary, and in connection with the wondrous, central truth of the Saviour’s atonement. Those who study the Redeemer’s wonderful sacrifice grow in grace and knowledge.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 170, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 170, 1904, par. 19
I have not been able to sleep since 12 o’clock, but I have a message from the Lord to bear to our people. Present to the people everywhere at this time the perpetuity of the law of Jehovah. Present to them that the only foundation for Sunday observance has its origin not in the Word of God, but in the papal authority. Now let all consider that the time has come to reason from cause to effect. We must, as ministers of the Word, delay not to impress the people more decidedly in defining our authority for keeping the original Sabbath of Jehovah. Please read the word in Genesis.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 67, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 67, 1907, par. 17
The message of the gospel, from Genesis to Revelation, is God’s appointed means through which to reveal His will to men. It is to be appreciated, respected, and carefully studied. In a humble, prayerful spirit, Scripture is to be compared with Scripture. In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the plan of God is so plainly and simply revealed, that all His children may lay hold upon the truth. Here the means which He has appointed to keep unity in His church, that its members may reveal to the world a healthy religious experience, is plainly declared. Those who conform their lives to obedience to the commandments of God, and are united in the faith of the Scriptures; those who are bound together as one in Christ Jesus, their lives hid with Christ in God, will practice the golden rule, doing to others as they would have others do to them. They will bear a living, abiding testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son, and their testimony will have a powerful influence with the unbelieving world. These souls appreciate the great gift of God to our world; their course in life testifies that Christ has not died for them in vain. They make use of the provision made by heaven at infinite cost to draw souls to obedience to the law of God. Co-operating with the great Master Worker, they become laborers together with God. They become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Their consistent Christian lives magnify the law of God and make it honorable before the gainsaying world. Their deportment in courtesy and unwavering fidelity, their justice and mercy demonstrate to the world that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 69, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 69, 1912, par. 42
The Old Testament, containing the prophecies of the coming of Christ, is now made of small account. The cry now is, “The Christ, the Christ! The gospel, the gospel!” But the gospel is taught all the way through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The gospel is revealed in all the prophecies of the first advent of Christ as the Saviour of men. Every act of the old dispensation to turn men away from sin or to bring them forgiveness was done with reference to the Saviour who was to come. He was the steppingstone by which man was to be exalted.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 18—The Night of Wrestling
PP 195.1
Though Jacob had left Padan-aram in obedience to the divine direction, it was not without many misgivings that he retraced the road which he had trodden as a fugitive twenty years before. His sin in the deception of his father was ever before him. He knew that his long exile was the direct result of that sin, and he pondered over these things day and night, the reproaches of an accusing conscience making his journey very sad. As the hills of his native land appeared before him in the distance, the heart of the patriarch was deeply moved. All the past rose vividly before him. With the memory of his sin came also the thought of God’s favor toward him, and the promises of divine help and guidance.PP 195.2
As he drew nearer his journey’s end, the thought of Esau brought many a troubled foreboding. After the flight of Jacob, Esau had regarded himself as the sole heir of their father’s possessions. The news of Jacob’s return would excite the fear that he was coming to claim the inheritance. Esau was now able to do his brother great injury, if so disposed, and he might be moved to violence against him, not only by the desire for revenge, but in order to secure undisturbed possession of the wealth which he had so long looked upon as his own.PP 195.3
Again the Lord granted Jacob a token of the divine care. As he traveled southward from Mount Gilead, two hosts of heavenly angels seemed to encompass him behind and before, advancing with his company, as if for their protection. Jacob remembered the vision at Bethel so long before, and his burdened heart grew lighter at this evidence that the divine messengers who had brought him hope and courage at his flight from Canaan were to be the guardians of his return. And he said, “This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim”—“two hosts, or, camps.”PP 195.4
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. He instructed them as to the exact words in which they were to address Esau. It had been foretold before the birth of the two brothers that the elder should serve the younger, and, lest the memory of this should be a cause of bitterness, Jacob told the servants they were sent to “my lord Esau;” when brought before him, they were to refer to their master as “thy servant Jacob;” and to remove the fear that he was returning, a destitute wanderer, to claim the paternal inheritance, Jacob was careful to state in his message, “I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.”PP 196.1
But the servants returned with the tidings that Esau was approaching with four hundred men, and no response was sent to the friendly message. It appeared certain that he was coming to seek revenge. Terror pervaded the camp. “Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.” He could not go back, and he feared to advance. His company, unarmed and defenseless, were wholly unprepared for a hostile encounter. He accordingly divided them into two bands, so that if one should be attacked, the other might have an opportunity to escape. He sent from his vast flocks generous presents to Esau, with a friendly message. He did all in his power to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger, and then in humiliation and repentance he pleaded for divine protection: Thou “saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray Thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.”PP 196.2
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. God could soften the heart of Esau. In Him was the patriarch’s only hope.PP 196.3
It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and the lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were at a distance, exposed to danger and death. Bitterest of all was the thought that it was his own sin which had brought this peril upon the innocent. With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before 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, 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. It was Christ, “the Angel of the covenant,” who had revealed Himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loosen his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel; “he wept, and made supplication” (Hosea 12:4), pleading for a blessing. He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. Physical pain was not sufficient to divert his mind from this object. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, “Let Me go, for the day breaketh;” but Jacob answered, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.PP 197.1
Jacob “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.PP 197.2
The error that had led to Jacob’s sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud was now clearly set before him. He had not trusted God’s promises, but had sought by his own efforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time and way. As an evidence that he had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the Angel, “shall be called no more Jacob [the supplanter], but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”PP 198.1
Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humiliation and repentance.PP 198.2
While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty years an exile from his father’s house; he witnessed his grief at finding his mother dead; he saw him encompassed by the hosts of God. This dream was related by Esau to his soldiers, with the charge not to harm Jacob, for the God of his father was with him.PP 198.3
The two companies at last approached each other, the desert chief leading his men of war, and Jacob with his wives and children, attended by shepherds and handmaidens, and followed by long lines of flocks and herds. Leaning upon his staff, the patriarch went forward to meet the band of soldiers. He was pale and disabled from his recent conflict, and he walked slowly and painfully, halting at every step; but his countenance was lighted up with joy and peace.PP 198.4
At sight of that crippled sufferer, “Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” As they looked upon the scene, even the hearts of Esau’s rude soldiers were touched. Notwithstanding he had told them of his dream, they could not account for the change that had come over their captain. Though they beheld the patriarch’s infirmity, they little thought that this his weakness had been made his strength.PP 198.5
In his night of anguish beside the Jabbok, when destruction seemed just before him, Jacob had been taught how vain is the help of man, how groundless is all trust in human power. He saw that his only help must come from Him against whom he had so grievously sinned. Helpless and unworthy, he pleaded God’s promise of mercy to the repentant sinner. That promise was his assurance that God would pardon and accept him. Sooner might heaven and earth pass than that word could fail; and it was this that sustained him through that fearful conflict.PP 201.1
Jacob’s experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the people of God must pass just before Christ’s second coming. The prophet Jeremiah, in holy vision looking down to this time, said, “We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.... All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:5-7.PP 201.2
When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man’s behalf, then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. When Jesus leaves His position as man’s intercessor before God, the solemn announcement is made, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:11. Then the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicked who are seeking to destroy them. And as the patriarch wrestled all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau, so the righteous will cry to God day and night for deliverance from the enemies that surround them.PP 201.3
Satan had accused Jacob before the angels of God, claiming the right to destroy him because of his sin; he had moved upon Esau to march against him; and during the patriarch’s long night of wrestling, Satan endeavored to force upon him a sense of his guilt, in order to discourage him, and break his hold upon God. When in his distress Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and made supplication with tears, the heavenly Messenger, in order to try his faith, also reminded him of his sin, and endeavored to escape from him. But Jacob would not be turned away. He had learned that God is merciful, and he cast himself upon His mercy. He pointed back to his repentance for his sin, and pleaded for deliverance. As he reviewed his life, he was driven almost to despair; but he held fast the Angel, and with earnest, agonizing cries urged his petition until he prevailed.PP 202.1
Such will be the experience of God’s people in their final struggle with the powers of evil. God will test their faith, their perseverance, their confidence in His power to deliver them. Satan will endeavor to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless; that their sins have been too great to receive pardon. They will have a deep sense of their shortcomings, and as they review their lives their hopes will sink. But remembering the greatness of God’s mercy, and their own sincere repentance, they will plead His promises made through Christ to helpless, repenting sinners. Their faith will not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. They will lay hold of the strength of God, as Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and the language of their souls will be, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.”PP 202.2
Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God could not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they will have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins will have been blotted out by the atoning blood of Christ, and they cannot bring them to remembrance.PP 202.3
Satan leads many to believe that God will overlook their unfaithfulness in the minor affairs of life; but the Lord shows in His dealing with Jacob that He can in no wise sanction or tolerate evil. All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession, and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of God, and the more certain the triumph of the great adversary.PP 202.4
Yet Jacob’s history is an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. It was by self-surrender and confiding faith that Jacob gained what he had failed to gain by conflict in his own strength. God thus taught His servant that divine power and grace alone could give him the blessing he craved. Thus it will be with those who live in the last days. As dangers surround them, and despair seizes upon the soul, they must depend solely upon the merits of the atonement. We can do nothing of ourselves. In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. None will ever perish while they do this. The long, black catalogue of our delinquencies is before the eye of the Infinite. The register is complete; none of our offenses are forgotten. But He who listened to the cries of His servants of old, will hear the prayer of faith and pardon our transgressions. He has promised, and He will fulfill His word.PP 203.1
Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.PP 203.2
Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for God’s blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of God’s promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8.