The man who wrestles Jacob, here, is God (v. 28, 30). I find it interesting that God had not prevailed against Jacob (v. 25) and that Jacob had striven with God and men and had prevailed (v. 28). Notice that the text does not say or claim that God could not prevail against Jacob. It says He had not. He is obviously powerful enough if He could dislocate Jacob’s hip with a touch. God did not want to prevail against Jacob. The text also does not say that Jacob prevailed against God. It says he has striven with God and men and has prevailed—with, not against. This will become more perspicuous in Jacob’s approaching reunion with Esau and as the nations are blessed through Jacob and his descendants.

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