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After working 20 years for Laban, Jacob departed with his family and one evening as he camped alone he wrestled with God through the night and would not let go until he received a blessing, and this is when the Lord said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed," Gen 32:24-28.
When I read this story I had a few questions regarding Jacob's mysterious confrontation with God.
You must be born-again to enter heavenTo enter the kingdom of heaven Jesus said you must be born-again. Jesus statement is implying this world in a sense is like a spiritual womb. Those who accept Jesus as their Savior are born-again out of this world's dark womb of sin and death and into God's kingdom of eternal light, Matthew 4:16, John 3:7.
While the wicked who refuse to believe in Christ are like the dead still-born child who will never see the light of Jesus the Son in heaven and will be cast into the darkness of hell.
Psalms 58:3, 8 The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies.....(8) Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, like the stillborn child who never sees the sun (Jesus the Son).
I believe Jacob and Esau who wrestled in the womb is symbolic for self-righteous Israel (Jacob) who struggled with Jesus (Esau) during his 3½ year ministry in the spiritual womb of this world that is cursed by sin.
When Jesus began his ministry he read from Isaiah 61:1-2, after this he said, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Then Jesus declared, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.” (Luke 4:16-30).
Luke 4:28-30 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. (29) And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. (30) But passing through their midst, he went away.
From the beginning of Christ's ministry the self-righteous Pharisees and religious leaders of Israel continually struggled with Jesus in the womb of this sinful world, John 3:19-21.
Esau the older brother is a type for Jesus (Micah 5:2), the older and stronger brother who defeated Satan on the cross when he came to serve unrighteous Israel (Jacob) by dying for their sins.
While Jacob the younger brother represents sinful Israel and unrighteous mankind who are separated from God's kingdom in heaven. Two peoples, the righteous and unrighteous who are spiritually divided from one another in the womb of this fallen world, John 3:19-20.
Esau who was red and hairy that was first to come out of the womb is prophetic for Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God who shed his blood on the cross and was the first to be resurrected in righteousness out this world's womb of sin and death, John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 15:20, Colossians 1:15-18.
Esau who was red and hairy, and the hairy Passover lambs whose blood was shed for the sins of Israel, are similar types for the blood of Jesus that was shed for our sins on Passover, John 1:29.
Afterward Jacob came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, Gen 25:26Genesis 3:15 is a well known prophecy for Jesus who bruised his heel on the cross for our sins when he crushed Satan's power and authority over mankind.
Therefore Jacob who was born by holding on to Esau's heel as he came out of the dark womb, is symbolic for repentant sinners in this dark world who are born-again into God's kingdom of righteousness and light, by holding on to the first-born son Jesus by faith who bruised his heel on the cross for our sins, John 3:3, Col 1:13-15, Mat 4:16-17.
While Rebekah who loved Jacob speaks of the faithful motherly saints who share Christ's love and salvation with unrighteous mankind, Genesis 25:28, 27:5-28, 1 Thess 2:7-8.
Gen 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and (red) lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Esau who ate the red stew and despised his birthright is symbolic for Jesus who endured the cross and despised the shame when he became sin for us, the birthright of the sacrificial Passover Lamb of God so we could give receive his birthright of righteousness by faith.
Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy (of our salvation) that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse (Edom) for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"--
Edom is symbolic for Jesus when he shed his blood and was cursed for the sins of all mankind on the cross. And the Edomites who were the continual enemies of God and Israel, are a type for sinful and unbelieving mankind who are the eternal enemies of Christ and the church who will forever be cursed in hell, Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:21-22, Isaiah 34:1-6.
Isaiah 63 is symbolic for Jesus who comes from Edom in crimsoned (red) garments from Bozrah (the sheepfold), Isaiah 63:6.
An excellent article to read on this subject is called Garments Bloody from the Winepress.
Isaiah 63:1-6 Who is this who comes from Edom (Jesus judged as sinful man on the cross), in crimsoned (blood stained) garments from Bozrah (the sheepfold), he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save." (2) Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? (3) "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. (4) For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come. (5) I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm (Jesus) brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me. (6) I trampled down the peoples in my anger (on the cross); I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth."
The above scripture reveals the heavenly Father knew before the foundation of the world that his wrath and hatred would have to be poured out on his righteous son Jesus who would become sin for us on the cross (Esau I hated), so God could show his love and forgiveness to those who are born-again through faith in Christ (Jacob I loved), Isaiah 46:8-10, Revelation 13:8, Romans 8:29, Jeremiah 1:5, Malachi 1:2-4.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world (Jacob I loved), that he gave his only Son (Esau I hated), that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
And Rebekah who dressed Jacob in two goatskins to deceive his blinded father Isaac so he could receive the blessing of the first born son Esau, is symbolic for the faithful motherly saints who share the gospel with unrighteous mankind so they may be clothed in the righteousness of the firstborn son Jesus by faith, in order to receive the Father's heavenly blessings, Galatians 3:27, Romans 3:14.
Jacob who feared his brother Esau and fled after receiving his birthright and blessing, is prophetic for the unrighteous nation of Israel who've been running away in unbelief from Jesus since he died on the cross for their sins.
Therefore Jacob's hip muscle that was touched by God that caused him to limp, appears to be symbolic for the Lord humbling the sinful descendants of Jacob from relying on their own strength and works of the law to be justified, so they may be saved by faith during their heartfelt confrontation with Jesus in the tribulation, Jer 17:5.
The 400 men with Esau when Jacob was coming towards him, represent the raptured saints from the 4 corners of the world who will return with Jesus when he saves a remnant of Israel who are coming to faith in Christ at the end of the tribulation, Matthew 24:31, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Jude 1:14.
The 400 men who followed after David in the wilderness when Saul was trying to kill him, is a similar prophetic picture for the Gentiles in the 4 corners of the world who will come to Jesus in the tribulation and be saved from slavery to the Antichrist, 1 Samuel 22:2.
The 7 times that Jacob bowed down as he drew near to Esau was a customary way of showing honor and submission to a king. And I believe Jacob bowing down 7 times before he hugged his brother Esau is prophetic for when a remnant of Israel by faith will bow down in humility and honor to Jesus as their Savior and King at the end of the 7 year tribulation, Zech 13:8-9.
Esau who fell on Jacob's neck as they wept is repeated again in a similar story that's prophetic for Israel's salvation, when Jacob and his family of 66 descendants (6 represents sinful mankind) came to Joseph in Egypt (Jesus) to be saved from the 7 years of famine (tribulation), when Joseph fell on Israel's neck and wept, Gen 33:1-4, 46:26-29.
Gen 46:29 Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.
Jacob's name (in Gen 46:26-27) that was changed to Israel (in Gen 46:29) when he came to Joseph who fell on his neck and wept, is a hidden symbolic prophecy for the unrighteous descendants of Jacob who will come to Jesus in their heart and be born-again, just before the Lord returns to save faithful Israel at the end of the tribulation, Luke 13:35, Romans 9:6-8.
The similar stories of Esau and Joseph who fell on Jacob's neck as they wept represent Christ's return to save a faithful remnant of Israel who will also weep bitterly when they see their resurrected Messiah and victorious King, Zech 12:10-12.
Jacobs' two wives and children who bowed down in honor to Esau are symbolic for when all of faithful Israel will humble themselves and give glory and honor to Jesus when he returns as King of kings, Gen 33:5-7, Rom 11:25-26.
Seeing your face is like seeing the the face of GodAfter this Jacob said to Esau, “I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me,” Gen 33:10.
Esau in this scripture is prophetic for Christ's second coming when the redeemed in Israel who have been accepted by faith will look upon Jesus who is the face of God.
In the following articles I examine the scriptures that appear to be pointing to the years of 2031 to 2038 for the tribulation.
Is the year when the tribulation ends written in scripture?
Part 2, 2 days (2,000 years), 7th hour, 38
Part 3, 2-38
Part 4, Genesis 14:14, 17:17, Exodus 7:7, John 5:5
Part 5, Psalms 83 & 90
When I read this story I had a few questions regarding Jacob's mysterious confrontation with God.
- Why did Jacob struggle with God through the night and refuse to let go until he received a blessing?
- And why did God change Jacob's name to Israel at this point in his life?
- What does Jacob's new name have to do with his blessing?
- And why did God touch Jacob's hip that caused him to limp?
Jacob and Esau wrestled in the womb before they were born
Gen 25:22 The children struggled together within her, and she said, "If it is thus, why is this happening to me?" So she went to inquire of the LORD.You must be born-again to enter heaven
While the wicked who refuse to believe in Christ are like the dead still-born child who will never see the light of Jesus the Son in heaven and will be cast into the darkness of hell.
Psalms 58:3, 8 The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies.....(8) Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, like the stillborn child who never sees the sun (Jesus the Son).
I believe Jacob and Esau who wrestled in the womb is symbolic for self-righteous Israel (Jacob) who struggled with Jesus (Esau) during his 3½ year ministry in the spiritual womb of this world that is cursed by sin.
When Jesus began his ministry he read from Isaiah 61:1-2, after this he said, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Then Jesus declared, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.” (Luke 4:16-30).
Luke 4:28-30 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. (29) And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. (30) But passing through their midst, he went away.
From the beginning of Christ's ministry the self-righteous Pharisees and religious leaders of Israel continually struggled with Jesus in the womb of this sinful world, John 3:19-21.
Two nations are in your womb, the older shall serve the younger
Gen 25:23 And the LORD said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger."Esau the older brother is a type for Jesus (Micah 5:2), the older and stronger brother who defeated Satan on the cross when he came to serve unrighteous Israel (Jacob) by dying for their sins.
While Jacob the younger brother represents sinful Israel and unrighteous mankind who are separated from God's kingdom in heaven. Two peoples, the righteous and unrighteous who are spiritually divided from one another in the womb of this fallen world, John 3:19-20.
Esau came out of the womb red, all of his body like a hairy cloak
Gen 25:25-26 The first (son) came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. (26) Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.Esau who was red and hairy that was first to come out of the womb is prophetic for Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God who shed his blood on the cross and was the first to be resurrected in righteousness out this world's womb of sin and death, John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 15:20, Colossians 1:15-18.
Esau who was red and hairy, and the hairy Passover lambs whose blood was shed for the sins of Israel, are similar types for the blood of Jesus that was shed for our sins on Passover, John 1:29.
Afterward Jacob came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, Gen 25:26
Therefore Jacob who was born by holding on to Esau's heel as he came out of the dark womb, is symbolic for repentant sinners in this dark world who are born-again into God's kingdom of righteousness and light, by holding on to the first-born son Jesus by faith who bruised his heel on the cross for our sins, John 3:3, Col 1:13-15, Mat 4:16-17.
Isaac loved Esau
Isaac who loved his first-born son Esau is symbolic for the Father in heaven who is well pleased with his beloved son Jesus, Mat 3:17.While Rebekah who loved Jacob speaks of the faithful motherly saints who share Christ's love and salvation with unrighteous mankind, Genesis 25:28, 27:5-28, 1 Thess 2:7-8.
Esau sold his birthright for Jacob's bowl of red stew, Gen 25:29-34
Esau the firstborn son who sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of red stew, is symbolic for Jesus who gave us his birthright of righteousness when we gave him our bowl of red stew, God's bloody judgment for our sins when Christ became sin for us on the cross, Isaiah 52:14, 2 Cor 5:21.Gen 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and (red) lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Esau who ate the red stew and despised his birthright is symbolic for Jesus who endured the cross and despised the shame when he became sin for us, the birthright of the sacrificial Passover Lamb of God so we could give receive his birthright of righteousness by faith.
Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy (of our salvation) that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Esau was called Edom when he received Jacob's bowl of red stew
Esau who was exhausted and about to die and called Edom (which means red) when he ate Jacob's bowl of red stew (Gen 25:29-32), is symbolic for Jesus who was exhausted and about to die when he shed his red blood on the cross for our sins and was cursed (Edom) for our unrighteousness, Deuteronomy 21:22-23, Gal 3:13, 2 Cor 5:21.Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse (Edom) for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"--
Edom is symbolic for Jesus when he shed his blood and was cursed for the sins of all mankind on the cross. And the Edomites who were the continual enemies of God and Israel, are a type for sinful and unbelieving mankind who are the eternal enemies of Christ and the church who will forever be cursed in hell, Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:21-22, Isaiah 34:1-6.
Isaiah 63 is symbolic for Jesus who comes from Edom in crimsoned (red) garments from Bozrah (the sheepfold), Isaiah 63:6.
An excellent article to read on this subject is called Garments Bloody from the Winepress.
Isaiah 63:1-6 Who is this who comes from Edom (Jesus judged as sinful man on the cross), in crimsoned (blood stained) garments from Bozrah (the sheepfold), he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save." (2) Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? (3) "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. (4) For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come. (5) I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm (Jesus) brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me. (6) I trampled down the peoples in my anger (on the cross); I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth."
Before they were born Jacob I loved but Esau I hated
In Romans 9:11-16, it says before they were born or had done anything good or bad, Jacob (a type for unrighteous mankind) I loved, but Esau (a type for Jesus) I hated.The above scripture reveals the heavenly Father knew before the foundation of the world that his wrath and hatred would have to be poured out on his righteous son Jesus who would become sin for us on the cross (Esau I hated), so God could show his love and forgiveness to those who are born-again through faith in Christ (Jacob I loved), Isaiah 46:8-10, Revelation 13:8, Romans 8:29, Jeremiah 1:5, Malachi 1:2-4.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world (Jacob I loved), that he gave his only Son (Esau I hated), that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Jacob received Esau's blessing when he was dressed in two goatskins
The two goats, the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat that carried Israel's sin away on Yom Kippur when the nations sins were forgiven, are symbolic for Jesus sacrifice when he carried all of our sins away on the cross, Isaiah 53:4, 1 Peter 2:24.And Rebekah who dressed Jacob in two goatskins to deceive his blinded father Isaac so he could receive the blessing of the first born son Esau, is symbolic for the faithful motherly saints who share the gospel with unrighteous mankind so they may be clothed in the righteousness of the firstborn son Jesus by faith, in order to receive the Father's heavenly blessings, Galatians 3:27, Romans 3:14.
Jacob's 20 years of separation from Esau
was followed by his nightlong struggle with God
The 20 years that Jacob worked for his two wives and flocks when he was separated from his brother Esau, is symbolic for a 2,000 year gospel age to the Gentiles when the unrighteous nation of Israel (represented by Jacob) will be separated in unbelief from their suffering Messiah who died for their sins (represented by Esau), that will be followed by self-righteous Israel's 7 year night-long struggle with Jesus in the darkness of the tribulation, Jer 30:6-9.was followed by his nightlong struggle with God
While they struggled God touched Jacob's hip that caused him to limp
The hip muscle (Gluteus Maximus) is the largest and one of the strongest muscles in the body.Therefore Jacob's hip muscle that was touched by God that caused him to limp, appears to be symbolic for the Lord humbling the sinful descendants of Jacob from relying on their own strength and works of the law to be justified, so they may be saved by faith during their heartfelt confrontation with Jesus in the tribulation, Jer 17:5.
Jacob struggled and would not let go of God until he was blessed
Jacob who wrestled with God through the night and would not let go until he received a blessing when he was called Israel, is prophetic for the unrighteous descendants of Jacob who will struggle with God and not let go in the birth pangs of the tribulation, until they are blessed by a Spirit of grace when they will be born-again and called Israel by faith in Christ, Genesis 32:26-30, Zechariah 12:10, Romans 9:6-8, 25-27, Jeremiah 30:6-7.Jacob sees Esau coming toward him with 400 men
Gen 33:1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants.The 400 men with Esau when Jacob was coming towards him, represent the raptured saints from the 4 corners of the world who will return with Jesus when he saves a remnant of Israel who are coming to faith in Christ at the end of the tribulation, Matthew 24:31, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Jude 1:14.
The 400 men who followed after David in the wilderness when Saul was trying to kill him, is a similar prophetic picture for the Gentiles in the 4 corners of the world who will come to Jesus in the tribulation and be saved from slavery to the Antichrist, 1 Samuel 22:2.
As Jacob drew near to Esau he bowed down 7 times before him
Gen 33:2-4 And he (Jacob) put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. (3) He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. (4) But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.The 7 times that Jacob bowed down as he drew near to Esau was a customary way of showing honor and submission to a king. And I believe Jacob bowing down 7 times before he hugged his brother Esau is prophetic for when a remnant of Israel by faith will bow down in humility and honor to Jesus as their Savior and King at the end of the 7 year tribulation, Zech 13:8-9.
Esau who fell on Jacob's neck as they wept is repeated again in a similar story that's prophetic for Israel's salvation, when Jacob and his family of 66 descendants (6 represents sinful mankind) came to Joseph in Egypt (Jesus) to be saved from the 7 years of famine (tribulation), when Joseph fell on Israel's neck and wept, Gen 33:1-4, 46:26-29.
Gen 46:29 Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.
Jacob's name (in Gen 46:26-27) that was changed to Israel (in Gen 46:29) when he came to Joseph who fell on his neck and wept, is a hidden symbolic prophecy for the unrighteous descendants of Jacob who will come to Jesus in their heart and be born-again, just before the Lord returns to save faithful Israel at the end of the tribulation, Luke 13:35, Romans 9:6-8.
The similar stories of Esau and Joseph who fell on Jacob's neck as they wept represent Christ's return to save a faithful remnant of Israel who will also weep bitterly when they see their resurrected Messiah and victorious King, Zech 12:10-12.
Jacobs' two wives and children who bowed down in honor to Esau are symbolic for when all of faithful Israel will humble themselves and give glory and honor to Jesus when he returns as King of kings, Gen 33:5-7, Rom 11:25-26.
Seeing your face is like seeing the the face of God
Esau in this scripture is prophetic for Christ's second coming when the redeemed in Israel who have been accepted by faith will look upon Jesus who is the face of God.
In the following articles I examine the scriptures that appear to be pointing to the years of 2031 to 2038 for the tribulation.
Is the year when the tribulation ends written in scripture?
Part 2, 2 days (2,000 years), 7th hour, 38
Part 3, 2-38
Part 4, Genesis 14:14, 17:17, Exodus 7:7, John 5:5
Part 5, Psalms 83 & 90
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