Gen. 32:22-31

1) this is a liminal experience.
2) Note the fluid identity of the assailant.
3) why is is the new name Israel, contended with god and prevailed given to this encounter? Has Jacob always been contending with God over blessings and the way to live?
4) the nocturnal struggle needs to end at dawn. Why? Hos. 12:3-4 says Jacob contended with God.
5) Jacob grabs yet another blessing.
6) why is he forbidden the name of the opponent.? I think the opponent could well be Jacob's old self and the new emerging self Israel. To enter into a new self, there at the water, he contends with it as he prepares to face Esau.t is about the very identity of Jacob. the words play around the name the stream is Jabbok from baqaq to empty. The struggle is the rare word abaq. The hip is dislocated yq'.
7) we get etiology with the hip. Is something else going on about finding oneself even after a joint has been displaced? Is the hip a reminder of his dislocation following the threats of Esau? Put differently, has Jacob ever felt at home? Maybe Jacob needed ot be emptied of his old self. If you want to run with baptism here, feel free.
8) Note Jacob calls the place Peniel (face of god) this face will be used toward the forgiving Esau soon.