The Lord did indeed prosper Jacob, and when he departed from the house of his Father-in-law Laban, he was a wealthy man with servants, flocks, herds, and a large family. Notwithstanding the blessings that he had received, he was afraid that Esau would kill him and his family. He had prepared numerous gifts, and also divided his procession so that some of his family would be spared if the worst should happen.
After making his initial preparations, a very unusual event is described:
"And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. 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 32:24-30)Initially, the account states that he wrestled with a man. At the end of the passage, he says that he has seen God face to face. One of the most fundamental aspects of this wrestling match is that it somehow involved communion with God.
Additionally, Jacob said that he would not let the man go unless he received a blessing by him. Obviously, Jacob would not have done this with just a stranger. He knew that this individual had power to help him. But if he recognized the man as an agent of God, then why attempt to wrestle? Why make demands? Should he not have bowed himself down and obeyed? Was not this the righteousness with which Abraham was credited when he would not withhold Isaac from sacrifice? Why the wrestling match?
The words of Jesus provide clarity on the subject in the form of this parable:
"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." (Luke 18:1-5)The idea of the parable of the unjust judge is that God hears the persistent cries of his children. This is something to which many people can relate. A child might go through a phase where they desire something, but by the next week, the thing is forgotten and they have moved onto other things. Even for adults trying to make better financial decisions, it is common to hear counsel to wait on purchasing decisions to avoid impulse buying.
Ultimately, what seems to be a confusing story in the old testament with wrestling matches is actually guidance for understanding the question "why isn't God answering my prayer?"
Certainly specific requests demonstrate a level of thought about a given request or issue, but remembering it every day, or multiple times each day, represents a completely new level of sincerity. Given enough time, if it is still important, and if an asker still believes that God can answer their prayer, a person can demonstrate they are not wanting God to fulfill their whims. They are seeking something more earnestly.
Although theses are not the only requirements that accompany receiving answers to prayer, it is clear that it made a difference for Jacob. When he finally met his brother Esau, they embraced one another and wept. The promises of God had been fulfilled, and there was peace between Jacob and Esau.
Sincerity, diligence, and faith go a long way to helping prayers ascend to God.
