No sooner is Jacob free of the troublesome Laban behind him when he realizes he has an even bigger, hairier problem ahead of him: Esau.
Wanting to head off an unpleasant family reunion, Jacob dispatches messengers to his brother in an attempt to smooth the way. Their first reports back, however, do not sound encouraging. Esau is coming to meet him - and bringing along an army of 400 men! It doesn't exactly sound like a warm homecoming is in store for Jacob.
Time for Plan B. Reverting to his tricky nature, Jacob splits his vast possessions in two, creating two companies. He reasons that Esau may come across one and destroy it, but the other would be kept intact and preserved.
Still not satisfied, Jacob attempts to buy off his enemy. He creates an elaborate system of gifts for his brother Esau, sending them off in waves ahead of him. He sends goats and rams and camels and cows and donkeys. Still, he is left wondering: Will Esau be appeased?
Finally, Jacob sends his wives and children on ahead. (Some people think this was cowardly, as Jacob stayed in the very rear position. Others think that by putting distance between himself and his family, Jacob was trying to ensure their survival if Esau was only interested in killing his brother.) This left Jacob alone for the night, at the ford of Jabbok.
What happens that night is a mystical encounter that changes Jacob, both physically and spiritually. A being shows up - a man? an angel? God Himself? - who wrestles with Jacob all night. Neither is able to decisively defeat the other. Jacob's opponent strikes him on the hip, putting it out of joint and resulting in a limp. But Jacob still won't give up. He clings to the being, demanding a blessing before he releases him. (There goes Jacob again, pursuing a blessing!) The man - or whoever it is - gives Jacob a new name. "Israel," the one who strives with God!
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