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Advent Lessons

Lesson 5 · October 29, 1898

Night of Wrestling

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(.)

  1. 1.What additional assurance did Jacob now have of God's protecting care? .
  2. 2.What did Jacob say? What is the meaning of Mahanaim? . Note 1.
  3. 3.What message did Jacob now send to Esau? To what place? Why? .
  4. 4.What reply did he receive? .
  5. 5.What immediate effect did this have upon Jacob? What did he do and say? .
  6. 6.To whom did this news drive him? What was his prayer? and in what spirit? .
  7. 7.What presents did he send before him for Esau? Why? . Also .
  8. 8.What questions did he expect Esau to ask? How was the foremost, and every other servant, to answer? .
  9. 9.What statement were they each to make? Why did he pursue this course, and adopt this special order of arrangement? .
  10. 10.Where did he stop for the night? Could he sleep? What did he finally do with his wives and children, and all that he had? .
  11. 11.Where was he then? What troublous experience did he now have? .
  12. 12.At daybreak what miraculous event occurred? .
  13. 13.What did this reveal to Jacob, and what attitude did he now assume? What was his great desire? .
  14. 14.What question did this mighty wrestler ask Jacob? .
  15. 15.What great change was this night effectually reached in Jacob's character? .
  16. 16.What did Jacob now desire to know? What was the result of his struggle and desire? . Note 2.
  17. 17.Did Jacob now know who it was? What effect did this knowledge have upon him? .
  18. 18.As he passed over Penuel, what rose upon him? .
  19. 19.How did the children of Israel keep this significant vision in mind? .

Readings

Notes

; "Mount of Blessing," pages 193, 194; .

1. "Mahanaim" signifies two hosts. Jacob named the place "Mahanaim," because he saw two hosts of heavenly angels. It is when passing through the deepest waters, encompassed with greatest doubt and perplexity, difficulty and danger, that the angels of God encamp about the children of His care. If by the eye of faith we could only see them day by day, as they really are, no fear would disturb our souls. See ; ; ; ; .

2. Jacob's external struggle was the result of a mightier struggle within. It was a strife between self and God. When the angel gained the victory over that soul, Jacob was crucified; it was then that, in the strength of his mighty Contestant, he conquered; it was then that Jacob, the Supplanter, could receive a new name, Israel, Prince of God, power with man. That night had been one of darkness and suffering, but the morning was one of light and glory. The greatest suffering precedes the greatest glory. Now Jacob could see the face of God, and as he "passed over Penuel," the sun rose upon him. Just so, when we pass through "the night of Jacob's trouble," we shall be prepared through suffering, with bodies glorified, to behold with joy the face of God; and "the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings." Suffering precedes the glory. See ; ; ; ; ; .

Additional Study

  1. 1.What will become of us when Christ prevails? What is our name before Christ takes us? What after? After our "royal birth," what are we to be with God? See , last clause.
  2. 2.How only can we have power over wicked men for good? When only do we really live? When do we live most?
  3. 3.When a man becomes a prince with God, what becomes of the prince of this world?
  4. 4.Draw a careful comparison between Jacob in his time of trouble, and the remnant people of God in their time of trouble.
  5. 5.Show that the Angel was Christ. See .
  6. 6.What other persons do you think of whose names the Lord changed? Whose names are yet to be changed?
  7. 7.How does God wrestle with us, and we with God? What for? and with what result?
  8. 8.What effect should trial and adversity have upon the servant of God always? Does it have this effect upon me?

Bible texts in this lesson

Genesis 32 · Genesis 32:1 · Genesis 32:2 · Genesis 32:3-5 · Genesis 32:6 · Genesis 32:7 · Genesis 32:8 · Genesis 32:9-12 · Genesis 32:13-16 · Genesis 32:20 · Genesis 32:17-19 · Genesis 32:21-23 · Genesis 32:24 · Genesis 32:25 · Genesis 32:26 · Genesis 32:27 · Genesis 32:28 · Genesis 32:29 · Genesis 32:30 · Genesis 32:31 · Genesis 32:32 · Deuteronomy 32:10 · Psalms 32:8 · 2 Chronicles 16:9 · 2 Kings 6:14-17 · Psalms 34:7 · Luke 24:26 · Daniel 11:35 · Acts 14:22 · Philippians 3:21 · Romans 8:18 · 2 Timothy 2:12 · Revelation 20:6 · Revelation 22:4 · Hosea 12:4 · Hosea 12:5

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