1. Encounters

2. Jacob makes preparations to meet Esau. (Genesis 32:1-21)

3. Jacob encounters angels which indicated that God is directing and in charge of Jacob’s return. (Genesis 32:1-2)

4. Jacob sends out messengers to inform Esau of his arrival
Jacob sends out messengers to inform Esau of his arrival. (Genesis 32:3-5)

5. Jacob wanted Esau to know that he has been with Laban and by implication not sneaking around Esau’s back or hiding.

6. Jacob wanted Esau to know that he had prospered and by implication he is not coming to try to take anything from Esau.

7. Jacob sought Esau’s favor and by implication was hoping that Esau would let bygones be bygones.

8. The messengers return with disturbing news. (Genesis 32:6)

9. Jacob has no idea whether Esau’s intentions are friendly or not.

10. Jacob strategizes and goes to God in prayer. (Genesis 32:7-12)

11. Jacob does what he can to seek Esau’s favor while attempting to gain a tactical advantage. (Genesis 32:13-23)

12. The wrestling match (Genesis 32:24-32)

13. The physical contest is not the point of this narrative.

14. The inability of the entity to overcome Jacob is about Jacob’s refusal to yield to God.

15. Only when the wrestler threatens to leave without blessing Jacob does Jacob relent.

16. Jacob is blessed with a name change – Israel.

17. Jacob is unable to ascertain the identity of the being.

18. The encounter with Esau (Genesis 33:1-20)

19. Jacob took a posture of humility and submission. (Genesis 33:1-3)

20. Jacob and Esau have an emotional reunion. (Genesis 33:4)

21. Jacob and Esau catch up on family news. (Genesis 33:5-7)

22. Esau attempted to return the gifts, but Jacob insists he keep them (Genesis 33:8-11)

23. Jacob declined Esau’s protection and settles in Shechem
Jacob declined Esau’s protection and settles in Shechem. (Genesis 33:12-19)

24. Jacob builds an altar to God and named it God, the God of Israel
Jacob builds an altar to God and named it God, the God of Israel. (Genesis 33:20)

25. Encounters