2.4 – Election – Ford

There are several speculations as to who Jacob is “wrestling” with in this description in the Bible.  As described in the article, it is most likely some higher, more spiritual being rather than a simple man.  Kass speculates that Jacob’s opponent may be someone fighting on behalf of Esau. It could be symbolic of the struggle in the womb between the two twins, especially given how closely intertwined they were, making it difficult to really identify what belonged to who given that they were wrestling.  The opponent could also be a symbol of his father, given that Jacob seems to demand a blessing from his opponent, similarly to the one in which he received after manipulating his father Isaac. One rather interesting interpretation that Kass brought up which I liked though, was that the struggle was truly with God.  It could represent Jacob trying to stay connected to God. Given that God was not always as openly present to Jacob, with less direct and frequent communication compared to someone like Isaac. As Jacob accepts this confrontation, he is demonstrating a desire to engage with God in some way, and get closer to him. If this is the case, then I think that the real, true winner in the end of this situation is God.  Although it seems as though Jacob physically prevails, and is in a position of power and control to demand a sort of blessing, the fact that Jacob was so invested in the struggle demonstrates his virtues that can be channeled to supporting God and spreading his word. Jacob was not passive in the struggle; he fought long and hard. It wasn’t a fight to the death, though, as Kass emphasizes. It was one in which he was putting up a struggle, and demonstrating his perseverance.  In a way, this “wrestling” could serve extremely beneficial in God’s eyes, as Jacob’s dedication to the struggle and to getting closer to God illustrates just how driven and capable he is to spread the word of God even when he is presented with obstacles.