The divine stranger finds Jacob in an in-between time. For Jacob, it is a time of great uncertainty. A time of great fear, perhaps—and for some very good reasons. After many years away, Jacob has finally come near to the land where his brother Esau lives. The last time Jacob heard from Esau, Esau intended to kill him (Gen. 27:41). Now, many years later, Jacob sends Esau messengers with a conciliatory offering (32:3–5), and he hears that Esau is coming to meet him—accompanied by at least 400 men (32:6). Terrifying.
Does Esau approach with a face of gracious reconciliation or of vicious retribution? Jacob has no way of knowing. The coin is up in the air, spinning, and could easily land on either side. If Esau wanted to, he could cause serious damage to Jacob’s family, animals, and possessions. He could cost Jacob his life.
As night falls, Jacob has already done what he can do. He sent messengers with gifts; he prayed (32:9–12); he strategized (32:13–21). And now there is nothing left to do but wait, not knowing whether he will survive the next day. We might relate to this feeling of in-betweenness. We might think of uncertain relationships, or of fear-inducing political situations. This is where the divine stranger meets Jacob; perhaps it’s where the Divine meets us, too.
