Gods Sabbath

T HE B ATTLE FOR THE B IRTHRIGHT

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his own country, Esau, fearing that he had come to claim the material blessings of the birthright, went out to meet him with murderous intentions (see Genesis 32:6–7). Having meanwhile learned the lessons of Sabbath rest, Jacob did his part, but made no attempt to undertake the defense of his company, in stead trusting all this to God (see Genesis 32:10–13). He then retired into the wilderness by the brook Jabbok to plead his case before his faithful heavenly Father whom he now trusted to be constantly caring for him. It was here that the Angel of the Covenant, Jesus Christ, came down to battle with him (see Genesis 32:23–32). Hour after hour passed, while Jacob was tormented with the realization that it was his own sin against Esau which had placed the lives of him and his family in jeopardy. He experi enced deep repentance—not over the results of his deceit but over the root of the problem itself. Experience had taught him that the procedure he had used with his father had been wrong and he did not want to repeat his mistake. This time he trusted his case without reserve into the hands of Him who could solve his problem to perfection, and he refused to do any problem solv ing or planning himself. “The error that had led to Jacob’s sin in obtaining the birth right by fraud was now clearly set before him. He had not trust ed God’s promises, but had sought by his own efforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time and way. As an evidence that he had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. ‘Thy name,’ said the Angel, ‘shall be called no more Jacob [the supplanter], but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.’” (See Genesis 32:29.) “Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humiliation and re pentance.” Patriarchs and Prophets , 197.2, 198.1.