Clinging to the Grace of A New Name

Jacob did everything he could to reach out to Esau, make restitution for past wrongs, and appease his anger. But Esau was still coming to meet him with 400 men. So Jacob cried out to God in one of the most Gospel-driven prayers in all of Scripture. Then God disables Jacob, forcing Jacob to cling to Him for grace, rather than wrestle against Him in his strength.

God would teach Jacob what was necessary to enter into the kingdom and receive the covenant blessings. Jacob would need a new name, indicative of a new heart.