He took themJacob, the patriarch, is the central figure here. He is taking his family, which includes his wives, children, and servants. This action reflects his role as the head of the household and protector. In the broader narrative, Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau, whom he fears due to their past conflict. This moment is a turning point, showing Jacob's responsibility and care for his family.
and sent them across the stream
The stream referred to is the Jabbok River, a tributary of the Jordan River. This geographical detail is significant as it marks a boundary and a place of transition. In biblical symbolism, crossing water often represents a change or new beginning. This act of sending his family across first can be seen as a protective measure, ensuring their safety before he faces Esau. The Jabbok is also the site of Jacob's wrestling with God, a pivotal spiritual encounter.
along with all his possessions
Jacob's possessions include livestock and goods accumulated over years, reflecting God's blessing and fulfillment of His promise to prosper Jacob. This phrase underscores the wealth and status Jacob has achieved, which is significant in the context of his impending meeting with Esau. Historically, possessions were a sign of God's favor and a means of survival and influence. This act of sending everything across the stream shows Jacob's strategic planning and trust in God's provision.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau after many years. He is in a state of anxiety and fear, seeking to protect his family and possessions.
2.
The Stream (Jabbok)A tributary of the Jordan River, the Jabbok is the location where Jacob sends his family and possessions across. It is a significant geographical marker in Jacob's journey.
3.
Jacob's FamilyIncludes his wives, children, and servants. They are part of the group that Jacob sends across the stream, indicating his concern for their safety.
4.
EsauAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Esau is the reason for Jacob's actions. Jacob is preparing to meet Esau, whom he fears might still hold a grudge against him.
5.
PossessionsJacob's wealth, which he sends across the stream, signifies his material blessings and the tangible evidence of God's promise to him.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's PromisesJacob's actions reflect a mixture of fear and faith. Despite his anxiety, he acts on the promises God has given him. We are reminded to trust in God's promises even when facing daunting situations.
Preparation and PrudenceJacob's careful preparation in sending his family and possessions across the stream shows the importance of being prudent and wise in our actions while trusting God.
Facing Fears with FaithJacob's journey to meet Esau is a powerful example of confronting fears with faith. We are encouraged to face our fears, trusting that God is with us.
Family and ResponsibilityJacob's concern for his family's safety highlights the importance of caring for and protecting our loved ones, a responsibility that is both practical and spiritual.
Material Blessings and StewardshipJacob's possessions are a testament to God's blessing. We are reminded to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, using our resources wisely and for His glory.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 32:23?
2.How does Genesis 32:23 demonstrate Jacob's reliance on God's protection and guidance?
3.What can we learn from Jacob's actions in Genesis 32:23 about faith?
4.How does Genesis 32:23 connect to God's promises to Abraham and Isaac?
5.In what ways can we apply Jacob's trust in God to our lives?
6.How does Jacob's preparation in Genesis 32:23 reflect spiritual readiness for challenges?
7.What is the significance of Jacob's crossing in Genesis 32:23 for his spiritual journey?
8.How does Genesis 32:23 reflect the theme of transformation in Jacob's life?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 32:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32?
11.What is the significance of Jacob wrestling with God?
12.Is God all-powerful?
13.What is the total number of Abraham's wives?
14.Why does the narrative in Genesis 23 seem to contradict other passages suggesting Abraham freely inherited Canaan?What Does Genesis 32:23 Mean
He took them“Jacob took his two wives, two maidservants, and eleven sons” (Genesis 32:22).
• This deliberate movement shows Jacob as the responsible head of his household, just as Noah gathered his family into the ark (Genesis 7:7) and later Moses would lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 14:21-22).
• Jacob’s initiative reflects faith in God’s promise of protection first given at Bethel (Genesis 28:15). By physically taking hold of his loved ones, he puts that promise into action.
and sent them across the stream“and sent them across the stream” (Genesis 32:23).
• The stream is the Jabbok, a tributary of the Jordan. Crossing water often marks a turning point: Abram crossed the Euphrates into the land of promise (Genesis 12:5), Israel would later cross the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 3:17), and Elijah crossed the Jordan before his departure (2 Kings 2:8-11).
• Jacob’s choice to remain behind while sending the family ahead places him alone for the coming encounter with God (Genesis 32:24). Solitude before the Lord is a pattern seen in Moses on Sinai (Exodus 34:28) and Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39).
along with all his possessions“along with all his possessions” (Genesis 32:23).
• Nothing is left on the near side; Jacob’s whole life is now committed to the other bank. Similar all-in obedience appears when the disciples “left everything and followed” Jesus (Luke 5:11).
• Jacob had once fled with only a staff (Genesis 32:10), but God multiplied his wealth (Genesis 30:43). By moving it across the Jabbok, Jacob publicly acknowledges that every blessing belongs under God’s care, echoingProverbs 3:9-10.
summaryGenesis 32:23 pictures a decisive act of faith: Jacob gathers his household, moves them across the Jabbok, and commits every possession to God’s keeping. The verse sets the stage for his solitary wrestling with the LORD, illustrating that true surrender often comes after we have first placed our loved ones and resources entirely in God’s hands.
(23)
The brook.--Really, the ravine or valley; Arab.,
wady.Jacob, whose administrative powers were of a very high character, sees his wives, children, and cattle not only through the ford, but across the valley on to the high ground beyond. Staying himself to the very last, he is left alone on the south side of the torrent, but still in the ravine, across which the rest had taken their way. The definite proof that Jacob remained on the south side lies in the fact that Peniel belonged to the tribe of Gad; but, besides this, there could be no reason why he should recross the rapid river when once he had gone through it, and probably the idea has risen from taking the word
brookin
Genesis 32:23 in too narrow a sense. Really it is the word translated
valleyin
Genesis 26:17, but is used only of such valleys or ravines as have been formed by the action of a mountain torrent. When Jacob had seen his wives and herds safe on the top of the southern ridge, the deep valley would be the very place for this solitary struggle. This ravine, we are told, has a width of from four to six miles.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He tookוַיִּקָּחֵ֔ם(way·yiq·qā·ḥêm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3947:To takethem and sent them acrossוַיַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖ם(way·ya·‘ă·ḇi·rêm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onthe stream,הַנָּ֑חַל(han·nā·ḥal)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5158:A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaftalong with all his possessions.אֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that
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OT Law: Genesis 32:23 He took them and sent them over (Gen. Ge Gn) 
