From Deceiver to Prince: The Redemption of Jacob
There is something deeply human in the story of Jacob. His life is filled with ambition, insecurity, broken relationships, and ultimately, redemption. He is not a man of flawless character, yet he is chosen by God. Through his story, we witness the incredible truth that God does not bless us because we are perfect, but because He is gracious—and He desires to transform us.
The Stolen Blessing
Jacob’s life begins in tension. Even in the womb, he and his twin brother Esau struggle. When Esau is born first, Jacob follows closely—grasping Esau’s heel, earning him the name Jacob, meaning "heel-grabber" or more idiomatically, "supplanter" or "deceiver."
Years later, Jacob seizes the opportunity to take Esau’s birthright for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29–34). But it is in Genesis 27 that we see the depth of his deception. At his mother Rebekah’s urging, Jacob disguises himself as Esau to steal the blessing from his aging and blind father, Isaac.
Jacob goes to great lengths to deceive—covering himself with goat skins to mimic Esau’s hairy arms, wearing his brother’s clothes to smell like him, and lying directly to his father:
“Isaac said to his son, ‘How is it that you have it so quickly, my son?’ And he said, ‘Because the Lord your God made it come to me.’” (Genesis 27:20, NASB)
Not only does Jacob deceive his father, but he invokes the Lord’s name to give weight to the lie. The blessing he receives is indeed powerful and prophetic, but it is obtained under false pretenses. It is not given to Jacob—it is given to a false version of him, to “Esau.”
Jacob is then forced to flee for his life, beginning decades of exile and hardship. Though he has the blessing in his hand, it is hollow—he is not at peace, and he is not yet changed.
Wrestling in the Night
Fast forward many years. Jacob has prospered materially but remains estranged from Esau. Now, as he prepares to return to Canaan, he faces his greatest fear—meeting his brother. Terrified that Esau might still want to kill him, Jacob sends gifts ahead and divides his camp.
Then something strange and transformative happens. Alone in the night, Jacob is confronted by a mysterious man and wrestles with him until daybreak:
“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.” (Genesis 32:24, NASB)
This is no ordinary man. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Jacob is wrestling with God Himself—or, more specifically, the Angel of the Lord, a manifestation of God’s presence. Hosea 12:4 confirms this interpretation:
“Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and pleaded for his favor.”
Jacob wrestles not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. It is a struggle for identity, for blessing, for reconciliation with both God and man.
A True Blessing—And a New Identity
The pivotal moment comes when the angel asks a question:
“Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.’ But he said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’ So he said to him, ‘What is your name?’” (Genesis 32:26–27a, NASB)
Here we see the divine invitation to confession. Years earlier, when Isaac had asked Jacob, “Who are you, my son?” he answered, “I am Esau.” But now, when God asks him, “What is your name?” Jacob answers truthfully:
“And he said, ‘Jacob.’” (Genesis 32:27b, NASB)
This is not a trivial detail. This is repentance. By stating his name—Jacob, the deceiver—he owns who he really is. He confesses not just a name but a pattern of manipulation, deceit, and striving.
And God responds, not with condemnation, but transformation:
“He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have contended with God and with men, and have prevailed.’” (Genesis 32:28, NASB)
Israel means “God contends” or “Prince of God.” It is a name not of deception, but of destiny. This is the true blessing. This time, it is not stolen or earned through trickery. It is received in humility and truth. And it is given to Jacob—not to an imposter, not under disguise, but to the real, broken man who clings to God and will not let go.
A Picture of the New Birth
Jacob’s story is our story. We are all born into sin, into striving, often trying to wear disguises to earn favor, success, or even spiritual standing. We may try to be someone we’re not to receive the world’s version of blessing. But it leaves us restless, alone, and afraid.
Yet God meets us in our darkest moments—when we’re alone and vulnerable. He invites us to stop pretending. To say our name. To confess who we are.
And when we do, when we come to Him not as imposters but in honesty and repentance, He gives us a new name.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NASB)
Just as Jacob became Israel, so every believer who comes to Jesus in faith becomes someone new. We are no longer defined by our past, our failures, or even our sins. We are given a new identity—as children of God, as co-heirs with Christ, as citizens of heaven.
Clinging to God’s Blessing
What stands out most in Jacob’s midnight wrestling is his tenacity. He won’t let go of God until he receives the blessing. He may limp away with a physical injury, but spiritually, he walks forward as a new man.
There is something to be said about this kind of spiritual persistence. In our walk with God, there are seasons when we must wrestle—through doubt, fear, sorrow, or conviction. But in that wrestling, when we cling to God and confess our need, we don’t come away empty. We come away transformed.
Encouragement for Today
Are you weary from striving? Have you ever felt like you had to “fake it” to receive blessing or approval—from others, or even from God?
Take heart in Jacob’s story. God isn’t asking you to be someone else. He is asking for you to come as you are—honestly, humbly—and let Him do the work of transformation.
Like Jacob, you don’t have to live as a deceiver. In Christ, you can walk as a prince. You can be renamed, reborn, and blessed—not for who you pretend to be, but for who you truly are, when surrendered to God.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12, NASB)
You are no longer Jacob. You are Israel.
You are no longer lost. You are beloved.
You are no longer who you were. You are made new.