23. the stream] The Jabbok is called a “stream” (naḥal) in Deut. 3:16; Josh. 12:2. On the word rendered “stream,” see note on 26:17. 24. And Jacob … alone] It is natural to suppose that Jacob remained behind to think and to pray at this crisis of his life. He was given over to anxious fears; the darkness and loneliness intensified them. The thought that God had left him, or was opposed to him, overwhelmed him. there wrestled a man] The brevity of the account leaves it unexplained, who the man is,