first time in his life, self-sufficient Jacob prays to God for deliverance (9–12).23 At first Jacob thinks that it is a man wrestling with him, but gradually it dawns on him (and us) that this is no mere man. Who can immobilize Jacob with a touch?24 Jacob recognizes a superior being and immediately asks that he bless Jacob. When the person changes Jacob’s name to Israel, he thinks the person may be God, and he knows for sure when the person states, “for you have striven with God.” Jacob asks God