I believe that in the account of Jacob’s wrestling, he is wrestling God or an angel of God. As Kass points out, this is the only time since the beginning of Genesis in the Garden of Eden that a character is said to be “alone,” which could mean that Jacob was alone before God. I think this encounter signifies Jacob being tested to be worthy of being called God’s elect. After his trial, Jacob is rename “Israel,” and as we have seen previously, renaming signifies an important change in that person, such as Abraham’s transformation from Abram. Perhaps as a result of being challenged and persevering, Jacob is blessed and therefore his name is changed and he is worthy of being blessed by God. In this sense, I believe it is Jacob who wins, but the thing won is not simply a wrestling match, but God’s blessing.
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Kelsey's Foundations of Theology Responses 
I also noticed the significance in a name change, as we have seen with Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah. It is with the changing of a name that God signals a deepening of relationship, and a continuation of creation. Here, we see that God is signaling an important message, for “Israel” means “God rules”.
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I also believe that Jacob “won” the wrestling match by both defeating his opponent and also receiving God’s blessing. However, I can’t help but wonder why Jacob deserves such an important blessing like a name change. With Jacob’s history of taking what should be given to him, why does he end up in God’s favor?
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I like how you emphasize the importance of Jacob’s new name. Do you think it marks a new start, a rebirth of sorts? It seems as if this event could resemble Jacob’s struggle with Esau in the womb — I think Kass points this out — with it being dark and Jacob’s leg being held onto. Maybe God gave Jacob this new name to mark this new beginning where he will amend his family relationship.
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I like your connection to the Garden of Eden and how “alone” might mean alone before God like Adam was. I agree that Jacob won more than a wrestling match. How do you think he had to change in order to deserve God’s blessing?
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