Wrestling with God to Win: A Literary Reading of the Story of Jacob at the Jabbok In Honor of Don Williams

A literary reading of the arcane story of Jacob wrestling with God at the Jabbok brings out the artistic quality of the composition and highlights the protagonist's character change. When read in light of the larger narrative, wrestling and older/younger, bigger/smaller themes underscore Jacob's journey from taking his brother's birthright and blessing to being ready to give them back. Along the way, Jacob struggles with men and with God—and in humility prevails with the awareness before Him that "I am small."