I. Notice first the angels themselves. (1) Their number is very great. (2) They are swift as the flames of fire. (3) They are also strong: "Bless the Lord, ye His angels that excel in strength." (4) They seem to be all young. (5) They are evidently endowed with corresponding moral excellences.
II. The ministry of angels has these characteristics. (1) It is a ministry of guardianship. (2) It is a ministry of cheerfulness. (3) It is a ministry of animation. (4) It is a ministry of consolation. (5) It is a ministry of fellowship and convoy through death to life and from earth to heaven.
III. The whole subject shows in a very striking manner (1) the exceeding greatness of the glory of Christ; (2) the value and greatness of salvation.
A. Raleigh, Quiet Resting-places,p. 182.
Jacob called the name of that place Mahanaim (i.e.,two camps). One camp was the little one containing his women and children and his frightened and defenceless self, and the other was the great one up there, or rather in shadowy but most real spiritual presence round about him as a bodyguard, making an impregnable wall between him and every foe. We may take some plain lessons from the story.
I. The angels of God meet us on the dusty road of common life. "Jacob went on his way and the angels of God met him."
II. God's angels meet us punctually at the hour of need.
III. The angels of God come in the shape which we need. Jacob's want was protection; therefore the angels appear in warlike guise, and present before the defenceless man another camp. God's gifts to us change their character; as the Rabbis fabled that the manna tasted to each man what each most desired. In that great fulness each of us may have the thing we need.
A. Maclaren, Christ in the Heart,p. 195.
References: Genesis 32:1. S. Baring-Gould, Preacher's Pocket,p. 1.Genesis 32:1; Genesis 32:2. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxvi., No. 1544.Genesis 32:1-32. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. v., p. 101.