And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
Ver. 25. And when he saw that he prevailed not.] He, that is, "the angel" (Christ) "that redeemed Jacob from all evil," Gen 48:16 and here held him up with the one hand as he strove against him with the other; and yielded himself overcome by the patriarch's prayers and tears. Deus ipse, qui nullis contra se viribus superari potest, precibus vincitur, saith Jerome.
He touched the hollow of his thigh.] That, if he would needs have the blessing, he might have somewhat with it, a that might keep him humble, not ascribing the victory to his own strength. Pride is a weed that will grow out of any ground (like misletoe that will grow upon any tree); but, for most part, from the best. Like air in all bodies, it will have a being in every soul, and creeps into every action, either in the beginning, proceeding, or conclusion. Now therefore it is God's care to cure his people of this dangerous disease, as he did Jacob here, and afterwards Paul; 2Co 12:7 who, if he had not been buffeted, "had been exalted," and carried higher in conceit than ever he was in his ecstasy.
a Victoria non fit sine vulnere: luxat nobis femur: immittit stimulum carni, &c.