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How to Midrash

by | 62 comments

Growing up with a Jewish grandmother taught me a lot about my heritage. One thing she failed to mention was the concept of Midrash–a type of Biblical exegesis that encourages us to get our fingers, elbows, and shoulders dirty as we dig into Scripture.

Midrash dives head first into passages, where readers are encouraged to wrestle, argue, debate, and reflect over the unfamiliar verses of the Bible.

Midrash is the belief that God created a one-sided conversation through his Word, and it’s our duty to hash it out and keep the conversation moving.

As I begin a Midrash of a specific passage, I often find myself looking into the people, places, and details that are commonly glanced over on the surface. So often, my findings unleash facets of each story that draw me deeper into God’s greater Story.

This week, I challenge you to begin midrash-ing the story of Genesis 32:22-32, when Jacob wrestles with God.

Here are some helpful hints when it comes to a Midrash:

  • Read the passage a few times over and circle any confusing words or phrases.
  • Write down any questions you have about the Scripture. (For example: Who characters are? Where it takes place? What is the greater context of the story?)
  • Use a Bible commentary if you have one available to answer any questions you may have. Blueletterbible.com is also a great resource.

What new insights do you glean from a Midrash of Genesis 32:22-32?

62 Comments

  1. Debra Powell Erickson
    Debra Powell Erickson on July 10, 2012 at 11:29 am

    He saw God face to face. He asked Him what His name is.

  2. Margaret
    Margaret on July 10, 2012 at 11:34 am

    I think that’s also fascinating, especially since Jacob’s own name has defined his character thus far: “liar, deceiver.” I wonder how God would’ve answered and what aspect of himself he would’ve revealed to Jacob?

  3. Jennifer
    Jennifer on July 10, 2012 at 11:37 am

    That Jacob made sure his family got across the ford of the Jabbok first before his possessions.

  4. Margaret
    Margaret on July 10, 2012 at 11:43 am

    Since Jacob’s life is marked by manipulation and deception, it’s tempting to think he was selfish through and through. But maybe, as you pointed out Jennifer, there’s more to this person than what first meets the eye!

  5. Brenda
    Brenda on July 10, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Wonder if he thought he was fighting Esau at first? Lots of ?’s about wrestling match.

  6. John D.
    John D. on July 10, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    The beginning of Genesis 32 marks the end of Jacob’s stay with Laban (another deceptive man), as God calls Jacob back into the land of his forefathers– back into the land of Edom, to his brother. The same brother who’s birthright was stolen from him. Jacob fears for his life. He is sure his brother is going to kill him. Out of desperation, Jacob prays to God (verses 9-12), but he still does not trust God to answer his prayers. Instead, he waits on the side of the river of Jakkob (I can imagine Jacob was debating whether to run and hide or not). It is there God comes and wrestles with Jacob. This is a physical manifestation of the spiritual warfare going on between Jacob and God. Jacob wants to be in control. He wants to hold onto his pride AND get a blessing from God. God, however, has other plans.

  7. Margaret
    Margaret on July 10, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    Brenda, that’s a good question–especially if Jacob was already jumpy with fear in anticipation of the upcoming meeting

  8. Margaret
    Margaret on July 10, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    John, I think you just described a classic example of trying to have your cake and eating it too. Jacob’s limb will be a reminder for the rest of his life that God is in control–not him.

  9. Knit girl
    Knit girl on July 11, 2012 at 9:30 am

    He struggled with God, won and was given a blessing. He did have physical reminder of his struggle for the rest of his life.

  10. Margaret
    Margaret on July 11, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Knit girl, I wonder if he saw this physical reminder of God’s power as an extension of the blessing or as a frustration

  11. jenni ho-huan
    jenni ho-huan on December 11, 2012 at 3:39 am

    two things 🙂
    1. the practice of midrash does not quite have the sense of the Incarnation or the Pentecost in that they are stil waiting and trying to figure out…though YES, deeper interaction with the text is definitely missing in today’s quiet formula and cliches.
    2. can anyone tell me more about the blueletterbible? why blue?

    thanks!

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