In his night of anguish beside the Jabbok, when destruction seemed just before him, Jacob had been taught how vain is the 201 help of man, how groundless is all trust in human power. He saw that his only help must come from Him against whom he had so grievously sinned. Helpless and unworthy, he pleaded God's promise of mercy to the repentant sinner. That promise was his assurance that God would pardon and accept him. Sooner might heaven and earth pass than that word could fail; and it was this that sustained him through that fearful conflict.

I angstens nat ved Jabbok, da tilintetgørelsen syntes at være vis, havde Jakob lært, hvor værdiløs menneskers hjælp er, og hvor nytteløst det er at sætte sin lid til menneskelig styrke. Han indså, at hans eneste hjælp måtte komme fra ham, som han havde syndet så groft imod. Hjælpeløs og uværdig påberåbte han sig Guds løfte om nåde til den angrende synder. Det løfte var hans forsikring om, at Gud ville tilgive og antage ham. Før skulle himmel og jord forgå, end det ord skulle svigte, og det var det, der holdt ham oppe under den frygtelige kamp.