"And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host; and he called the name of that place Mahanaim." GEN. 32: 12.

Mahanaim signifies two hosts; the angels appearing in two camps or bands. Jacob had

seen a ladder of angels in his dream at Bethel, when he was leaving home; and now on his return, two bands of these heavenly messengers are sent to cheer and protect him on his way.

Every good man has a guard of angels. When about to leave this world for a heavenly country, the angels of God meet him and bear him to his Saviour's feet.

'Are they not all ministering spirits?" HEB. 1:14.

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." PSA. 34:7.

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." PSA. 91:11.

The angel guards that keep heaven's gate,
Scarce for the pilgrim's knocking wait,
Ere they the portal wide expand,
And on the golden threshold stand;
While tides of rapturous music roll,
To welcome home the ransomed soul.

JACOB BECOMES ISRAEL.

Jacob was now about to enter the land of Canaan, when he was told that his brother Esau was coming forth to meet him, with an army of four hundred men.

Was he coming in wrath to take vengeance upon Jacob for his former offences against him?

So Jacob feared; and he prayed earnestly to God, saying,

"Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children."

Then Jacob selected from his flocks and herds several droves, numbering in the whole, five hundred and fifty animals, among which were thirty camels with their young offspring, and sent them forward as a gift to appease the wrath and soften the heart of Esau. He commanded the keeper of every drove, when he should meet his brother, to say in humble and respectful terms,

"These are a present to my lord Esau, from his servant Jacob."

That night Jacob sent his family and flocks over the brook Jabbok, into the land of Ca

naan. This little stream was the boundary of Canaan on that side.

Jacob himself remained alone on the other side of the brook.

What wonderful and mysterious event took place that night?

Jacob wrestled until the breaking of the day with a divine Being in the form of man.

Was this a spiritual, or bodily wrestling?

Was it not both?

It was fervent effectual prayer; and it was also a single combat, hand to hand, as man wrestles with man, for Jacob's thigh was out of joint from the powerful touch of him who wrestled with him.

Before the divine Being departed, he said to Jacob,

"Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God, and hast prevailed."

The name ISRAEL, signifies a prince of God.

The name JACOB, signifies a supplanter, or one who takes the place of another, as Jacob did that of Esau.

Jacob called the name of the place where he had wrestled Peniel, for he said,

Bib. Prim.

"I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."

The word PENIEL, signifies the face of God.

ISRAELITES, HEBREWS, JEWS.

One of the names by which the descendants of Abraham are known, is derived from Israel. They are called Israelites, when considered as the chosen people of God. It is their covenant name. They are also called Hebrews: in this term there is no special reference to their religion. In modern times they are most frequently called Jews; this term, like Judea, their country, is derived from Judah, the oldest son of Jacob.

THE INTERVIEW.

How will the brothers Esau and Jacob meet? They have been separated for twenty years. During that period Jacob has been an exile from his native land, through fear of Esau. And now the latter comes forth to meet him in hostile array.

But has not Jacob been encouraged to return by com. munications from God; and is not this a pledge of safety? Yes: God will protect him.

Jacob is at the head of his household; Esau at the head of his army. Will the warrior meet the exile as an eagle pouncing upon his prey; or, like a noble-minded man that comes forth to meet a friend after long absence?

See with what gravity, ceremony, and courtesy the affair is managed. As they draw near to each other, Jacob leaves his family a little behind, and advances towards his brother in a slow, respectful manner, with his eyes on the ground, pausing at intervals, and bowing himself seven times. The reception that Esau gives him is more than peaceful; it is welcome and affectionate.