VaYishlach: Stand

Parashat VaYishlach finds Jacob nervously preparing to reunite with his brother Esau.  After years of working for his father-in-law, Laban, Jacob's fortunes have changed, and perhaps his character has changed, as well.  But will Esau recognize his brother's growth?  Has Esau also grown and let go of the past grudges that drove a wedge between the brothers?  Is Jacob able to apologize for his apparent misappropriation of the birthright and blessing that Esau feels were rightfully his?

Uncertain of how this encounter will unfold, Jacob sends a delegation ahead to greet Esau.  Then he makes preparations to protect his family and his belongings; if Esau still harbors any ill-will toward him, Jacob wants any retaliation to be visited on him, not on his family.  At last, after all of this planning, Va'y'vater Ya'akov l'vado- Jacob was left alone.  He had only his own conscience and thoughts to keep him company.

Here we encounter the (in)famous wrestling match.  Precisely what takes place is purposely left cryptic by the Torah text, but Jacob appears to perceive that he has wrestled a Divine creature.  Jacob  refuses to release his opponent unless he receives a blessing from him, and the unknown assailant changes Jacob's name to Israel- one who wrestles with God.  Henceforth, Jacob will have to live up to this name by grappling with its multitude of meanings.  What will it mean for him to be a God-wrestler?  How will he think about his future direction?  How will he listen to reason?  How will he take a stand?

(Michael Stipe has said that this song was his response to "bubblegum pop," and he was trying to write nonsense lyrics, but to me they come together to paint an image of what Jacob is facing at this juncture)

Please note, I do not own-- nor do I claim to own-- these songs.  Copyrights are held by the various artists.  I include them here for illustrative purposes.

Stand- (VaYishlach, Genesis 32:4-36:43)
Music and lyrics by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe.  Performed by R.E.M.  From the album, "Green" Warner Brothers Records, 1989.