Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Alternate first reading and Psalm

Jacob Wrestles at Peniel

22That same night Jacob got up, took his two wives, his two concubines, and his eleven children, and crossed the River Jabbok. 23After he had sent them across, he also sent across all that he owned, 24but he stayed behind, alone.

Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak. 25When the man saw that he was not winning the struggle, he struck Jacob on the hip, and it was thrown out of joint. 26The man said, “Let me go; daylight is coming.”

“I won't, unless you bless me,” Jacob answered.

27“What is your name?” the man asked.

“Jacob,” he answered.

28The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel.”

29Jacob said, “Now tell me your name.”

But he answered, “Why do you want to know my name?” Then he blessed Jacob.

30Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face, and I am still alive”; so he named the place Peniel. 31The sun rose as Jacob was leaving Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

Genesis 32:22-31GNBOpen in Bible reader

The LORD our Protector

1I look to the mountains;

where will my help come from?

2My help will come from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

3He will not let you fall;

your protector is always awake.

4The protector of Israel

never dozes or sleeps.

5The LORD will guard you;

he is by your side to protect you.

6The sun will not hurt you during the day,

nor the moon during the night.

7The LORD will protect you from all danger;

he will keep you safe.

8He will protect you as you come and go

now and for ever.

Psalms 121:1-8GNBOpen in Bible reader
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