This new touch from God occurred to Jacob following a very sad episode in his life, described in the previous chapter. Jacob had been a deceiver and liar, himself, in his younger days. He continued to be very self-oriented later in life, and was often not wise in the way he treated family members. Many of his sons did even worse things than Jacob had done.

Each time, although in different ways, the initiative is clearly taken by God. In this way we can recognise examples of His graciousness to a very unworthy man. This reminds us of our own unworthiness before God, and of the grace that God exercises in His dealings with us.