ANGELS OF GOD MET HIM --- Psalm 118:13.
"And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him." --- Genesis 32:1.
As Jacob was favoured with a heavenly vision when he first departed from his father's house, so the Divine Being thought proper again to favour him with the same token of his protection on his return thither, in order to encourage him to meet with confidence those dangers he had to encounter. Hence we may observe, that when God designs his people for extraordinary trials, he prepares them by extraordinary comforts.
We should think it had been more reasonable for these angels to have appeared to him just in the heat of his engagement, either with Laban before, or Esau after, than in this calm and quiet interval, when he saw not himself in any imminent peril. But God will have us, when we are in peace, to provide for trouble; and when trouble comes, draw comfort and encouragement from former experiences; knowing assuredly that He who has delivered in six troubles will also deliver in seven, and in due time out of all.
This may be a representation of God's people at death, who are then returning to Canaan, to their Heavenly Father's house; and then the angels of God will meet them, to congratulate the happy finishing of their labours, and carry them to their everlasting rest.
May Jesus guide me on my way,
And guard from threat'ning woes;
His presence turns my night to day,
And disconcerts my foes.