Mysterious Encounters at Mamre and Jabbok

In an effort to learn some lessons from the history of hermeneutics I chose to examine ancient writings on specific biblical passages. By looking at both Jewish and Christian commentary on two different passages, and by extending the study over as long a period of time as was practical (to "Yalkut Shimoni" and the writings of Bede, respectively), I hope to discover as many lessons as possible. The two passages used in this study, Gen. 18:1-16 and 32: 23-33, were not initially selected with reference to modern critical bases. They are, however, very similar narratives. Both are from the Jahwist and both obviously developed in complex ways before he used them. Both must be taken within the contexts of their respective patriarchal narrative cycles in order to appreciate the many subtle notes being raised within them about the relationships between God and man. These two mysterious encounters, special moments in the lives of Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob, are provocative texts for anyone of any time who is called to the task of hermeneutics. [From the Author's Introduction]