What did Jacob realize as he wrestled?
Jacob realized he was wrestling not with a mere man but with God Himself—the God of Abraham and Isaac—appearing in human form. This theophany was God the Son, and Jacob clung to Him, refusing to let go until he received a blessing.
Les explains that Jacob suddenly realized he was dealing with the God of his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham. The wrestling match lasted most of the night, and Jacob refused to let go until he was blessed. The context identifies this as a theophany—an appearance of God in human form—and in the Old Testament that is always God the Son. So this was Christ in an Old Testament appearance, wrestling flesh and blood Jacob. Afterward the Lord asked Jacob his name, and Jacob answered, 'Jacob, the deceiver, the supplanter.' The Lord changed his name to Israel, saying, 'for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and you have prevailed.' Les calls this Jacob's salvation.
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.