The Torah describes the episode of a “man” who wrestled with Jacob until dawn and even injured the joint of his thigh. Ultimately, Jacob overcame him, and in exchange for the latter’s release, he was forced to bless Jacob. The Sages explain that this man was in fact an angel of God, and describe what transpired during the struggle.

“A man wrestled with him” (Genesis 32:25). Some say he was the angel Mikhael. Mikhael said to Jacob: If you defeated me, one of the primary officials of God, why do you fear Esau? Rabbi Tarfon said: Mikhael did not have permission to move from his place until Jacob gave him permission, as it is stated that he requested of Jacob: “Release me, for dawn has broken” (32:27). Jacob said to him: Are you a thief or a gambler in debt to others that you fear dawn? Several groups of ministering angels came, who said to Mikhael: Mikhael, ascend to heaven, because the time has arrived to recite the song of praise to God. If you do not initiate the song, the song will be canceled. Mikhael began pleading with Jacob. He said to him: I beg of you, release me, so that the ministering angels in the Aravot will not burn me due to the delay of the song. Jacob said to him: “I will not release you unless you bless me” (32:27). Mikhael said to him: Which is more precious, the attendant or the child? I am the attendant of God and you are the child, and you require my blessing? Jacob said to him: Nevertheless, I desire that you bless me. Immediately Mikhael said to him: “No more shall Jacob be said to be your name; rather, Israel” (32:29). Mikhael said to him: Blessed are you, one born of a woman, as you entered the palace on High and were rescued. (Yalkut Shimoni, Vayishlah 1:132)