Jacob learned the meaning of becoming a family man through his changed approach to his brother Esau. After years of training under Laban, Jacob returned with a clear vision of God's protective camp and his own responsibility to preserve and protect the family God had promised him. He sent messengers to Esau in humility, identifying himself as servant and offering princely gifts of restitution drawn from the blessings he recognized as coming from God. In prayer Jacob acknowledged his unworthiness, reminded God of the promise that his descendants would be as the sand of the sea, and prepared to sacrifice himself if necessary so that the family would survive any attack. Through the night-long struggle with Christ he refused to let go until his name was changed to Israel, signifying that he had prevailed as a prince with God and men. This transformation showed Jacob's grasp of the glimpse into God's Family plan, motivating lifelong dedication to building that Family name and fulfilling the duties required to maintain it, even when human failings remained.