What other biblical figures experienced a name change, and what did it signify? Jacob Becomes Israel “Then Jacob asked Him, ‘Please tell me Your name.’ But He said, ‘Why do you ask My name?’ And He blessed him there.” (Genesis 32:29) • Just one verse earlier, the Angel of the LORD declared, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28) • The change from “heel-grabber” (Jacob) to “one who wrestles with God” (Israel) seals Jacob’s new, covenant identity and sets the stage for the nation that will bear his name. Why Does God Change Names? • To mark a fresh covenant or promise. • To highlight a transformed character. • To commission a new mission or destiny. Other God-Given Name Changes • Abram ➜ Abraham – Genesis 17:5: “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, because I have made you a father of many nations.” – Signifies God’s irrevocable promise of countless descendants. • Sarai ➜ Sarah – Genesis 17:15-16: “As for your wife Sarai, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah… kings of peoples will come from her.” – Highlights her role as mother of nations and royalty. • Hoshea ➜ Joshua – Numbers 13:16: “But Moses called Hoshea son of Nun Joshua.” – “Hoshea” means “salvation”; “Joshua” adds the divine name and means “YHWH is salvation,” foreshadowing his role leading Israel into the promised land. • Solomon ➜ Jedidiah – 2 Samuel 12:24-25: “The LORD loved him… to name him Jedidiah, because the LORD loved him.” – Affirms God’s special favor on the future king. • Simon ➜ Peter – Matthew 16:17-18: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church.” – Moves Simon from fisherman to foundational “rock” among the apostles. • James and John ➜ Boanerges (“Sons of Thunder”) – Mark 3:17. – Reflects their bold, zealous temperament in Christ’s service. • Saul ➜ Paul – Acts 13:9: “Saul, who was also called Paul…” – As the apostle turns to the Gentiles, the Roman form of his name becomes his signature, underscoring his mission beyond Israel. Prophetic or Mission-Oriented Changes by Others (Not directly renamed by God, yet Scripture records them to mark destiny.) • Joseph ➜ Zaphenath-paneah (Genesis 41:45). • Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah ➜ Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego (Daniel 1:6-7). • Naomi ➜ Mara (Ruth 1:20). These shifts often contrast earthly labels with God’s enduring purposes. Changes Marking New Identity in Christ Revelation 2:17 promises a “new name” written on a white stone to the overcomer. Just as Jacob became Israel, believers await a final, God-given name that will perfectly match their eternal calling. Takeaway for Today Each divine name change in Scripture underlines God’s sovereign right to redefine a life. When He speaks a new name, He also supplies the grace to live it out—turning wanderers into patriarchs, barren women into matriarchs, fishermen into pillars, and persecutors into apostles. |
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