Topical Bible: Israel: A Name Given to Jacob

◄ Israel: A Name Given to Jacob ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The name "Israel" holds profound significance within the biblical narrative, first appearing in the context of the patriarch Jacob. This name, bestowed upon Jacob by God, marks a pivotal moment in his life and carries deep theological and historical implications for the nation that would descend from him.

Biblical Account

The transformation of Jacob into Israel is recorded in Genesis 32:22-32. Jacob, having left his father-in-law Laban and preparing to meet his estranged brother Esau, finds himself alone at the ford of the Jabbok River. It is here that Jacob wrestles with a mysterious man until daybreak. As the struggle concludes, the man, who is later understood to be a divine being, declares, "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 name "Israel" is thus interpreted as "he struggles with God" or "God prevails."

This encounter is not merely a physical struggle but a spiritual turning point for Jacob. The renaming signifies a transformation in Jacob's character and destiny, marking him as one who has contended with divine and human challenges and emerged victorious. The event underscores themes of perseverance, divine blessing, and covenantal identity.

Theological Significance

The name Israel encapsulates the covenant relationship between God and Jacob's descendants. It signifies a people chosen by God, set apart to fulfill His purposes on earth. The renaming of Jacob to Israel is a reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant, through which God promised to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2-3).

Israel's identity as a nation is deeply rooted in this divine encounter. The struggle and subsequent blessing highlight the ongoing relationship between God and His people, characterized by both challenges and divine favor. The name Israel becomes synonymous with the collective identity of the twelve tribes that emerge from Jacob's sons, forming the nation of Israel.

Historical and Prophetic Dimensions

Throughout the Old Testament, the name Israel is used to refer to the descendants of Jacob, the nation that emerges from his lineage. The Israelites are called to be a light to the nations, a people through whom God's redemptive plan unfolds. The prophets frequently call Israel back to faithfulness, reminding them of their unique identity and mission.

In the New Testament, the spiritual significance of Israel is expanded. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 9-11, discusses the relationship between Israel and the Church, emphasizing that God's promises to Israel remain steadfast. The name Israel thus continues to carry both historical and eschatological significance, pointing to the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ and the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community.

Conclusion

The name Israel, given to Jacob, is a cornerstone of biblical theology, symbolizing the enduring relationship between God and His chosen people. It reflects themes of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 32:24-32
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 17:34
To this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 12:3,4
He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun
... Two of them, namely Jacob and Israel, were borne by their great ancestor, and by
him transmitted to his ... That new name implied a new direction given to his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/jacobisraeljeshurun.htm

The Reason Why Jacob was Also Called Israel.
... As I said a little ago, Jacob was also called Israel, the name which was most prevalent
among the people descended from him. Now this name was given him by the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 39 the reason why jacob.htm

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
... Jordan they were not far from the spot where that name was given to Jacob, 'the
supplanter,' whom discipline and communion with God had elevated into Israel. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs translation and elishas deathbed.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Israel.
... out of the Gentiles a people for His name that He ... a nation in the land, upon the
mountains of Israel; and one ... dwell in the land which I have given unto Jacob ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the millennium in relation.htm

The Trial by Fire
... and its assumption of the name of 'Israel' The writer explains what was meant, when
he reminds us that Israel was the name given to Jacob, and therefore, as he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the trial by fire.htm

The Restoration of Israel is Only Made Possible by the Second ...
... and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He ... in the land upon the
mountains of Israel; and one ... dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 the restoration of israel.htm

The Holy Spirit is Given by God Alone, yet not Wholly to Each ...
... no work of man, nor gift of man; but He Who is invoked by the priest is given by
God ... For "God is known in Judah, His Name is great in Israel;" [912] that ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii the holy spirit.htm

Jacob, a Prince of God.
... So the man blessed him there, and call his name Israel; "for as a prince," he ... way,
and Esau returned to his home with the presents Jacob had given him, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v jacob a prince.htm

That Christ Also is Called a Stone.
... you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in ... For there is no other name given
to men under heaven in ... This is the stone in Genesis, which Jacob places at ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/16 that christ also is.htm

By the Invocation of the Name of Jesus Christ...
... By the invocation of the name of Jesus Christ, crucified under ... out every way by
knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacob his servant, and to Israel that is ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 97 by the invocation.htm