Topical Bible: Israel: A Name Given to the Descendants of Jacob, a Nation: Etc

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Etymology and Origin:
The name "Israel" originates from the Hebrew "Yisra'el," meaning "God contends" or "one who struggles with God." This name was first given to Jacob after his encounter with the angel of the Lord at Peniel, where he wrestled with God and prevailed. As recorded in Genesis 32:28 , "Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.'"

Patriarchal Roots:
Israel is the name given to the descendants of Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. Jacob, later named Israel, fathered twelve sons who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes formed the foundation of the nation of Israel, each tribe named after one of Jacob's sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh), and Benjamin.

Covenantal Significance:
The nation of Israel holds a unique place in biblical history as the people chosen by God to be His own. This covenantal relationship is first established with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 , where God promises to make Abraham into a great nation. This promise is reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant through the patriarchs. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

Historical Development:
The history of Israel as a nation is marked by periods of conquest, monarchy, division, exile, and restoration. Following their deliverance from Egypt under Moses, the Israelites entered the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. The era of the Judges followed, characterized by cycles of apostasy and deliverance. The establishment of the monarchy began with Saul, followed by David, who united the tribes and established Jerusalem as the capital. Solomon, David's son, built the First Temple, solidifying Jerusalem's religious significance.

After Solomon's reign, the kingdom divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC, and the southern kingdom was exiled to Babylon in 586 BC. The return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah marked a period of restoration.

Prophetic and Messianic Expectations:
The prophets of Israel played a crucial role in calling the nation back to faithfulness and foretelling the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others spoke of a future hope and restoration, often pointing to a coming King from the line of David who would establish an everlasting kingdom. Isaiah 9:6-7 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Theological Implications:
Israel's role as God's chosen people is central to understanding the unfolding of redemptive history. The nation serves as a vessel through which God reveals His character, law, and plan for salvation. The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul discussing the relationship between Israel and the Church in Romans 9-11. Paul emphasizes that God's promises to Israel remain, and the Gentiles are grafted into this spiritual heritage through faith in Christ.

Modern Relevance:
The modern state of Israel, established in 1948, is often seen as a significant event in biblical prophecy and eschatology. The land of Israel continues to hold profound religious and historical significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The ongoing geopolitical and religious dynamics in the region are frequently interpreted in light of biblical prophecy, underscoring Israel's enduring role in God's redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 4:6
And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What means the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.
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1 Samuel 13:3,19
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
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1 Samuel 14:11,21
And both of them discovered themselves to the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
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Philippians 3:5
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
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Library

The Millennium in Relation to Israel.
... shall dwell in the land which I have given unto Jacob My ... silver and their gold with
them, unto the name of the ... thy God, and the Holy One of Israel, because He ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the millennium in relation.htm

It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ...
... Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye ... second, to fill in this outline,
which is given in the ... it is then that "clay" is God's symbol for Israel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/it is a ground for.htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... But the name Jezreel is now taken in a good sense, probably in the sense in which
it was first given to the ... God will now sow the small seed of Israel, and an ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Chapter xxvi
... His people shall at least occasionally be rid of Israel's yoke. ... This
name most appropriately grows out of a given situation. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be ... and I will give peace
and quietness unto Israel in his ... And now the Lord my God hath given me rest ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ...
... Then, in the next verse, a reason is given, showing the ... of the Beast's support
(v.3), apostate Israel will be ... "And upon her forehead was a name written, mystery ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the last chapter we.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... the event as a whole that descendants of the ... the assertion: "so He called his name
Israel," this is ... are a reaffirmation of the promise formerly given at Bethel ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... First, Abimelech signifies "father of the king." Gideon, deliverer of Israel, was
his father. But his mother was a concubine, and this name was given to him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

Chapter xxxvi
... The man "Uz" (v.28) may have given name to the ... his city was Pau, and his wife's name
was Mehetabel ... definitely that also the descendants of Israel were destined ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Israel, the name given to Jacob, "the import of ... Israel, the nation of, its increase
in, and deliverance from Egypt, [902]335, [903]336; were there any ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm