Who was named Israel in the Bible?

In the Bible, the name "Israel" was given to Jacob, the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. This pivotal moment occurs in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 32:22-32. The transformation of Jacob into Israel is not merely a change of name but signifies a profound shift in his identity and his role in God's divine plan.

Jacob's early life was marked by struggle and deception. He was born grasping the heel of his twin brother Esau, and his name, Jacob, means "supplanter" or "he who grasps the heel." This name foreshadowed his future actions, as Jacob would later deceive his brother Esau out of his birthright and his father Isaac's blessing (Genesis 25:29-34, Genesis 27:1-29). These actions set the stage for a life characterized by conflict and tension, both within his family and with God.

The turning point in Jacob's life comes when he is returning to Canaan after spending many years in Haran. Fearing Esau's retribution, Jacob sends his family and possessions ahead of him and spends the night alone. It is here, in the solitude of his anxiety and fear, that he encounters a mysterious man who wrestles with him until daybreak. This encounter is described in Genesis 32:24-28:

"So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, 'Let me go, for it is daybreak.' But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' The man asked him, 'What is your name?' 'Jacob,' he answered. Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.'"

This passage is rich with symbolism and meaning. The "man" with whom Jacob wrestles is often interpreted as an angel, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, or even God Himself. The wrestling match signifies Jacob's lifelong struggle with God and his fellow humans. By refusing to let go until he receives a blessing, Jacob demonstrates his tenacity and desire for God's favor. The name "Israel" means "he who struggles with God" or "God contends," encapsulating Jacob's spiritual journey and his new identity as a patriarch of the Israelite nation.

This name change is significant for several reasons. First, it marks a transformation in Jacob's character. No longer is he the deceiver who relies on his cunning and guile; he is now Israel, a man who has contended with God and emerged with a blessing. This change signifies a new level of spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God.

Second, the name Israel becomes the name of the nation that will descend from Jacob's twelve sons. Each son becomes the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus, Jacob's new name foreshadows the future nation of Israel, God's chosen people, who will play a central role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

The story of Jacob's transformation into Israel is further elaborated in Genesis 35:9-12, where God reaffirms Jacob's new name and the promises made to Abraham and Isaac:

"After Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. God said to him, 'Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.' So he named him Israel. And God said to him, 'I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.'"

In this reaffirmation, God not only changes Jacob's name but also reiterates the covenant promises. These promises include numerous descendants, the formation of a nation, and the gift of the land of Canaan. These promises are central to the narrative of the Old Testament and the identity of the Israelites.

The significance of Jacob's new name extends beyond the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reflects on the spiritual meaning of being "Israel." In Romans 9:6-8, Paul writes:

"It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, 'It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.' In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring."

Paul's words highlight that being "Israel" is not merely a matter of physical descent but involves being part of the spiritual lineage of faith. This spiritual understanding of Israel includes all who have faith in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, thus expanding the concept of God's chosen people to encompass the global church.

The name Israel, therefore, carries profound theological and spiritual significance. It marks a transformation from a life of struggle and deception to one of divine favor and blessing. It signifies the birth of a nation through which God's redemptive plan will unfold. And it points to a broader spiritual reality that encompasses all who share in the faith of Abraham.

Jacob's journey from being a supplanter to becoming Israel is a powerful narrative of transformation and redemption. It reminds us that God can take our struggles and failures and turn them into something meaningful and redemptive. Just as Jacob wrestled with God and emerged with a new identity, we too are invited to engage deeply with God, to wrestle with our faith, and to emerge transformed and blessed.

In conclusion, the name Israel given to Jacob is a cornerstone in the biblical narrative, rich with layers of meaning and significance. It marks the birth of the Israelite nation, encapsulates the spiritual journey of contending with God, and points to a broader, inclusive understanding of God's people. This story invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys and the ways in which God is transforming us, just as He transformed Jacob into Israel.