Jacob struggles with God
In my previous post we discussed how God changes the names of his people when he wants to use them. Today we will look at another name change in scripture. In Genesis 32, we find Jacob preparing to meet his brother Esau and he spends the night alone in prayer. After Jacob wrestles and struggles with God through the night he tells Jacob, “Your name will no longer be Jacob but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome” Gen 32:28
Jacob=he grasps the heel; deceiver; struggles with men
Israel=he struggles with God
Why is this name change different?
God changed Abram and Sarai’s name to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17 and after that they are never referred to by their old name again. However, when God changes Jacob’s name to Israel he is still called Jacob until the name change conversation happens again in a different location (Genesis 35:9-13). After that time, you see that sometimes he is called Jacob and others where he is called Israel.
This brought many questions to my mind. Why would this be different? Is there a pattern to when each name is used? Like does Jacob refer to the nation’s trying to manipulate things on their own, and Israel when they are trusting God’s plan? Or something else? What would the significance be to a Old Testament Jewish person? Why would they choose one name over the other when they were writing?
Wisdom from others
After looking up some things on my own I reached out to several pastors that I know with these questions. Here were their responses.
So, you’re hitting on the thing that most believe – that there is a subtle movement by God to emphasize Jacob’s humanity when he messes up, and a focus on God’s faithfulness when the name Israel is used. Although we can’t be 100% sure that’s what’s happening, it seems to mostly follow that pattern throughout.
Pastor Frank
There is one place where both names are used and I think (notice those 2 key words… I and THINK 😀 ) highlight God’s ability to communicate a deeper message by which name He uses …
– Gen 37:1, 3, and 34. We’re introduced to Jacob… that guy. Almost feel the shrug of the shoulders in verse 1 as his old name is used…. In verse 3 there is almost an “excitement” as the name switches to Israel when Joseph is spoken of. Israel’s son…. and the Jews would recognize the name of Israel, and be reminded of the One who delivered Israel…
And then in verse 34, after the brothers tell Dad that Joseph is dead, the name goes back to Jacob… a really cool literary move that is very subtle, but communicates that the hope of the people is now seemingly “gone”.
So, there does certainly seem to be significance when each name is used… because it’s used intentionally. So, there’s my 2 cents. 🙂 Again, I don’t know we can be 100% certain, but it sure seems to be consistent and effective way of communicating!
Jacob and Israel are used as a play on words. Jacob means one who supplants, one who overtakes another. Israel means God prevails. Jacob tries a lot of things on his own instead of being led by the Lord. There are times when Jacob is led by the Lord. I think that is part of the back and forth. It’s the constant battle of self vs. surrender.
pastor Erik
Jacobs struggles reflect mine
Although their responses differ, they really make the same point. The contrast between Jacob and Israel is purposely put there to make us think about how we live our lives. In my own life I have times I have struggles like Jacob: living life my own way, conniving to get my own way. I also have times I am like Israel: Living totally surrendered to God and following his plan for my life.
I really appreciate the humanity of Jacob. Even though he is a conniver and a deceiver God chose to use him for his glory. Also, after Jacob wrestles with God and surrenders his life, he is not perfect but God is faithful to keep his promises to Israel.
I saw this on my Sprite can after I started a new job. It expressed how I felt perfectly. I knew what to do, but not yet how to do it in my new place.
I see this in my walk with Christ as well. Even though I have been a Christian for many years I still make rookie mistakes that I need to seek repentance for. The struggles continue.
Israel struggles with God and overcomes
The story of Jacob (struggles with men) and Israel (struggles with God) means there is hope for everyone who comes to the LORD in surrender. Even though we may fail, God loves us so much that once we come to him he seals us (Ephesians 1:13-14), he hold us tight (John 10:27-30) and is faithful to complete his work in us (Phillipians 1:6).
Love, Deb
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