This Koren Tanach is an exceptionally beautiful book. If you’re looking to study the Hebrew Bible, I strongly recommend it: Click HERE to view on Amazon.
Israel: Those who Wrestle with God
The name Israel carries a profound meaning: “one who wrestles with God.” Interestingly, this theme of wrestling with life’s deepest questions has resonated even in contemporary thought. In fact, Jordan Peterson’s recent book, Wrestling with God: Finding Meaning in a Time of Chaos, reflects this timeless struggle with faith, purpose, and identity. But the origins of this name lie in the biblical story of Jacob, whose encounter with God changed not only his name but also the course of history.
The name "Israel" (ישראל) in Hebrew is composed of two elements: "Yisra" (ישר) and "El" (אל). "El" is a common Semitic term for God, whereas "Yisra" is derived from the verb "sarah" (שׂרה), which can mean "to struggle," "to fight," or "to prevail."
The Story of Jacob's Wrestling Match
The story of Jacob's transformation into Israel unfolds in Genesis 32:22-32. Jacob, having fled from his brother Esau years earlier, now prepares to meet him again. Fearful and anxious, Jacob sends his family across the Jabbok River and remains alone. In the darkness of the night, he is confronted by a mysterious figure—a “man” who wrestles with him until dawn.
This enigmatic wrestling match is both physical and spiritual. As they struggle, “the man” strikes Jacob’s hip, dislocating it. Yet, Jacob refuses to let go until he receives a blessing.
The man responds:
And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28 NKJV)
Jacob, now renamed Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל), becomes a symbol of those who engage with God, struggle with faith, and emerge transformed. The name is pronounced Yisrael. The “a” in the name is pronounced like the o in octagon.
This renaming signifies Jacob's transformation and his role in the formation of the Israelite nation. The name "Israel" thus encapsulates the idea of:
Struggle with God: Reflecting Jacob's personal encounter and the broader notion of humanity's relationship with the divine, which involves both conflict and reconciliation.
Prevailing: Indicating not just survival but triumph over adversity, both physical and spiritual.
The Meaning of Israel: Wrestling with God
The name Israel is derived from the Hebrew root שָׂרָה (sarah), meaning to struggle, to contend, or to persevere. It is combined with אֵל (El), meaning God. Thus, Israel can be understood as:
“One who wrestles with God”
“God contends”
“God rules”
Jacob's new name reflects his encounter with the divine—a struggle that left him both wounded and blessed. This duality of injury and blessing is central to the life of faith. Wrestling with God often leaves a mark, but it also brings about spiritual growth, deeper understanding, and a renewed relationship with the divine.
Jacob: From Deceiver to Israel
The transformation of Jacob into Israel is significant. The name Jacob (יַעֲקֹב) comes from the Hebrew root עָקֵב (akev), meaning heel or to follow, and also has a connotation of deception. Jacob was born grasping the heel of his twin brother Esau, and much of his early life was marked by deception and striving to supplant others.
He deceived his brother Esau to gain the birthright.
He tricked his father Isaac to receive the blessing.
Jacob's life was one of constant striving for position and blessing through his own efforts. However, when he wrestled with God, he was forced to confront a different reality: true blessing comes from God, not through manipulation.
The name Israel marks a turning point in Jacob’s life. No longer defined by deceit and striving, he becomes a man who wrestles honestly with God and others, ultimately prevailing through perseverance and divine favor.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Twelve Tribes: After Jacob extended to his descendants, forming the Twelve Tribes of Israel. This collective identity shapes the history of the Hebrew people, leading to the establishment of the nation of Israel in Canaan.
Exodus and Nationhood: The name Israel becomes synonymous with the Hebrew people during their exodus from Egypt, their wanderings in the desert, and the establishment of a monarchical state under Saul, David, and Solomon.
Diaspora and Identity: Even after the division into the Kingdom of Israel (northern) and the Kingdom of Judah (southern), and subsequent exiles (especially the Babylonian captivity), "Israel" remains a symbol of identity for Jews worldwide, representing both a land and a spiritual heritage. The name is Israel is applied in the New Testament to believers in Yeshua (Jesus), both Jews and gentiles who have been grafted in to the people of God.
Judaism: In Jewish tradition, Israel is not only the name of a land but also a spiritual concept. It represents the covenant between God and the Jewish people, a chosen relationship that involves both blessings and responsibilities.
Christianity: Christians interpret "Israel" in both literal and allegorical senses. Biblically, it refers to the Jewish people and the land, but it's also seen as the Church or the spiritual children of Abraham in Christian theology.
Spiritual Lessons from Israel
Faith Involves Wrestling:
The story of Israel teaches that faith is not always passive. It often involves wrestling with doubts, questions, and challenges. Like Jacob, believers are called to engage with God, even in the difficult moments of life.God Honors Perseverance:
Jacob’s refusal to let go until he received a blessing highlights the importance of perseverance in prayer and faith. God does not reject those who wrestle with Him; instead, He blesses those who seek Him with all their heart."Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6 NKJV)
Transformation Through Struggle:
Just as Jacob was transformed into Israel, we too are transformed through our struggles with God. These moments shape our character, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to God’s purpose for our lives."Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.." (Romans 5:1-4 NKJV)
Blessing and Wounding Go Hand in Hand:
Jacob left the wrestling match with a blessing but also with a limp. This reminds us that spiritual growth often comes with both blessings and challenges. The scars we carry from our struggles with God are reminders of His faithfulness and our journey toward spiritual maturity.
Israel as a Nation and a People
The name Israel not only applies to Jacob personally but also to the nation that descended from him—the people of Israel. Throughout history, the nation of Israel has embodied the meaning of its name, contending with God, enduring trials, and seeking to walk in covenant relationship with Him.
In the New Testament, the concept of Israel includes all who embrace faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes:
"And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29 NKJV)
In this sense, all believers are called to be spiritual Israelites, wrestling with God, seeking His will, and walking in His blessing.
Judaism: In Jewish tradition, Israel is not only the name of a land but also a spiritual concept. It represents the covenant between God and the Jewish people, a chosen relationship that involves both blessings and responsibilities.
Christianity: Christians interpret "Israel" in both literal and allegorical senses. Biblically, it refers to the Jewish people and the land, but it's also seen as the Church or the spiritual children of Abraham in Christian theology.
State of Israel: In 1948, the modern state of Israel was established, reclaiming the name for a sovereign nation, embodying the centuries-long aspiration for a Jewish homeland. This political entity has since become a focal point for discussions on nationalism, religion, and geopolitics.
Cultural Identity: Beyond the state, "Israel" continues to resonate as a cultural, ethnic, and religious identity for Jews (and Christians) around the world, symbolizing unity, survival, and the eternal promises of God.
Conclusion: Embracing the Struggle
The name Israel reminds us that the life of faith is not without struggle. Like Jacob, we are called to wrestle with God—not as enemies, but as seekers of His blessing, truth, and presence. Through this wrestling, we are transformed from people who strive in our own strength into those who walk in the power and purpose of God.
Just as Jacob became Israel, we too can emerge from our struggles with a new identity—one marked by perseverance, faith, and the blessing of a God who honors those who seek Him, even in the darkest of nights.
For Christians, the story of Jacob wrestling with God takes on an even deeper significance when viewed through the lens of Christ. Some theologians and scholars suggest that the figure who wrestled with Jacob may have been a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. If this is the case, it offers a powerful image of how Jesus meets us in our struggles, not as a distant deity, but as One who intimately engages with our humanity. One might say that Jesus Himself "wrestled" with God the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, contending with the weight of sin and the suffering of the cross, yet submitting fully to the Father’s will: And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”" (Luke 22:41-42). In Jesus, we see that wrestling with God is not an act of rebellion but of relationship—an invitation to engage with God honestly, persistently, and faithfully, knowing that through Him, we find both the blessing and the victory.
In His victory over temptation and sin, and in conquering the grave, Jesus is the ultimate Champion Wrestler. Like Jacob, who wrestled with God and prevailed, Jesus engaged in a spiritual battle against the forces of evil but emerged victorious without succumbing to sin. In Hebrews 4:15 it is written, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrew 4:15) Jesus’ victory over temptation makes Him the perfect champion, not just a conqueror of external enemies but also of the internal struggles that all humans face. His triumph assures us that, through Him, we can also overcome temptation and walk in righteousness.