And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
And he said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because like a prince you have wrestled with God and with people, and you have overcome.'
God is giving Jacob a new name, Israel, because he has struggled with both God and people and has persevered through it all.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, Jacob was returning to his homeland after years of exile, fearing a reunion with his brother Esau whom he had previously deceived and cheated. That night at the Jabbok River, he wrestled with a mysterious divine figure, often interpreted as God Himself, in a physical and spiritual struggle that lasted until dawn. As a result, God changed Jacob's name to Israel, symbolizing his transformation from a schemer to one who has contended with God and prevailed, marking a key moment in the story of God's covenant people.
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