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Genesis 35:10 (BSB)
And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.” So God named him Israel.
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.” So God named him Israel.” — Genesis 35:10
Imagine standing in a moment when everything changes. God speaks directly to Jacob, telling him that his old identity is gone. No longer is he just 'Jacob,' which means 'deceiver'; now he is 'Israel,' a name that means 'he struggles with God.' This isn’t just a name change; it’s a total transformation of who he is! Can you feel the weight of that? It’s like a fresh start, a new purpose unfolding before him. God is saying, 'I see you, and I’m giving you a new identity.' It’s powerful and personal—God is redefining Jacob’s life in a profound way.
This book of Genesis was traditionally attributed to Moses. He wrote it to tell the story of the beginnings of the world and the people of Israel. By including this specific detail about Jacob’s name change, Moses highlights the importance of identity and transformation. He shows how God interacts with people in profound ways, emphasizing that everyone has the potential for change and purpose. Moses wants us to see that God doesn’t just change names; He changes lives.
Genesis was written during a time when the people of Israel were settling into their identity as a nation. They were looking back at their origins and trying to understand who they were meant to be. This verse was set in a world where names carried deep meaning and significance, often reflecting one's character or destiny. This moment of transformation for Jacob was crucial, not just for him, but for the entire lineage of Israel. It was a time of establishing identity and understanding their place in history.
This verse matters for you today because it speaks to the idea of new beginnings. Just like Jacob, you might feel weighed down by your past or your mistakes. But God’s message is that you can be redefined! No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you have the opportunity for a fresh start. It encourages you to embrace the new identity that God offers you. You are not just your past; you are who God says you are, full of potential and purpose.
This week, take a moment to reflect on your own identity. Write down one thing that you feel has defined you in a negative way—maybe a mistake or a label that you’ve carried. Then, pray or meditate on how God sees you differently. What new identity can you embrace? Maybe it’s 'beloved,' 'capable,' or 'forgiven.' Find a way to remind yourself of this new identity each day, whether it’s through a note, a verse, or a mantra. Let it shape how you see yourself and live your life.
In this chapter, we find Jacob at a pivotal moment. He’s recently faced a lot of struggles and fears, especially with his brother Esau, whom he had wronged in the past. This name change comes as Jacob is returning to his homeland, where he left as a man who had deceived and fled. Now, God assures him that he is not just running back to his past but stepping into a new future. This moment is a turning point, marking a shift from his old life of deception to a new life where he’s called to be a leader and a father of a great nation. It’s the climax of his journey and a moment of divine assurance that he is on the right path.
What does the name 'Israel' mean to you, and how might embracing a new identity change the way you approach your life and relationships?
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