Read Genesis 35 here or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
35:1-8 {p} Repentance and return to the house of God (Bethel)
35:9-22 {p} Renewal of the covenant
35:23-29 {p} The seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
And God said to him: “Your name is Jacob: Your name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be your name;” and He called his name Israel. Gen 35:10
At the renewal of the covenant, God highlighted Jacob’s name change.
When God established a covenant with Abraham, He changed his name from Abram, to Abraham.
Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.” Gen 17:3-5
Abram = exalted father
Abraham = father of a multitude
God did not change Isaac’s name, but He gave Abraham the name “Isaac” for his son from the womb.
Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.” Gen 17:19
Isaac = he laughs
And now for the second time, God has changed Jacob’s name, from Jacob, to Israel.
And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” 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.” Gen 32:26-28
Jacob = supplanter
Israel = prince of God; upright of God; he who wrestles and prevails
Why does God change names? It matters to God that a name bears true witness of that person and not false witness. And God’s testimony of a man is the true witness, superseding all other testimonies. (Ha! “Supersede” means, “to supplant.”)
If there are questions, these are good resources:
Jacob renamed Israel – Christine Miller
Our name, our identity, our destiny – Christine Miller
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