Monday, December 26, 2016

Your Name - Genesis 32:24-28

Genesis 32:24-28 ESV 


And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”


The name Israel means "God prevails." Jacob wrestled with God and what does Scripture say? This translation says that Jacob prevailed over God. The Hebrew word for translated as "prevailed" can be translated as endure, as well as overcome. A better understanding of this passage in this context may be that in the process of wrestling with God Jacob was at last able to overcome himself. Jacob asked his opponent for His blessing. It is the greater who blesses the other. God then renames Jacob to Israel. 


In all things, God prevails. We who receive Him will take His name. Our old self is left behind and our new self is made alive. By no other name can man be saved. 

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