“And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.”
Context: Genesis 35:10 is part of the account of Jacob’s journey to Bethel, where he had a significant encounter with God. Prior to this verse, Jacob had returned to Bethel as God had instructed him (Genesis 35:1). God reaffirms His covenant with Jacob and gives him a new name, Israel.
The meaning of Jacob’s name: The name “Jacob” means “supplanter” or “one who grabs the heel.” Jacob was given this name because he was born holding onto his twin brother Esau’s heel (Genesis 25:26). Throughout his life, Jacob lived up to his name by deceiving his father Isaac and his brother Esau on multiple occasions.
The significance of the name change: God’s decision to change Jacob’s name to Israel is significant. It represents a transformation in Jacob’s character and identity. The name “Israel” means “God prevails” or “one who struggles with God.” It reflects Jacob’s personal struggle and his ultimate surrender to God’s authority and sovereignty. The name change signifies Jacob’s transition from a deceiver to a man who has encountered God and been transformed by Him.
Spiritual lessons:
- Identity transformation: Jacob’s name change to Israel illustrates the transformative power of encountering God. When we have a genuine encounter with God, it has the potential to change our lives and reshape our identity. We are no longer defined by our past or our shortcomings but become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Surrender and submission: Jacob’s struggle with God before his name change emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God’s will. It teaches us the value of yielding to God’s plan and acknowledging His authority in our lives. Through surrender, we can experience the blessings and purpose God has for us.
- God’s faithfulness: Despite Jacob’s flaws and mistakes, God remained faithful to His covenant promises. The name change signifies God’s continued commitment to bless Jacob and his descendants. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and grace in our lives, even when we don’t deserve it.
Application: As we reflect on Genesis 35:10, we can apply the following principles to our lives:
- Seek genuine encounters with God through prayer, studying His Word, and worship.
- Surrender our will to God, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out.
- Embrace our new identity in Christ, understanding that our past does not define us.
- Trust in God’s faithfulness and promises, even in challenging circumstances.
- Strive to live in alignment with God’s plan, allowing His purposes to be fulfilled through us.
By studying Genesis 35:10 and its surrounding context, we can gain valuable insights into Jacob’s transformation and apply the lessons to our own spiritual journeys.
