The name, Israel. This wrestling match is a significant point in the narrative following Jacob’s 20 year sojourn. Instead of destroying everything or leaving people to their own devices, God is keeping His post-diluvian promise by striving with humanity. Jacob’s new name, Israel, means “strives with God.” Such would be national Israel and, eventually, all humanity. The renaming of Jacob, here, is a reaffirmation of God’s promise to bless all nations rather than destroy them like He did following Genesis 6. He will do so through Israel. He will do so by striving with humanity rather than leaving her to her own devices (cf. Chapters 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15).
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