Old Testament · character
Jacob
From deceiver to "Israel" — a man shaped through wrestling.
Jacob began by seizing the birthright of his brother Esau, but after wrestling with God he received the new name "Israel" and became the father of a nation.
Deception and Flight
Jacob seized his brother's birthright with a bowl of stew and his father's blessing through disguise. As he fled from his furious brother, God promised him in a vision of a ladder, "I am with you" (Genesis 28).
Wrestling at the Jabbok
On his way back to his brother after twenty years, Jacob wrestled with God all night, clinging to him: "I will not let you go unless you bless me." His hip was wrenched, but he received the new name "Israel" (Genesis 32).
Related verses
- Genesis 28:15"I am with you and will watch over you."
- Genesis 32:28A new name — "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel."