Bible Dictionaries
Israel (Personal Name)
Holman Bible Dictionary
(ihz' ray ehl) Personal name meaning, “God strives,” “God rules,” “God heals,” or “he strives against God.” Name God gave Jacob after he wrestled with the divine messenger (Genesis 32:28 ). Afterwards, Jacob was a changed person, limping on a damaged thigh, with new food regulations, and with a new experience of God that influenced the way he lived. His twelve sons became known as the “sons of Israel,” and the resulting nation became the nation of Israel. Thus Jacob's experience at the Jabbok became the foundation for the nation of God's chosen people.
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from the Holman Bible Dictionary, published by Broadman & Holman, 1991. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Broadman & Holman.
Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Israel (Personal Name)'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/i/israel-personal-name.html. 1991.