Genesis 32:28
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Genesis 32:28
In Genesis 32:28, the divine speaker declares, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” The moment seals the transformation: a new name, new identity, new vocation. “Israel” can be understood as “he struggles with God” or “God contends.” The prophetic scope includes not just Jacob’s personal transformation but the nation to come through Jacob’s lineage. The sense of empowerment—“as a prince hast thou power with God and with men”—signals intimate, covenant relationship with God, characterized by authority, dependence, and blessing. The phrase implies a vocation to be mediators of blessing in the world, a theme that echoes through Abraham’s family and into Israel’s mission.
This verse anchors the theological concept of vocation: God calls and equips. The change from Jacob to Israel reframes a life of cunning into a life of covenant relationship with God. It emphasizes divine initiative and human response, illustrating how God grants authority and partnership with Him to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The blessing is not mere good fortune but a calling to live in alignment with God’s purposes.
If you have felt stuck in a certain pattern, this verse offers hope: a name change is possible. It invites you to pursue a life defined by God’s purposes rather than self-serving schemes. Practical steps: seek God’s perspective on your vocation in prayer, look for opportunities to serve others in ways that reflect God’s character, and pursue integrity that aligns with your calling. Acknowledge that true power comes from relationship with God, not from manipulation.
Cross-References: Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 41:8-9; Psalm 110:1; Genesis 12:2-3