Genesis 32:28

Thy name shall be called. The great spiritual change that had come over Jacob was now symbolized by a change of name indicating the nature of his new relationship to God. The names of Abram and Sarai had likewise been changed (see ch. 17:5, 15); and from that time forward the Scriptures always call them by their new names. But in the subsequent history of Jacob his old and new names are used more or less interchangeably. Jacob’s new name, Israel, became the name of the nation that sprang from his body. For him, the change of name, like his change of character, was far more significant than that of his grandparents. It represented his transformation from a “deceiver” of men to a “victor of God.” The new name, ostensibly a token of physical victory, was to be a perpetual reminder of the completed spiritual renovation that had taken place.

No more Jacob. For the meaning of the name Jacob as “heel catcher” or “deceiver,” see on ch. 25:26.

But Israel. A combination of yisra[h], “he fights” or “he rules,” from sarah, “to fight” or “to rule,” and ’El, “God.” Without the accompanying interpretation given by God Himself, the name might be translated “God fights” or “God rules.” But the meaning as intended and explained by God is, “he fights with God,” or “he prevails over God,” or “he rules with God.”

The honored name Israel was henceforth to memorialize this night of struggle. As applied to the descendants of Jacob, it implied the transformation of character God sought for in them and their destined role of ruling with God. The name was transferred first to his literal descendants and later to his spiritual posterity, who also were to be victors as he had been (John 1:47; Rom. 9:6).

Power with God and with men. Literally, “contended [saritha, also from sarah] with God and with men.” This obviously refers to Jacob’s nocturnal wrestling with God and to his protracted struggles with Esau and Laban. From all these he had finally emerged victorious. This was particularly true of his experience the night before, from which he emerged a new man, a victor over deceit, dishonesty, and self-confidence.