Q1 To whom did the original name Israel belong to?
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
Q2 How was the name further extended?
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them. Genesis 49:28
Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Exodus 3:9
Q3 How did God refer to the children of Israel after they had been in Egypt for 400 years?
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn. Exodus 4:22,23.
Q4 By what name did God refer to them when they became a nation?
Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God. Psalm 50:7
NOTE: Jacob’s descendents flourished and increased in number. When they were delivered from Egypt God made them into a nation, with civil and religious laws. Thus the name Israel was originally with a man, then moved to a nation. |
