Why was Jacob's name changed to Israel?
God changed Jacob’s name to Israel because Jacob held onto God in faith and prevailed, refusing to let go until he was blessed. This pictured his transformation and new birth, so he was no longer Jacob the deceiver but Israel the prince with God.
Les explains that Jacob understood who he was wrestling with and said, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” The Lord asked his name, and he said, “Jacob.” Then the Lord said his name would no longer be Jacob but Israel, because as a prince he had power with God and with men and had prevailed. Les teaches this meant Jacob hung tough, did not give up, and did not fail God. God saw that faith and transformed him. Les says this was Jacob’s true salvation, where he experienced what today is called the new birth. Since he was now a new man in God, in Christ, God gave him a new name. He was no longer to be called Jacob the deceiver, which was the natural, but Israel the prince with God. Les also notes the rule of thumb that there is first the natural, then the spiritual.