What did Jacob's name change to Israel mean for his salvation?
Jacob's new name Israel, meaning a prince who had power with God and men, marked his salvation. After wrestling the Lord and refusing to let go until blessed, his faith was evident. The deceiver and supplanter was renamed, and this is presented as Jacob's salvation.
Les explains that this wrestling was a theophany—an appearance of God in human form—and in the Old Testament that is always God the Son, Christ in an Old Testament appearance. Jacob knew he was dealing with the Lord Himself, the God of Isaac and Abraham. Jacob said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me,” and Les calls this the statement of Jacob’s faith. When the Lord asked his name, Jacob answered, “Jacob, the deceiver, the supplanter.” The Lord then 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 concludes that right there is Jacob’s salvation. The name change therefore signified the salvation that came through his faith and prevailing with God, replacing the deceiver/supplanter identity with Israel, the prince who prevailed.
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.
More Questions
Why was Jacob's name changed to Israel according to Genesis 32:28?
God renamed Jacob Israel because as a prince he had power with God and with men and prevailed, which Les explains as hanging tough, not giving up, and not failing God.
What is the difference between Jacob and Israel in the Bible?
In the Bible, Jacob refers to his unbelieving old state, while Israel refers to the believing Jacob who became a whole new man.