So let’s continue our discussion about the true meaning of the word “Israel.”
This term was first applied to an individual, NOT a nation or people group.
Remember when the great patriarch Jacob had that impromptu wrestling match with the angel of the Lord?
This physical struggle represented much more than just a match of physical strength—it symbolized Jacob’s lifetime of struggling and striving, both with people (like Esau and his father-in-law Laban) and, spiritually, with God.
As the night gave way to dawn, the angel touched Jacob’s hip socket, dislocating it and causing him pain.
Yet, Jacob refused to let go, insisting, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26).
In response, the mysterious stranger blessed Jacob and asked for his name, which he then changed from Jacob, meaning “supplanter” or “deceiver,” to Israel, which means “one who struggles with God” or “God prevails.”
This name change reflected Jacob’s transformed identity—from a man who once deceived others to secure his place to one who now confronts God directly, seeking His blessing.
So that was the first appearance of the word “Israel.”
But over time, as Jacob’s family grew, “Israel” started to mean all of Jacob’s descendants.
So while it is true the Israelites are the children of Abraham, the same could also be said of the Arabs who are descendants of Ishmael.
My point is, historically speaking, it is more accurate to speak of the Israelites as the “Children of Jacob” rather than the “Children of Abraham”…
Although of course, it’s not wrong to call Israel the “Children of Abraham.”
It just ain’t exclusive.
Onward.
Centuries after Jacob died, Joshua led this people group called Israel into Canaan, the Promised Land.
But soon after they settled there, things became politically fractured as the people split into tribal alliances.
One’s clans and family took priority over any notion of shared ancestral heritage during this time.
Interestingly, some of the people of Israel decided NOT to enter the Promised Land and instead settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
The group that did cross the river split into two main groups: one in the north and one in the south.
Since the Northern Alliance was the majority (10 of the 12 tribes), they claimed the title “Israel” for themselves.
Therefore, at this time, Israel referred to only the 10 northern tribes.
The south was made up of the tribes of Judah and Simeon, although Judah was really the dominant tribe.
This Southern Alliance became known as “Judah” and was seen as separate from northern “Israel.”
Keep this fact in your back pocket…
It’s gonna become real important when we start discussing a little ‘ole city called “Jerusalem” I’m sure you’ve maybe heard about.
So let’s switch over to the takeaway for today.
What I find fascinating is that today, the 10 tribe-entity that called themselves Israel at this time, doesn’t really exist.
Why?
Because they’re the legendary ten lost tribes of Israel.
And why did they become legendary and lost?
Because they decided they didn’t want to be God’s Chosen people anymore.
They decided they wanted to become gentiles…and God responded by saying “As you wish!”
Thus, the Lord dispersed them among the goyim (gentile nations).
On the other hand, the South represented by the tribe of Judah (called Jews today) decided to remain faithful to Yehovah.
And as a result, they have been preserved throughout history to this very day.
Remember, the term “Jew” simply means one who hails from the southern tribe of Judah.
The lesson to be learned here is those who choose to stick with the eternal God remain eternal…
While those who don’t are washed away with the sands of time.
Ya feel me?
See ya all next time.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“And do not think you can say to yourselves,
‘We have Abraham as our father.’
I tell you that out of these stones
God can raise up children for Abraham.‘”
-Matthew 3:9
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