From Yaacob to Yisrael – Parshat Vayishlach

Parshat Vayishlach – Torah Reading: Genesis 32:3-36:43

In the eighth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayishlach (וישלח) (‘and he sent’), Yaacob prepares to meet Esau upon returning to the Promised Land and has a mysterious encounter with an angel (malahk), who changes his name to Israel (Yisrael).

We will examine the meaning of the name Yisrael according to the Hebrew text. But first, what is significance of names according to Hebraic understanding?

Names have the Power to Bless or Curse

Hebrew words or names carry a creative power.  For it was not by physical hands, but “By the word of YHWH the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”  Psalms 33.6  Thus YHWH spoke creation into being, i.e. “Let there be light and there was light.”

Just as Elohim was able to create the universe through the spoken word, so was He able to bless or transform the nature of a person or their destiny through giving a name or changing their name according to His will.  In Genesis, we see how Elohim used this power to transform the lives and calling of the first mother and father of our nation:

• “Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for the father a multitude of nations have I made you” (Genesis 17:5).

• “And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.  For the mother of nations shall she be.”  Genesis 17.15

Thus, when a Hebrew name is given or changed by the Heavenly Father, it was a creative emanation, a type of prophecy that had the power to transform the identity, circumstances, and nature of that person according to Yah’s divine will.

In this week’s Torah reading, Yaacob’s name is changed.  

Yaacob Wrestles w/a Malakh

“So Yaacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Yaacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Yaacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Yaacob,” he answered.  28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Yaacob, but Yisrael, because you have struggled (sarita) with elohim and with humans and have overcome.” Gen. 32.24

Study Question:  What is the spiritual meaning and significance of Yaacob’s name change?

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר לֹ֤א יַעֲקֹב֙ יֵאָמֵ֥ר עֹוד֙ שִׁמְךָ֔ כִּ֖י אִם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כִּֽי־שָׂרִ֧יתָ עִם־אֱלֹהִ֛ים וְעִם־אֲנָשִׁ֖ים וַתּוּכָֽל׃

“Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Yaacob, but Yisrael, because you have struggled (sarita) with elohim and with humans and have overcome.”  Gen. 32.28

The name is explained within the text (Gen. 32.28) when the malakh says ‘your name shall no longer be called Yaacob, but Yisrael because…you struggled (sarita Strongs #8280) with elohim and with men and prevailed (tucal).’   So when the word ‘because’ is used it means the definition of Yisrael follows, which is given as to ‘struggle with’ (sarita) and not ‘to be straight with (yashar).  The name is further explained as Yisrael from sarita (to struggle or prevail) because it describes the struggle or fight that just took place.  Some believe the name Yisrael is derived from yashar and although related, it is a completely different root. To say that one ‘was straight’ with elohim and prevailed is not supported by the context of ‘struggle (sarita)’ within the text. 

Another supporting resource is found in the lost book of The Ladder of Yaacob, where the angel Sariel was sent to interpret Yaacob’s previous dream of the ladder that reached up unto heaven (in Genesis 28).  Before giving the interpretation, Sariel reveals that his name and Yaacob’s new name Yisrael were similar in meaning. Sariel means my prince is El while Yisrael means one who conquers or perseveres over powers or elohim (note the difference between lowercase and uppercase elohim).

Both Yisrael and Sariel derive from the same root word, sarah (letter seen and not sheen), From the root word שָׂרָה

• sarah (975b); a prim. root; to persist, exert oneself, persevere:—
• A primitive root; to prevail:—have power (as a prince). (BDB)

Thus, Yaacob’s new name of Yisrael is correctly pronounced as such and defined in biblical (NIV) text as one who has struggled with elohim (powers) and has overcome, prevailed, or persevered.

In English, to persevere means: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : STEADFASTNESS

When you think about it, Yisrael was at a crossroads.  He was terrified of going forward to confront his brother Esau, who had threatened to kill him before he left Canaan.  He feared that upon his return, Esau may try to kill his entire family and he was not a skilled warrior like his brother.  

This wrestling match with the angel, was Elohim’s way of assuring his son that – although he would struggle – He had given him power to overcome.  Yah’s power was with him now, and not only was his name changed but it was a confirmation that his nature had changed as well.  For example, he was no longer a supplanter or slickster but now an overcomer and a warrior.  Now he was ready to lead his nation as a prince.

 Thus, the meaning of Yisrael can be stated as ‘one who struggles with powers and overcomes, prevails, perseveres’; or ‘a prince or ruler with the power and/or over the powers, principalities and forces of this world.’

Reflection: Consider what perseverance means to you personally? Do you identify more with the nature of Yaacob (supplanter) or Yisrael (overcomer)? How can you take on more of the nature and mindset of Yisrael to overcome obstacles and negative forces in your life today?

Counter Arguments:  

1. Some people reject this definition of the name because they reject the idea of ‘struggling with elohim,’ thinking the verse is referring to struggling with the Creator Father.  However, I advise you to research the Hebraic understanding of ‘elohim’ and you will find that it is used in different ways.  One, is Elohim as El Elyon, the Most High Creator.  And another way is ‘elohim’ as various earthly and heavenly powers, such as heavenly angels or earthly judges.  See any Hebrew Lexicon #430 Strongs. This is the lowercase elohim as it refers to angels or malakim, which would also include earthly powers.
2. Others reject the pronunciation of the name Yisrael from the root sarah as incorrect because they say it is really pronounced Yasharal or Yashar’El from the root word yashar, meaning to be straight or upright.  But it is a theory based on philosophy but not based upon facts nor on the text itself.  See above explanation.

In sum, Yisrael was a name given by Elohim that has divine meaning and invokes prophetic blessings, elevating our patriarch’s character and calling to that of a royal leader of a priestly nation.  When you embrace the name of Yisrael, you embrace your blessings.

What are your thoughts?

One Love and blessings! 1❤️💛💚 Makedah

Feel free to share this blog and remember to sign up for the mailing list for the latest inspired writings!

To support my work, consider becoming a patron or a donor by visiting my artist website here.

If you’d like to study Hebrew with me, check out my educational page here.