Why Did God Ask for Jacob's Name? | Q&A | Today in the Word document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); It is one of the first questions we ask or are asked when meeting someone for the first time. When we hear the name, our mind will instantly do a search through our catalogue of memories to try and find a connection. Genesis 32:27-28 NIV - The man asked him, "What is your - Bible Gateway It is the essence of who he is and the motivation behind all that he does. Isnt God wonderful? gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. God has revealed Himself to Jacob in many uncertain situations, particularly has He revealed Himself as a good and covenant-keeping God of promise. See our. If you continue without changing your settings, you agree to our use of cookies. Good News Translation "What is your name?" the man asked. And he blessed him there. Bless me for myself, bless me for my family, bless me for the world. God reveals Himself sufficiently and fully to us in Jesus Christ. ESV Genesis 32:29-30: Then Jacob asked him, Please tell me your name. But he said, Why is it that you ask my name? And there he blessed him. Context Crossref Comm Hebrew Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there. How are we to be saved? These are typical descriptions of all who are called by God and given grace to live (Romans 7:14ff). You are right; God is omniscient. At this point, God is revealing Himself graciously to Jacob in His acts of mercy, but it seems because of Jacobs remaining pride and control, He is not noticing the revelation of God as He should. 27 The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. Read verse in New International Version Jacob names the place Peniel because he knows he had seen Gods holy face, and yet he lived to tell about it (Gen. 32:30). And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. This is how I see you. And he said, Jacob. Genesis 32:29 Context. Genesis 32:27-30 - The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," h 28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.". The prayer of intense desire. NIV Jacob said, 'Please tell me your name.' But he replied, 'Why do you ask my name?' Then he blessed him there. It is helpful to understand that Jacob's name means cheater, deceiver, or trickster. Start your free trial today! Many of us, like Jacob, might blush with embarrassment or shame at the exposure such a question might bring. There is still a mystery to God that only He knows, and is unwilling to fully reveal to us. How did the name Jacob become James in the New Testament Genesis, CHAPTER 32 | USCCB PO Box 1270 Our Heavenly Father is gentle and kind. NASB So he said to him, 'What is your name?' And he said, 'Jacob.' CSB "What is your name? Gods name is Wonderful; His Name is JESUS the name above every name; His full God-ness and glory are veiled and not fully revealed, but what do we behold? Was he asking for the label, or was he asking the more probing question, "Who are you?". (1-2) Jacob meets the angels of God at Mahanaim. Jacob finally confessed his true identity (admitting he was a cheater or 'heel-grabber') when confronted by a man () of God (). In verse 27, God asks Jacob, What is your name? Was he asking for the label, or was he asking the more probing question, Who are you? The meaning of the name Jacob was one who overthrows or even trickster. This prayer revealed that Jacob is growing in grace and spiritual knowledge in his life. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. Genesis 32:27-29 - The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," h In the case of Jacob, the messenger seems to want Jacob to think deeply about the meaning of his name, which we learned at his birth would represent the depth of his troubled relationship with his brother. In the original Greek of the New Testament, the names Jacob and James are variants of the same rootboth names stem from the same Hebrew name, Yaaqob (), which is translated "Jacob" throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 25:29 ). Jacob views material possessions as essential and indispensable. Just to ask the question can move us towards a better answer just to ask the question, and thus demonstrate our capacity for growth and introspection, is one of the greatest blessings we have as human beings. Genesis 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. It means, God our Savior., When God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses asked God how he should refer to him when the people asked. Let us leave our old identities behind, and let us find our new names in Jesus! 28 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. And he blessed him there. And He said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob [supplanter], but Israel [contender with God]; for you have contended and have power with God and with men and have prevailed. "What is your name?" the man asked. "Jacob," he replied. - Bible Hub And when God does choose to reveal Himself, it is in His own good and perfect timing. So, when Jacob said to God, My name is Jacob, he was doing more than merely stating his given name. God chooses to come close to His people in redemptive-history, but He does not reveal everything about Himself. He will tell you that you are the Daughter of the King, his beloved child. Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular, Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular, Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular, Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular. I think what we should notice is that Jacob desires to attempt to control God by asking His Name and to lead in the revelation relationship between them. He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. When I was 17 and got a job drawing caricatures at the amusement park, I was the youngest artist and our boss's name was Steve. I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. He has a new identity for you to walk out, to live in. 2:6-8). When we read about names of people in the Bible, we often discover that names had meaning connected with the inner identity of the person, especially when God was involved in the selection of a persons name. And [in shock of realization, whispering] he said, Jacob [supplanter, schemer, trickster, swindler]! 1. What Is Your Name? At the beginning of this weeks Torah portion, Jacob sends messengers ahead to his estranged brother Esau, who has a large assembly of men coming toward Jacob and his family. Purcellville, VA 20132, Mailing Address Find out more on this episode of Masterpie. 3:9-10), the very embodiment of Gods mystery and plan for the ages (Eph. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? Receive it. No, you mustnt ask, the Man told him. Moody Bible Institute 820 N. LaSalle Blvd. Proud member Along these lines, Radak (R. David Kimchi, a 12th century French commentator) seems to explain the angels question as just a formality: This question is an opening to the conversation, like Where are you? (Genesis 3:9) and What is that in your hand? (Exodus 4:2), and other similar places, because he knew his name when he was sent to him. The night before he meets his brother, Jacob wrestles with the angel who changes his name to Israel. "What is your name?" in this context, can be understood as, "Are you still Jacob, the deceiver, or are you ready to become Israel, the person of conscience?" There are some things in our lives that God will not reveal to us. God reveals all that we need to know about Him- -He has given His people a Savior- -there is salvation from sin! and we can truly know Him through His names and attributes). Answer. In receiving their name, we hope to gain some clue into who the person is, beyond what we see. The messenger knows not just Jacob's name, but his history he's asking if Jacob has wrestled sufficiently with his own identity. International Standard Version Then the man asked him, "What's your name?" "Jacob," he responded JPS Tanakh 1917 When I was a kid they called me Stevie, because I was the youngest of the whole clan for many years. Jacobs life with God is revealed in his struggle: a trust in God, but mixed with apprehension; dependence upon God, yet mixed with his own independence; boldness before God, yet often arrogance too; righteousness from God, yet mixed with sin. He is the author of How to Overcome Worry (Moody Publishers) and a contributor to the Moody Bible Commentary and Moody Handbook of Preaching. When you want to demonstrate a big contrast, you put two pictures side-by-side. Isnt Jacob a bit like you and me?! Rather, He questions us for His own redemptive and teaching purpose (Job 3841). Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Our encounters with God should bring humility before Him as we receive the revelation He chooses to make know to us about Himself. 3 Ways Jesus Shows Us How to Practice Hospitality, 3 Times Christians Actually Should Judge Others. Is there an emotional response to the name that is negative or positive? While alone one night apparently thinking through his situation in solitude a man appears to Jacob, who only progressively is revealed as the Living God Himself (Gen. 32:24ff). 6:00 pm Congregational Prayer Meeting & Hymn Sing, Wednesday, Jul 12 30Jacob named the place Peniel (The Face of God), for he said, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is spared. 31The sun rose as he started on, and he was limping because of his hip. Find out more on this episode of Masterpiece! He replied, 'Jacob.' Why did God change Jacob's name to Israel? - The Church of Jesus I give you this name because you have fought with God and with men, and you have won." EHV Isa 1:26; 56:5; 60:14; 62:2, 4, 12; 65:15, NIV, Verse Mapping Bible, Comfort Print: Find Connections in Scripture Using a Unique 5-Step Process, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Galatians, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story, NIV, Thinline Bible/Journal Pack, Large Print, Leathersoft, Turquoise, Comfort Print. He answered, "Jacob." e 29 Then the man said, "You shall no longer be named Jacob, but Israel, * because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed." 30 Jacob then asked him, "Please tell me your name." So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. How Does God Answer the Question: What Is Your Name? ), God was telling Jacob that he was receiving a new identity, one nothing like the one he had been living to that point. Who did you create me to be? Then, listen. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome." Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he re. God asked Jacob his name to humble him and to remind him that he is the supplanter or deceiver. This is often the case when we ask for someones name, as well. Thus, when God asks us questions, He never asks so He can be informed (Gen. 3:913; Gen. 4:6, 910; John 13:12). They would require credentials. What Is Your Name? Sermon by David Spiegel, Genesis 32: - SermonCentral We dont attach much significance to names or their meanings, these days. I mean this literally. And he said, Why is it that you do ask after my name? He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel. Jacob signifies a supplanter. Genesis 32:27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? What is your name? These incidents foreshadow the incarnation. Jacob was a man that reveals to us that even the dearest of Gods people have lots of struggles in their lives; struggles with self, with others, and struggles also with God. NLT 'What is your name?' the man asked. Proud member Without the before picture, you wouldnt get the full impact of the change. And he blessed him there. Genesis 27:28,29 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: , Genesis 28:3,4,13,14 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; , And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. These questions are answered sufficiently in Jesus Christ and we can encounter Jesus every day through his Word and by His Holy Spirit. Listen to what the Holy Spirit whispers to your heart. a. 28 Then the man said, "Your name ( B ) will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, [ a ] ( C ) because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome." Both Rachel and Isaac die and are buried. Your name will now be Israel. 27The man asked him, What is your name?, 28Then the man said, Your name(B) will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,[a](C) because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.(D). As we read on in the story, we find that was not the case. God chooses to keep His holy distance and not to be controlled by sinful man. NASB And Jacob asked him and said, 'Please tell me your name.' This grace of revelation is a mystery that is Gods alone to reveal- -and in His good time, if at all. Series Contributed by David Spiegel on Oct 24, 2018 (message contributor) based on 1 rating (rate this sermon) | 18,020 views Scripture: Genesis 32:24-28, Proverbs 22:1 Denomination: Assembly Of God Summary: More than being polite and calling a person by name, names are more important than we think. Salem Media Group. And God asks the same question he does here to Jacob: Why do you ask my name?: And Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you? And the angel of the LORD said to him, Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?. You have seen weight-loss pictures that do this. God is love. God answered, Tell them, I AM has sent you, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You will notice that his answer contained more than the label of his name; he defined himself further as the God of their ancestors. Do we know someone with the same last name? Perhaps the question is not merely a conversation-opener, but the main point of the conversation. Meeting Location See ourPrivacy Policyfor more information. of God has a right to change our names (and this is a blessing of His showing His authority over us, and the blessing of the New Creation, Isaiah 62:2; Rev. We might say that God was just striking up a good conversation, but Torah stories of encounters with the Divine tend to be terse and focused. Genesis 32:27-30. 1:9ff), salvation from sin, and every thought of Gods love that He has been pleased to reveal to you in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ! Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Salem Media Group. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. So Jacob got his blessing, but you'll notice the text says that he even renamed the place Peniel, for he said, "I have . The Torah portionends with a review of all of Isaacs descendants. God then promised Israel that all the blessings that had been pronounced upon Abraham's head would also be his" (Russell M. Nelson, " Let God Prevail ," Oct. 2020 general conference [ Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 92]). Later, when God would enflesh Himself in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her very human substance, God veils the full revelation of Himself, that is His glory (Phil. They are a label, yes, but unlike the label on a can of soup, it doesnt describe the contents inside. All Rights Reserved, Embark on a Jewish Journey of Transformation, KOLELThe Adult Centre for Liberal Jewish Learning. said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? For every question of God that you may have, for every time you feel your questions go unanswered and you seek to delve into the mysteries of Gods revelation He has not fully revealed to you, stop yourself, and go to Jesus Christ. What's Your Name? - Steve Thomason 3:17-18); we dont behold His glory as the naked deity (or God in Himself or God in His essence) but as the God who makes Himself and His Name known to us in Jesus Christ. Pronunced: TORE-uh, Origin: Hebrew, the Five Books of Moses. And let that draw us into the worship of God through the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first example Radak offers of a rhetorical question is from story of the Garden of Eden. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. ESV Acts 4:12, Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ESV Philippians 2:9-11. Winfred and his wife Stephne have been married for forty years and have four adult children and nine grandchildren. What is your name? in this context, can be understood as, Are you still Jacob, the deceiver, or are you ready to become Israel, the person of conscience?. Why does God ask Jacob what his NAME is when they wrestle in GENESIS 32 and why is Jacob's answer so significant? GENESIS 32:29 KJV "And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee There have been many, many interpretations of Jacobs God-wrestling. (A term coined by Arthur Waskow, I believe.)
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