The strange incident of Jacob's wrestling with a man who eventually is shown to represent God accounts for the origin of a new name given to Jacob by God. That name is "Israel", which seems to mean "struggle with God". It is this name which is given to the descendents of Jacob. The change in the name from Jacob to Israel indicates that he owed his position as father of the Israelites to God alone.

It can be said that this name sums up much of the relationship between God and His people. It was a struggle for God to keep His people close to Himself as they twisted and turned to get away to follow false gods. Despite the struggle, God constantly blessed His people as He blessed Jacob.

The meaning of the name "Israelites" applies to us also, for we are in a constant struggle. God is always calling us to Himself for an embrace of love. All the while there are factors pulling us in the opposite direction. We are drawn by our own selfishness, by the allure of false goods of money and pleasure etc. Life is a struggle and this struggle produces tension in our lives. Faithfulness to God means letting go of whatever pulls us away from Him. When we learn to let go, the struggle/tension ends and we find peace in the loving embrace of God.