Once Abram was renamed to Abraham (Gen 17:4), he never referred to as Abraham again in the rest of the Bible except for 2 references that speak of his name being changed from Abram to Abraham (1 Chron 1:27, Neh 9:7).
In Gen 32:28, God renames Jacob to Israel.
We don’t truly see ourselves until first we see the Lord. “What is your name?” (Gen 32: 27, nkjv) was the question that forced Jacob to confess his true self—“Jacob, the schemer.” Once he faced himself and confessed his sin, Jacob could be changed. God gave him a new name—“Israel, prince with God” or “a God-governed man.” The way to have power with God is to be broken by God. God also gave him a new beginning and a new power as he began “walking in the Spirit” and not in the flesh. This was illustrated by a new walk, for now Jacob limped. He had been broken by God, but his limp was a mark of power and not weakness. Verse 31 indicates the dawning of a new day, as the sun rose and Jacob limped out to meet Esau— with God’s help!Wiersbe, W. W. (1993). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the Old Testament (Ge 32:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books
Yet, Jacob is still referred to and called Jacob, even after God gave him his new name.
In 35:10 God renames him again to Israel, yet for the rest of the Bible, he is still referred to as both Israel and Jacob. Why?
It’s like we’re never able to forget that Jacob was a deceiver – a schemer.
When God forgives our sin and changes us, isn’t it permanent?
Did Jacob find his identity in the name he had built (schemed) for himself, and therefore never forgot who he used to be?
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