God's Contender

Israel’s name means to contend with God. The occasion of this naming was at the ford of the Jabbok River. Jacob wrestles with the man and there Jacob is no longer called Jacob but Israel (Genesis 32:28). This contending or striving with God is a reminder to us of Israel’s life with God.

What are we to make of this name? How is it meant to be heard? Surely we can say it is representative of national Israel. As a corporate body of people Israel contends with God. It is to be pointed out that Israel contends with God not for God. This is where the crux of the issue lies. Israel strives with God. They are those who draw near to the Lord and they are found to be those who struggle with God. This offers a profound commentary on Israel as they voyage through the testaments. Israel wrestles with God sounds like a bad thing but its intent is to be matter of fact of Israel’s nature. Israel as a people present many a challenge to the Lord and their name meaning is a clue. After all, who names Israel but the Lord? This naming means that God has authority over Israel. Further it is a rule over Israel to bless them. This blessing though comes about through much travail.

Israel contends with God not for God reminds us that as God’s people it does not mean that everything that the people of God do is sanctioned by God. Israel errs and wanders often and the Lord as their shepherd seeks them out to bring them back into the fold. Israel’s way of life before the Lord is contentious and disputatious. Listen to the prayers of the righteous that so often confront God with the problem of slavery and exile. Israel cantankerously struggles with God and that is that kind of life that God has with His chosen people. A sobering reminder of whom God chooses may not be the finest or shining examples to imitate as much to be observed and pondered what it means to live with God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  

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