From Striving to Dwelling: How the Name Israel Leads Us to Immanuel
Bible Study
From Striving to Dwelling: How the Name Israel Leads Us to Immanuel
Have you ever felt like you're wrestling with God—struggling to understand, to trust, or to simply hold on? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, the very name Israel means “He strives with God.” It was first given to Jacob after he wrestled with God and prevailed (Genesis 32:28).
You may have heard the phrase wrestles with God used to describe the meaning of Israel, the reason being is that Jacob physically grappled with a man (later revealed to be God) before receiving his new name.
In Genesis 32:28, God tells him, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." The Hebrew root of Israel (Yisra’el) means to strive or contend, which is broader than just wrestling—it reflects both a physical struggle and a deeper spiritual perseverance. While "wrestling" paints a vivid picture, the heart of the name Israel speaks to striving with God, holding on, and not letting go, just as Jacob refused to release God until He blessed him.
In America, we think of striving as aiming to please, or aiming to attain. Like one strives for all A’s in a semester at school. This is not how the word should be interpreted—especially in relation to scripture, (like so many our words, we need to relearn their definition—but thats another post).
Subsequently, the entire nation which descended from him bore that name, reflecting a history of wrestling with God—through trials, rebellion, and ultimately redemption.
But here’s the incredible part of the story: God never intended for His people to strive forever. He had a greater promise in mind—Immanuel, which means "God with us." This name, prophesied in Isaiah and fulfilled in Jesus (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23), marks a turning point. No longer is the story about people striving against God—it’s about God coming toHis people, walking with them, and ultimately dwelling among them forever.
Let’s trace this journey from striving to dwelling—from Israel to Immanuel—through key moments in Scripture.
Wrestling with God – The Birth of Israel
"Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed."
—Genesis 32:28
Jacob’s new name, Israel, reflects struggle. This pattern continues as his descendants, the nation of Israel, constantly wrestle with God—sometimes in faith, sometimes in rebellion.
God’s Promise to Be with Israel
"I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God."
—Exodus 29:45
Even in their striving, God remains faithful. He delivers Israel from slavery and dwells with them in the tabernacle. Yet, His presence is still distant, and their struggle continues.
The Prophecy of Immanuel—A New Kind of Presence
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
—Isaiah 7:14
This prophecy introduces a shift—one day, God's presence will no longer be limited to a temple. He Himself will come in the flesh.
The Fulfillment in Jesus—God With Us
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us).
—Matthew 1:23
Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Israel was meant to be. Where Israel wrestled with God, Jesus walked in perfect obedience. He invites us, not to strive, but to rest in Him.
Jesus Walks with the Struggling
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
—Matthew 11:28
Jesus does what Israel could not—He bridges the gap. No more striving. Just trust—this is obedience to God; Believing in the promises of God!
The Final Fulfillment—God Dwelling with Us Forever
"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God."
—Revelation 21:3
The story ends with full restoration. No more wrestling. No more striving. Only God with us—forever.
From Wrestling to Rest
The journey from Israel to Immanuel is the journey from striving to dwelling. What began with wrestling in Genesis ends with eternal peace in Revelation.
Where are you in this story? Are you still wrestling with God, or have you embraced the invitation to rest in Him? Jesus came so that we could stop striving—and start abiding. The struggle is over. Immanuel has come.
The interior of the Royal Mausoleum, Frogmore dated 1883 by Gabriele Mariano Nicolai Carelli (1821-1900). Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019
And Here We Find Grace…
GRACE perfectly encapsulates the transition from striving, to resting, in God's presence—which is at the heart of the message. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, and it's through His grace that we are able to move from struggle to peace. I invite you to pause and reflect on God's presence, how you can connect to God’s grace in a meaningful way.
Our GRACE Method™ is meant to encourage you so you can experience YHWH, Immanuel, and the Holy Spirit, in a deeper way, on a regular basis, through thought provoking Bible Study, Prayer, education, and Worship. Select the highlighted portion for more information on the GRACE Method™ .
G – Grounding in Scripture
The shift from Israel (striving) to Immanuel (dwelling) unfolds across the Bible:
Striving with God – The Birth of Israel
"Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." (Genesis 32:28)
Jacob’s name change represents the struggle between man and God, which continues through Israel’s history.
God’s Promise to Be Among His People
"I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God." (Exodus 29:45)
Despite Israel’s wrestling, God remains near, establishing His presence in the tabernacle.
The Prophecy of Immanuel—A New Kind of Presence
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
This prophecy shifts the story from struggle to closeness—God will dwell with His people in a new way.
Jesus, the Fulfillment of Immanuel
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23)
Jesus does what Israel could not—He embodies perfect obedience and brings God’s presence directly to us.
The End of Striving—God Dwelling with Us Forever
"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God." (Revelation 21:3)
The story comes full circle—no more striving, only perfect communion with God.
R – Reflecting on Context
Throughout Israel’s history, God was always near, yet the people still struggled. They built golden calves, rebelled in the wilderness, and wavered between obedience and idolatry. Even when God dwelled among them in the tabernacle and later the temple, their hearts remained restless.
Then Jesus Christ changed everything. Instead of expecting us to strive toward Him, He came to us. No more wrestling, no more barriers—just the invitation to abide in Him.
This progression is a mirror of our own faith journeys. Many of us wrestle with God, trying to figure things out on our own. But in Jesus, we find rest, because Jesus invites us to rest in Him and the fullness of, the fulfillment of, Gods promises. Jesus comes to us; chases us down in our sin, and only in Jesus can we find rest. The wrestling ends when we recognize Immanuel has come.
A – Applying to Your Life
Ask yourself:
Am I still striving with God—trying to control, fix, or figure everything out on my own?
Or have I embraced Immanuel—resting in the reality that Jesus has already done the work?
Did I lay myself at the foot of the cross? Have I died with Jesus on the cross? Have I fully rested in being born-again? Am I born again?
Striving might look like:
Feeling like you have to earn God's favor.
Struggling to trust His timing.
Carrying burdens He has already invited you to lay down.
Resentment that others have while you struggle.
Unforgiveness and feeling wronged, not trusting that God fights the battles.
Resting in Immanuel means:
Trusting that God is truly with you, even when you don’t “feel” or see it.
Releasing the need to control everything.
Walking in confidence that Jesus has already won the battle.
Where are you in this story? Still wrestling like Jacob? Or are you resting in the promise of Immanuel?
C – Communing with God
Take a moment to reflect and pray:
"Father, I confess that I often wrestle with You—striving to understand, to fix, to take control. But You have given me something greater than struggle. You have given me Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Help me to stop striving and start abiding in Your presence. Teach me to trust that You are with me, just as You promised. Amen."
E – Exalting God
What an incredible story—God's people went from striving with Him to walking with Him to dwelling with Him forever. The name Israel reminds us of our struggles, but Immanuel reminds us of our hope (certainty) and eternal rest.
Let’s rest in Immanuel today, and every day!
Worship in Faith:
As we move from striving to resting in the presence of Immanuel, worship becomes a powerful way to respond to this truth. Music has a way of reinforcing what our hearts need to hear—reminding us that God is not distant but near, that we don’t have to wrestle for His love, and that He invites us to dwell with Him. These songs beautifully capture this journey from struggle to surrender, from wrestling to worship. As you listen, let them guide you into a posture of trust and gratitude, knowing that God is with us.
"For God Is With Us" by for KING & COUNTRY
For God Is With Us - for KING & COUNTRY (Official Lyric Video)
"God Is With Us" by The Afters
God Is With Us - The Afters (Official Lyric Video)
"Emmanuel (God With Us)" by Chris Tomlin
Emmanuel (God With Us) - Chris Tomlin (Official Lyric Video)
May you continue to be Abundantly Blessed, in Jesus Name! Amen + Amen!
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Your story matters. Your light shines.
