The biblical name that means “one who struggles with God” is Israel. It is the name that God gave to Jacob after he wrestled with an angel all night. The name Israel is derived from the Hebrew words “yisra” (to struggle) and “el” (God).
The story of Jacob wrestling with God is found in Genesis 32:22-32. Jacob was on his way back to his homeland after a long absence. He was afraid that his brother Esau would be angry with him for stealing his birthright. So, Jacob sent messengers ahead to Esau to try to make peace.
When Jacob arrived at the Jabbok River, he was met by an angel. The angel wrestled with Jacob all night, but Jacob did not give up. In the end, the angel touched Jacob's hip and it became injured. But the angel also blessed Jacob and gave him the new name Israel.
The name Israel is a reminder that God is a God who struggles with us. He is not a distant God who is indifferent to our pain and suffering. He is a God who is involved in our lives and who wants to help us grow and mature.
The name Israel is also a reminder that we are called to be a people who struggle with God. We are called to be a people who are not afraid to challenge God and to ask difficult questions. We are called to be a people who are willing to wrestle with God until we find the truth.
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