Scripture Post #1,693: *JACOB BECOMES ISRAEL… AGAIN!*

 

 

Genesis 45:

27 And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: 

28 And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.

His name was Jacob in Genesis chapter 45 verse 27, and Israel in the following verse! What changed? What caused Jacob to become Israel? Knowing his favorite son was alive and not dead! It devastated Israel to the point of deep sorrow and depression when he thought he'd lost his son. 

Gen. 37:33 [When Israel's sons deceived him into thinking Joseph was killed by a wild animal]: "And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces."

Verse 34: "And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days."

V. 35: "And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him."

Sorrowful Jacob became joyful Israel again when his sons informed him that Joseph, his son of so long ago, was truly alive!

Originally Published: Tue. 5 • 2 • 17