Israel, Israelites

Definition

The term “Israel” is the name that God gave to Jacob. Often it refers to the nation that is descended from him.

• The name Israel probably means “He struggles with God.”
• The descendants of Jacob became known as the “sons of Israel” or the “people of Israel” or the “nation of Israel” or the “Israelites.”
• God formed his covenant with the people of Israel. They were his chosen people.
• The nation of Israel consisted of twelve tribes.
• Soon after King Solomon died, Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the southern kingdom, called “Judah,” and the northern kingdom, called “Israel.”
• Often the term “Israel” can be translated as “the people of Israel” or “the nation of Israel,” depending on the context.

(See also: Jacob, kingdom of Israel, Judah, nation, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References

• 1 Chronicles 10:1
• 1 Kings 8:2
• Acts 2:36
• Acts 7:24
• Acts 13:23
• John 1:49-51
• Luke 24:21
• Mark 12:29
• Matthew 2:6
• Matthew 27:9
• Philippians 3:4-5

Examples from the Bible stories

• __8:15 The descendants of the twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel__.
• __9:3 The Egyptians forced the Israelites__ to build many buildings and even whole cities.
• __9:5 A certain Israelite__ woman gave birth to a baby boy.
• __10:1 They said, “This is what the God of Israel__ says, ‘Let my people go!’”
• __14:12 But despite all this, the people of Israel __ complained and grumbled against God and against Moses.
• __15:9 God fought for Israel__ that day. He caused the Amorites to be confused and he sent large hailstones that killed many of the Amorites.
• __15:12 After this battle, God gave each tribe of Israel its own section of the Promised Land. Then God gave Israel__ peace along all its borders.
• __16:16 So God punished Israel __ again for worshiping idols.
• __43:6 “Men of Israel__, Jesus was a man who did many mighty signs and wonders by the power of God, as you have seen and already know.”

Word Data

• Strong’s: H3478, H3479, H3481, H3482, G09350, G24740, G24750