Fun Bible Facts...How Israel Got Its Name

Jacob was born along with his fraternal twin Esau to Isaac and Rebecca. His grandfather was the patriarch Abraham. After tricking his brother Esau out his birthright, he got out of Dodge and went to Haran where his uncle Laban lived. After marrying Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachael, he worked another 14 years for Laban.

After straightening things out with Esau, he worked his way back to Canaan. Jacob sent his family ahead and went back to get his possessions. During the night a man appeared (later identified as an Angel of God). Jacob struggled with the angel all night. Jacob then demanded a blessing, and the being declared in Genesis 32:28 that, from then on, Jacob would be called Israel, meaning "one that struggled with the divine angel".

Jacob (Israel) went on to have 12 sons which became the 12 tribes of Israel. And that is how Jacob became the father of the nation of Israel!