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H415 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֵל אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל
El Elohe Yisrael
Proper noun (divine title)
El, God of Israel

Definition

A compound divine name meaning El, the God of Israel. Jacob erected an altar by this name at Shechem after his transformative encounter with God at Peniel (Genesis 33:20). The title declares that the universal God of creation is specifically the covenant God of Israel, fusing general revelation with particular covenant identity.

Usage & Theological Significance

This name is theologically layered: it ties the patriarchal divine name El (the Mighty One) directly to covenantal history. Jacob — who became Israel after wrestling with God — names his altar to proclaim that the supreme God chose to be in covenant relationship with him and his descendants. The altar is an act of worship, testimony, and dedication after years of wandering. God found him, transformed him, and claimed him — and the altar name says so.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 33:20 There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel — God, the God of Israel.
Genesis 32:28 Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.
Exodus 3:15 God also said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites: The LORD, the God of your fathers — has sent me to you.'
Psalm 68:8 The earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:3 I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Related Words

External Resources

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