The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanНамуна

Throughout the Bible, God renamed key individuals. For example, God changed the name of Abram (meaning “exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many”; see Genesis 17:5). Here God changed the name of Jacob (meaning “he deceives”) to Israel (“he struggles with God”).

In Biblical times, a person’s name often reflected that person’s character. A change in a name meant that the person had changed — either internally or in relationship with another person. Today when a person decides to put complete trust in Christ, God sees that person in a new light. In a sense, God changes that person’s name to reflect the change in the relationship between himself and that person.

As he did with Abram and Jacob, he’s ready to offer you a new spiritual identity.

Taken from NIV The Journey Bible