Yisra'el - The Scriptures 1998 Explanatory Notes

The name means to strive, to overcome, then rule with Ěl, given to Yaʽaqoḇ as a new name, when he strove, overcame with Ěl (Ber. 32:28 / Gen 32:28). See Overcome. Only the overcomers are going to survive in the Great Distress of the end-time, and according to Scripture, Yisra'ĕl, though they are to be tried and refined as silver and gold is refined, will yet be chosen - again! See Yesh. 14:1 / Isa 14:1, Yesh. 45:17 / Isa 45:17, Yirm. 30:11 / Jer 30:11, Yirm. 46:28 / Jer 46:28, Yo'ĕl 2:32 / Joe 2:32, Yo'ĕl 3:1 / Joe 3:1, Amo 9:8, Miḵ. 5:3-4 / Mic 5:3-4, Zeḵ. 1:16-17 / Zec 1:16-17, Zeḵ. 2:8-12 / Zec 2:8-12, Zeḵ. 8:3-8 / Zec 8:3-8, Zeḵ. 8:23 / Zec 8:23, Zeḵ. 9:9 / Zec 9:9, all of Zeḵ. 13, all of Zeḵ. 14, Rev 3:8-12, Rev 14:1-5, etc. Whenever Elohim refers to Yisra'ĕl in a positive way, it means true Yisra'ĕl. In Rom_ 9:6 we read, “For they are not all Yisra'ĕl who are of Yisra'ĕl.” Theologians speak of an Yisra'ĕl within an Yisra'ĕl, also called the “remnant.” These are the Yisra'ĕlites who believe and obey. These Yisra'ĕlites are those who are Spiritual, saved, living righteous lives. There are many Yisra'ĕlites who are carnal, who are not true Yisra'ĕlites. For instance, in Yirm. 9:26 / Jer 9:26 Yisra'ĕl is strongly reproved because their hearts are not circumcised. Yet Scripture repeatedly speaks of “the remnant of Yisra'ĕl” that shall return (turn back), “the remnant of Yisra'ĕl” that shall be saved. True Yisra'ĕl (the true Yehuḏim) are those whose hearts are circumcised, who keep the Law! (Rom 2:25-29, Deḇ. 10:12-16 / Deu 10:12-16, Deḇ. 30:6-8 / Deu 30:6-8). And the truly born again gentiles are grafted in among these Yisra'ĕlites who are Spiritual - those who no longer wish to sin, who no longer live according to the flesh (Rom. chs. 6-8).