Most never give meanings of Hebrew words a second thought. Yet, words often have deep meaning in Hebrew. The word “Israel” is an example. Check it out:

Indeed, when God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, He made a distinct contrast between His righteousness (“straightness”) and Jacob’s crookedness. In doing so, He ensured His acceptance of “crooked” Israel and promised to make crooked places straight! That grace extends to us as well!

Aren’t you thankful for Jacob, and for God’s faithfulness to transform crooked to straight!