Israel

The name later given to Jacob in Genesis 32.28 by the angel with whom he fought at Peniel. The term later became used for the whole of the Kingdom (i.e. the land of all 12 tribes named after Jacob's sons), particularly during the reigns of David and Solomon. After the two kingdoms split apart in 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom was often called Israel or Ephraim; and the Southern Kingdom, Judah. After the return from exile it is often used to refer to God's people in Judah. The biblical writers did not use the name in any technical way so it can, sometimes, be confusing to work out who they are referring to.