Why Twice?
Yaakov's earning this name from the "mal'ach" is not in itself sufficient. It must later be confirmed by God, together with his "bechira," at Bet-El (the very site where he was first promised the "bechira"). Thus, it appears as though the blessings which Yaakov received throughout all the episodes of his trickery must now be bestowed upon him properly. First, God names Yaakov - 'Yisrael,' symbolizing the traits of worldly leadership (35:9-10).

Afterward God confirms the blessing which Yitzchak had given him (28:1-4). See Board #2 and note the obvious parallels between these two blessings. This comparison clearly shows that God's blessing to Yaakov at Bet-El is a precise confirmation of Yitzchak's blessing to him after the incident of the stolen brachot. Hence, we may conclude that the name of Yisrael marks the conclusion of the "bechira" process, as well as a necessary character trait to later become God's special nation.

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