Through The Bible in a Year - February 10, 2026

“These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt.” – Exodus 1:1

The Book of Exodus begins with the names of those who father the nation of Israel from which Jesus would eventually come. But before it lists their names, Exodus reminds us that their father was originally named Jacob—a name meaning liar, conniver, deceiver. What his sons did to betray Joseph, they apparently learned by example. Jacob was a man who thought he could make his way by his own wit and wiles.

But now he’s called Israel. God changed his name. And his new name means “God rules.”

God is saying something profound: “You may think you can make your way, but you need a God to rule. And if you call out to Him, He will help you.”

Despite betrayal—Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, the sons of Jacob.

Despite famine—forcing the family to Egypt for food.
Despite slavery—400 years of brutal oppression.
Despite time—four centuries of waiting.

God was ruling over it all. Over the sin. Over the betrayal. Over the slavery. Over the famine. Bringing about a plan that was amazingly gracious – and greater than Jacob’s wit and wiles could ever have manipulated.

Seventy people went into Egypt. Two to four million came out—a great nation with great resources, ready to make God’s plan in the Promised Land flourish. God kept His covenant promise to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob even when it seemed impossible.

Your name may not be changed like Jacob’s, but the truth remains: God rules over your sin, your failures, your trials, your waiting. You cannot make your way by your own wit and wiles. But God can—and will—accomplish what you cannot by his wisdom, rule, and love.

Respond: What area of your life are you still trying to control by your own wit and wiles? Today, surrender all to the God who rules. Let Him accomplish what you cannot—as he works for his glory and your good.

Prayer: God who rules, I confess I too often try to make my own way. I trust my strength, my plans, my ability. Forgive me. You rule over my sin, my trials, my waiting. Accomplish what I cannot. Change me from a Jacob to an Israel—from self-reliance to God-reliance. In Jesus’ name, amen.