Israel

a name given to Jacob after he had wrestled successfully with the Angel of the Lord, as related in Genesis xxxii. The name is Hebrew for "soldier of God." Hence the Hebrews were called the children of Israel, and the people of Israel, the Israelites. About 953 B. C. the northern tribes seceded from the southern tribes and set up an independent monarchy under Jeroboam. Other kings were Ahab and Jehu. This kingdom was called Israel. The citizens were carried into captivity by Sargon about 722 B. C. They are henceforth unknown to history and are spoken of as the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. See Hebrews