Israel, meaning "wrestles with God," was the name given to Jacob in Genesis. The descendents of Jacob's twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel, known as the Israelites. Israel is also the name of the promised land for the Jewish people. Moses led them out of Egypt, but it was Joshua who actually led the people when they entered the land. After the division of the United Israelite Kingdom, the southern two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) formed the nation of Judea, while the northern ten tribes became the nation of Israel. (See Ten Lost Tribes of Israel).

The modern nation of Israel was formed in 1948, which many Jews and Christians alike believe was the fulfillment of prophecy.