It is significant that the Bible refers to Jacob by his covenant name of Israel at this point. Why? Because up to now his name has been Jacob. In fact, “Jacob” has been used three times in this passage: “So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan”; “Jacob was stunned”; “When he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.” But now suddenly “Israel.”
Notice the beginning of verse 28 again, “Then Israel said, 'It is enough.'” This takes us back to the story in which Jacob wrestled with the angel, who was the Lord Himself, was overcome by Him, and as a result received the name “Israel,” which means “God rules,” “God commands,” or “God overcomes.”
When Jacob is in charge we get “Jacob,” a whining, self-pitying, complaining type of man. When God overcomes, we get “Israel,” a true, faithful child of God. It is as “Israel” that this man draws himself together, rises to his full height, collects his numerous family members, and sets out for Egypt to see his son Joseph before he dies.
Emotions are not the only things that influence our faith and often keep us from what godly reason tells us is true, particularly in spiritual matters. Emotions are one factor, and they were certainly a factor in Jacob’s strange turmoil when he was told that Joseph was alive and ruler of all Egypt. At first Jacob refused to believe it.
"It is enough."
I am sure that Jacob did not see the whole picture. I think that some of that had to be supplied by Joseph when Jacob got there into Egypt. He did not see the whole picture, but he was at least comforted. He was consoled. There was encouragement that came into his life.
