In the Bible, Israel refers to the ancient kingdom established by the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with an angel. The term embodies both the people of Israel, known as the Israelites, and the land they inhabited, which was promised to them by God. The narrative of Israel is central to the Hebrew Bible, detailing the history of the Israelites from their enslavement in Egypt to their eventual conquest of the Promised Land. Key figures include Moses, who led the Israelites out of bondage, and Joshua, who succeeded him in leading the people into Canaan. The kingdom of Israel, which later divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, played a crucial role in the history of the Jewish people. Throughout the scriptures, Israel is depicted as a chosen nation with a covenantal relationship with God, emphasizing themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of straying from divine commandments. The biblical portrayal of Israel has profoundly influenced Jewish identity and culture, informing modern conceptions of the state of Israel and its historical claims to the land.