Walter Brueggemann (probably the most respected OT scholar alive) says repeatedly in his book that I'm currently reading "Finally Comes The Poet" that when the prophets, moses, etc.. speak on behalf of God to the people of Israel they are always inviting them into a conversation with God, which is exactly what God desires of them. He says Moses makes it a clear distinction between the oppressive pharaoh who demands unquestioning allegiance and the God who initiates a conversation.
I think maybe just like God wrestling with Jacob at the fords of the jabbok river it is only by wrestling (as opposed to merely accepting a certain list of things that is true) that true transformation can occur and Israel can be given this new name. It's only in participating in the conversation that they can be co-creators in God's new kingdom that he has chosen them to embody as his people. The world doesn't need another king that looks like Pharaoh, the world needs a king that looks like Jesus
