Who Is Israel

You are here: Home / Archives for Kraig and Anne Elliott

Kraig and Anne Elliott

Let’s Get Started

Let’s Get Started

by

This website explains what the Bible says about the Law of God and why we believe it is still for us to obey today.

It will work best to read the articles in order, like you’d read a book.

Table of Contents

Why This Discussion Matters

  1. Which Bible passages apply to us today?
  2. Common views on Israel and the Church
  3. Keeping Israel and the Church distinct

Definitions

  1. Who are the People of God?
  2. Who is Israel? Who are the Jews?
  3. What is the Torah?
 Coming Soon…
    • What is the moral, ceremonial, and civil Law?
    • What is the Law of Christ?
    • What is the “Oral Torah”?
    • What is legalism?
    • What is lawlessness?
  2. What is salvation? What is sanctification?
  3. What is circumcision?
  4. What is the new covenant?
  5. What is the kingdom of heaven?
  6. What is the Church?

Common Questions

  1. Is the Law required for salvation?
  2. Why did God give the Law to Israel?
  3. Is the Law too difficult to keep?
  4. What would happen if Israel didn’t keep the Law?
  5. What did Paul teach?
  6. What about Old Testament sacrifices?
  7. What about clean and unclean foods?
  8. What about historical church teaching?
  9. What did Jesus teach about the Law?
  10. Did Jesus abolish the Law?
  11. What is the book of Acts about?
  12. Did God set Israel aside?
  13. What are some Biblical pictures of Israel and the Church?
  14. What is the book of Galatians about?
  15. Didn’t the priesthood change?
  16. What about end times?

Continue

Why This Discussion Matters

Why This Discussion Matters

by

In January 2006, someone remarked to us that the Bible had answers to many things but certainly not everything that we need. It might have been a casual remark, but it haunted us.

Yes, the Bible told us how to have eternal life, but did it tell us how to live?

  • We knew we were supposed to have a good marriage, but did it tell us how?
  • We knew we were supposed to be good parents, but did it tell us how?
  • We knew we were supposed to love other people, but how should we act in specific circumstances?
  • Why were there so many opinions—on music, clothing, styles of worship, and even denominations? Which were right, and which were wrong?

God brought to mind a verse:

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:3-4).

This verse was clear that the answers were in God’s Word, the Bible, because it said that His divine power had given us everything we need, through our knowledge of Him.

Knowledge of God isn’t an arbitrary thing. We should be able to open up our Bibles, search for an answer, and find it. If we didn’t have something we needed for life or godliness, it was obviously because we didn’t have a thorough knowledge of Him, as revealed in Scripture.

Which Promises?

We decided to start in Genesis and read, with the intention of discovering instructions God had given us for life and godliness. It didn’t take long until we discovered a problem.

Much of the Bible just didn’t apply to us!

For instance, a friend of ours was involved in a type of “prosperity gospel,” and she was fond of looking at Deuteronomy 28 for assurance that God would bless her financially if she were a believer. However, it was clear from the context that these words were written as a national blessing to Israel.

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of YHVH thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that YHVH thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of YHVH thy God…. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

“We are Christians, not Jews,” we said, “so these promises cannot apply to us.”

The problem was that we knew that almost the entire Old Testament was written to Israel, not to the Church. It would be taking it out of context to apply the Old Testament’s instructions or promises to us in the Church. Yes, there were principles. Yes, there were some good stories, poetry, and proverbs. Yes, it told about the coming Messiah, but it held very few instructions for us. In fact, as we read into the New Testament, much of that was also written to Jews, rather than to us.

Why did 2 Peter 1:3 tell us that the Bible’s promises would give us everything we needed for life and godliness, when so much of what it said applied to someone else in a period of time long gone?

And as we realized that very little of the New Testament had been penned or was available to believers when Peter wrote his epistles, we were even more frustrated. They didn’t have access to Paul’s epistles. The little we had read that was directly written to the Church certainly could not contain everything we needed for life and godliness.

It felt like we were taking scissors to the Bible… snip… snip… snip….

Continue

Common Views on Israel and the Church

Common Views on Israel and the Church

by

It was becoming increasingly obvious why we needed to understand the context of each passage we were reading. Specifically, we needed to know to whom it was addressed.

We needed to understand context because there were certain commands and promises for Israel, and there were commands and promises for the Church. We needed to rightly interpret which commands and promises applied to us personally.

There are generally two accepted views on making a distinction between Israel and the Church.

  • Dispensational theologians, such as Scofield and Ryrie, teach that there are two peoples of God, and that these two people are distinct from each other.
  • Covenant theologians, such as John Calvin and R.C. Sproul, teach that there is only one people of God, which was first Israel, but that Israel was replaced by the Church. The promises given to Israel are symbolically fulfilled in the Church.

We have never been fans of the covenant view because, if the Church has replaced Israel, then how could God keep his promises to the literal, physical nation of Israel, specifically regarding the land of Israel? I realize that some prophecies in Scripture are symbolic and allegorical — but the promises to Israel about inheriting the land of Israel look like they are literal, at least when I just open up my Bible and read it in ordinary words.

On the other hand, according to dispensationalism, commands given to Israel were given through Moses and applied to the nation of Israel until the formation of the Church. After Christ’s death and resurrection, we are in a new dispensation, one of grace and truth, rather than one of law.

The dispensationalist theologians propose that God works “in different ways at different times.” For instance,

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds (Hebrews 1:1-2).

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17).

Continue

Keep Israel and the Church Distinct

Keep Israel and the Church Distinct

by

A dispensationalist keeps Israel and the church distinct. This is stated in different ways by both friends and foes of dispensationalism. Fuller says that ‘the basic premise of Dispensationalism is two purposes God expressed in the formation of two peoples who maintain their distinction throughout eternity.’ A. C. Gaebelein stated it in terms of the difference between the Jews, the Gentiles, and the church of God.

The essence of dispensationalism, then, is the distinction between Israel and the church.

— Charles Ryrie, Dispensationalism (source).

Why is the dispensationalist so eager to keep Israel and the church distinct, or separate from each other?

Ryrie explains,

All interpreters feel the need for distinctions. Obviously this does not prove that dispensationalist’s distinctions are the correct ones, but it does demonstrate that the need for distinctions as basic to the proper interpretation of the Scriptures is recognized. There is some truth in the two statements ‘Any person is a dispensationalist who trusts the blood of Christ rather than bringing an animal sacrifice’ and ‘Any person is a dispensationalist who observes the first day of the week rather than the seventh’. That is true simply because every person who does not bring an animal sacrifice or who does not observe Saturday as his day of worship recognizes the need for distinctions in the interpretation of the Bible. The dispensationalist feels that his system supplies the answer to that need. (source)

Ryrie is saying that unless we want to be under the law of Moses, like the Israelites were, then a distinction between Israel and the church is essential. Unless we want to have to give up eating bacon and pork, or unless we want to have to stop attending church on Sunday, we’d better make sure to keep a distinction between Israel and the church.

How do dispensationalists support this with Scripture?

One verse often used is Romans 10:4.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

A second passage is 2 Corinthians 3:7-11.

7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

However, these verses by Paul seem to contradict words by Jesus in Matthew 5.

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-20)

This is tough to understand! Jesus said he would not abolish even the smallest part of the law, not even after He had fulfilled them. He said that they would last until heaven and earth disappeared — which obviously hasn’t happened yet.

So has Paul made a mistake? No, Scripture cannot contradict itself.

Peter admitted that Paul’s letters are difficult to understand.

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. (2 Peter 3:15-17)

He also said that in his day, “unlearned and unstable” were distorting Paul’s letters to say they meant something that they didn’t. In fact, he clearly identifies these people as “wicked.”

While Paul is often said to have been the first to teach that Christians are not under law any more, he himself claimed to have followed the law of Moses throughout his life.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets (Acts 24:14)

He believed everything that was written in the Law? What about animal sacrifices?

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult (Acts 24:17-18)

According to Numbers 6:13-20, “those offerings were a ram of a year old for a burnt-offering, a sheep of the same age for a sin-offering, a ram for a thank-offering, a basket of unleavened cakes, and a libation of wine” (Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible).

20 And when [the elders in Jerusalem] heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto [Paul], Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. (Acts 21:20-24)

We also see that Paul continued to worship on the seventh-day Sabbath in the book of Acts. Some say that he only offered animal sacrifices and worshiped on Sabbath when he was with the Jews, keeping a distinction himself between Jews and the church.

According to dispensationalists, ‘the basic premise of Dispensationalism is two purposes God expressed in the formation of two peoples who maintain their distinction throughout eternity’ (source).

However, Paul seems to say something else.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

It certainly sounds as if Paul is saying that Gentiles are part of the same group of people as Israel, not two separate peoples who maintain their distinction.

He goes on to say,

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel (Ephesians 3:6).

In fact, years before this, Jesus told his disciples,

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:14-16)

Continue

Who Are the People of God?

Who Are the People of God?

by

Our English word “church” is used for the concept that people from every tribe and nation (ie. Gentiles) have been “called out” of darkness by faith in Jesus Christ and “made fellow citizens with God’s people” (Israel). In the New Testament, the Greek word ecclesia is commonly translated “church.” Ecclesia means “called-out ones.”

Although salvation was originally offered to Abraham’s seed, God extended that invitation to all who would believe. During the book of Acts, we see that God’s call was specifically extended to the Gentile nations.

Peter said,

7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:7-9)

James said,

13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:13-18, quoting Amos 9:11-12)

Contrary to what dispensationalism teaches, the Bible makes it clear that Israel and the church are not two distinct peoples.

Nor has the church replaced Israel is God’s plan, as covenant theology teaches. Israel as a people have not been set aside by God.

Rather, the called-out ones from the Gentile nations have been offered the gospel through Jesus and have been grafted into His people, Israel.

If this were the case, the Bible’s description of only one people of God would still apply.

In addition, the literal promises to Israel of a land and future King would still apply.

Of course, the commands and promises made to Israel would also then apply to us today. Most Christians already claim the promises made to Israel. However, claiming Israel’s commands makes most Christians uncomfortable.

If Israel’s commands apply to us today, we need to make some lifestyle changes. This is why it is essential that we determine if God has one people or two.

Continue

God’s Plan for Israel

God’s Plan for Israel

by

Let’s first look at what the Bible has to say about Israel.

God’s plan was that Israel would become a “multitude” of peoples, meaning that a multitude of ethnic groups would seek to join themselves to the community of Israelites.

Now YHVH had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis 12:1-3)

And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people. (Genesis 28:3)

Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession. (Genesis 48:4)

God gave Israel a literal piece of land, real estate that would be their inheritance forever.

Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession. (Genesis 48:4)

Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people (Leviticus 20:24)

Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey. (Deuteronomy 26:15)

While Israel became recognized by the United Nations as a nation again in 1949, certainly not all Israelites are living in the land God gave them, nor are their boundaries as large as what God promised to them (see Numbers 34:1-12).

While this is certainly a start to a return to the land, Scripture promises that the return will be complete.

33 When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house:

34 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers. (1 Kings 8:33-34)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This verse cannot be a reference to the United States or any other nation except for Israel, or else Scripture is not true. This is not a verse that Christians can claim, if Israel and the church are distinct.

8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. (Nehemiah 1:8-10)

Even though Israel has been exiled and scattered to the farthest horizon, God still looks on them as his people.

14 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith YHVH thy God. (Amos 9:14-15)

Therefore as I live, saith YHVH of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them. (Zephaniah 2:9)

7 Thus saith YHVH of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;

8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness. (Zechariah 8:7-8)

Verses for Further Study:

(hover over reference to read verse)

  • Psalm 135:12
  • Isaiah 49:8-9
  • Isaiah 60:21
  • Jeremiah 30:3
  • Jeremiah 32:37-38
  • Isaiah 50:6
  • Ezekiel 11:17
  • Ezekiel 28:25
  • Ezekiel 34:13
  • Ezekiel 36:12
  • Ezekiel 36:28
  • Ezekiel 45:8
  • Hosea 1:9-11

Review

So Ephesians says that God has only one people.

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. (Ephesians 3:6)

Scriptures also clearly teach that only Israel is God’s people.

5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (Exodus 19:5-6)

Continue

Who Is Israel? Who Are the Jews?

Who Is Israel? Who Are the Jews?

by

Many people think of “Israel” and the “Jews” as being the same group of people, but in reality, the Jews are just a small segment of the larger group of people God called Israel.

Who is Israel?

Jacob was the son of Abraham whose name was changed by God to “Israel,” which means “prince of God.” He had twelve sons.

Who is Judah?

Judah was one of the sons of Israel, and his descendants became known as the tribe of Judah.

Judah is also a name collectively given to two southern tribes of Israel (Judah and Benjamin, as well as some of the tribe of Levi). These tribes were carried away to Babylon in 586 B.C., then restored back to their land 70 years later, only to be dispersed throughout the world after the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. They are known as “Jews.”

It was from the tribe of Judah, or from the “Jews,” that God promised a ruler would come, whom all nations would obey. King David was from the tribe of Judah, and the prophets announced that the Messiah would come from David’s kingly line.

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. (Genesis 49:10)

And David [from the tribe of Judah] perceived that YHVH had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake. (2 Samuel 5:12)

He also exalteth the horn [a ruler] of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. (Psalm 148:14)

10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that YHVH shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea…

16 And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt. (Isaiah 11:10-11, 16)

The New Testament records that Jesus was the Messiah that the prophets foretold.

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. (Matthew 2:6)

68 Blessed be YHVH God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. (Luke 1:68-75)

Paul tells us that the Messiah would reign not only over Judah and Israel, but over all the nations of the world.

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ [Christ is the Greek translation of Messiah] was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.  (Romans 15:8-12)

So as we read the Bible, we need to be careful to note when Scripture says “Judah” or “Jews,” and realize that this is not always referring to the entire nation of Israel.

Who is Ephraim?

Israel (Jacob) blessed Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, before his death. Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph, predicted to become greater than his older brother Manasseh. His descendants would become a multitude of nations.

[Manasseh] also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations (Genesis 48:19, speaking of Ephraim and Manasseh).

His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh. (Deuteronomy 33:17)

Ephraim is often another name for the ten northern tribes of Israel, which were dispersed throughout the world because of their disobedience and idolatry. The prophets often referred to as “Israel” or “Ephraim” interchangeably.

For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people. (Isaiah 7:8)

Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. (Hosea 7:8)

Isaiah said that Ephraim would be broken, that it would not be a people, and that it would be mixed among the people.

The people of the ten northern tribes of Israel mingled so much with the Gentile nations around them, gradually intermarrying and scattering further abroad, that in a short time, no one could distinguish them from the nations. It was as if they were no longer God’s people. They were, for all intents and purposes, Gentiles.

Note what God said, however, through the prophet Hosea.

9 Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.

10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

11 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel. (Hosea 1:9-11)

This adds a lot of meaning to what Jesus said.

I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Matthew 15:24)

And Jesus said unto [Zaccheus], This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:9-10)

12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12-14)

At the time of Jesus, very few of the people of the northern tribes had returned to Israel. Most were scattered among the Gentiles, seemingly lost. However, all twelve tribes of Israel — not just Judah (Jews) — were very precious to God. Even though they had sinned, the Messiah said that He came to rescue and redeem them.

And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all. Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God (Ezekiel 37:22-23).

Continue

Who Else Is Israel?

Who Else Is Israel?

by

A little-known fact about the Israelite’s exodus from Egypt is that many Egyptians went with them.

37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.

38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. (Exodus 12:37-38)

A few verses after this record, we read God’s requirements for the annual remembrance of Passover.

43 And YHVH said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:

44 But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof.

45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.

46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.

47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to YHVH, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. (Exodus 12:43-49)

The Egyptians who wanted to celebrate the Lord’s Passover alongside the native-born Israelites could do so as long as they underwent circumcision.

Other rules in Israel applied to both native-born Israelites and aliens alike.

Neither could eat blood.

10 And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. (Leviticus 17:10)

They could not eat meat that had not been slaughtered appropriately.

13 And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.

14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

15 And every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.

16 But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity. (Leviticus 17:13-16)

They were not to worship the god Molech.

2 Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.

3 And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

4 And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not:

5 Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people. (Leviticus 20:2-5)

They were not to bring defective offerings.

18 Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the Lord for a burnt offering;

19 Ye shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

20 But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you. (Leviticus 22:18-20)

They were not to curse God.

15 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death. (Leviticus 24:15-16)

In fact,

Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 24:22).

One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord. (Numbers 15:15)

Paul says that Gentiles who believe in Jesus the Messiah become fellow citizens with God’s people.

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13)

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).

Continue

How to Become Part of Israel

How to Become Part of Israel

by

In the book of Acts, we see Gentile believers confessing faith in Jesus for salvation. Cornelius was the first. Peter explained to him the way of salvation and finished his explanation by saying, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43).

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (Acts 10:44-48)

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul verifies that the evidence of the Spirit’s work among the Gentiles was proof that they truly believed in Jesus the Messiah.

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:5)

However, some of the Jewish believers felt that the Gentiles needed to show more proof of their genuine conversion.

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved (Acts 15:1)

It probably started with the matter of eating together. Jews were careful to observe the dietary laws given by God in Leviticus 11, so they would have been very cautious about eating with someone who might bring unclean food to the meal. By the first century, oral traditions had been added as fences to God’s commands, resulting in even more reasons why observant Jews would not be allowed to eat a meal with a Gentile. In fact, as Acts 15:1 shows, some of the Jewish believers were teaching that Gentile believers had to be circumcised according to the “manner” of Moses, a reference to the oral traditions, not to God’s commands.

In Acts 15, the apostles and elders determined that the way Gentile believers could join in fellowship with other Israelites was the same way God had provided for the Egyptians to join with Israel in worship of God.

As we’ve seen, the following rules applied to Israelites and non-Israelites alike:

  • They were not to eat blood.
  • They were not to eat meat that had been slaughtered incorrectly.
  • They were to abstain from sexual fornication.
  • They were not to worship false gods.
  • And in time, they were to have the same laws and rules.

The apostles determined the following:

But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood (Acts 15:20).

Do you see that these were the same instructions given in Leviticus?

Moreover, Leviticus 24:16 says,

 Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am YHVH your God.

Christianity has always taught that Christians are not obligated to keep the laws given by God through Moses to the nation of Israel. Notice, however, what the apostles said in Acts 15:21.

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

It seems obvious that the apostles expected:

  • New believers would attend synagogue every Sabbath day.
  • New believers would hear “Moses” (a reference to the Torah, or the Law of Moses) being read every Sabbath day.
  • Moses would be “preached” or explained to them.
  • This was done in every city, just as it had been done from the earliest times.

It is very clear that salvation was not given because of observance of God’s laws.

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved (Acts 15:1).

In order to fellowship with other members of Israel, who met in the synagogues each Sabbath, the Gentiles only had to begin with four basic requirements.

However, it was expected that the new Gentile believers would continue meeting on the Sabbath and would continue to hear the reading of the law and be taught what it meant.

You will see that this agrees with the commission Jesus gave to his disciples:

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Continue

Special characteristics of Israel

Special characteristics of Israel

by

On this page, let’s take a look at many Scripture verses that tell us about Israel, keeping in mind what we’ve already learned:

  1. Israel includes all twelve tribes, not just “Jews” (those from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, the southern kingdom of Israel).
  2. Israel also includes any Gentiles who have been grafted into the nation of Israel through Jesus Christ.

I recommend that you print this page, and then read each verse from your own Bible. You might want to mark these verses in your Bible. There is a print button at the bottom of the article.

They are the people of God.

Note that these are literal descendants of Israel, yet believers in Jesus from all nations are included in the designation, “people of God.”

Exodus 6:7 – And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am YHVH your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Exodus 15:16 – Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O YHVH, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Exodus 33:13, 16 – Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people… For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

Leviticus 26:12 – And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

Deut. 9:29 – Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.

Deut. 26:18-19 – And YHVH hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto YHVH thy God, as he hath spoken.

Deut. 27:9 – And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of YHVH thy God.

Deut. 29:13 – That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

1 Sam. 12:22 – For YHVH will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased YHVH to make you his people.

2 Sam. 5:12 – And David perceived that YHVH had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.

2 Sam. 7:23-24 – And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, YHVH, art become their God.

1 Kings 8:51-53 – For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron: That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee. For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O YHVH God.

1 Chron. 17:21-22 – And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt? For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, YHVH, becamest their God.

Nehemiah 1:8 – Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

Psalm 95:7 – For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Psalm 148:14 – He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye YHVH.

Isaiah 40:1 – Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Isaiah 43:20-21 – The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

Isaiah 52:9 – Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for YHVH hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 13:11 – For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith YHVH; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

Jeremiah 24:7 – And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am YHVH: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Ezekiel 11:20 – That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 14:11 – That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith YHVH God.

Ezekiel 34:30-31 – Thus shall they know that I YHVH their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith YHVH God. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith YHVH God.

Ezekiel 36:12 – Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them of men.

Ezekiel 36:28 – And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Ezekiel 37:22-23 – And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all. Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 37:26-28 – Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I YHVH do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Ezekiel 39:7-8 – So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am YHVH, the Holy One in Israel. Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith YHVH God; this is the day whereof I have spoken.

Daniel 9:19 – O YHVH, hear; O YHVH, forgive; O YHVH, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Hosea 2:23 – And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

Zechariah 8:7-8 – Thus saith YHVH of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness

Zechariah 13:9 – And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, YHVH is my God.

It is very clear that the people of God are Israel. However, the New Testament makes it clear that both Jews and Gentiles are included in the people of God.

Romans 9:23-26 – And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 – And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith YHVH, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith YHVH Almighty.

Ephesians 4:4-6 – There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Titus 2:14 – Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works

Hebrews 4:19 – There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

1 Peter 2:9-10 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Revelation 21:3 – And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

They are a kingdom of priests.

God’s original intention for His people was that they would intercede for the entire world as a kingdom of priests to serve Him.

Exodus 19:5-6 – Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

The same thing is said in the New Testament, but in these contexts, the “people of God” includes believers in Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9-10 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Revelation 5:9-10 – And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Unless God broke His covenant to never reject His people Israel and replaced them with the Church, then these passages are all speaking of the same group of people.

They are a holy [set-apart] nation.

Again, it is very clear from the Old Testament that Israel is a nation set apart to God. The word “holy” means “set apart for a specific purpose.”1http://anneelliott.com/2008/07/hallowed-be-thy-name-part-1/

Exodus 19:5-6 – Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Exodus 33:13, 16 –  Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people… For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

Leviticus 20:24 – But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am YHVH your God, which have separated you from other people.

Leviticus 20:26 – And ye shall be holy unto me: for I YHVH am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

Deut. 7:6-7 – For thou art an holy people unto YHVH thy God: YHVH thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. YHVH did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.

Deut. 14:2 – For thou art an holy people unto YHVH thy God, and YHVH hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

Deut. 14:21 – …thou art an holy people unto YHVH thy God.

Deut. 26:18-19 – And YHVH hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto YHVH thy God, as he hath spoken.

Deut. 28:9 – YHVH shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of YHVH thy God, and walk in his ways.

Deut. 33:3-4 – Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.

Isaiah 62:12 – And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of YHVH: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

Ezekiel 37:26-28 – Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I YHVH do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Ezekiel 39:27 – When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations

Notice that the writers of the New Testament described believers in Jesus Christ the same way: as a nation that is “holy” (set apart), filled with “saints” (set-apart ones).

Ephesians 1:4 – According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

Ephesians 2:19 – Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.

1 Peter 2:9-10 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

They are God’s treasure, His inheritance, and His sheep.

YHVH describes Israel as His treasured possession and His inheritance.

Exodus 19:5-6 – Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Exodus 34:9 – And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O YHVH, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.

Deut. 9:29 – Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.

1 Kings 8:51-53 – For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron: That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee. For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O YHVH God.

Psalm 33:12 – Blessed is the nation whose God is YHVH; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

The rest of the writers of the New Testament say the same things.

Ephesians 1:18 – The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.

God also describes Himself as the Shepherd of Israel, His people. Israel is described as His sheep.

Ezekiel 34:30-31 – Thus shall they know that I YHVH their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith YHVH God. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith YHVH God.

Notice that Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd. Notice also that He is planning to bring other sheep (not of Israel) into the sheep pen. Finally, notice that there is only one flock and one shepherd.

John 10:14-16 – I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

The rest of the writers of the New Testament say the same things.

Hebrews 13:20 – Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.

1 Peter 2:25 – For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls..

They are chosen by God.

God chose Israel, his people, above all other people on earth.

Deut. 10:15 – Only YHVH had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.

Deut. 14:2 – For thou art an holy people unto YHVH thy God, and YHVH hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

1 Kings 3:8 – And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

Psalm 33:12 – Blessed is the nation whose God is YHVH; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Isaiah 43:20-21 – The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

Notice that the New Testament says the same thing.

Ephesians 1:4 – According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

Ephesians 1:11 – In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.

1 Peter 2:9-10 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

They are redeemed.

The Old Testament says that God redeemed (or purchased) the people of Israel for His very own. In Exodus, He redeemed them from slavery in Egypt by the spilled blood of the Passover Lambs. This is a picture of His ultimate redemption of His people from the slavery of sin by the blood of His Son Jesus.

2 Sam. 7:23-24 – And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, YHVH, art become their God.

1 Chron. 17:21-22 – And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt? For thy people Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever; and thou, YHVH, becamest their God.

Nehemiah 1:8 – Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

Psalm 111:9 – He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

Isaiah 52:9 – Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for YHVH hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Isaiah 62:12 – And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of YHVH: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.

Notice that the New Testament describes the both Israel and believers in Jesus as “redeemed.”

Luke 1:68-75 – Blessed be YHVH God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Ephesians 1:14 – Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory

Titus 2:14 – Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

They are called “sons of God.”

Israel is called “sons of the living God.”

Hosea 1:9-11 – Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

Paul writes that, just as Hosea prophesied, the children of God are called from both the Gentiles and the Jews, and they are made the people of God. Other verses in the New Testament agree.

Romans 9:23-26 – And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

Ephesians 1:5 – Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

Romans 8:14 – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Galatians 4:6 – And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Philippians 2:15 – That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.

Hebrews 12:7 – If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

1 John 3:1-2 – Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

They would be blessed.

Finally, God promises a special blessing to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob [Israel].

Genesis 12:1-3 – Now YHVH had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Deut. 7:14 – Thou shalt be blessed above all people.

Deut. 26:15 – Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Through faith in Jesus, even the Gentiles can participate in the blessing of Abraham, through faith in Jesus.

Galatians 3:14 – That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

If Israel has been blessed “above all people,” yet believers in Jesus are blessed with “all spiritual blessings,” how can these two groups not be one and the same?

Continue

References

References
↑1http://anneelliott.com/2008/07/hallowed-be-thy-name-part-1/