3) The People of Israel and Why They are the Chosen People
Introduction
The people of Israel, the Jewish people, have a special relationship with God. This relationship started when God made a covenant with Israel’s forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Since the time of this covenant, they have been and will continue to be God’s chosen people.
When we read the Bible, we read a book about the people of Israel and their relationship to the God of Israel. The Bible is written entirely by people of Israel. To properly understand the Bible, we must first acknowledge this Jewish perspective. To fully appreciate the cultural and historical context of the Bible, it's beneficial to learn from someone with a Jewish background, as they bring a unique perspective rooted in the same heritage as many of the biblical authors. Any attempt otherwise to understand the contents of the Bible without the Jewish perspective is folly and could lead the reader to the wrong conclusions.
The proliferation of Christian denominations and the broad spectrum of theological beliefs in the modern world may stem from an insufficient grounding in the Jewish roots of the faith. This foundational gap has contributed to noticeable divisions among followers of Jesus. Such fragmentation may partly explain why Christianity's influence, particularly in places like America where it once held significant sway over societal values and practices, seems to be diminishing in the face of secular and diverse ideological shifts.
Understanding the Bible’s cultural context is one of the most potent and overlooked tools in the arsenal of a disciple. The more familiar we are with ancient culture, the more the Bible comes to life. Learning about the Jewish way of life during the times of the patriarchs, the prophets, and the apostles is, for many disciples, the key they have been looking for to understand what the Bible has to say to them.
As we reflect on our faith's journey from its inception, it is evident that modern Christianity has significantly diverged from the early Christian church, which was deeply entrenched in a vibrant Jewish context. This early church exemplified a unified yet diverse body of believers, comprising both Jews and Gentiles, who worshipped the God of Israel together. To cultivate a more authentic and complete relationship with God, it is crucial to revisit and embrace this foundational Jewish perspective. Moreover, while the Reformation and later church history are pivotal and necessary, they should not overshadow the original essence and foundations of our faith found in the New Testament. Reconnecting with the roots of our initial faith in the Messiah offers a pathway to revitalizing our spiritual heritage and understanding.
Who in the Bible is Jewish?
The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, was predominantly authored by Jewish individuals. Key Jewish figures we can read about include Jesus the Messiah, whose teachings and ministry were deeply influenced by His Jewish heritage. It's crucial not to overlook or underestimate the significance of Jesus' Jewish identity. This aspect of His life was not merely coincidental or a prerequisite for a universal message. Instead, Jesus' Jewishness is a deliberate and divinely ordained element that enriches our understanding of the Bible and God's redemptive plan through Israel. His earliest followers, whom we read about in the Gospels and the initial chapters of Acts, were also Jewish. This includes the apostles and the first believers who formed what we now call the “church.” Even Paul, known as the apostle to the Gentiles, was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.
The Jewishness of the New Testament books, particularly concerning Luke, is the subject of some debate. While Luke is often considered to be a Gentile, many scholars suggest he might have been a proselyte (convert) to Judaism, evidenced by his nuanced understanding of Jewish customs and traditions in both his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. This hypothesis is supported by his sympathetic portrayal of Jewish characters and his use of language that resonates more with Greek-speaking Jews and proselytes than with native Greek speakers. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that the evidence supporting Luke's potential status as a proselyte is largely circumstantial and remains a subject of scholarly discussion.
In the Old Testament, the narrative is similarly rooted in Jewish history, featuring patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and leaders like Moses, Aaron, and Joshua. Key figures also include kings such as David and Solomon, as well as prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and many others. These individuals are not just historical figures; they are the foundational patriarchs who established and sustained the covenantal relationship with God that defines the nation of Israel
Where Did the Name Israel and the Term “Jew” Come From?
The name "Israel" is first introduced in Genesis 32:28, where we read about Jacob wrestling with a divine being, often interpreted as an angel or God himself. After this all-night struggle, the entity blesses Jacob and gives him the name Israel, which means "he who struggles with God" or "God strives." The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are often called the children of Israel, also known as the people of Israel, who we often call the Jewish people.
The term "Jews" derives from the name "Judah," one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The term initially referred to the people of the southern kingdom of Judah after the kingdom of Israel split into two around 930 BCE. Eventually, the term "Jews" would be used more broadly to refer to the descendants of the people of both kingdoms who practiced the religion of Judaism. Although the term "Jews" originates in the tribe of Judah, it has evolved to encompass the larger Jewish community that follows the religion of Judaism.
“He Who Struggles with God”
The name "Israel," given to Jacob after wrestling with the divine being, is profoundly symbolic and foreshadows the enduring narrative of the Jewish people throughout biblical history and beyond. This new name, meaning "he who struggles with God" or "God strives," encapsulates not only Jacob's personal encounter but also prefigures the collective experiences of his descendants.
The foundational story of the Exodus, where the Israelites escape Egyptian bondage only to face decades of wandering in the wilderness, showcases this struggle. Their journey reflects a physical and spiritual wrestling with God, as they grappled with faith, identity, and obedience.
Throughout the books of the prophets, Israel struggles with fidelity to God's commands, often straying to worship other gods. This spiritual struggle results in the Babylonian and Assyrian exiles—periods of profound hardship and reflection on their relationship with God.
Even after returning from exile, the struggle continues as they seek to rebuild their temple and walls under Nehemiah and Ezra, facing external opposition and internal moral and spiritual challenges.
In the New Testament, John the Baptist, a Jewish prophet, calls the people of Israel to repentance, preparing the way for Jesus (Matthew 3:1-12). His ministry highlights a significant moment of spiritual reckoning, where he challenges the people and particularly the religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) to produce "fruit in keeping with repentance." John’s challenge underscores a struggle within Israel to align their lives with God’s expectations and prepare for the coming kingdom.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus engages in numerous debates and confrontations with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, who challenge His teachings and authority (e.g., Matthew 12:24, John 8:48-59). These interactions often revolve around interpretations of the Law, the nature of the Sabbath, and the identity of Jesus Himself. These conflicts can be seen as a manifestation of Israel’s struggle to understand and accept the new revelation of God in Christ, particularly concerning the law and the prophets.
Jesus frequently uses parables to communicate His message, a method that both reveals and conceals the truth (Matthew 13:10-17). The use of parables is a direct response to the hardness of heart within His listeners, particularly among His own people, Israel. This method reflects a form of spiritual struggle, where the truth about the Kingdom of God is presented in a way that requires spiritual insight and willingness to understand, highlighting the ongoing struggle of the people to fully grasp and embrace God's ways.
The Book of Acts details the early church’s struggle, particularly among Jewish believers, to understand and accept the inclusion of Gentiles into the community of faith without requiring full adherence to Jewish law (Acts 10-11, Acts 15). This was a theological and existential struggle, redefining the boundaries of God’s covenant community and what it meant to follow Christ.
The name "Israel," symbolizing struggle with God, serves as a reminder that faith is not a static or unchallenged reality but is characterized by ongoing engagement, questioning, refining, and, at times, wrestling with God. Wrestling with our faith and questioning is a normal thing and a part of spiritual growth. The story of Jacob wrestling with the angel demonstrates that God is profoundly involved in our struggles. He does not shy away from our challenges but meets us in the midst of them. This can encourage us to understand that our doubts and struggles do not alienate us from God but can be a site of divine encounter and transformation. This dynamic is seen in how God uses these struggles to deepen the faith of His followers, refine their character, and advance His purposes through them.
Just as Israel's history shows a community wrestling with God together, this can underscore the importance of community support in times of doubt. Sharing struggles within a faith community can lead to collective insights, encouragement, and a shared journey that enriches everyone’s faith experience. The ongoing narrative of Israel highlights God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, even when His people falter. For individuals doubting God's presence or care, this historical perspective offers hope and assurance that God remains faithful, even when we are not.
Both Israel and the Church embody this principle in their histories and doctrines. Their struggles are not signs of failure but are indicative of a living, active relationship with God, where challenges lead to growth, deeper understanding, and closer communion with the Divine. This concept emphasizes that struggle is an integral part of God’s redemptive plan, allowing both individual believers and the community as a whole to engage more deeply with the complexities of faith and obedience.
What Makes Them the Chosen People?
Israel's "chosenness" starts with the covenant made with their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We will look at all of the covenants God has made with the people of Israel in detail in future studies but for now, we can read about the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:1-14:
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly." Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojourning, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God." And God said to Abraham, "As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant." (Genesis 17:1-14, ESV Bible)
According to the biblical narrative in Genesis, God established a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of a great nation and to bless him and his descendants. This covenant included the promise of the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession for his descendants. Isaac's birth to Abraham and Sarah in their old age establishes Isaac as the child through whom the covenant promises will be fulfilled. This indicates that the covenant made with Abraham extends to his son, Isaac and his descendants. We see promises of land, descendants, and blessings in the covenant with Abraham. When reading about Isaac, these same promises to Abraham are reiterated and alluded to, indicating the continuation of the covenant. For example, in Genesis 26:3-5, we read about Isaac facing a situation similar to what Abraham experienced. God says to Isaac:
Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." (Genesis 26:3-5, ESV Bible)
The covenant is further confirmed through the generations that follow, including Isaac's son Jacob (also known as Israel) and the twelve tribes of Israel that descend from him. The covenant with Jacob is in Genesis 28 and Genesis 35. In Genesis 28:13-15, we see God appear to Jacob in a dream at Bethel and reaffirm the covenant previously made with Abraham and Isaac:
And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Genesis 28:13-15, ESV Bible)
In Genesis 35:11-12, Jacob returns to Bethel, and God appears to him again and reaffirms the covenant:
And God said to him, "I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you." (Genesis 35:11-12, ESV Bible)
After the stories about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we eventually come to the story of Moses. Moses was born during a time of Israelite enslavement in Egypt. With God's hand, Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter and raised in the royal household. God called Moses to lead God's chosen people out of Egypt. After leaving Egypt, Moses and his Israelite brothers and sister arrived at Mount Sinai. Here, God makes a covenant with the whole nation of Israel and gives them His Torah. In Exodus 19, Israel comes to the base of Mount Sinai, and God calls Moses up to the mountain. God speaks to Moses and tells him to convey a message to the people:
"While Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 'You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel." (Exodus 19:3-6, ESV Bible)
In Deuteronomy 7:6, we see this idea about Israel being a holy people to the LORD reiterated, and we see that Israel represents a treasured possession to God out of all the people on the entire earth:
"For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6, ESV Bible)
These verses illustrate why Israel is the chosen people. All because God deliberately selected them from among all the nations to have a special relationship with Him. God's choice has nothing to do with Israel's greatness or merit but God's sovereign will.
The Ongoing Covenants
A foundational concept that has to be understood to fully understand Israel’s relationship with God is the covenants. As we just read, God made many covenants with Israel. We looked at His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His covenant with Moses. We have not even mentioned God’s covenant with the priests, David or the infamous New Covenant discussed int he Christian Church yet.
The covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 12, 15, and 17 is described as an everlasting covenant. God promises Abraham land, numerous descendants, and blessings. This covenant establishes the nation of Israel as God's chosen people and includes the promise that through Abraham's seed, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. The New Testament reaffirms this covenant, notably in Paul’s letters (Galatians 3:16-29), where Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the promise that through Abraham's descendants, all nations would be blessed.
Understanding the ongoing nature of the Mosaic Covenant, even in light of Israel's historical and ongoing struggles to fully comply with its stipulations, involves recognizing the depth of God's commitment to His covenants, regardless of human failure. This perspective emphasizes that God's promises and His covenant relationships are sustained by His grace and sovereignty, not merely by human fidelity.
The narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures repeatedly shows that while Israel often failed to live up to the covenant's requirements, God's response was discipline mingled with mercy, rather than outright abandonment. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, while acknowledging Israel's failures, spoke of God's intent to ultimately restore and renew His covenant people (Jeremiah 30:11, Ezekiel 34:16). This restoration is based not on Israel's righteousness but on God's faithfulness and His commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Throughout the history of Israel, the concept of a remnant—a faithful minority who uphold the covenant—plays a critical role in maintaining the continuity of the Mosaic Covenant. This remnant is seen as a seed through which the covenantal relationship is preserved, even in times of widespread apostasy (Isaiah 10:21-22). The existence of this remnant underscores the idea that the covenant is not nullified by general unfaithfulness.
The prophets not only warned of judgment due to disobedience but also foretold a time of renewal and heart transformation. For instance, Ezekiel 36:26-27 promises a new heart and a new spirit to enable the people to follow God's decrees and be careful to keep His laws. This promise suggests a transformative work of God that enables covenant adherence, not a replacement of the covenant itself.
Jeremiah's prophecy of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) is often misunderstood as replacing the Mosaic Law. However, it can be seen as a deepening of the covenant, where the law is internalized ("written on their hearts"). This does not abolish the law but fulfills it in a more profound, personal, and transformative way, enabling a more genuine and sustainable adherence.
In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the ongoing relevance of the Law (Matthew 5:17-18). He criticizes not the Law itself but its misinterpretation and the hypocrisy of those who claimed to follow it without understanding its spirit. His ministry, in many ways, exemplified and clarified the true meaning of the Law.
The apostles, particularly Paul, navigated the role of the Law in the life of Jewish and Gentile believers, suggesting that while salvation is through faith in Christ and not by the Law, the moral and ethical teachings of the Law remain valuable and instructive (Romans 3:31). Paul's approach indicates not a dismissal of the Law but a recontextualization of its purpose post-Christ.
Modern Signifiance
The modern state of Israel's inception in 1948 is often viewed by many as a miraculous event, particularly from a biblical and prophetic standpoint. This view holds that the establishment of Israel as a sovereign nation after nearly two millennia of Jewish diaspora aligns with biblical prophecies regarding the restoration of Israel.
The re-establishment of Israel in 1948 is often cited as a fulfillment of biblical prophecies such as Isaiah 66:8, which asks, "Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment?" Similarly, the prophecies in Ezekiel 36-37, which describe the regathering of Israel from the nations where they had been scattered, resonate deeply with the events leading up to and following Israel's declaration of statehood.
The dramatic influx of Jews returning to Israel from the diaspora throughout the 20th and 21st centuries aligns with the predictions found in Deuteronomy 30:3-5, where God promises to restore His people from all the nations to which He had exiled them. This ongoing Aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) from countries as diverse as Russia, Ethiopia, and the United States continues to be viewed by many as a direct continuation of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The establishment of modern Israel can be viewed through this biblical lens as a part of the prophetic fulfillment of God’s promises to the Jewish people. The ongoing prophetic fulfillment seen in Israel's history and statehood continues to inspire and challenge believers and skeptics alike. As we move forward, it is crucial to navigate these discussions with a balanced perspective that respects diverse beliefs while recognizing the profound impact of Israel's unique role in the world. Engaging with Israel's story from both a biblical and contemporary viewpoint allows for a deeper understanding of its complexities and the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to His people. For many, this reinforces the scriptural narrative of God’s ongoing covenant relationship with Israel.
When Israel faces punishment, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing covenant. Likewise, when Israel experiences blessing, it is also part of that same covenant relationship. Moses and the prophets foresaw a future divine intervention that would bring an end to the cycle of covenant breaking, curses, and covenant obedience, blessings—culminating in the Messiah's return. This is the exact pattern of blessings and curses Moses outlined in Deuteronomy. The reestablishment of Israel in 1948, while significant, is just another step in this cycle, not the ultimate fulfillment. We still await the complete fulfillment of God's promises.
How Should We Understand Israel in the Bible?
Simply put, Israel refers to the biological descendants of Abraham. In Romans 9, when it says 'not all who are descended from Israel are Israel,' it’s highlighting that not all biological descendants share the faith of their forefather, Abraham. It's similar to saying, 'not all Rolexes are Rolexes'—some may bear the name but lack the defining characteristics. Likewise, in Galatians 6, the 'Israel of God' refers to those within the biological nation who remain faithful. Beyond that, every one of the 70 references to Israel in the New Testament refers to the physical descendants of Abraham.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the designation of Israel as God's chosen people is not merely a historical or biblical fact but a living reality that continues to have profound theological, cultural, and geopolitical implications. This chosen status, established through covenants with their forefathers and sustained through centuries of challenges and triumphs, encapsulates a unique relationship with God characterized by promise, fulfillment, and ongoing significance. As we look to the complexities of modern Israel and its place in the world, it becomes evident that the covenantal promises are not relics of the past but active elements of the present and future. This enduring relationship invites a deeper understanding and respect for the profound ties that bind the people of Israel to their God, encouraging both Jews and Christians alike to reflect on the spiritual heritage that shapes our faith and our interactions with the world. Understanding and respecting this ongoing covenant not only enriches our biblical comprehension but also enhances our approach to Middle Eastern politics and interfaith relations. Ultimately, Israel's story is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, providing a foundation of hope and expectation for the future roles that this nation will play in God's redemptive plan for the world.