ISRAEL

After Jacob had his famous encounter with the "messenger" of Jehovah (Gen. 32:29; cf. Hos. 12:4-5), his name was changed to "Israel," suggesting, "he who strove with God." Later, the name is applied to the descendants of Jacob generally (Gen. 32:32; Ex. 1:9; 12:3). When the kingdom split during the days of Rehoboam, the ten tribes of the northern kingdom became known as "Israel," being distinguished from "Judah" in the south -- though occasionally the southern kingdom is referred to as "Israel" as well (Isa. 8:14). When the Mosaic law was abrogated (Rom. 7:1ff; Eph. 2:11ff; Col. 2:14ff), old Israel was taken away -- the final demise coming with the Roman assault in A.D. 70. The new "Israel" is the kingdom of Christ (Rom. 2:28-29; Gal. 3:26-27, 29; 6:16; Mt. 21:43; 1 Pet. 2:9). There is no promise of the "restoration" of Israel, as alleged by dispensationalists and premillennialists. Old Testament promises of restoration pertained either to: (a) a restoration of the exiles from the Babylonian captivity; or, (b) the spiritual restoration to be effected in the church (Acts 3:21-24). Note the connection in this latter passage between "restoration" and "these days," i.e., the days of the Christian age (vv. 21, 24).

Related Articles

When a Pagan King Challenged Jehovah

Sennacherib sent a great army to Jerusalem. Through his military officials, he made a series of threats, the design of which was to bully the Hebrew king.

What Happened to the Ten “Lost” Tribes?

The Northern Kingdom of ancient Israel is frequently referred to as “the ten lost tribes.” But were they ever lost? They were not—some cultic theories to the contrary notwithstanding.

Your Land, O Immanuel

The interesting land of Israel plays a prominent role in the coming of Christ.

The Middle East Conflict

Socially sensitive people are greatly concerned about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that continues to rage in the Middle East. Unfortunately, midguided political and religious commentators are adding fuel to the controversy. Who has the legitimate claim to the so-called “Holy Land”? This week’s Penpoints addresses this issue.

Rachel’s Tears

Rachel, the wife of Jacob, died in connection with the birth of her child, Benjamin. Centuries later the apostle Matthew refers to Rachel as “weeping for her children.” This was in connection with Herod’s murder of the male babies in the region of Bethlehem. What was the connection? Let us explore this issue.

Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson