Topical Bible: Israel: Providentially Cared For

◄ Israel: Providentially Cared For ►

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The concept of Israel being providentially cared for is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His chosen people. This divine care is evident from the inception of Israel as a nation and continues through various historical and spiritual contexts.

Patriarchal Promises

The providential care of Israel begins with the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God’s covenant with Abraham is foundational, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3 : "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This promise of blessing and protection is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, ensuring the continuity of divine care.

Exodus and Wilderness

The deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage is a profound demonstration of God’s providential care. In Exodus 3:7-8 , God declares, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry... So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians." The miraculous events of the Exodus, including the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna and quail in the wilderness, underscore God’s active involvement in sustaining His people.

Conquest and Settlement

As Israel enters the Promised Land, God’s providential care is evident in the victories over formidable enemies. In Joshua 1:5 , God assures Joshua, "No man shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." The successful conquest and settlement in Canaan are attributed to God’s guidance and intervention.

Monarchy and Prophets

During the period of the monarchy, God’s care is manifested through the establishment of David’s dynasty, which is promised an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16). Despite the nation’s frequent disobedience, God sends prophets to call Israel back to Himself, demonstrating His enduring commitment to their welfare and spiritual restoration.

Exile and Return

Even in times of judgment, such as the Babylonian exile, God’s providential care remains. Jeremiah 29:11 offers hope: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." The eventual return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple highlight God’s faithfulness to His promises.

Messianic Fulfillment

The ultimate expression of God’s providential care for Israel is found in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through Him, the promises to Israel are fulfilled, and the way is opened for all nations to be blessed. Romans 9:4-5 reflects on Israel’s unique role: "Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple worship, and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise!"

Eschatological Hope

The Bible also speaks of a future restoration and blessing for Israel, as seen in prophecies such as Ezekiel 37 and Romans 11. These passages affirm that God’s providential care for Israel is not only historical but also eschatological, pointing to a time when Israel will fully realize the promises made to the patriarchs and experience the fullness of God’s redemptive plan.

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Deuteronomy 8:3,4
And he humbled you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that he might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD does man live.
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Deuteronomy 29:5,6
And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old on you, and your shoe is not waxen old on your foot.
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Deuteronomy 34:7
And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
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Nehemiah 9:21
Yes, forty years did you sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
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Psalm 105:37
He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
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Library

Chapter xlii
... had been sold and to which none now cared to go ... 5, 6. And the sons of Israel came
to buy ... So it was providentially ordered that Joseph was actually present when ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

Chapter xxii
... make themselves appear as though they cared little for ... cannot but regard the ram
as providentially provided ... is mentioned where God swears that Israel because of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxii.htm

Chapter vi
... of God" or "sons" is used of Israel as a ... one suggestive illustration showed, no longer
cared about having ... A kind of winter sleep may providentially have taken ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

Acts viii. 26, 27
... v.32-35.) Observe how it is Providentially ordered ... cities: whereas they would not
have cared even for ... full standing in the congregation of Israel (Deuteronomy 23 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xix acts viii 26.htm

Acts XVI
... the Spirit in their hearts, but by providentially bringing to ... in the name of the
God of Israel; and he ... bleeding apostles into the dungeon, he cared but little ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... no purpose (Romans 9:16). Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness,
have not obtained it (v 30). Here, I do not understand ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm