Topical Bible: Israel: The Message of God to Them

◄ Israel: The Message of God to Them ►

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Introduction

Israel, as depicted in the Bible, holds a unique and central role in God's redemptive plan for humanity. From the calling of Abraham to the establishment of the nation, Israel is portrayed as God's chosen people, set apart to be a light to the nations and a vessel through which divine revelation and salvation would come to the world.

Covenant and Promise

The foundation of God's message to Israel begins with the Abrahamic Covenant. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God calls Abram, later named Abraham, saying, "Go from your country, your people, and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." This covenant establishes Israel as a nation through which all families of the earth would be blessed.

The covenant is reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, emphasizing the promise of land, descendants, and blessing. In Genesis 26:3-4 , God tells Isaac, "Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham."

The Law and the Prophets

The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Through Moses, God delivers the Ten Commandments and other laws, establishing a covenantal relationship with Israel. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

The Law serves as a guide for Israel's conduct, setting them apart as a people dedicated to God. The prophets, sent by God, call Israel back to faithfulness, warning of judgment for disobedience and promising restoration for repentance. Isaiah 1:18 invites, "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

Messianic Hope

Central to God's message to Israel is the promise of a Messiah, a Savior who would redeem not only Israel but all of humanity. The prophetic writings are replete with messianic expectations. Isaiah 9:6-7 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of these prophecies, the promised Messiah who brings salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. In Matthew 1:21 , the angel tells Joseph, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

A Light to the Nations

Israel's role as a light to the nations is a recurring theme in Scripture. God's intention is for Israel to demonstrate His character and glory to the world. In Isaiah 49:6 , God says, "It is too small a thing for you to be My servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."

This calling is ultimately realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who commissions His followers to continue this mission. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus instructs, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Conclusion

The message of God to Israel is one of covenant, law, prophecy, and redemption. Through Israel, God reveals His character, His expectations for holiness, and His plan for salvation. The narrative of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire for all people to come to know Him.

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Exodus 19:3-8
And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
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Library

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... The message of counsel and reproof given through Haggai was taken to heart by the
leaders and people of Israel. They felt that God was in earnest with them. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

God Does Whatsoever He Wills in the Hearts of Even Wicked Men.
... [3200] Now, how does the power of God help some in war by ... We read also what Joash,
king of Israel, said when he sent a message to Amaziah, king of Judah ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 42 xxigod does whatsoever.htm

Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience
... seems equivalent to cancelling the choice of Israel as God's ... are here put into the
mouth of God may possibly refer to the actual message recorded in ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/israels obstinacy and gods patience.htm

"Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge"
... shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth." Isaiah 10:20 ... there will
be some who will gladly respond to the message, "Fear God, and give ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 24 destroyed for lack.htm

"Behold Your God!"
... Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 41 ... of Judah were all undeserving,
yet God would not ... His servants the prophets with the message, "Turn ye ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 26 behold your god.htm

The Passover visit
... the last night of their bondage in Egypt, when there appeared no token of deliverance,
God commanded them ... Then the king sent to Israel the message, "Rise up ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 8 the passover visit.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... and kings, and the children of Israel." Acts 9:15 ... these apostles were solemnly dedicated
to God by fasting ... The work of proclaiming the gospel message among the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not ... we believe this
Book to be the Word of God. Well then, you to whom the first message is sent ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Foreign Lands
... From David's family God brought to Israel, as he had promised, a ... Abraham's race,
and all among you who worship God, to us has been sent this saving message. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/paul and barnabas in foreign.htm

Moses
... trust that of our consciences, the blessed effects of that message, which God revealed
to ... of Egypt, to say to Pharaoh, 'Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ix moses.htm