The phrase "The Works He Had Done for Israel" refers to the mighty acts and divine interventions performed by God on behalf of the nation of Israel throughout biblical history. These works are central to the narrative of the Old Testament and serve as a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness, power, and love for His chosen people.

Creation and Patriarchal Promises

The foundation of God's works for Israel begins with the creation of the world, as described in Genesis. God's creative power establishes the universe and sets the stage for His relationship with humanity. The calling of Abraham marks the beginning of God's specific promises to Israel. In Genesis 12:1-3, God promises Abraham that He will make him into a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. This covenant is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing the patriarchal lineage through which Israel would emerge.

The Exodus and Deliverance from Egypt

One of the most significant works God performed for Israel is the deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The book of Exodus details how God raised up Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Through a series of miraculous plagues, God demonstrated His supremacy over the gods of Egypt. The climactic event, the parting of the Red Sea, allowed the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army, as recorded in Exodus 14:21-22: "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left."

The Giving of the Law and Wilderness Provision

At Mount Sinai, God gave the Law to Moses, establishing a covenant with Israel and providing them with guidelines for living as His holy nation. The Law included the Ten Commandments and various ceremonial, civil, and moral laws. During their 40 years in the wilderness, God provided for the Israelites' needs through miraculous means, such as manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4) and water from a rock (Exodus 17:6).

Conquest of Canaan

Under Joshua's leadership, God enabled the Israelites to conquer the land of Canaan, fulfilling His promise to give them a homeland. The fall of Jericho, as described in Joshua 6, is a notable example of God's intervention, where the walls of the city collapsed after the Israelites marched around them for seven days. Joshua 21:43-45 summarizes this period: "So the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everything was fulfilled."

The Period of the Judges and the Monarchy

Throughout the period of the judges, God repeatedly delivered Israel from oppression through leaders like Gideon, Deborah, and Samson. Despite Israel's recurring unfaithfulness, God remained committed to His covenant. The establishment of the monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon marked a new era. God's covenant with David, promising an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16), pointed to the future Messianic hope.

Exile and Restoration

Even in times of judgment, such as the Babylonian exile, God's works for Israel continued. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke of a future restoration. The return from exile under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promises. The rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem signified a renewed relationship between God and His people.

Prophetic Fulfillment and Messianic Hope

The works God had done for Israel laid the groundwork for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Law and the Prophets. The New Testament reveals that through Jesus, the promises to Israel are extended to all nations, fulfilling God's redemptive plan. As Paul writes in Romans 9:4-5, the Israelites are "the people of Israel. 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! Amen."

The works God has done for Israel are a testament to His unchanging nature and His sovereign plan for humanity, demonstrating His power, faithfulness, and love throughout history.