Topical Encyclopedia The term "Church of Israel" refers to the assembly or gathering of the people of Israel, often described in the Old Testament as the "Congregation of the Lord." This designation underscores the unique relationship between God and the nation of Israel, highlighting their role as His chosen people and their collective identity as a community set apart for His purposes.Biblical Foundation The concept of the "Congregation of the Lord" is rooted in the covenantal relationship established between God and the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This relationship is formalized through the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai, where the Israelites are called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). The term "congregation" (Hebrew: קָהָל, qahal) is frequently used in the Pentateuch to describe the assembly of the Israelites, particularly in contexts of worship, decision-making, and communal responsibility. Key Scriptural References 1. Exodus 12:6 · "You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight." This verse highlights the collective participation of the Israelites in the Passover, a foundational event that solidifies their identity as a people redeemed by God. 2. Numbers 27:17 · "who will go out and come in before them, who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Here, the need for leadership within the congregation is emphasized, pointing to the role of divinely appointed leaders in guiding the people. 3. Deuteronomy 23:1-3 · These verses outline the regulations concerning who may enter the "assembly of the LORD," reflecting the holiness and purity required of those who participate in the communal worship and life of Israel. 4. Joshua 8:35 · "There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them." This passage illustrates the inclusivity of the congregation, encompassing all members of the community in the hearing and observance of God's law. Theological Significance The designation "Congregation of the Lord" signifies more than just a gathering of individuals; it represents a divinely ordained community bound by covenant to serve and worship Yahweh. This assembly is marked by its commitment to the laws and commandments given by God, serving as a witness to His holiness and sovereignty among the nations. The Church of Israel, as the Congregation of the Lord, serves as a precursor to the New Testament concept of the Church, the body of Christ. While the Church of Israel is primarily ethnic and national, the New Testament Church expands this concept to include all believers, Jew and Gentile alike, united by faith in Jesus Christ. Historical Context Throughout Israel's history, the "Congregation of the Lord" played a central role in the nation's religious and social life. From the wilderness wanderings to the establishment of the monarchy and beyond, the congregation gathered for worship, instruction, and the observance of sacred festivals. The centrality of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, as the focal point of worship underscores the importance of the congregation's role in maintaining the covenant relationship with God. In summary, the Church of Israel, as the Congregation of the Lord, embodies the collective identity and mission of the Israelites as God's chosen people. This assembly is characterized by its covenantal obligations, communal worship, and the pursuit of holiness, serving as a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 27:17Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 31:16 Library The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ... The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. ) The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions. The Seven Assemblies as a Whole (I. 11). 2 Samuel xxiii. 1-7. The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service ... The Church. The Organization of the Apostolic Church. The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. Of the Subject to whom the Key of Authority is Committed. Resources Is the Church of Christ a good biblical church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between the visible and invisible church? | GotQuestions.org What items should be included in a church constitution? | GotQuestions.org Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Appoints Kings Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Directs Administration Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Reproves Rulers Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Church and State: Manasseh, in Subverting, and Afterward Restoring, the True Religion Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Ahaz, in Transforming the Altars Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Hezekiah, in Reorganizing Temple Service Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jeroboam, in Subverting the Jewish Religion Church is Clothed in Righteousness Church of Israel in Covenant With God Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Church of Israel: A Type of the Church of Christ Church of Israel: Admission Into, by Circumcision Church of Israel: All Israelites Members of Church of Israel: Attachment of the Jews To Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of Israel Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of the Lord Church of Israel: Established by God Church of Israel: Had: A Spiritual Church Within It Church of Israel: Had: An Appointed Place of Worship Church of Israel: Had: An Ordained Ministry Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Feasts Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Ordinances Church of Israel: Had: The Divine Presence Manifested in It Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Church of Israel: Members of Required to Attend Its Worship Church of Israel: Members of Required to Keeps Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Required to Know Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Separated From, While Unclean Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Church of Israel: Privileges of Church of Israel: Proselytes Admitted Into Church of Israel: Supported by the People Church of Israel: The Depository of Holy Writ Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Praise Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Prayer Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Reading God's Word Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Sacrifice Church: Assembly of the Saints Church: Assembly of the Upright Church: Baptized (Immersed) Into by One Spirit Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord Church: Branch of God's Planting Church: Called the Congregation in the O. 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And Others) Church: Christian, Divinely Established Church: Church of the Firstborn Church: Church of the Living God Church: City of the Living God Church: Congregation of Saints Church: Congregation of the Lord's Poor Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished Church: Divisions In, to be Shunned Church: Family in Heaven and Earth Church: General Assembly of the Firstborn (People) Church: God Provides Ministers For Church: God's Husbandry (Farm) Church: Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: Harmonious Fellowship of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Asia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Babylon Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Caesarea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cenchrea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cilicia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Corinth Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Ephesus Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galatia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galilee Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Jerusalem Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Joppa Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Judaea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Laodicea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Pergamos Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Philadelphia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Samaria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Sardis Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Smyrna Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Syria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thessalonica Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thyatira Church: Lot of God's Inheritance Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed Church: Mountain of the Lord's House Church: Pillar and Ground of the Truth Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Church: Salt and Light of the World Church: Sought Out, a City not Forsaken Church: Strength and Glory of God Church: Temple of the Living God Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Church: Worship of, to be Attended The Church is Edified by the Word The Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord The Church: Christ, the Foundation-Stone of The Church: Christ, the Head of The Church: Clothed in Righteousness The Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished The Church: Displays the Wisdom of God The Church: Extent of, Predicted The Church: Glory to be Ascribed to God By The Church: God Provides Ministers For The Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed The Church: Not to be Despised The Church: Purchased by the Blood of Christ The Church: Saints Baptised Into, by One Spirit The Church: Sanctified and Cleansed by Christ The Church: Shows Forth the Praises of God The Church: The Body of Christ The Church: The Object of the Grace of God The Church: The Wicked Persecute Related Terms |
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