Topical Bible: The Jews: Called: Children of Jacob

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Children of Jacob" is a designation for the Jewish people, emphasizing their ancestral lineage from Jacob, the patriarch whose name was changed to Israel. This title underscores the covenantal relationship between God and the descendants of Jacob, who became the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical Origin and Significance

Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Jacob's life is marked by significant events, including his birthright struggle with his brother Esau, his vision of the ladder to heaven, and his wrestling with God, after which he is renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28: "Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.'").

The name "Children of Jacob" is used to refer to the Jewish people as the direct descendants of Jacob's twelve sons, who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. This lineage is crucial in understanding the identity and heritage of the Jewish nation.

Covenantal Relationship

The Children of Jacob are central to the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. The covenant made with Abraham, reiterated to Isaac, and confirmed with Jacob, is foundational to the Jewish identity. In Genesis 28:13-14 , God reaffirms His promise to Jacob: "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring."

This covenant includes the promise of land, numerous descendants, and a blessing to all nations, which is fulfilled through the lineage of Jacob.

Historical Context

Throughout the Old Testament, the Children of Jacob are depicted as a people chosen by God to fulfill His purposes. They are called to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:5-6: "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 history of the Children of Jacob is marked by periods of faithfulness and rebellion, prosperity and exile. Despite their failings, God's faithfulness to His covenant remains steadfast, as seen in His promises of restoration and redemption.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament often addresses the Children of Jacob, calling them back to covenant faithfulness and foretelling a future restoration. The prophets speak of a remnant that will return to the land and a future Messiah who will come from the line of Jacob to establish God's kingdom.

In the New Testament, the fulfillment of these prophecies is seen in the person of Jesus Christ, who is identified as the promised Messiah and the ultimate blessing to all nations through the lineage of Jacob.

Conclusion

The designation "Children of Jacob" is a profound reminder of the Jewish people's unique role in God's redemptive plan. It highlights their historical and spiritual heritage as descendants of the patriarch Jacob, through whom God's promises to Abraham are realized.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 16:13
O you seed of Israel his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Salvation to the Jews
... unto them, Ye are not My people; there shall they be called the children of the ... church
was founded, it was composed of these faithful Jews who recognized ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 35 salvation to the.htm

Ridiculous Interpretations of the Jews. Christians are the True ...
... Chapter CXXIII."Ridiculous interpretations of the Jews. ... who have been deemed worthy
to be called a people ... afraid of hearing God always say, Children in whom ...
/.../chapter cxxiii ridiculous interpretations of the.htm

Concerning the violation of Dina's Chastity.
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... when he had mourned for her a great while, he called
the son ... These are all the children of Jacob, twelve males and one female."Of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 21 concerning the violation.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... interpreted fortune; and after him Asher, which may
be called a happy ... The children also of them both, and the handmaids, and what ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Book 1 Footnotes:
... Nor did the Jews feed upon any other domestic animals ... and Hebrews 11:17, Isaac is
called Abraham's only ... he answered her inquiry, "before the children were born ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 1 footnotes .htm

Psalm XLVII.
... The Gentiles, whence ye were called that ye might ... God said this, and thereupon the
Jews prided themselves ... and said, "We are Abraham's children;" [1547] priding ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvii.htm

Concerning the Meeting of Jacob and Esau.
The Antiquities of the Jews. ... He also commanded him to be called Israel, which in
the Hebrew tongue ... him; and asked him about the company of the children and of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 20 concerning the meeting.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... For he wrote a letter and sent it to the Jews and called them "my friends ... Have the
children of Israel received the Kingdom of the Most High? God forbid. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 48,"When Thou Wast under the ...
... him, saying, "Thou shalt not be called Jacob, but Israel ... strange children have lied
unto Me;" concerning the Jews. ... lied unto Me, the strange children have faded ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxii on the words.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... The Jews bragged they were Abraham's children, but Christ disproves ... of thy face?'
God is in the Scripture called a light ... God will pass by much in his children. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm