Topical Encyclopedia
The narrative of the Jewish people in the context of biblical prophecy and promises is deeply intertwined with their relationship to Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Messiah. The Scriptures contain numerous references to the consequences faced by the Jewish nation for their rejection of Christ, which are often interpreted as a form of divine chastisement or humiliation.
Prophetic Warnings and FulfillmentThe Old Testament contains prophetic warnings about the consequences of rejecting God's messengers, culminating in the rejection of the Messiah. In the New Testament, these themes are echoed and expanded upon, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles.
1.
Isaiah's Prophecy: Isaiah prophesied about the suffering servant, a figure Christians identify as Christ, who would be "despised and rejected by men" (
Isaiah 53:3). The rejection of this servant is seen as a pivotal moment leading to the nation's suffering.
2.
Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem: Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, foretelling its destruction as a consequence of not recognizing "the time of your visitation" (
Luke 19:44). He wept over the city, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" (
Matthew 23:37).
3.
The Parable of the Tenants: In the Parable of the Tenants, Jesus illustrates the rejection of the Son by the tenants (representing Israel) and the subsequent judgment: "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit" (
Matthew 21:43).
4.
Paul's Reflection: The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, reflects on Israel's unbelief and its consequences. He writes, "Israel pursued a law of righteousness but did not attain it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone" (
Romans 9:31-32).
Historical FulfillmentThe rejection of Christ and the subsequent humiliation of the Jewish people are often seen as fulfilled in historical events, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 by the Romans. This event is viewed as a direct consequence of the nation's failure to accept Jesus as the Messiah.
1.
Destruction of the Temple: Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple, saying, "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down" (
Matthew 24:2). This prophecy was fulfilled when the Romans razed the Temple, marking a significant moment of humiliation and loss for the Jewish people.
2.
Diaspora: The dispersion of the Jewish people throughout the world, known as the Diaspora, is also seen as a fulfillment of the prophetic warnings. The scattering of the Jewish nation is interpreted as a period of chastisement and reflection.
Theological ImplicationsThe promises respecting the humiliation of the Jews for the rejection of Christ are not solely punitive but are also seen within a broader theological framework of redemption and hope. The New Testament suggests that this period of humiliation is not the end of God's plan for Israel.
1.
A Remnant Preserved: Paul speaks of a remnant chosen by grace (
Romans 11:5), indicating that God's promises to Israel remain intact and that a faithful remnant will always exist.
2.
Future Restoration: The Scriptures also speak of a future restoration and acceptance of the Jewish people. Paul writes, "And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: 'The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob'" (
Romans 11:26).
The promises respecting the humiliation of the Jews for the rejection of Christ are thus seen as part of a divine narrative that includes both judgment and the hope of eventual restoration and reconciliation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Zechariah 12:10And I will pour on the house of David, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look on me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ...
... truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto ... manifested, great companies of the
Jews will already ... Doubtless, there are many particulars respecting this and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/it is a ground for.htm
Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... Jews, unless their erroneous ideas respecting the Messiah ... foundation of hope, the
spiritual promises, and the ... The Jews who examined their ancient Scriptures ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm
section second.
... certain specific articles of faith respecting Christ as they ... that of the sign-seeking
Jews, of whom he ... Scriptures, precepts, exhortations, and promises go hand ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm
The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... him are foolish, so our own language respecting him is ... to be slightly overlooked,
that all the promises which God ... a stone of stumbling" to the Jews, was the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm
Canones Synodi Dordrechtan??.
... but one and the same decree respecting all those ... measures, attain the assurance of
this their eternal and ... God additional matter for daily humiliation before him ...
/.../canones synodi dordrechtanae.htm
Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... in the beginning of his invective he promises that he ... conscious; yet we neither blush
like the Jews nor are ... most true saying of our God, "By their fruits ye ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /
part ii
... the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who for ... of all God's saints, who for their
obedience to ... deserving, for our sins, of every humiliation, injury, persecution ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus is the King of the Jews? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Ashkenazi Jews? Are the Ashkenazim truly Jews? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Jews for Jesus, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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