Topical Bible: The Jews: The Objects of God's Protection

◄ The Jews: The Objects of God's Protection ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Jewish people, often referred to as the Israelites or Hebrews in the Bible, hold a unique place as the chosen people of God. Throughout the Scriptures, they are depicted as the recipients of God's special protection and providence, a theme that is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Covenantal Relationship

The foundation of God's protective relationship with the Jews is rooted in the covenants He established with their patriarchs. In Genesis 12:2-3, God promises Abraham, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenantal promise underscores God's commitment to protect and bless Abraham's descendants.

Divine Deliverance

Throughout their history, the Jews have experienced divine deliverance from various adversities. The Exodus from Egypt is a paramount example, where God, through Moses, led the Israelites out of slavery with mighty acts and miracles. Exodus 14:13-14 records Moses' assurance to the people: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Protection in the Promised Land

Upon entering the Promised Land, the Israelites continued to experience God's protection against surrounding nations. In Joshua 1:5, God reassures Joshua, "No man shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." This divine assurance was a source of strength and courage for the Israelites as they settled in Canaan.

Preservation Through Exile

Even during periods of judgment and exile, God's protective hand remained over the Jewish people. The Babylonian Exile, a time of great trial, was also a period where God's promises of restoration and protection were reaffirmed. Jeremiah 29:11 declares, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." This promise of future restoration highlights God's enduring commitment to His people.

Messianic Hope and Fulfillment

The ultimate expression of God's protection and blessing for the Jews is found in the promise of the Messiah. The prophets foretold of a Savior who would come from the line of David to redeem Israel and bring salvation to the world. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of this hope: "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."

Continued Protection in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reaffirms God's ongoing relationship with the Jewish people. In Romans 11:1-2, Paul writes, "I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew." This passage underscores the belief that God's promises to Israel remain steadfast.

Eschatological Promises

The Bible also speaks of a future time when God's protection and favor will be fully realized for the Jewish people. In Zechariah 12:10, it is prophesied, "Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the residents of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child." This eschatological vision points to a time of national repentance and restoration.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the Jews are consistently portrayed as the objects of God's protection, a testament to His faithfulness and the enduring nature of His promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 105:15
Saying, Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 2:8
For thus said the LORD of hosts; After the glory has he sent me to the nations which spoiled you: for he that touches you touches the apple of his eye.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Prophet Amos.
... Hofmann further objects (lc S.204), "As the threatening announcement of ... even the
former be not able to afford protection, because God's hand reaches ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

The Praise of Men.
... of the chief rulers of the Jews, who, though ... I have said, his affections were set
upon unsuitable objects. ... kind offices of teachers or of God's ministers, they ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iv the praise of.htm

Sacred Poems and Hymns
... HYMN CLIV. Christian Union symbolized by Natural Objects. HYMN CLV. ... The Image of
God. HYMN CLXXXVII. ... HYMN CCXL. Invitation to the Jews to acknowledge Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/

Acts xvii. 16, 17
... For as I passed by and viewed the objects of your ... then was He worshipped by men's
hands among the Jews? ... regard to God's benefits (we say), that God has done us ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxviii acts xvii 16.htm

From the Second to the Fourth Commandment
... Therefore the Church forbids Catholics to join societies of which (1) the objects
are unlawful, (2 ... "Old Law" means the law that God gave to the Jews, the New ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 32 from the second.htm

The Two Guards, Praying and Watching
... and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? ... Are any of you the
objects of ridicule for Christ's sake ... 4, 5. Hear, O our God; for we are despised ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the two guards praying and.htm

Of the Religion of Mahomet.
... Deity, but had associated with him many objects of idolatrous ... out was the strict
and exclusive unity of God. ... nation; Moses, the lawgiver of the Jews; and Jesus ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section iii of the religion.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... fraternity, which in the pursuit of its objects spared neither time ... any more than
do the Karaite Jews, and there ... the law of their observance from God on Mount ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... The fishes are the Jews. ... Human beings are the objects of their assaults. ... Seal there
was an Episode relating the protection and deliverance of God's people then ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Charity and Loneliness.
... only too glad to become a Jew to the Jews, as weak ... but then I can accomplish such
and such objects by adopting ... for, do you think one part of God's creation can ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vi charity and loneliness.htm