Topical Bible: The Jews: Their National Greatness

◄ The Jews: Their National Greatness ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Jewish people, also known as the Israelites or Hebrews, hold a unique and significant place in biblical history as God's chosen people. Their national greatness is rooted in their covenantal relationship with God, their enduring faith, and their contributions to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Covenantal Relationship with God

The foundation of Jewish national greatness is their covenant with God, beginning with the patriarch Abraham. 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 covenant establishes the Jews as a people set apart for God's purposes.

The covenant is reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, and later with the entire nation at Mount Sinai, where God gives the Law through Moses. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares, "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." This covenantal relationship underscores their role as a light to the nations and a conduit of divine blessing.

Enduring Faith and Obedience

The Jews' national greatness is also reflected in their enduring faith and commitment to God's commandments. Despite periods of disobedience and exile, the Jewish people have maintained a steadfast devotion to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the Torah. This faithfulness is exemplified in figures such as King David, who, despite his flaws, is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

The prophets played a crucial role in calling the nation back to faithfulness, emphasizing justice, mercy, and humility before God. The prophetic literature, including books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, highlights the Jews' mission to uphold God's standards and serve as a moral compass for the world.

Contributions to God's Redemptive Plan

The Jewish people have made significant contributions to God's redemptive plan, most notably through the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The genealogies in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' ancestry back to Abraham and David, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs and the prophecies of a coming Savior.

In Romans 9:4-5 , the Apostle Paul acknowledges the Jews' unique role: "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." This passage highlights the Jews' integral part in the unfolding of salvation history.

Cultural and Spiritual Legacy

The Jewish people have left an indelible mark on world history through their cultural and spiritual legacy. The Hebrew Scriptures, or Old Testament, form the foundation of Christian theology and continue to influence religious thought and practice. Jewish festivals, such as Passover and Yom Kippur, commemorate God's deliverance and call for repentance and renewal.

Moreover, the Jewish emphasis on education, community, and ethical living has contributed to their resilience and influence throughout history. Their perseverance in the face of persecution and their contributions to various fields, including science, philosophy, and the arts, further attest to their national greatness.

In summary, the Jews' national greatness is deeply intertwined with their covenantal relationship with God, their enduring faith, and their pivotal role in the divine narrative. Their legacy continues to inspire and shape the spiritual landscape of the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 12:2
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 33:29
Happy are you, O Israel: who is like to you, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and who is the sword of your excellency! and your enemies shall be found liars to you; and you shall tread on their high places.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Chosen People
... to God as the means of attaining to national greatness. ... God had placed restrictions
upon their association with ... The Jews looked upon Jerusalem as their heaven ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 2 the chosen people.htm

The Birthnight of Freedom
... to us is the praise of any national greatness or glory ... As with the Jews, so with
the nations of Europe ... whenever they have trusted in themselves, their own power ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xii the birthnight of.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... This is the chief element of his greatness. ... Jesus has gained great power among Gentile
nations, the Jews will finally repent of their national sin and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

The History Books
... Their Sacred Book was all that the Jews possessed. Their whole greatness was wrapped
up in it ... manual of the Temple choir, and became the national collection of ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iv the history books.htm

Divided Worship
... however, blended by them with their own national idolatry. ... monotheists, even more
rigid than the Jews themselves, and ... Angels veil their faces with their wings. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/divided worship.htm

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... with admiration for the power and greatness of Rome ... The Jews fought, not only for
civil liberty, life ... but for that which constituted their national pride and ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

In his Temple
... And the Jews' Passover was at hand, and Jesus ... of the large companies that were making
their way to ... The hope of national greatness was dwelt upon with kindling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

"The House of Israel"
... Outward service was rendered as a means of attaining to national greatness. ... At the
same time the Jews were, by their sins, separating themselves from God. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

The Christian State
... Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.". ... supported by that sentiment which secured
their passage ... The outlook for any true national greatness must necessarily be ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xiii the christian state.htm

The Kingdom of God: Its Values
... was an important part of piety with strict Jews. ... to suit their intellect and their
need; and ... was a splendid hope of emancipation, of national greatness, and of ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iv the kingdom of.htm