Biblical Definition of Israel: Understanding Its Origins and Significance
What is Israel According to the Bible?
The biblical definition of Israel refers to the chosen people of God, descendants of Jacob (later renamed Israel) who became a nation under God's covenant. This covenant established them as a distinct people with a unique relationship with God and a special role in his plan for humanity.
Historical Context of Israel's Formation
According to the biblical narrative, God's covenant with Israel originated with Abraham, Jacob's grandfather. God promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation, inheriting a land of their own. This promise was later reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob, who were given the name Israel by God.
The Exodus and the Birth of the Nation
The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt until Moses led them out of bondage in the Exodus. After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, they entered the Promised Land, which God had promised to their ancestors. Under the leadership of Joshua, they conquered the land and divided it among the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Kingdom of Israel and its Divisions
During the reign of King David, Israel became a powerful and prosperous kingdom. However, after his death, the kingdom divided into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC, while the southern kingdom fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC.
The Restoration of Israel
After the Babylonian exile, a remnant of Israelites returned to the land and rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem. They became a province of the Persian Empire and later the Roman Empire. During the Roman period, Jesus Christ came as the Messiah and was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem.
The New Israel
In the New Testament, the term "Israel" often refers to the larger group of God's people, including both Jews and Gentiles who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. This new Israel is not defined by physical descent but by faith in Christ.
The biblical definition of Israel encompasses the historical nation of Israel, the people chosen by God for a special covenant relationship. It also includes the spiritual Israel, the body of believers who have entered into a covenant with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Understanding the biblical definition of Israel is essential for understanding the history of the nation, the significance of the Jewish people, and the role of God's people in the salvation of humanity.
