Study 1 – An Introduction (draft)

Why study the Jews

Israelology, the study of Israel, is necessary for any theological system.

In the past, God made unconditional covenants and other promises to Abraham and his descendants through Jacob. Not all Jews appropriate these blessings from God in faith. There has always been, however, a faithful remnant in Israel who believed the revelation and promises of God. Despite idolatry and repeated failure, even the unpardonable sin, God is faithful and has not cast away – not even temporarily – his people whom He foreknew.

During the Church Age, the Jewish remnant is not only part of the Church, but also of the nation of Israel. New Testament revelation does not cancel, change, transcend, spiritualise, or idealise unconditional and still-unfulfilled promises of God to Israel. [1]

1. To understand the teachings of Jesus, who was a Jew and to better understand the teachings of the New Testament
2. Noting that much of the Bible speaks of and about the Jews:
   1. To see how history affirms the reliability of scripture
   2. To augment and further explain the Biblical narrative
   3. To observe God’s grace and mercy
3. To correct misconceptions and prejudice regarding the Jewish people
4. To explain and understand Jewish opposition toward Christendom
5. To give life to Jewish heritage, culture and values
6. To better understand the God of History and His unique relationship to His covenant people
7. To understand the influence of Jewish history upon Western History

Quick survey – where did Israel come from?

Principles [2]

God has entered into an eternal, unconditional covenant with the Jewish people. This Abrahamic Covenant forms the basis for Gods’ dealing with His Jewish people.

We will note that the Abrahamic Covenant continues in spite of the Mosaic Covenant “ending” at the death of Messiah (Gal. 3:17).

Who is a Jew?

Creation, the Fall, the Flood

Genesis 7:11-14

Genesis 9:18-19

 Note the three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth

1. Shem – Genesis 11:10, 11:26 the father of Abram and the Shemites (Semites), with the descendants of Ham, Canaanites being their servants.
2. Ham – Genesis 9:18 the father of Canaan
3. Japheth – Genesis 9:27, Genesis 10:2 the father of many (the largest of the family), will have fellowship with the Semites, but enslave the Canaanites. (The Phoenicians became slaves of the Greeks)

Quick survey of the formation of Israel ²

Read

Genesis 12:1-3 (selected)

Genesis 15:4-21 (covenant transacted)

Isaiah 49:14-16 (promise not to forget Israel)

Jeremiah 31:31-37 (a new covenant with Israel)

Romans 11:1-36 (Israel not forgotten)

Galatians 3:17 (Previous covenant was not annulled)

Purpose of Israel

The Election of Israel

Compare individual election with national election

Individual Election (Soteriology)

• Results in the salvation of the individual
• Applies to both Jew & Gentile

National Election

• Does not guarantee Individual Election
• Does not guarantee Physical Deliverance

Why did God Elect ISrael

It’s all about God!

So all would know God and His grace and power and unit

Read Deuteronomy 4:35-39

So all would know God’s love

Read Deuteronomy 7:6-8

Note the basis for God’s election:

1. His love for Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob

• God chose their seed after them

2. Because of God’s election:

• He delivered them out of Egypt (bondage)

Purpose

1. To be a Kingdom of Priests: Exodus 19:6
2. To receive & record God's revelation: Deuteronomy 4:5-8; 6:6-9; Romans 3:1-2
3. To propagate the doctrine that Jehovah, the God of Israel, is one God: Isaiah 43:10-12 and Deuteronomy 6:4;
4. To produce the Messiah: Romans 9:5; Hebrews 2:16-17

Summary

God chose a people who were non-descript, indeed worshipers of idols, and made them great to show His love, grace and mercy, and to bring the Messiah into the World