Israelites' Faithfulness To God: A Question Of Allegiance

The Israelites' faithfulness to God has waxed and waned over the millennia. The Old Testament chronicles the Israelites' repeated failures to obey God and refusal to keep His commandments. However, God has been unswervingly faithful to His covenant with the Israelites, fulfilling His promises of blessings and carrying out His threats and curses.

The Israelites' faithlessness is most evident in their idolatry and rejection of God as their ruler. Despite God's warnings, the Israelites continued to worship idols and turn away from Him, leading to their captivity and exile.

Even in times of distress and deportation, God remained faithful to the Israelites. He preserved His people and ensured their continuity, even when they were scattered to different countries and endured near-destruction.

The existence of modern Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite the odds, the Jewish people have maintained their distinct identity and returned to their ancestral homeland, fulfilling biblical prophecies.

While the Israelites have struggled with faithfulness throughout their history, God has remained steadfast in His covenant promises, blessings, and curses.

Characteristics	Values
God's faithfulness to Israel	God's promises to Israel
Israel's hardships and heartaches	God's protection
God's covenant with Israel	God's blessings
Israel's unfaithfulness to God	God's wrath

God's faithfulness to Israel

God's Promise to Abraham

Around 2100 BC, God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants through a child born to him and his wife, Sarah, in their old age. This promise was fulfilled, and today, Israel's existence is a testament to God's faithfulness.

Exodus and the Promised Land

When the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, God assured Moses that He would grant them the land of Canaan, as promised to Abraham. Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, and they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, specifically in the Judean Desert near Jericho.

Destruction of the Temple

Jesus prophesied the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and within 40 years, his prediction came true. This shows God's faithfulness in carrying out His words, even if they may seem unpleasant at the time.

Re-establishment of Israel

The existence of modern Israel is often referred to as the "Miracle on the Mediterranean." After the failed revolt against the Romans in 132 AD, the Israelites were dispersed throughout the world, yet they managed to preserve their identity and language for nearly two thousand years. Despite numerous deportations and attempts at destruction, the Jewish people remained distinct and eventually returned to their ancient homeland, re-establishing their state.

God's Protection and Providence

Throughout history, God has protected and preserved the Jewish people, even in times of distress, deportation, and near-destruction. Every time someone has tried to wipe out the Jewish people, they have survived and thrived. The formation and survival of modern Israel, surrounded by enemies, is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promise to watch over and keep Israel safe.

Israel's unfaithfulness to God

The Old Testament chronicles Israel's failure to obey God and refusal to keep His commandments. In Psalm 78:10-11, 40-42, 56-57, the psalmist mentions that Ephraim (meaning Israel at large) "did not keep the covenant of God; they refused to walk in His law, and forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them". Similarly, in II Kings 17:7-8, it is written that the children of Israel "sinned against the Lord their God...and they feared other gods and walked in the statutes of the nations".

Israel's unfaithfulness is also evident in their rejection of God's law and their worship of idols. In II Kings 17:15, it is written that the Israelites "rejected [God's] statutes and His covenant...and followed idols, became idolaters, and...made for themselves a molded image and two calves, [and] a wooden image". This idolatry is further described in Ezekiel 16, where Israel is portrayed as an unfaithful wife who commits spiritual adultery by worshipping other gods.

Another instance of Israel's unfaithfulness is their refusal to enter the Promised Land. Despite God's promise to give them the land of Canaan, the Israelites refused to enter due to fear of the strength of the people and their fortified cities. This lack of trust in God's promise led to their wandering in the wilderness for forty years.

In summary, Israel's unfaithfulness to God is characterised by their failure to obey His commandments, their worship of idols, and their rejection of His promises. Despite their unfaithfulness, God remained faithful to His covenant, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to Israel.

God's covenant with Israel

God's covenant with Abraham provided the perspective for the proper understanding of Israel's exodus from Egypt, their journey to Mount Sinai, and the establishment of the covenant and the giving of the law. God heard the groaning of the Israelites suffering under the burden of the Egyptians, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

In the covenant, God established a special relationship with Israel, but this relationship came with two important conditions. Firstly, Israel had to obey God's voice as a demonstration of their trust in Him. Secondly, Israel had to obey the demands of the covenant, including the laws and statutes that regulated their relationship with God and with each other as members of the covenant community.

The covenant ceremony, found in Exodus 24:1-8, involved Moses and 73 others coming before Yahweh at the foot of the mountain. Sacrifices were made, and the blood of the covenant was poured on the altar and sprinkled on the people to symbolize the commitment being made.

The covenant imposed ethical obligations on Israel, found in the Ten Commandments. These obligations included:

Worshipping no other god except Yahweh
Not making any image of Yahweh
Not misusing Yahweh's name in magic, curses, or calling up evil spirits
Honoring Yahweh by resting on the seventh day
Honoring parents
Honoring human life and not committing murder
Honoring marriage and not having a sexual relationship with another man's wife
Honoring personal property and not stealing
Not bearing false witness against a member of the community
Not lusting after another person's property

Israel's response to the demands of the covenant was unanimous. However, the prophets served as messengers to call Israel back to the covenant, as they had turned to evil and served other gods. This called for a new covenant, built on a better foundation.

God's promises to Israel

God's faithfulness to Israel is evident in the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the present day. God's promises to Israel are detailed in the Bible and are the subject of ongoing theological interpretation and discussion.

God's Covenant with Abraham

One of God's primary objectives in the end-times storyline is the fulfilment of His promises to Israel. The entire story of the Bible is Israel-centric, with Gentiles included as a privilege.

God's covenant with Abraham is a major cornerstone of the gospel, and it includes three specific and far-reaching promises: land, descendants, and blessing.

Land: Abraham and his descendants will permanently inherit the full extent of the promised land as an "everlasting possession" (Genesis 15:18-21, 17:8). This space is larger than modern-day Israel.
Descendants: God promises Abraham numerous descendants, and that his name and nation will be "great" (Genesis 12:2).
Blessing: God's blessing will come through the line of David, and when Jesus establishes His kingdom on earth as the Jewish King, ruling from Jerusalem, the nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

Unfulfilled Promises

While some may consider these promises already fulfilled, the full extent of God's promises cannot be realised until Jesus returns.

Land: The Israelites cannot fully possess their inheritance until they are in a righteous relationship with God (Isaiah 32:17-18, 60:21).
Descendants: The Israelites cannot be considered "great" until they are righteous (Proverbs 14:34).
Blessing: The day of full salvation, blessing, and restoration for the nations has not yet come.

God's Faithfulness

Despite Israel's disobedience and unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant with Abraham. God's faithfulness is demonstrated in His preservation of the Jewish people throughout history, even in the face of attempts to wipe them out.

The very existence of modern Israel is considered a miracle, as the Israelites preserved their identity and language for nearly two thousand years despite being dispersed throughout the world.

Israel's redemption and salvation

God's Covenant and Faithfulness

The Bible depicts God as faithful to His covenant with the Israelites, which was established through Moses. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings and curses associated with this covenant, and God has been unwavering in fulfilling both. Despite periods of distress, deportation, and near-destruction, God has preserved the Jewish people and brought them back to their homeland, fulfilling His promises.

Historical Redemption

God's redemption of the Israelites is seen in pivotal moments throughout their history. One notable example is their exodus from Egypt, where God delivered them from slavery. In Exodus 6:6-8, God promises to free the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and bring them to the land of Canaan, which Joshua later fulfils. This event demonstrates God's power to effect change "on the ground" and sets the stage for Jesus' messianic role in delivering people from sin.

The Re-establishment of Israel

The existence of modern Israel is often described as a miracle and a fulfilment of prophecy. After being dispersed worldwide following the revolt against the Romans in 132 AD, the Jewish people maintained their distinct identity and language for nearly two millennia. The re-establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and a "Miracle on the Mediterranean."

Future Redemption and Salvation

The Bible also speaks of a future redemption and salvation for Israel. In Zechariah and Romans, the theme of Israel's redemption is prominent, with God promising to save and restore the nation. This includes a spiritual revival where the Israelites will recognise and accept Jesus as their Messiah. This event is connected to the end times and the return of Jesus, who will bring physical and spiritual deliverance to Israel.

God's Promises and Blessings

Israel's redemption is characterised by God's promises and blessings. In Exodus, God promises to deliver the Israelites, form a godly community, create an ongoing relationship with them, and bring them to the Promised Land. These promises are fulfilled throughout their history and serve as a foundation for Israel's faith. Additionally, God promises divine rain, recompense, restoration, rejoicing, and regathering for the nation.

In conclusion, Israel's redemption and salvation are central themes in the Bible, demonstrating God's faithfulness, power, and love for His people. From their exodus from Egypt to the re-establishment of modern Israel, God has proven His covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, the Bible foretells a future redemption where Israel will experience spiritual revival and salvation through Jesus, their divine Redeemer.