The concept of a divine commission to speak to the Israelites is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where God appoints specific individuals to deliver His messages to His chosen people. This commission is often accompanied by a divine encounter, a clear mandate, and the empowerment necessary to fulfill the task.

Moses' Commission

One of the most prominent examples of a commission to speak to the Israelites is found in the calling of Moses. In Exodus 3, Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush. God reveals His plan to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and commissions Moses to be His spokesperson. The Lord says, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10). Despite Moses' initial reluctance and self-doubt, God assures him of His presence and provides Aaron as a spokesperson (Exodus 4:14-16).

Prophetic Commissions

Throughout the Old Testament, prophets are frequently commissioned to speak to the Israelites. These commissions often occur in the context of visions or divine encounters. For instance, Isaiah's commission is described in Isaiah 6, where he sees the Lord seated on a throne and hears the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?" Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). God then instructs Isaiah to deliver messages of both judgment and hope to the people of Israel.

Similarly, Jeremiah's commission is detailed in Jeremiah 1. God tells Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). Despite Jeremiah's protests of inadequacy, God reassures him, saying, "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you" (Jeremiah 1:8).

New Testament Commissions

In the New Testament, the theme of commission continues with the ministry of Jesus and His apostles. Jesus Himself is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's commission, sent to speak to the Israelites and the world. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "For I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it" (John 12:49).

After His resurrection, Jesus commissions His disciples to continue His work. In the Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus instructs them, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" . This commission extends the message of salvation beyond the Israelites to all nations.

Empowerment and Authority

A common element in these commissions is the empowerment and authority granted by God. Those commissioned are often given signs, wonders, or the presence of the Holy Spirit to validate their message and mission. For example, Moses is given miraculous signs to perform before Pharaoh (Exodus 4:1-9), and the apostles receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering them to speak boldly (Acts 2:1-4).

Conclusion

The commission to speak to the Israelites is a significant biblical theme that underscores God's desire to communicate with His people through chosen messengers. These commissions highlight the importance of obedience, faith, and reliance on divine empowerment to fulfill God's purposes.