The Israelites, also known as the children of Israel, are the descendants of the patriarch Jacob, who was later named Israel by God. This name change is recorded in Genesis 32:28 : "Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.'" The twelve tribes of Israel originated from Jacob's twelve sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.

Covenant People

The Israelites are central to the narrative of the Old Testament as God's chosen people, with whom He established a covenant. This covenant is first articulated with Abraham, Jacob's grandfather, in Genesis 12:2-3 : "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 promise is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing a lineage of divine promise and blessing.

Exodus and Law

The defining moment for the Israelites as a nation was the Exodus from Egypt, where they were delivered from slavery under the leadership of Moses. This event is chronicled in the book of Exodus, where God demonstrates His power through plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. At Mount Sinai, God gives the Israelites the Law, including the Ten Commandments, as recorded in Exodus 20. This Law becomes the foundation of Israelite society and religious practice, emphasizing their unique relationship with God.

Conquest and Settlement

Following the Exodus, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years before entering the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. The conquest of Canaan is detailed in the book of Joshua, where the Israelites, guided by God, take possession of the land promised to their forefathers. The land is divided among the twelve tribes, establishing their presence in the region.

Monarchy and Division

The Israelites eventually establish a monarchy, with Saul as their first king, followed by David and Solomon. David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), unites the tribes and establishes Jerusalem as the capital. Solomon, his son, builds the First Temple, centralizing worship in Jerusalem. However, after Solomon's reign, the kingdom divides into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah due to internal strife and idolatry.

Exile and Return

The divided kingdoms face conquest and exile due to their disobedience to God's covenant. The northern kingdom falls to Assyria in 722 BC, and the southern kingdom is exiled to Babylon in 586 BC. The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, call the Israelites to repentance and foretell a future restoration. The return from exile is chronicled in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where the Israelites rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple, renewing their covenant with God.

Religious and Cultural Identity

Throughout their history, the Israelites maintain a distinct religious and cultural identity centered on monotheism, the worship of Yahweh, and adherence to the Law. Festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles are integral to their religious life, commemorating God's deliverance and provision. The Israelites' identity is also marked by their prophetic tradition, which calls them to faithfulness and anticipates the coming of the Messiah.

Messianic Expectation

The Israelites hold a messianic expectation rooted in the promises made to David and the prophetic writings. This expectation is fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the promised Messiah, as foretold in passages like Isaiah 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2. The New Testament presents Jesus as the culmination of God's redemptive plan for Israel and the world, offering salvation to all who believe.