Topical Bible: The Jews: Called: Children of Israel

◄ The Jews: Called: Children of Israel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Children of Israel" is a significant designation for the Jewish people, deeply rooted in biblical history and theology. This appellation originates from the patriarch Jacob, who was renamed Israel by God. The name "Israel" means "he struggles with God," reflecting Jacob's encounter with the divine (Genesis 32:28). As the descendants of Jacob, the Jewish people are collectively referred to as the "Children of Israel."

Biblical Origins and Patriarchs

The lineage of the Children of Israel begins with the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God made a covenant with Abraham, promising that he would be the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:2). This covenant was reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, establishing a divine promise that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan and become a numerous people (Genesis 26:3-4; 28:13-14).

Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, had twelve sons, who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes formed the foundation of the nation of Israel, and their accounts are chronicled throughout the Old Testament.

Exodus and Covenant at Sinai

The Children of Israel's identity was further solidified during the Exodus from Egypt. Under the leadership of Moses, they were delivered from slavery, an event that is central to Jewish history and faith. God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush, declaring, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt" (Exodus 3:7). This divine intervention marked the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.

At Mount Sinai, God established a covenant with the Children of Israel, giving them the Law, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20). This covenant set them apart as God's chosen people, with a unique relationship and responsibility to uphold His statutes.

The Promised Land and Monarchy

After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. The conquest and settlement of Canaan fulfilled God's promise to the patriarchs. The period of the Judges followed, characterized by cycles of faithfulness and rebellion.

The establishment of the monarchy began with Saul, followed by David, who united the tribes and established Jerusalem as the capital. David's son Solomon built the First Temple, centralizing worship and solidifying the religious identity of the Children of Israel (1 Kings 6).

Exile and Return

The history of the Children of Israel includes periods of exile and return. The Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC was a pivotal moment, as the Jewish people were removed from their land and the First Temple was destroyed. Despite this, the prophetic promise of return and restoration was fulfilled when the exiles returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Second Temple (Ezra 1-6).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the term "Children of Israel" continues to be used, reflecting the continuity of God's covenant people. Jesus Christ, born into the tribe of Judah, is recognized as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies given to the Children of Israel (Matthew 1:1-17). The early Christian church, initially composed of Jewish believers, saw Jesus as the culmination of God's promises to Israel.

Theological Significance

The designation "Children of Israel" underscores the enduring covenant relationship between God and the Jewish people. It highlights themes of chosenness, covenant, and redemption that are central to biblical theology. The history and identity of the Children of Israel serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout the Scriptures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 50:25
And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from hence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 27:12
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river to the stream of Egypt, and you shall be gathered one by one, O you children of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Salvation to the Jews
... unto glory, even us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only, but ... said unto them,
Ye are not My people; there shall they be called the children of the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 35 salvation to the.htm

Ridiculous Interpretations of the Jews. Christians are the True ...
... Chapter CXXIII."Ridiculous interpretations of the Jews. ... who have been deemed worthy
to be called a people ... afraid of hearing God always say, Children in whom ...
/.../chapter cxxiii ridiculous interpretations of the.htm

How Much More Faithful to God the Gentiles are who are Converted ...
... Gentiles are who are converted to Christ than the Jews. ... according to the numbers
of the children of Israel ... must acknowledge that we, who have been called by God ...
/.../chapter cxxxi how much more faithful.htm

Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ...
... the Lord spake unto Moses, Announce to the children of Israel ... law is given regarding
them, they are called feasts of ... be that not of the Lord, but of the Jews. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/11 why the passover is.htm

That Christ is Called a Sheep and a Lamb who was to be Slain, and ...
Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews. ... That Christ is called a sheep and a
lamb who was to ... all the congregation of the synagogue of the children of Israel ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/15 that christ is called.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... synagogue of Satan which say they are Jews, and are not ... And they called the people
unto the sacrifices of ... of Midian, "Behold, these caused the children of Israel ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

And when Pilate Heard this Saying, He Took Jesus Out...
... 3550] Therefore that plain was called, The field ... the price of the precious one, which
was fixed [14] by the children of Israel ... 15] [3554] And the Jews took Jesus ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section li and when pilate.htm

Called to Reach a Higher Standard
... pleasure had prepared the way for sins that called forth the ... It was when the children
of Israel sat down to ... Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 30 called to reach.htm

Samaria. Sychem.
... place destined to revenges": and which the Jews, as it ... of Moses only, and they are
called Samaritans: and ... Gerizim, of those stones which the children of Israel ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 56 samaria sychem.htm

The Secret of Its Greatness
... Indeed, the Jews' Bible"that is, the Old Testament"was still called 'a roll ... The Children
of Israel kept large flocks, and could supply him with as many ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ii the secret of.htm