The covenant made at Mount Sinai marked a significant turning point for the Israelites, as it was the moment they were formally brought into Yah’s family. This event was more than just the establishment of laws; it solidified a unique relationship between Yah and the Israelites, laying the groundwork for the Messiah’s arrival and the inclusion of Gentiles in Yah’s redemptive plan. To truly understand Yah’s kingdom and our roles within it, it’s essential to grasp the significance of this covenant, the role of the Messiah, and the responsibilities that Gentiles have in supporting the Israelites.
The Covenant at Mount Sinai and the Adoption of Israel
When Yah made a covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, He wasn’t just giving them laws; He was also choosing them as His special people, forming His family on earth. In Exodus 19:5-6, Yah expresses this:
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
This passage captures the heart of the covenant: the Israelites were to be Yah’s "treasured possession" and a "kingdom of priests," which highlights their distinct role and identity as His family. The covenant was not simply a legal agreement but a formal adoption, where Yah became the Father of the Israelites, and they became His children, set apart for His purposes.
The act of sprinkling blood on the people, as described in Exodus 24:3-8, sealed this covenant. The blood represented life and solidified the bond between Yah and the Israelites, confirming their status as His chosen family. This moment had profound implications for the unfolding of Yah’s plan of salvation.
The Promise of the Messiah and the Centrality of the Israelite Family
The promise of the Messiah is deeply connected to the covenant relationship established at Mount Sinai. Yah promised that the Messiah would come from the lineage of Israel, specifically from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). This promise ensured that Yahshua, the Messiah, would be a descendant of the Israelites, further emphasizing the importance of this family in Yah’s plan for redemption.
Yahshua’s identity as the Savior of the world is closely tied to His place within the Israelite family. His role as the Redeemer, offering salvation to all humanity, is rooted in the covenant promises made to the patriarchs and reaffirmed at Sinai. Therefore, the family of Israel is not just a historical or ethnic group but the chosen lineage through which Yah’s ultimate plan for humanity’s redemption is realized.
The Scattering of Israel and the Enduring Importance of the Family
Even though the Israelites’ disobedience led to their scattering among the nations, they remain Yah’s chosen family. This dispersion, foretold in Deuteronomy 28, was part of Yah’s discipline, but it did not cancel the covenant. The promises made to Israel, including the coming of the Messiah, are still valid, and the Israelites continue to play a central role in Yah’s redemptive plan.
In Romans 11, Paul discusses the mystery of Israel’s partial hardening and the inclusion of Gentiles in the blessings of the covenant. He cautions Gentile believers against becoming arrogant toward the Israelites, reminding them that they have been grafted into the same olive tree—the family of Yah. Paul writes:
“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.” (Romans 11:17-18)
This metaphor illustrates that Gentiles, though not originally part of the Israelite family, have been graciously included. The root, which represents the covenant promises and relationship with Yah established through Israel, supports both Israel and the grafted-in Gentiles. As a result, the family of Israel remains central to Yah’s kingdom, and Gentiles are called to honor this family and their role in Yah’s redemptive plan.
The Responsibility of Gentiles to Support the Israelite Family
Paul emphasizes the responsibility of Gentile believers to support Israelite believers, who are referred to as the "saints" or the "family of Yah," in Romans 15:26-27:
“26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.”
Here, Paul underscores that Gentiles owe a debt of gratitude to the Israelites because they have become partakers of the spiritual blessings that originated with Israel. These blessings include salvation, the Scriptures, and the knowledge of Yah—all of which came through the family of Israel. Because Gentiles have been grafted into this spiritual heritage, they are called to support the Israelites materially.
This support is more than an act of charity; it’s an acknowledgment of the mutual dependence within the body of Messiah. Gentiles have received spiritual wealth from Israel, and in return, they are called to provide material support. This principle of mutual care and support reflects the interconnectedness and shared purpose of all believers, both Israelite and Gentile, in Yah’s kingdom.
The Kingdom of Yah’s Family
The family of Israel is not just a family—it’s a kingdom, with Yah as its King and Yahshua as its promised ruler. This kingdom will be fully realized in the Messianic age when Yahshua returns to reign. Salvation is described as coming from this family because Yahshua, the Savior, comes from Israel. As Yahshua Himself says in John 4:22, “Salvation is of the Jews.”
This means that those who were not originally part of this family—the Gentiles—are to approach with humility, recognizing that they are being grafted into a family with a long history and a divinely ordained role. They should not look down on the family of Israel, as Paul warns in Romans 11:18. Instead, they should understand that they are being welcomed into a kingdom that was established through Yah’s covenant with Israel.
Conclusion
The covenant at Mount Sinai brought the Israelites into Yah’s family, with promises that would culminate in the coming of the Messiah from this family. Even though Israel has been scattered and disciplined for their disobedience, they remain central to Yah’s plan of salvation. Gentiles are graciously grafted into this family, sharing in the blessings of the covenant. However, they are reminded to respect and honor the family of Israel, understanding that they are part of Yah’s kingdom through His chosen people. Salvation indeed comes from the Israelites, and their family holds a special place in Yah’s eternal plan, which will be fully realized in the coming kingdom. This family relationship is crucial, underscoring the spiritual and material responsibilities that come with being part of Yah’s covenant people—a relationship that Gentiles are called to honor and support.
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