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The story of Israel as Yah's chosen people is a deep testament to the interplay of divine purpose, human failure, and ultimate restoration. The Bible presents a narrative that highlights Israel's unique role, the challenges they faced, and the glorious future that awaits them.
The Hatred of Israel by Other Nations
From the earliest days, Israel has been the focus of both divine favor and worldly hatred. The Psalms describe the nations plotting against Israel:
Psalm 83:4: "They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance."
-Psalm 83:5: "For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee."
Psalm 83:6-8: "The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah."
This hatred arises because Israel is Yah's chosen people, set apart to bring the light of His truth to the world. Their unique relationship with Yah and their mission to be a beacon of His covenant to the nations often put them at odds with surrounding peoples. The prophetic books also illustrate the nations' hatred and jealousy:
Ezekiel 35:10-11: "Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas Yahuah was there: Therefore, as I live, saith Yahuah, I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee."
Ezekiel 36:2: "Thus saith Yahuah; Because the enemy hath said against you, Aha, even the ancient high places are ours in possession."
Ezekiel 36:5: "Therefore thus saith Yahuah; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey."
These verses highlight the extent of the hatred Israel faced from its neighbors. Zechariah further depicts the hostility towards Jerusalem:
Zechariah 12:2-3: "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it."
Zechariah 14:2: "For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city."
Moreover, Deuteronomy and Jeremiah describe the ridicule and isolation Israel would face:
Deuteronomy 28:37: "And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither Yahuah shall lead thee."
Jeremiah 30:17: "For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith Yahuah; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after."
These verses reflect the biblical theme of opposition and animosity that Israel faces from other nations throughout its history.
Israel's Mission and Failure
Israel was given the sacred mission of proclaiming Yah's laws and statutes to the nations, embodying His holiness, and being a kingdom of priests. However, their recurrent disobedience and failure to uphold Yah's commandments led to severe consequences. The Scriptures recount how Israel's repeated lapses resulted in Yah allowing other nations to dominate and oppress them.
Deuteronomy 28:37: "And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither Yahuah shall lead thee."
The pattern of Israel's sin, punishment, repentance, and deliverance is a recurring theme in the Bible. Despite their failures, Yah's covenant with Israel remained steadfast, underpinned by His enduring mercy and promise of restoration.
Promise of Restoration
Yah, in His infinite compassion, repeatedly promised to restore Israel, bringing them back to their land and elevating them to a position of honor and service. This restoration is vividly prophesied in several passages:
Isaiah 60:1-3: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Yahuah is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but Yahuah shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."
Jeremiah 31:10-12: "Hear the word of Yahuah, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For Yahuah hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of Yahuah, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all."
These prophecies assure that Israel's suffering is not permanent but part of Yah's greater plan for their ultimate redemption.
Israel's Future Role
The culmination of Israel's journey is their promised future role as priests and kings in Yah's eternal kingdom. This is a recurring theme that underscores the honor and responsibility that will be bestowed upon them:
Isaiah 61:5-6: "And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of Yahuah: men shall call you the Ministers of our Yah: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves."
-Zechariah 8:22-23: "Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek Yahuah of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before Yahuah. Thus saith Yahuah of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that Yah is with you."
Ultimately, Israel will be recognized as Yah's chosen people, and their role in His kingdom will be one of leadership, service, and eternal honor. They will reign with Yahshua, fulfilling the ancient promises and prophecies that have sustained them through centuries of trials and tribulations.
Conclusion
The story of Israel is one of divine election, human frailty, and supreme restoration. Despite facing hatred and oppression from the nations, Israel's destiny, as outlined in the Scriptures, is one of ultimate redemption and exaltation. Yah's promises are unchanging, and He will restore Israel to their rightful place, where they will serve as priests and kings in His eternal kingdom, reigning alongside Yahshua. This profound journey from chosen to chastised and finally to cherished exemplifies Yah's unfailing love and His sovereign plan for His people.
In the end, Israel will shine forth as a beacon of Yah's glory, fulfilling their divine purpose and bringing His light to the world. The nations that once despised them will honor and serve them, recognizing the hand of Yah upon His chosen people, fulfilling the words of Zephaniah:
Zephaniah 3:20: "At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith Yahuah."
Thus, Israel's journey from enmity to exaltation stands as a testament to Yah's enduring faithfulness and the fulfillment of His divine promises.
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