ELTBefore Israel ישראל
Understanding the Name Israel (ישראל) and Jesus as the Fulfillment
The name Israel (ישראל) has a special meaning, and it can be broken down into three parts:
- יש ('ish') – "man"
- אל ('el') – "God"
- ר ('revelation') – "God’s revelation to man"
So, Israel means "man joined to God by revelation." This shows the special connection between humans and God, made possible through God revealing Himself to people. Israel isn’t just the name of a nation; it also shows that everyone can be united with God through His revelation.
Adam and Eve as the First Israel
Adam and Eve were the original Israel. In the Garden of Eden, they were created to live in perfect relationship with God. Though their disobedience caused a break in that relationship, they still show the beginning of God’s revelation to mankind. In this way, they represent humanity’s potential connection to God through His revelation.
Noah as Israel
Noah is another example of Israel. After the flood, Noah became the person who represented God’s promise not to destroy the earth by flood again. God’s covenant with Noah was a key moment in God’s revelation to people, and it helped show that God’s promises are for all of humanity.
Abraham as Israel
Abraham is a very important figure in the story of Israel. God made a special promise to Abraham, saying his descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 17:4–5). This promise, known as the Abrahamic covenant, was not just for Abraham, but for all nations. It shows how God planned to use the people of Israel to teach the world about Him and His ways.
The Covenants for All People
The promises God made to Adam, Noah, and Abraham were meant for everyone, not just for one group of people. These promises and teachings were meant to be shared with all of humanity, showing that God’s revelation applies to everyone. The story of Israel is about how God’s plan, revealed through covenants, is meant to bring people to know Him.
Jacob and His Family as Israel
Jacob, who was later named Israel (Genesis 32:28), and his family became the nation of Israel. They were chosen to carry out God’s plan on earth. Their purpose wasn’t just for their own good, but to teach other nations about God’s promises, starting with the promises God made to Adam, Noah, and Abraham.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of Israel
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Israel. He is the true man joined to God by revelation. Jesus perfectly embodied the purpose of Israel—to be a light to the nations and reveal God's plan for all humanity. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection completed God’s revelation to man, bridging the gap caused by sin and showing the way for all people to be united with God.
In Summary
The name Israel means "man joined to God through revelation." From the beginning, God has been revealing Himself to humanity. Adam and Eve, Noah, and Abraham were all part of this process. Jacob’s family became the nation of Israel, chosen to teach the world about God’s promises. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Israel, revealing God fully and uniting all people with Him through His life and work.
