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. (See Appendix 5.1: Further Exploration of Adam and Eve’s Role in God’s Plan )
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. (See Appendix 5.2: Noah's Covenant as a Foreshadowing of Israel’s Role )
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. (See Appendix 5.3 Further Development of the Abrahamic Covenant’s Universal Application )
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. (See Appendix 5.4 Clarification of the Role of Jacob’s Family in Revealing God’s Plan )
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.
Appendix 5.5: Linking the Idea of Israel to the New Testament Church
Appendix 5.6 Historical and Theological Context of the Name Israel
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.
Discussion
- The Meaning of Israel
- The name Israel can be broken down into three key components: "man," "God," and "revelation." How does this breakdown shape our understanding of Israel, not merely as a nation, but as a concept encompassing all humanity? What implications does this perspective have for how we view God’s ongoing relationship with people today?
- Adam and Eve as the First Israel
- The text suggests that Adam and Eve were the "original Israel." How does their creation and fall reflect humanity’s potential to connect with God through revelation? In what ways did their disobedience affect this connection, and what lessons can be drawn about humanity’s ongoing relationship with God?
- Noah as Israel
- The idea of Noah representing Israel emphasizes the role of God’s covenant in bringing revelation to humanity. What does Noah’s story reveal about God’s promises to all people, beyond the boundaries of a single nation? How does this perspective influence our understanding of God’s universal plan for humanity?
- Abraham and the Abrahamic Covenant
- The Abrahamic covenant is described as a promise for all nations. How does Abraham’s story illustrate the unfolding of God’s revelation to the world? In what ways can the lessons from the Abrahamic covenant inform the practices and missions of modern faith communities?
- The Role of Israel in God’s Plan
- Jacob, later named Israel, and his descendants were chosen to teach other nations about God. How can we understand Israel’s purpose in light of their mission to share God’s promises with the world? What does this teach us about the role of faith communities today in carrying forward this mission?
- Jesus as the Fulfillment of Israel
- Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate fulfillment of Israel—the true man united with God through revelation. How do Jesus' life, death, and resurrection represent the completion of God’s revelation to humanity? In what ways does this fulfill the purpose that Israel was meant to embody?
- Covenants for All People
- The promises made to Adam, Noah, and Abraham are emphasized as universal, intended for all people rather than one specific group. What does this reveal about God’s intentions for humanity? How can the idea of inclusivity in these covenants shape our own faith practices and outreach efforts?
- Israel’s Purpose in Revealing God’s Plan
- The concept of Israel as a "light to the nations" has significant implications for understanding the mission of the Church or other faith communities. How does this perspective inform our responsibility to share God’s revelation with the world? What practical steps can faith communities take to fulfill this role?
- Typology and Jesus
- In Christian theology, Jesus is often seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament figures and promises. How does this typological approach deepen our understanding of the continuity between the Old and New Testaments? What role does typology play in revealing God’s overarching plan for humanity?
- Reflection on Revelation
- The concept of revelation—whether through creation, covenants, or Jesus—provides a foundation for understanding God’s relationship with humanity. How does this ongoing revelation shape your personal relationship with God? What does it mean for God to continually reveal Himself throughout history, and how can this awareness inspire your faith journey?
