Topical Encyclopedia The term "Jew" refers to the descendants of the patriarch Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and by extension, to the people of the ancient Kingdom of Judah. Over time, it has come to denote the people of Israel as a whole, particularly those who adhere to the Jewish faith and traditions. The identity and role of the Jewish people are central to the narrative of the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments.Old Testament Context The Jewish people trace their lineage back to Abraham, with whom God made a covenant, promising that he would be the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant was reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, whose twelve sons became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Judah, from which the term "Jew" is derived, gained prominence as the royal tribe, with King David and his descendants ruling over Israel. The Jews were chosen by God to be His special people, set apart to follow His laws and commandments. This is emphasized in Deuteronomy 7:6 : "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all the peoples on the face of the earth." Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews experienced periods of faithfulness and rebellion, leading to cycles of blessing and judgment. The Babylonian exile was a significant event, during which many Jews were taken captive, and the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. This period of exile and subsequent return to the land of Israel is chronicled in books such as Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "Jew" continues to refer to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and those who practice Judaism. The Jewish people play a crucial role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who was Himself a Jew, born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. Jesus' ministry was primarily among the Jews, as He declared in Matthew 15:24 : "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." The New Testament also records the tension between Jesus and some Jewish religious leaders, who opposed His teachings and ultimately sought His crucifixion. Despite this, the early Christian church began among Jewish believers, with the apostles and many of the first converts being Jews. The Book of Acts details the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the Gentile world, highlighting the initial Jewish context of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul, a Jew and a Pharisee by training, played a significant role in articulating the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the new covenant established through Christ. In Romans 1:16 , Paul writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." Theological Significance Theologically, the Jewish people are seen as God's chosen people, through whom He revealed His law and prophets, and ultimately, His Son, Jesus Christ. The covenants made with the patriarchs and the promises given to Israel are foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan for humanity. The Apostle Paul addresses the ongoing significance of the Jewish people in Romans 11:1-2 : "I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew." The relationship between Jews and Christians is complex, with both shared heritage and distinct beliefs. Christians believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies found in the Hebrew Scriptures, while Judaism awaits the coming of the Messiah. This dynamic is a significant aspect of biblical theology and eschatology. Cultural and Historical Impact Throughout history, the Jewish people have maintained a distinct cultural and religious identity, despite facing persecution and dispersion. The preservation of Jewish traditions, language, and religious practices has been a testament to their resilience and faith. The modern state of Israel, established in 1948, is seen by many as a significant event in Jewish history, with theological implications for biblical prophecy and eschatology. The Jewish contribution to world history, culture, and religion is immense, with the Bible itself being a product of Jewish authorship and thought. The ethical monotheism of Judaism has profoundly influenced Western civilization and continues to be a vital part of the religious landscape today. Library Hallowing Christ A Summary of Experience and a Body of Divinity List of Illustrations Jesus Begins his Work The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It. Acts IX Deified and Stoned Tempest and Trust the Different Success of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 1 23 24 2 Cor. 2 16 1 ... The Different Success of the Gospel. 1 Cor. 1:23,24; 3:6,7; 2 Cor. ... Thesaurus Jew's (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Jew's (3 Occurrences). John 7:2 Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand. (KJV). Esther 9:10 the ten ... /j/jew's.htm - 7k Jezaniah (2 Occurrences) Tabernacles (43 Occurrences) Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences) Bitumen (3 Occurrences) Beard (23 Occurrences) Hophra (1 Occurrence) Hammedatha (5 Occurrences) Jews (287 Occurrences) Plunder (118 Occurrences) Resources What is the Star of David and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Jew's (3 Occurrences)John 7:2 Esther 9:10 Isaiah 36:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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