The People of Israel, also known as the Israelites, are a central focus of the biblical narrative, representing the descendants of the patriarch Jacob, who was later named Israel by God. This nation is foundational to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan as revealed in the Scriptures.

Origins and Patriarchs

The origins of the People of Israel trace back to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldeans, promising to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant was reaffirmed with his son Isaac and grandson Jacob, establishing a lineage through which God's promises would be fulfilled. Jacob, after wrestling with God, was renamed Israel, meaning "he struggles with God" (Genesis 32:28).

The Twelve Tribes

Jacob had twelve sons, who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were later adopted by Jacob and each received a portion of the inheritance, effectively making them tribes in their own right (Genesis 48:5-6).

Exodus and Covenant at Sinai

The Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land is a pivotal event in their history. Under Moses' leadership, they experienced the miraculous Exodus, crossing the Red Sea and receiving the Law at Mount Sinai. The covenant at Sinai established Israel as God's chosen people, with the Ten Commandments serving as the foundation of their relationship with Him (Exodus 19:5-6, 20:1-17).

Conquest and Settlement

Following 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, entered and conquered the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. The land was divided among the twelve tribes, each receiving a specific inheritance (Joshua 13-21).

Monarchy and Division

The establishment of the monarchy marked a significant shift in Israel's history. Saul was anointed as the first king, followed by David, who united the tribes and established Jerusalem as the capital. David's son Solomon built the first temple, but after his reign, the kingdom divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Samuel 10:1, 2 Samuel 5:3-5, 1 Kings 6:1, 12:16-20).

Exile and Return

Due to persistent idolatry and disobedience, both kingdoms faced exile. The northern kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC, and the southern kingdom was conquered by Babylon in 586 BC. The Babylonian exile was a period of reflection and repentance, leading to a remnant returning to Jerusalem under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah to rebuild the temple and restore the city (2 Kings 17:6, 25:8-11, Ezra 1:1-3, Nehemiah 2:17-18).

Messianic Hope

Throughout their history, the People of Israel were sustained by the hope of a coming Messiah, a descendant of David who would establish an everlasting kingdom. This hope is fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the promised Messiah and Savior of the world (Isaiah 9:6-7, Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32-33).

Role in Redemptive History

The People of Israel hold a unique place in redemptive history as the recipients of God's covenants and the bearers of His revelation. Through them, the Scriptures were given, and ultimately, through them came Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and David. The Apostle Paul affirms this special role, stating, "Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple worship, and the promises" (Romans 9:4).