The term "Church of Israel," often referred to as the "Congregation of Israel," is a concept rooted in the Old Testament, where the people of Israel are depicted as a collective assembly chosen by God. This assembly is not merely a gathering of individuals but a divinely ordained community with a unique covenant relationship with God. The term "congregation" is frequently used in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe the assembly of the Israelites, particularly in their worship and communal activities.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the "Congregation of Israel" is first introduced in the Pentateuch, where the Israelites are described as a distinct people set apart for God's purposes. In Exodus 12:3, the term "congregation" is used in the context of the Passover: "Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household." This passage highlights the communal aspect of Israel's identity, as the entire nation participates in the observance of God's commands.

The idea of the congregation is further emphasized in the wilderness narratives, where the Israelites are often referred to as the "assembly" or "congregation" in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 27:17, Moses prays for a leader who will "go out and come in before them, who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Here, the congregation is depicted as a flock in need of guidance, underscoring the pastoral role of leadership within the community.

Covenantal Relationship

The Church of Israel is fundamentally defined by its covenantal relationship with God. This covenant, established with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is reaffirmed at Mount Sinai, where the Israelites receive the Law. In Deuteronomy 31:30, Moses recites the words of a song to the "whole assembly of Israel," reminding them of their covenant obligations and the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience.

The covenant is not merely a legal contract but a relational bond that sets Israel apart as God's chosen people. In Deuteronomy 7:6, it is written, "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 peoples on the face of the earth." This selection is not based on Israel's merit but on God's sovereign choice and love.

Worship and Sacrifice

Central to the identity of the Congregation of Israel is its worship and sacrificial system, which serves as a means of maintaining the covenant relationship with God. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, function as the focal points of Israel's worship, where the congregation gathers for feasts, sacrifices, and festivals. Leviticus 8:3 instructs, "And assemble the whole congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." This gathering underscores the communal nature of worship and the importance of corporate participation in the sacrificial system.

The sacrificial system, with its various offerings and rituals, is designed to atone for sin, express gratitude, and maintain fellowship with God. It is a tangible expression of the covenant, reminding the people of their need for holiness and dependence on divine grace.

Prophetic Vision and Fulfillment

The prophets of Israel often speak to the congregation, calling them to repentance and faithfulness to the covenant. They envision a future restoration where the congregation will be fully obedient and experience the fullness of God's promises. In Isaiah 44:1-2, the prophet declares, "But now listen, O Jacob My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen." This prophetic vision points to a time of renewal and divine intervention.

In the New Testament, the concept of the Church of Israel finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who establishes a new covenant with His people. The early Christian community, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, is seen as the continuation and expansion of the Congregation of Israel, united by faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.Exodus 12:47
All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 4:13
And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions.
... In this sense Israel is called a "church," an assembly, because called out from
among the other nations to be a holy people (Acts 7:38, "the church in the ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the church.htm

The Census of Israel
... to stand before the Lord God of Israel to testify ... blood in their veins, who shall
be called by sovereign ... own doors for the largest accessions to the church. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

Of the Subject to whom the Key of Authority is Committed.
... were wont to offer sacrifices in Israel (except Samuel ... the Church together, as the
Apostles called the Church ... members) before they be received of the Church. ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap v of the subject.htm

The Seven Assemblies as a Whole (I. 11).
... 3:times: but is never rendered "church." Its first ... multitude (margin, assembly) of
people," ie, a called-out people ... That is what Israel was, a people called out ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seven assemblies as a.htm

The Catholic Apostolic Church (Called Irvingites. )
... adopted the three great creeds commonly called the Apostles ... to eschatology, they
hold, with the Church of the ... re-establishment of the tribes of Israel in their ...
/.../ 113 the catholic apostolic.htm

How the Abbot Ceolfrid Sent Master-Builders to the King of the ...
... day, which among the ancients was called the first day ... the world, making one Catholic
Church, should provide ... night in which the people of Israel were delivered ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxi how the abbot.htm

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... Moses' prayer rule of the church illustrates the necessity of ... The murmurings of the
children of Israel furnished conditions which called into play ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... the Roman centurion was what has been called a proselyte ... had not been admitted into
the congregation of Israel. ... the time was approaching when the Church was to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

Psalm LXXXII.
... we understand the people of Israel, because synagogue is the word properly used
of them, although they were also called the Church. Our congregation, on the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxii.htm

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
... shall do for awakened and, thus, inwardly united Israel. ... to defend and protect His
Church against enemies ... is parallel,"where the Messiah is called [Hebrew: al ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the quotation in matt ii.htm

Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.org

What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.org

Is there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.org

Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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