The Bible has clearly stated that Israel was and is God’s chosen nation. As such He revealed to Israel His statutes and rules of conduct for a nation. Speaking through Moses:
“Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you…be careful to observe them; for this your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has God so near…?” Deuteronomy 4:1a, 6-7a
Later the Psalmist confirmed Israel’s preeminence among the nations.
“He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any nation…” Psalm 147:19-20a
Israel was to obey their God and by doing so all other nations would witness their blessings for obedience. Therefore, it was presumed other nations would in turn emulate Israel’s relationship with God and be likewise blessed.
As God delivered His statutes and judgments to Israel, He made it clear that He would also be their judge.
“Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God! For God Himself is Judge.” Psalm 50:6b-7
God’s statutes and standard of righteousness have not and will not change. The law was given to Moses in 1445 BC and that standard of conduct has prevailed throughout history. The final book of the Old Testament confirms the applicability of the law given to the Israelites via Moses.
“Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.” Malachi 4:4
Now fast forward to the New Testament. Jesus made reference to the Law of Moses and its applicability to the Kingdom age.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17-18
The Apostle Paul confirmed that being the recipient of God’s statutes was a distinct advantage for the Israelites.
“What advantage then has the Jew…Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.” Romans 3:1a, 2a
Paul later described his Israelite brethren thusly:
“…who are Israelites to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law…” Romans 9:4
But as history unfolded, Israel disobeyed God’s statutes and reserved His wrath for herself. In fact the future tribulation is firstly for God to deal with Israel.
“The word that came to Jeremiah… ‘Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble…’” Jeremiah 30:1a, 7
Summary points:
· Israel was/is to be the model for all other nations
· God delivered His standard of righteousness and justice to Israel
· Israel failed miserably by disobeying God’s laws
· God will judge Israel for their disobedience
Due to Israel’s blatant disregard for God’s laws, have they lost their favored status because of their disobedience?
“For the LORD will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance…” Psalm 94:4
“I say then have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not!” Romans 11:11
God will be glorified in Israel after the great tribulation.
That’s great for Israel, but, how does all this pertain to America and the current generation?
The Apostle Paul addressed that very question.
“Now all these things happened to them (Israel) as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11
The Bible is very clear that all nations should look to God’s dealing with Israel to learn of His statutes and the consequences of disobedience.
How serious do we as a nation take God’s word? Does America regard the tiny nation of Israel as God’s chosen?
The recent concessions to Iran (Persia) should provide answers to those questions.
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