Old Testament Scriptures on Israel's Identity in God
The identity of Israel in the Old Testament is fundamentally rooted in its unique covenant relationship with God, distinguishing it from other nations. The very name "Israel" signifies "who prevails with God" [1], reflecting a deep connection to the divine. This identity is consistently presented as one chosen by God, set apart for a specific purpose and relationship.
From the earliest narratives, Israel's identity is tied to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God's faithfulness to the covenant made with Abraham, which included promises of land and descendants, underscores Israel's spiritual lineage and its claim to the promised land [3]. The Old Testament frequently refers to God as "the God of Israel," emphasizing this exclusive relationship [9]. For instance, Psalm 76:1 declares, "In Judah is the knowledge of God; his name is great in Israel" [2]. This highlights that God's presence and recognition are particularly manifest within Israel.
Israel's identity is further defined by its status as God's chosen and adopted children. The Old Testament often refers to Israel as God's "son" or "child," signifying that God selected Israel to be his own people [5]. This adoption meant that Israel received God's blessings and promises [5]. The prophet Hosea, for example, speaks of God calling "My son out of Egypt" (Hosea 11:1), referring to Israel's deliverance and special status. This chosenness is not merely a national identity but emphasizes a covenant relationship with God [5].
A core aspect of Israel's identity is its confession of monotheism. The foundational declaration of Israel's faith is that "there is one God" (Deuteronomy 6:4) [6]. This belief in a single God stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding nations and is a defining characteristic of Israel's religious identity [7]. The prophet Isaiah further articulates this, stating that Israel is "called by my name" and belongs to God as sons, bearing the name of their Father [8]. This connection implies that Israel exists "for my glory" [8].
Despite Israel's frequent infidelity, God's faithfulness to his covenant remained a constant theme, reinforcing Israel's enduring identity in God's plan [3]. The Lord identifies himself as the covenant God of Israel, and his identity ensures the fulfillment of his promises to them [10]. Even after periods of exile, such as the Babylonian captivity, the confession that "Surely God is in thee" was a significant declaration of Israel's renewed identity and God's continued presence among them [4]. The exhortation to "O Israel, trust thou in the Lord" (Psalm 115:9) further underscores the expectation that Israel's identity is intrinsically linked to its reliance on God, distinguishing them from those who trust in idols [7].
Sources
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Israel — who prevails with God”
- Psalms “Psalms 76:1 (BBE) — In Judah is the knowledge of God; his name is great in Israel,”
- 2 Kings (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Kings 13:23: 13:23 Despite Israel’s continued infidelity, God remained faithful to his covenant with Abraham (Gen 12:1-3; 13:15-17; 15:18-20; 17:6-8). By listing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the writer emphasizes Israel’s spiritual identity with the Lord and its possession of the land of promise (see Gen 50:24; Exod 3:6, 15-16; 6:3, 6-8; Deut 6:10; 9:5; 34:4).”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 45:14: Surely God is in thee. These are the words which they will confess and declare; this was in fact the case after the return of Israel from the Babylonian captivity. 18 Comp. I. E. 19:19, note 26.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 9:4: 9:4 Up to this point in Romans, Paul has called the Jewish people Jews. His shift to people of Israel, here and throughout most of chs 9–11, is significant. Jew connotes national identity, but Israel emphasizes the covenant relationship of the people with God. • chosen to be God’s adopted children: The Old Testament called Israel God’s son or child to emphasize that God had selected Israel to be his own people (e.g., Exod 4:22; Jer 3:19; 31:9; Hos 11:1). Israel’s adopted status meant that they received God’s blessing and promises, not that they were necessarily sav”
- James (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on James 2:19: 2:19 that there is one God: This is the basic confession of Israel’s faith (see Deut 6:4). • the demons believe: They know that there is one God, and he is their enemy (Mark 1:24).”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 115:9: O Israel, trust thou in the Lord,.... Or, "the house of Israel hath trusted in the Lord": so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions: the Targum is, "Israel trusteth in the Word of the Lord;'' in distinction from the Heathens, that trust in their idols. But it is better rendered as an imperative, trust thou; it being an exhortation to Israel to trust in the Lord, in opposition to idols; and may be understood of Israel, literally taken, who were God's chosen covenant people, to whom he had made a revelation of himself, and of his will;”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 43:7: called by my name--belong to Israel, whose people, as sons of God, bear the name of their Father (Isa 44:5; Isa 48:1). for my glory-- (Isa 43:21; Isa 29:23).”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Exodus 24:10: AND THEY SAW THE GOD OF ISRAEL. In a prophetic vision. It is similar to I saw the Lord sitting on His throne (I Kings 22:19; II Chron. 18:18).”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 60:22: 60:22 I, the Lord: The Lord identifies himself as the covenant God of Israel. His identity ensures that he will make it happen (see 27:3-4).”