Israel in the Bible: a clear guide for Filipino believers

**Israel in the Bible** is one of the most searched faith questions in the Philippines — and for good reason. Few themes run through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation like this one. This guide explains the key passages in plain English, for Bible study groups, youth ministries and every Filipino believer who wants to understand what God says about Israel.

**1. Where the name Israel comes from**

In Genesis 32:28 Jacob wrestles with God at the Jabbok river and receives a new name: "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel." From then on, Israel is the name of a man, of his twelve sons and their descendants, and later of the land and the nation.

**2. The promise to Abraham**

Everything starts in Genesis 12:1-3. God calls Abram, promises to make him a great nation and says: "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." In Genesis 15:18 and 17:7-8 the promise of the land is sealed as an "everlasting covenant." Read more in our guide The Abrahamic Covenant: still valid today?

**3. A people chosen for a mission**

Israel was not chosen because it was big or better (Deuteronomy 7:7-8), but because God loved them and kept His oath. Through Israel came the Scriptures, the prophets and — above all — the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, "according to the flesh" a son of Israel (Romans 9:4-5). Jesus Himself said: "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22).

**4. Exile and return**

The prophets warned of exile, but also promised return. "I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land" (Ezekiel 36:24; see also Jeremiah 31:10 and Amos 9:14-15). Many Christians see the return of Jewish people to the land in modern times in the light of these promises.

**5. Israel in the New Testament**

Paul asks the direct question in Romans 11:1: "Has God cast away His people? Certainly not!" Gentile believers are grafted in as wild branches into Israel's olive tree — they do not replace it (Romans 11:17-18). "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:29). GOD News rejects replacement theology: the Church does not take Israel's place.

**6. The Philippines and the Jewish people — the facts**

These are historical facts, not prophecy. But many Filipino Christians recognise in them the spirit of Genesis 12:3.

**Frequently asked questions**

*Is Israel in the Bible the same as the modern State of Israel?* The modern state is not identical to biblical Israel, but it is home to the largest Jewish community in the world, and the people and land are the same that Scripture speaks about.

*Should Christians pray for Israel?* Yes: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6) — and for all who live there, Jews and Arabs alike.

*Where do I start reading?* Genesis 12, Deuteronomy 7, Ezekiel 36–37 and Romans 9–11.

Next in this series: The 12 Tribes of Israel explained.