What does the Bible say about Jews? This is a complex question to answer as the Bible consists of dozens of books from different authors, in different languages, written over several centuries. The Bible covers various topics, from God’s covenant with Abraham and the law that followed, to Jesus’ teachings and the New Testament. The Bible is full of passages and stories that concern both praise and criticism of the Jewish people
Throughout the Old Testament, there is an emphasis on God being in covenant with Abraham and his descendants, the Jews. In Genesis 12:1-3 God calls on Abraham and his descendants to be a blessing to all nations and to spread the faith. In Exodus 19:5-6 God promises to establish a special nation who, in turn, will keep His commandments. In Numbers 24:9, Balaam prophesizes that Israel will be “a people living alone, and of whom others will take no notice” who will “push the peoples to the utmost.”
The New Testament also offers numerous examples of Jesus’ teachings about Jews, especially in the Gospel of John. In John 4:22 Jesus says: “Those who worship God must worship him in spirit and truth.” In John 8:42-44 Jesus tells the Jewish people: “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God.” In the epistle of James, “Do not insult a Jew” is stated explicitly (James 2:2). Moreover, in Romans 11, Paul speaks about the place of the Jews in God’s plans. He says: “But if their transgression is richens for the world, and their loss is riches for the Gentiles, how much more their full inclusion!” Additionally, in Revelation 7:4-8, John bluntly states that all those who are saved and bear God’s mark are from “all tribes and peoples and languages.”
The Bible outlines the special role of Jews in God’s plan and encourages Gentiles to appreciate and respect them as God’s chosen people. There are both positive and negative depictions of Jews in the Bible, but the overall message is one of hope and acceptance. While their relationship with God has changed over the millennia, the Bible serves as a reminder of the special role that Jews play in God’s plan.
God’s Faithful Covenant With The People
From the time of Moses, God has placed special emphasis on his covenant with the Hebrew people. Exodus 19:4 says: “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” God emphasizes again the importance of his relationship with his people in Deuteronomy 7:6-9: “It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love upon you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples; but it is because the Lord loves you.” The book of Genesis also tells how God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants. These passages are important reminders of God’s faithfulness and his unending commitment to his people, despite their failures and shortcomings.
God’s Prominent Role In Jewish History
God is the central figure in Jewish religious life, and his presence is felt throughout the Bible and other Jewish texts. For example, the Shema is one of the most important statements of faith for Jews, emphasizing the obligation to worship one God and love one’s neighbor. This is one of the oldest recorded prayers, featured in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Additionally, the Ten Commandments, which are found in Exodus 20, outline the divine laws that Moses established and serve as an incredible reminder of God’s power and authority. Elsewhere, the Bible contains countless stories of God’s involvement in the lives of the Hebrew people, as a benevolent and just lawgiver and protector.
The Redemption of The Jews
The redemption of the Jews is a crucial aspect of Jewish religious belief. As the Bible states in Hosea 2:23: “And I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, ‘Thou art my people’; and they shall say, ‘Thou art my God.’” This passage serves as a reminder of God’s promise of mercy to his people, as he redeems them from exile, oppression, and bondage. Additionally, throughout the Bible the redemption of the Jews is seen as a source of hope and encouragement for the faithful. The book of Isaiah, for example, speaks of a promise of redemption for the Jews, with Isaiah 43:1 saying: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
The Suffering of The Jews
The Bible also describes the suffering of the Jews throughout their history. In Deuteronomy 28:47-48, Moses warns the Jews of potential captivity, which is something the Jewish people have endured several times throughout their history. Additionally, the book of Psalms tells of the pain felt by the Jewish people during the Babylonian exile and their forced resettlement in Babylon. Even in the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the persecution that Jews have faced in Matthew 24:9: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
God’s Mercy & Love For The Jews
Even while describing the suffering of the Jews, the Bible also reassures them that God loves them and is watching over them. In Deuteronomy 30:3-4, Moses speaks of God’s mercy: “If you turn to the Lord your God and obey his voice, the Lord your God will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” Additionally, in Psalm 143:8-9 the Psalmist speaks of the fact that God is an ever-present help: “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift my soul.”
God’s Judgement Of The Jews
The Bible also talks about God’s judgement of the Jews. In Leviticus 26, Moses warns the children of Israel that if they do not obey the Lord, they will suffer punishments, such as forced exile and the loss of their land. Additionally, in Isaiah 1:2-3, God speaks of his displeasure: “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.” God also speaks of his judgement of the Jews in Malachi 3:5: “I will come near to you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.”
God’s Constant Love & Mercy For The Jews
Despite the judgement, the Bible emphasizes the fact that God is always mindful of the Jews, and his love and mercy for them never wanes. In Isaiah 43:1-3, God speaks of his loving protection of the Jews: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Additionally, in Psalm 136, the psalmist writes: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” This is a powerful reminder of God’s enduring mercy and love for the Jewish people.
