Iz´ray-uhl
The collective name of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob, whose name was also Israel (Gen 32:28; Gen 35:10). In the Bible the people are called the “children of Israel” (NRSV: “people of Israel”) or simply “Israel.” As a political designation “Israel” refers either to the nation as a whole or, during the period of the Divided Monarchy (924 –721 BCE), to the Northern Kingdom in particular, as distinct from Judah, the Southern Kingdom. In the NT, some writers apply the historical prerogatives of Israel to the Christian church. Paul argued that these promises had come to Abraham through faith; thus, Christians could also claim, by faith, to be descended from the Israelite patriarchs. The church was the true Israel, or the “Israel of God” (Gal 6:16). Appropriating for the church language applicable to ancient Israel, the author of 1 Peter addressed his audience as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people” (1Pet 2:9).
