Reuven and Mary Lou Doron: “Who Is a Jew?”
by Reuven and Mary Lou Doron
Sep 29, 2008
“Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon, and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; the LORD of hosts is His name: ‘If this fixed order departs from before Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘Then the offspring of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me forever.'” Jeremiah 31:35-36
Who is a Jew?
It is essential in God’s overall plan during this age that the people of Israel maintain their unique identity as a nation before Him. While other nations throughout history rose only to later collapse, having the identity of their masses changed and transformed time and again, the essence of Israel’s identity was miraculously preserved through nearly four millennia. God’s Word spoken through Jeremiah clearly states that the Jewish people will never cease from being a nation before Him, and never means never!
Though the nation of Israel underwent deep and traumatic changes during and after the Babylonian exile, the essence of her identity was never to be diminished or even questioned. In fact, as history has unfolded, Israel’s identify has been discovered and rediscovered in each successive generation.
As we study this phenomenon, we recognize that no single writing can offer a comprehensive answer or do justice to the subject of Jewish identity. Throughout the historic Jewish existence national movements have heralded this theme; political leaders rose and fell over this issue, and the governments of the modern State of Israel continue to grapple with the weight of this question to this day!
The fact is that much has been invested into the identity of the Jewish people. By now, it has become an amazing collage of Biblical moral codes, ethnic flavors, cultural treasures, and a recorded national history that goes back further than any other modern nation. All of these pieces of the puzzle, when put together, serve one profound, divine purpose. Jewish identity today is a Spiritual, national, social and geographic mystery, the key to which is in the hand of our Creator alone.
The Patriarchs are the Root
“‘Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain; when he was but one I called him, then I blessed him and multiplied him.’ Indeed the Lord will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden…”Isaiah 51:1-3
As God proclaims the restoration of Israel, He likewise is calling the nation, while yet blinded and afflicted, to rediscover her true identity by looking to the man who fathered her and to the woman who gave her birth. According to Scripture, then, to belong to God’s redemptive work in the Jewish nation, means that one has to be properly joined to and cognizant of the root of the nation whose origins trace back all the way to Father Abraham and his covenant wife, Sarah. Who was that man, and what does the Bible reveal as to his true identity?
Was Abraham Jewish?
In the traditional and rabbinical sense of Judaism, Abraham was not born Jewish nor did he ever become Jewish through a mandated ceremony. The man Abraham was born in the land of the Chaldeans (modern day Iraq), 500 miles away from the land that 500 years later would be called Israel. The only ethnic credentials the Scriptures give Father Abraham is that he was a HEBREW (Genesis 14:13), a title derived from his ancestor Eber, Shem’s great-grandson, who preceded Abraham by seven generations (Genesis 11:10-27). This Hebrew title simply indicates “someone who crossed over; a sojourner; a pioneer.”
It was the Lord God who said to Abraham, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Consequently, it was Abraham’s obedience and devotion to God’s will that provided the main ingredients characterizing the father of the nation of Israel, thus defining her identity as a people who cross over and move on with God into the unknown through faith, obedience and perseverance.
Sarah, the covenant wife, distinguished herself as well through unwavering courage as she followed her (imperfect) husband and remained available to God’s purposes even when circumstances seemed bleak and even hopeless. “(Thus) Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear” (1 Peter 3:6).
Father of Nations and Ruling Minister of God
The man Abram became “Abraham” and Sarai became “Sarah” when God’s work in their lives matured to the point when the promises were sealed in covenant and the promised son was prophesied (Genesis 17). God was not only incorporating His purposes, but also His divine self indicated by the sound of His Spirit into the names and life experiences of Abraham and Sarah, calling them both the father and mother of nations and kings (Genesis 17:5 & 16). Abraham’s new name meant “FATHER OF NATIONS,” while Sarah’s new name was a title, “RULING MINISTER OF GOD.”
To this day, Father Abraham stands as that rock from which Israel was hewn, and Mother Sarah remains the quarry from which the nation was dug. He is the strong tower of faith who forsook all and left his temporal earthly roots in the quest of finding his greater and eternal identity in God; she is the deep well of passion, trust, courage and devotion to God’s promises who gave birth in her old age to the son of the promise, Isaac.
Abraham and Sarah, whose lives speak of faith, perseverance, courage and obedience, brought forth Isaac, whose life speaks of joy, humility and loyalty. Isaac and Rebekah, in turn, brought forth Jacob whose life speaks of self-strength, brokenness and regeneration. God changed his name to ISRAEL.
It was at the dramatic conclusion of Jacob’s struggle with the Lord on his way back to the Promised Land, that he finally acknowledged and confessed his carnal nature while desperately grabbing hold of the heavenly messenger. It was at this point of brokenness and recognition, crying out, “I am Jacob” (deceiver, supplanter…), that God gave him a new name and a new identity, calling him “YI’SRAEL,” one who has authority, position, and rank with God (Genesis 32). Significantly, the name Israel is rooted in the same Hebraic word, SAR, from which his Grandmother’s name, Sarah, was also derived. The strength running in Jacob’s blood was Sarah’s.
Hebraic Roots and Israeli Fruits
In examining Israel’s history, we find that the Lord firmly established these two titles, HEBREW and ISRAELITE, as the essence of the national character. It was these two titles which embody the journey of faith, obedience, perseverance, brokenness and transformation in which the nation would find identity and strength, discovering her purpose and destiny.
Building upon the patriarchal foundations, we find in the life of the Apostle Paul, himself a zealous Jewish rabbi wholly given to the service of the Messiah, an outstanding example of Jewish Messianic identity. As Paul related his personal genealogy to the Philippian disciples while pulling down the stronghold of legalism (Philippians 3:2-7), he identified himself nationally as an ISRAELITE and ethnically as a HEBREW (verse 5). Notice that he does not use the term JEWISH at all, although he unapologetically proclaimed his devotion to the Law and observance of the traditions of the fathers.
When Paul bared his heart to the young Corinthian congregation while defending his apostleship, he again identified his earthly credentials as a Hebrew, an Israelite, and a descendant of Abraham (2 Corinthians 11:22). Not once did he find it necessary to call himself Jewish, although he obviously identified himself with his people.
Of course Paul was Jewish, as he himself mentions elsewhere. He was born of Jewish descent, circumcised on the eighth day, celebrated the Biblical feasts, and kept the traditions of the fathers. However, according to the authority of the Scriptures, Paul’s earthly identity went far deeper than the term “Jewish” implies, reaching into the rich “Hebraic” and “Israelite” roots. The obvious question that emerges is – what is the difference?
What’s in a Name?
From the time of the patriarchs, the nation of Israel kept changing and developing. As the centuries passed, Egypt, the exodus, the wilderness journey, the Law at the Mountain of God and the conquest of the Promised Land became history. And while God’s nation was called by the name Israel throughout its early years (from Genesis to Kings); a change was introduced during the reign of King Rehoboam, Solomon’s arrogant and defiant son (1 Kings 12:6-20).
As prophesied, the nation was torn and divided into two kingdoms during Rehoboam’s unrighteous rule. The northern kingdom, consisting of ten tribes, broke away, seceded, and under Jeroboam’s leadership (a former servant in Rehoboam’s house) spiraled into idolatry and eventual anarchy. Rehoboam was left to rule over the two remaining southern tribes, Judah and Benjamin, and a new kingdom was now established known as the “Kingdom of Judah.” And, though this Judean kingdom embodied the house of the beloved King David, it was born under God’s judgment as an outcome of disobedience and pride.
In time, the idol worshipping northern kingdom was swallowed up by Assyria and swept into exile, and the surviving southern kingdom of Judah was left to carry on the national banner. It is important to remember that the title JUDAH was not originally given as the name for the nation; rather, the nation’s true name was ISRAEL. JUDAH initially referred only to a limited tribal territorial domain, yet over time it was “stretched” to define all of Israel in times of duress and compromise.
The name “Jew” which was derived from the tribal title Judah, meaning “a praiser of God,” became fully accepted during a yet darker period of time. In the time in which Judah was carried away into Babylonian captivity under God’s judgment, the title Jew, “Yehoodi” in the Hebrew language, was permanently affixed to the exiled Hebrews. And who was it who called them by that name? It was neither God nor any of His prophets, but rather the Babylonian captors in whose midst Israel was now dwelling in exile and reproach.
Reduced to a Stump
For the very first time in its history, the Hebrew nation, the family called by the name of Israel, became identified as “Jews” by their oppressors. Therefore, we often find in the exilic and post-exilic writings such as Esther and Nehemiah the name “Jews” or “Yehoodim,” which had rarely appeared in earlier writings. This new title, JEW, far reduced from the original identity of Abraham the HEBREW and Jacob who became ISRAEL, was all that was left as a result of ongoing national rebellion and pride.
A major shift took place while in exile, and an almost irreversible change occurred within the nation’s identity. Emerging from their captivity as a weakened and small remnant, the survivors were no longer known as Hebrews or even Israelites; now they were known as the “Jews,” a title received in reproach and implying a compromised and weakened national identity. Yet, though in weakness, the “JEW” always spoke of “God’s praiser,” a living testimony of true worship in spite of one’s circumstances, maintaining the hope of the calling and persevering in the face of centuries of trials and struggles.
From this point on, an honest historical study reveals a subtle yet consistent drifting away from the authentic and original Biblical roots. New ideological foundations crept in as the Babylonian Talmud, compiled by Jewish sages while in exile, gradually became a substitute for divine guidance. Volumes of manmade traditions, regulations and rules were added over the centuries to help prop up the compromised national identity as the prophetic voice faded away, leaving the nation without a living word for 400 years!
Divinely appointed and anointed kings rose no more; they were now replaced by politicians and administrators, most of whom were foreign. And, apart from a few years of sweet and blood-bought freedom under the Maccabees, the nation was ruled by strangers and longed for the liberty and dignity that only God can provide.
The nation which was once the seat of God’s power, beauty and righteousness in the region, was clothed again with garments of reproach, regret and sorrow as she was carried off by the Romans into a longer exile. This time the bruised people were dispersed to sojourn among the heathen nations of the entire world.
As the nation was cut down to its roots, the promised Branch from the stem of Jesse, Jesus the Messiah, rose victorious over death and Hades and was spreading His Kingdom of love throughout the earth. “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:1-2).
Buried – For 2,000 Years!
Looking into the distant future of Israel, Moses prophesied that “the Lord will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other…among those nations you shall find no rest…there the Lord will give you a trembling heart…In the morning you shall say, ‘Would that it were evening!’ And at evening you shall say, ‘Would that it were morning!'” (Deuteronomy 28:64-67).
Tragically, these difficult words were fulfilled in the most devastating fashion as the nation of Israel was violently swept into two thousand years of struggles, violence and oppression, passing through the valley of the shadow of death. So great was the shaking, the suffering and the loss which culminated in the Holocaust, that it would take nothing short of a miracle to bring healing and restoration according to Ezekiel 36 and 37.
We would be safe to say that no other nation or people group on earth has been required to endure what Israel has endured for the last 4,000 years. Israel’s national life was so devastated and the people so scattered and shattered that it was beyond human means and power to heal. Yet, God committed Himself to their restoration and gave His own Word of promise to bring it to pass in His set time.
Although the nation underwent deep and traumatic upheaval during her exile, the essence of her existence was never in question before her Maker. God’s very Word confirmed that it is essential for the people of Israel to maintain their identity as a nation before Him in order to fulfill the Scriptures, their national destiny, and God’s own redeeming purpose in our fallen world and in our lives.
Resurrection – the Return to the Land
Emerging from two millennia of exile and reproach, the soul of the Jewish nation, laden with suffering, anxiety and rejection, experienced a fresh breath of life. That which was lost, robbed, and diluted during the painful history, is once again experiencing resurrection power in our generation.
The national soul and identity, which was devastated through sin, rejection and perpetual persecution, has now re-surfaced in those who have returned from captivity. As it is written, “When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with joyful shouting” (Psalm 126:1-2). The very heart and soul of the Jewish people has been regaining strength as they have returned to the homeland, cultivating the beloved soil, defending, contending for and reclaiming their inheritance while rebuilding the ancient ruins.
The people of Israel today are a model and a modern-day parable of the work of restoration and rebuilding for many whose lives have been ravished by the enemy through arrogance and/or ignorance. Israel’s survival and rebirth is a testimony that our God is well able to redeem, heal and raise even the dead, and that our sufficiency is in Him! “And GOD IS ABLE to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed…” 2 Corinthians 9:8. It’s all about Him!
The flame has been rekindled in the Jewish national soul as the early Zionist pioneers reclaimed and resettled the ancient homeland during these last one hundred years. The Jewish people, who in times past could only drink from the cup of tradition while in exile in order to maintain their identity, are now sinking their roots, hearts and souls deep into the soil of the land itself, reconnecting to their ancestry and drawing strength from the rock and the quarry from which they were hewn.
By amazing faith and with uncommon courage, the Jewish people were drawn back by the Spirit of God to their roots, returning to the land God gave the patriarchs. By the same power they will also return to the fullness of His purpose. Concerning our present days, the Apostle Paul declared long ago, saying, “And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for GOD IS ABLE to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more shall these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?” (Romans 11:23-24).
Final Offering to God
Significantly, the first Israeli government in the 20th century, more than 60 years ago, while debating what name to call the newly born state, almost chose the name JUDAH. However, after much deliberation the Spirit of the living God prevailed, and this body of national leaders chose the name ISRAEL as the title and identity for the gathered people of God. Prophetically, and by faith, the resurrected people of God proclaimed their greater destiny and identity as the whole house of ISRAEL, and not merely as a restored remnant of JUDAH.
There is a wealth buried deep within Israel’s national consciousness that is emerging again in these days; it is a treasure that God Himself has poured into the hearts of His people. This treasure will be increasingly rediscovered and brought into full light as an end time offering of an end time generation. It is no longer the cherished Jewish traditions or the mere cultural veneer so esteemed by the people. No, Israel’s true national treasures are deeper yet.
These are the people for whom the Bible is their actual history and not merely a study of spiritual principles or allegories. This is the nation who tasted freedom while crossing the Red Sea; who savored real manna in the wilderness; and who saw Jericho’s walls collapse before them in a heap of rubble. These are the people who fought the actual Philistines, slew real giants, possessed a tangible land, and who beheld the glory cloud of their God coming down upon and filling their Temple.
What will it be like when these people come fully alive unto God as a nation? What hidden treasures will then erupt within the Church, the Body and Bride of our Lord Jesus, as these ancient brethren are quickened and restored to their true identity, Hebraic and Israelite, a warring and a worshipping nation?
What Does it Mean for You?
Israel’s calling is likewise yours, to “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” (Psalm 37:3). Just as Israel today is learning to dwell in their land, engage in warfare, and cultivate faithfulness, you also have to learn to contend for the promises, stand against the enemies of your destiny, and cultivate the soil God has given you – be it your marriage, family, vocation, neighborhood, ministry or your nation.
Therefore, “…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). In a world that is hostile to your true identity and destiny and is working to undermine your faith, your stand in your calling brings pleasure and honor to the Father’s heart.
The journey of crossing over by faith and trust (Abraham and Sarah), abiding and persevering in joy (Isaac and Rebekah), brokenness and recognition (Jacob), and serving God with authority (becoming the Israel of God through prevailing and persevering), is accomplished with the attitude and spirit of Judah, the true Jew, a life which offers the pure sacrifice of praise even when mocked, despised and rejected. “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
As the days grow difficult, be encouraged, knowing that the first-born nation, Israel, is well on its way toward the fullness of God’s purpose. Though we all must pass through the trials of the refining fires, “…conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ…standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents – which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God” (Philippians 1:27-28). Amen.