Many people are confused about who Israel really is or was. Let’s make the crooked straight! Here is the true Bible Story from Abraham to Moses, grandson of Levi.
Many years ago, the name ‘Israel’ was given to Abraham’s grandson, Jacob. His father was Isaac. Abraham and Isaac loved God and kept His Commandments. Jacob, who had the birthright, was saved by God from his brother, Esau, who wanted to kill him. He loved God and learned of Him and this is why the LORD is called the ‘God of Israel’; ‘The Mighty One of Israel’. Because these three men, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, loved God above all, promises were made to them and a Covenant was made with them.
Jacob: “I am Israel”
Jacob had twelve sons and a daughter. These and their offspring are the ‘Children of Israel’. The Bible is filled with stories of the nation of Israel and their relationship with God through time. When they paid attention to God and His instructions, it went well with them. When they turned away, they always got themselves in trouble. But God Himself has always sent help to them, i.e. Moses, to deliver them out of their trouble and return safely back to Him.
Joseph, Savior of the World
Jacob’s son, Joseph, became Pharaoh’s right-hand man in his time in Egypt. He married and had twin sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. There was a time of famine and Joseph was the only source of food for the whole world. This was because God gave him knowledge of the famine and how to provide food for everyone. Consequently, he was reunited with his whole family and they lived in peace and prosperity in the Land of Goshen in Egypt.
After that generation died, the new generation came about who forgot what Joseph had done for their fathers. The new Pharaoh began to look upon Israel as an enemy instead of a friend. He decided he wanted to eliminate Israel so he called all his wizards and sorcerers. The plan they came up with was to convince Israel they all had to work together for wages. Then to gradually remove their wages and make them work harder and harder. They thought that would bring their numbers down, but it didn’t, their population grew. Plan B: They thought it a good idea for all the male babies born of Israel to be drowned in the river.
That’s the time when Moses was born. He was pulled out of the water and raised by Pharaoh’s sister. When he grew up and discovered that he was really an Israelite, he withdrew from the ways of Egypt. Consequently, he became a servant of God and brought all the House of Israel out of Egypt, the house of bondage and servitude, in order for them to serve Him. This is known as the Exodus.
Moses rescues Israel
God brought Israel out on dry land, but Pharaoh lost his firstborn and watched as his army ended up drowned in the river.
“… you shall well remember what the LORD your God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;”
Deuteronomy 7:18
What happened from there is another story.