When we hear the word “Israel” in our worship, it is helpful to think about what the term references.  First, because the Bible is an ancient document and the current political state of Israel dates to 1948, the term “Israel” in our scriptures, hymns and sermons is never a reference to the modern state.

Instead, in its more ancient understanding, “Israel” can mean one of several things:

• It can refer to the patriarch Jacob, who is renamed as “Israel” in Genesis 32: 27-28.
• It can also refer to his progeny, “The children of Israel,” who for centuries lived as a confederation of 12 tribes.
• It can refer to the united kingdom of Israel, ruled by King Saul, King David and King Solomon from c. 1020-922 BCE
• After the death of Solomon, the kingdom split in 922 BCE into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). So, Israel can also mean the Northern Kingdom, which was conquered and dispersed by the Assyrians in 722.
• But sometimes, we may accidentally hear Israel used as a reference to the residents of the Southern Kingdom since they are still a part of “The Children of Israel.” The Southern Kingdom fell to Babylon in 587 and from that time onward, the people are referred to primarily as “the Jews.”

All of this can make the terminology around “Israel” confusing.  We hope this brief synopsis will help you listen carefully to our hymns, scriptures and sermons.  You might also hear the modern nation of Israel mentioned in our prayers as we pray for genuine peace and justice for the people of Israel and occupied Palestine. How did you hear “Israel” used in our worship today?

A helpful guide from Grace’s Ministry for Middle East Peace and Justice