Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 06:3 (Jul 2000)
Article: Israelology Part 6 of 6
Author: Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum

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CTSJ 6:3 (July 2000) p. 49

Israelology
Part 6 of 6

Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum*

[*Editor's note: Arnold Fruchtenbaum earned a B.A. degree from Cedarville College, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from New York University. He is the founder of Ariel Ministries, Tustin, CA, a ministry to Jewish people around the world; he holds Bible conferences in most English speaking countries around the globe. Arnold is also an adjunct professor at Chafer Theological Seminary. CTS accepts Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s bi-annual five-week study tour of Israel for academic credit. His e-mail address is [email protected].]

Other Relevant Topics

This series of six articles has organized Israelology chronologically. However, certain issues related to Israelology do not conveniently fit a category of past-present-future; some are timeless issues; others fit all three time zones.

This final segment will cover symbolic representations of Israel, anti-Semitism, and the integration of Israelology into systematic theology as a whole.1 These topics complete a basic study of Israelology.

Symbolic Illustrations of Israel

The Bible gives symbolic illustrations of the Messiah’s relationship to the Church such as bridegroom and bride, head and body, shepherd and sheep, vine and branches. These topics usually receive attention in Ecclesiology. Likewise, various symbolic illustrations of Israel (following) belong to any work on Israelology.

God’s Son

Exodus 4:22–23 refers to the nation Israel as God’s son. That sonship relationship was the basis for God calling His (national) son out of Egypt through the Exodus (Hosea 11:1). Thus, Israel had the right to address God as “Father” (Isaiah 63:16; 64:8), though it often proved to be a rebellious son (Isaiah 1:3–4; Jeremiah 3:22).

CTSJ 6:3 (July 2000) p. 50

God’s Treasure

When Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, God decreed Israel to be His own peculiar treasure mined from among all peoples2 (Exodus 19:5; cf. Deuteronomy 14:2). Psalm 135:4 declares that God chose Israel for Himself and made her His own treasure. Israel’s national election cause...

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