QUESTION
When did Israel actual became a nation under God?"
ANSWER
Thanks for the good question.
Before answering your direct question we need to understand that Israel is a certain type of people before they’re a nation. To better understand this let’s get a little background on Israel first.
Our historic account begins around 2100 B.C. (rounded off). There was a man whose name was Abram (later called Abraham) who was born and raised in the land of Ur. After he was grown and married, Abram had an encounter with God where he was instructed to leave the land of Ur and go into the land of Canaan (modern Israel). God promised Abram that HE would bring forth a great nation through his seed and the land of Canaan would become their land. [Genesis 11:27 – 12:7]
After years had passed Abraham had a son whose name was Isaac who had also inherited God’s promise to Abraham [Gen 21:1-3]. Years later Isaac had a son whose name was Jacob and like his father Isaac the promised inheritance went to him [Gen 25:24-34 / Gen 27:19-29]. Now, because of some trouble with his brother Esau; Jacob left the land of Canaan to go live with his Uncle [Gen 27:41-45]. While living with his uncle; Jacob had found wives for himself and began his own family. [Gen 29:15-30]
After several years had gone by; God told Jacob it was time to return to the land of Canaan [Gen 31:3]. Upon his way home, Jacob had a very unusual encounter with the Lord. During this encounter Jacob was told that he would no longer be called “Jacob” but now would be called “Israel” [Gen 32:22-29]. This is the first time the name Israel was used and it’s because of this event that the descendants of Jacob were called the "Children of Israel" …even before they had their own nation/land.
Now, Years later due to certain situations, Jacob took his family to live in Egypt [Gen 46:6-7] where his descendants lived for 430 years and during this time the children of Israel grew into an entire race (The Hebrews) [Exodus 1:6-7]. Now, after becoming an entire race they were led by God out of Egypt and back to Canaan to take the land for their own and that’s when they become a legit Nation (around 1400 BC [rounded off]). [Ex 13:3-4 / Joshua 24:1-24]
So at this point we can now answer the question “When did Israel actual became a nation under God?” The answer being that it was God Himself who established Israel as a nation and a people. Therefore, from their very beginning they were “under God”. Now having said that let me say that there were many times when the Children of Israel as a nation walk away from the Lord, which ultimately led to the final fall of Israel as a nation in 586 BC.[2 Kings 25:8-10]
For well over 2 thousands years Israel never gained independence again as a nation…that is…. until May 14th 1948 when Israel declared its independence and was recognized by many as a legit Nation once again. However, whether they’re a nation under God now is one to be questioned.. Let me explain.. When God first established them as a nation He gave them His laws, which were to be obeyed throughout the land, but since that time a lot of the Old Testament had been fulfilled through the coming of Jesus—The Messiah. That’s where the issue comes in because they do not believe the Messiah has come yet and therefore do not recognize the New Testament as Holy Scripture. Furthermore, the Government of Israel has become very secular and doesn’t base its laws strictly on the Laws given to them by God. So, can we say they’re currently a nation under God?…. Well, on the one hand it is God who has kept them all these years and has reestablished them as He promised [Jeremiah 30:3].. On the other hand they have denied their Messiah and have become secular in their government. So I’m not sure how God would view this.. I will say this though, Israel is HIS land and the Jews were and Are a special chosen people and one thing is certain, no matter where they stand now, we do know that Israel will be THE Nation “Under God” when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ returns!
In Closing,
I hope this has helped you in your study on Israel as a nation under God. Please feel free to drop us a line anytime.. We will try our best to assist you in anyway we can..
May God’s guidance and wisdom be upon you always..
In CHRIST, TRM
