Lecture Notes: Understanding the Division and Restoration of Israel

Introduction

• Opening Reading: Book of Sarat 36:1
  • Prayer for mercy, signs, and wonders.
  • Request for God to remember His covenant and support Israel.
• Class focus on the confusion about Gentiles and the Northern Kingdom in the New Testament.

Historical Context

• Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah) split.
  • Key Kings: Jeroboam (Northern) and Rehoboam (Southern).

Key Historical Events

• 2 Kings 17: Conquest of Northern Kingdom by Assyria.
  • Assyrian Kings: Shalmaneser and Sargon.
• Jeremiah 7:14-15: God’s warning to Judah following Israel's sins.
• Ezra 1: Cyrus the Persian allows Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem.
• 2 Chronicles 30 & 15: Remnants of Northern Kingdom returning to worship with Judah.

Prophecies and Fulfillment

• Hosea’s Children: Symbolic of Israel's condition.
  • Lohurama: No mercy for Israel.
  • Loami: Not my people, referring to Israel as Gentiles.
• Isaiah 9: Prophecy about a light (Christ) coming to Zebulun and Naphtali.
• Matthew 4: Jesus fulfills prophecy, teaching in Galilee of the Gentiles.

New Testament Insights

• John 4: Samaritan woman, representing Northern Kingdom, acknowledges Jacob as forefather.
• Acts 8 & 11: Preaching to Samaritans and Jews during persecution.
• 1 Peter 1: Letters to the elect, identified with scattered Israelites.
• Romans 9: Gentiles as the Northern Kingdom.

Key Theological Points

• Salvation Order: Judah first, then Gentiles (Northern Kingdom).
• Paul in Romans: Jews and Gentiles refer to Southern and Northern Kingdoms.
• John 10 & 11: One fold, one shepherd (unification of Israel).

Conclusion

• Acts 10: Cornelius from Caesarea Philippi (Zebulun territory), a significant Gentile context.
• Overall Message: Restoration of Israel through understanding of historical divisions and New Testament teachings.

Final Remarks

• Importance of understanding biblical history to counter misunderstandings about Gentiles and Israel.
• Encouragement to study and remain vigilant when discussing scriptural interpretations.