Q. What is God`s Plan for Israel?

Israel – Priests to God.

When God led the children of Israel out of Egypt he told Moses their leader more of His purpose for them as a nation. Calling Moses aside up a mountain, God unfolded His purposes for Israel.

`...you shall be to me a kingdom of priests & a holy nation.` (Ex. 19: 6)

God would show the people of Israel how to approach Him, how to offer the right sacrifices & then how to live together as a community.

Israel – to Rule Righteously.

God also showed Israel how to function as a godly nation with a king ruling under God. The people chose Saul to be their king from outward appearances, but David the shepherd boy was God`s choice. Over time their true characters came to light. David had a heart after God, while Saul was jealous of David, & didn`t listen to God. Thus it was David`s line that came to be kings of Israel.

They were to rule righteously with justice. God told king Solomon, David`s son –

`Because the Lord has loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice & righteousness.` (1 Kings 10: 9)

King Solomon ruled wisely at first but eventually was led astray into idol worship by his many wives. Then came a succession of kings, some following God & many flowing their own selfish desires.

God had warned the people of Israel that if they departed from following Him then curses would come upon them –

`The Lord will bring you & the king whom you set over you to a nation which neither you nor your fathers have known, & there you shall serve other gods, wood & stone.` (Deut. 28: 36)

Thus after 490 years of Israel`s rebellion against God, He let the nations around Israel to take them off into exile, for a period of discipline. First period was 70 years & later 70 X 7 years, (490 years).

`And those who escaped from the sword he (king of Babylon) carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him & his sons, until the reign of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfil seventy years.` (2 Chron. 36: 20 & 21)

`Seventy weeks, (units of seven – years) are determined for your people & for your holy city, to finish the transgression, (national rebellion against God)....` (Dan. 9: 24)