(Israel’s Culture) The Law of Truth is GOD's Word, NOT Man's
GOD of Isreal’s CULTURE (lifestyle, customs and values) were to be distinct and visibly and visibly different from their neighbors. Regionally, they looked and appeared similar but were very different. Their spiritual leader(s) had a different way of dressing as well. Why?
The grafted-in believers (ger) need to learn and understand that culture, and why GOD wanted them there. He fought with them to get them there. To be “in the middle of the world yet be the DIFFERENT He required." This way of life was then and still is a major deal. All eyes of the world are on them just as they should be on you, as a faithful follower of Israel’s Deliverer and King.
Like Israel in Canaan, we can live in our culture and speak our languages, but the Ways of GOD and Biblical meaning of the Commanded things are to be understood. The Words of the King are not to be changed, not to be discounted and not to be intentionally disobeyed and not to be ignored by Christians/followers. Those who do have been told (taught) otherwise were likely swayed through the theology of man. Why do I say that? GOD’s Word (Son), Law, Instructions, and Guidance does not teach that.
Why Abram? Abraham is recognized as the patriarch of Israel, but his significance goes beyond physical ancestry. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and promised that through him, “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). This blessing is ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah and extends to all who share Abraham’s faith.
Does this not sound like EVERY faithful one who is not of the (12) tribes?
The ‘New’ Testament, especially Paul’s letters, emphasizes that Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believed (exercises faith and obedience), whether Jew or Gentile. Galatians 3:7 states, “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”
Here is another reference in Galatians 3:29 adds, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”
Historical Israel was called to be a "distinctive looking glass of GOD’s character," set apart by being known for having ONLY (1) “Deity” they gave allegiance to. In the term for today, it is called, “monotheism”.
Their difference was not just cultural but spiritual. It was to be rooted in complete (as complete a human can be) obedience to GOD’s Commands.
Along came the additional NON-Tribal bloodlines who “believed”. They were considered as “gers”. Who are the "ger" and the "grafted-in"? Are they the same?
"Ger" is a Hebrew term meaning "sojourner" or "foreigner"—those who lived among Israel but were not ethnically Israelite. The Torah often commands Israel to treat the ger with justice and allow them to participate in certain aspects of covenant life if they submit to GOD's Law.
"Grafted-in" is a New Testament metaphor (Romans 11) for Gentiles who come to faith in Yeshua (Jesus) and are joined to the people of God. Paul describes Gentile believers as wild olive branches grafted into the cultivated olive tree of Israel, sharing in the promises and spiritual nourishment.
The Creator intentionally had them (all) to worship Him in specific Ways. He Commanded His chosen ones (...and the ones who elected to submit to the Ways He gave, provided, laid out and Commanded. GOD has said, "one Law for all” –Exodus 12:49
He should not have to repeat Himself! Even if He did, we still either IGNORE that, or consider it a suggestion.
The GOD of Israel call, destined and trained Israel to function in and by a culture of "Different!"
Interestingly enough, the LORD did not make everything easy for them, as many of TODAY’s believers appear to want. While Israel shared a similar language, pottery, and agricultural lifestyle with many of their neighbors, their "difference" was defined by a Covenant driven view. Here are some VERY specific things that made them to REALLY stand out.
Unlike their polytheistic neighbors, Israel worshipped one GOD, YHVH, and believed their worship required a more specific approach, as outlined by Him. He did speak to them with Words.
Their daily life was governed by the Instructional Guidance (Word of GOD/Law) given to and through Moses, which used dietary restrictions and specific social justice mandates to prevent cultural adaptation to their surroundings.
The Sabbath: This unique day of rest served as a perpetual sign of their distinct identity and trust in their GOD's provision.
As “gers”, we have the same responsibility they did and still do.
Just as “grafted-in” believers today must learn this "middle-of-the-world" culture, the early Israelites used these distinctions to stay pure yet influential. I see it as the goal was never isolation, but to be "salt and light", and retaining a unique "flavor" while existing within the wider world.
Who is Israel today? Are the "ger" and faithful followers of Yeshua (Jesus) considered Israel? Here are some FACTS.
Physical Israel: Descendants of Jacob/Israel by blood.
Spiritual Israel: Those who share the faith of Abraham, whether Jew or Gentile, and are united to GOD through faith in Yeshua (Jesus). The disciples of the Messiah and some letters of Paul taught "if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise"—Galatians 3:29.
The "ger" and "grafted-in" believers ARE INCLUDED in the spiritual nation of Israel. Ephesians 2:11–19 says Gentiles who were once "aliens from the nationality of Israel" are now "brought near by the blood of Christ" and are "no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints".
It is and always have been about faith (and lineage). Who are you related to? I am attached to Abraham.
Abraham’s relationship with GOD was based on faith. The Words given to Moses had not been provided just yet however. The Words GOD gave Abraham and his sons were THE WORDS OF GOD. They were Law. Instructions and Guidance.
Theology has really made a mess of things.
Romans 4 explains that Abraham “believed GOD, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). This happened before the law was given and before Abraham was circumcised, making him the father of all who come to GOD by faith, regardless of ethnicity.
The concept of “spiritual Israel” refers to those who, like Abraham, trust in GOD’s promises. This includes both Jews and Gentiles who have faith in Christ.