I may be posting this a bit prematurely, as I've not completely researched this - but since it's freshly on my mind, I wanted to at least get this conversation going.
In another thread, there's been a lot of discussion (confusion) as to the OT Israelites and how that pertains to us today.
To me....the way it's pertinent to us today has nothing to do with the place on the map that's labeled "Israel" - it has everything to do with how God fulfilled His promises in bringing forth Christ Jesus and had His hand in the birth of the early church.
A while ago, @jgr had posted that in Genesis 17:12 we see that God's covenant was with those of spiritual DNA - not biological.
That got me delving into family trees like this one:
.....and right from the beginning, I see honor being brought to people like Zilpah and Bilah (Leah's and Rachel's servants) - as their four sons were counted as some of the 12 tribes.
This image represents the 12 Tribes of Israel - but does this "Israel" have anything to do with modern "Israel"?
In another thread, there's been a lot of discussion (confusion) as to the OT Israelites and how that pertains to us today.
To me....the way it's pertinent to us today has nothing to do with the place on the map that's labeled "Israel" - it has everything to do with how God fulfilled His promises in bringing forth Christ Jesus and had His hand in the birth of the early church.
A while ago, @jgr had posted that in Genesis 17:12 we see that God's covenant was with those of spiritual DNA - not biological.
Genesis 17:12 ~ Throughout your generations, every male among you at eight days old is to be circumcised. This includes a slave born in your house and one purchased with money from any foreigner. The one who is not your offspring,
That got me delving into family trees like this one:
.....and right from the beginning, I see honor being brought to people like Zilpah and Bilah (Leah's and Rachel's servants) - as their four sons were counted as some of the 12 tribes.
This image represents the 12 Tribes of Israel - but does this "Israel" have anything to do with modern "Israel"?
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