The Old Testament Gods Love For His People

Introduction

In the Old Testament Gods love for His people is revealed in the form of a covenant between God and the nation of Israel. The Old Testament contains the historical testimony of Israel as a nation. It shows clearly Israel’s triumphs and its failings in their covenant relationship as they journey through time. The Old Testament also contains examples of how God remains faithful to every word of His promises even though Israel is disobedient and is diversified as a result of their own actions. God’s consistent grace and mercy to Israel is shown as He interacts with generation after generation. This same consistent love grace and mercy is available today for all who accept Him and ask for His mercy & grace through His son Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament reveals how God was upset because His intended purpose for mankind was perverted. This links how God always wants His best for people and discloses how God provided covenanted blessings for Israel, but also warned Israel of the consequences, should they break this covenant which repairs the broken fellowship.

The Old Testament does this though stories of interactions with historical people and describes the principles with their effects and events at both an individual level through to the planet as a whole. Genealogies are traced through individuals such as Noah . Noah is described as a righteous man. Noah’s descendants began to multiply and prosper. So much so that the pharaoh enslaved them to both benefit from their prosperity and to subjugate them

Under David’s rule they enter a prosperous period. Along with the prosperity they also get established borders, taxes and infrastructure. Under David’s rule he provides resources for a national temple to worship in. (Jerusalem) His son Solomon builds this temple, however this also creates a split in the Kingdom, It creates the northern region of Israel and the Southern region of Judah. It is in this time that God provides the prophets to point out the principles of the covenant and the consequences if they are ignored. Israel and Judah mistake their financial prosperity for covenant blessing, which leads to the Israeli people refusing to listen to the prophet’s warnings about their covenant responsibilities. Here is a great example of how in modern times we may have wealth but not relationship with God. The prophets warn them that the nation will go into exile if they do not repent and return to the covenant obligations, which provide both a blessing and protection for them as a nation. They don’t repent, and then Israel is divided into two regions. The northern region of Israel goes into exile when Babylon over runs them. The southern region of Judah then makes treaties with the neighbouring nations, which eventually results in them being scattered into other peoples. God does allow some restoration, which helps them retain their identity. But they are not restored to their former national