This video titled “If you will it, it is no Dream” gives a very interesting perspective and overview of the history of Israel. It doesn’t give all the details of course, as it would have to be much longer, but for being as short as it is it still managed to fit in a lot of things. I will add a bit more context and additional info from a Biblical perspective that the video did not add in the short time provided which may help enrich the experience for you as you listen.
Israel descended from Abraham. “The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, those who curse you I will curse; all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.’” Genesis 12:1-3 At a later time “Abram fell on his face, and God said to him, ‘But me, my covenant is with you; you will be the ancestor of many nations. And because I have made you the ancestor of many nations, your name will no longer be Abram but Abraham.’” Genesis 17:3-5
According to the Torah Abraham was directed by God to leave his home and that it was the Lord’s intent that he would not only be the source of many nations but a blessing to all. The nation the Bible mentions the most in detail Israel. The name Israel is very interesting because as it originally referred to someone with a certain kind of character before it came to be associated with a set location or group of people. “The man said, ‘Let me go because the dawn is breaking.’ But Jacob said, ‘I won’t let you go until you bless me.’ He said to Jacob, ‘What’s your name?’ and he said, ‘Jacob.’ Then he said, “Your name won’t be Jacob any longer, but Israel, because you struggled with God and with men and won.” Genesis 32:27-28. Those who descended from the man named Israel came to be known as Israel as well as time went on. The video shares a lot of things the Jewish people went through, which is fitting.
Biblically Israel refers to someone who can hold on despite struggling with both God and humans. If you want to stand like Israel (Jacob) did remember to live in integrity and if you are going through a hard time hold onto your faith in God even when you are tempted to feel like no one cares about you. Like Jacob, the first Israel, repent of the things you did wrong to get ahead and wait on God’s timing instead of trying to do everything yourself. Be determined to live a life God can bless and rest in God’s assurance of your value. Remember that no matter who you are or where you are in life God has a plan for you and wants you to find your home in Him. “But now, says the Lord—the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
