Promised Land
Covenant with Abraham
In Judaism, Widely regarded as the father of Christians, Jews and Muslims. He was the first person to teach that there is only one God. His story is told in the biblical book of Genesis and also in the Qur’an, where he is named Ibrahim. is known as the founder or first The male head of a family or group., which means that Jewish people strive to follow his example. He was the first Jewish Someone believed to give messages from God. and took God’s message to the people. It was through Abraham that the idea of the The land promised by God to Abraham (Genesis 15:18), Moses, and the Israelites. Also known as the Land of Israel., or a homeland for Jewish people, was revealed.
God speaks to Abraham
God made a covenant (sacred agreement) with Abraham. He was born in the city of Ur Kasdim (located in the country now called Iraq) at a time when worshipping The worship of an idol, object or person instead of God. was common. The Book of The first book of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) describing the origins of humanity and humans’ relationship with God. says that God spoke to Abraham in a vision, saying:
Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’
God instructed Abraham to leave his home and travel to Canaan, the Promised Land, which is today known as Israel. God asked Abraham to follow his rules and be a good example to others.
In return, God promised to give Abraham and his wife Sarah the child they both longed for, and to name their descendants as his chosen people. Abraham agreed that he and his descendants would obey and worship God and lead by example.
The Promised Land
The The collected 24 books of the Jewish Bible. There are three sections: Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim (TaNaKh). May also be spelled Tenakh. repeatedly refers to God’s commitment to a Promised Land for Abraham and his descendants. God promised Abraham and his wife Sarah many descendants, who would be made into nations and who would be kings with whom God would keep an eternal covenant (Genesis 17:6–7) throughout future generations.
Today, many Jews believe that the modern State of Israel is the beginning of the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham. However, views vary. For some, the land holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. Others believe that a true return to the Promised Land should only happen with the coming of the Messiah.
The modern State of Israel
In 1947, with Jews fleeing from antisemitism in Europe and after the Holocaust of World War II, the United Nations voted for both a Jewish and an Arab state. A year later in 1948, Israel declared its independence, leading to war when neighbouring Arab countries invaded. There have been further wars and conflicts involving Israel in the region, including a long-running conflict with the Palestinian people over the territory.
The importance of the covenant with Abraham
- Through the covenant, Abraham's rejection of other gods demonstrated his commitment to One God. This is known as 'monotheism'.
- Jews believe that the covenant between God and Abraham extends to all Jews. It was the start of the relationship between God and the Jewish people.
- The covenant carries with it the promise of the land of Canaan. Many Jews believe this promise of land and blessing is eternal, while others believe the fulfilment is still to come.
Different views about the importance of the Promised Land
- Many Jews see the land as essential to their Jewish identity and believe that God's promise to Abraham lasts forever as the prophet Micah says "The Mount of the Lord's house shall stand firm above the mountains" (4:1).
- Some Jews may emphasise the ethical and spiritual lessons of having a Promised Land taking inspiration from Isaiah 51:3 "her wilderness like Eden" being symbolic of spiritual renewal.
- Other Jews value Israel culturally but don't see residing there as a religious necessity.
- For some Jews the Promised Land comes with the return of the Messiah.
Question
Why is Abraham important to Jewish people?
Abraham is believed to be the founding father of Judaism. He was the first person to worship One God in a society of people who worshipped many Gods. Through the covenant, Abraham formed the important relationship with God, who promised the Jewish people descendants, blessings and a Promised Land.
