Subject: Aren't Isaelites and Jews, one people? |
Bible Note: Actually, Most of the Middle East is comprised of Semitic people coming from Noah's son Shem. Of them there are Hebrews which are of the lineage of Abraham. Israelites which are of the lineage of Israel. Hebrew and Israelites are often collectively called Jews. However Jews are more properly defined as people that practice Judaism rather than being defined as a people group of some lineage or geographical area. Judaism is defined as a religion or worship of God first established by Abraham and later more fully defined through the Law given to Moses for the Children of Israel while in the wilderness. The three terms Israelites, Hebrews, and Jew are often applied to all people that practice the religion of Judaism. Ishmaelites that come from the lineage of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and his wife’s servant Haggar. It is an identity that was pretty much lost until the 7th century AD when it was fraudulently claimed by adherents of Islam in their attempt to usurp the heritage of Isaac and lay claim to the promises God made to Abraham. Arabs specify their identity apart from religion but today most mistakenly consider anyone living in the Middle East and not a Jew as being an Arab. Gentiles is the translation of the Hebrew term Goy or Goyim, it is usually applied to anyone that is does practice Judaism. Goy can also be translated pagan, heathen, or nation (as not part of the promised land of Israel). |