“Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; ... Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.... Joseph.” Ex. 1:1-5.
Note.—In other words, the descendants of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, were known as the twelve tribes of Israel.
3. What special blessings were conferred on the Israelites?
“Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all.” Rom. 9:4, 5.
4. Who constitute the true Israel, or seed of Abraham?
“They are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, [pg 766] in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Verses 6-8.
5. What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism?
“And think not to say within yourselves. We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” Matt. 3:9.
6. What determines whether one is a child of Abraham?
“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Gal. 3:7.