Israel

Individually the second name of Jacob; collectively the name of God’s ancient people; also of the ten tribes only. “Israelites” is a higher title than “Hebrews,” as seen in 1 Sam. 14:2121Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan. (1 Samuel 14:21), where the faithful “Israelites” are distinguished from the “Hebrews” that were at peace with God’s enemies, “Hebrews” merely being a name given by the heathen “Israelites,” referring to the promises made to them as the chosen people of God. The “Israel of God” (Gal. 4:1616Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16)) are not the earthly descendants of Jacob, but the spiritual children of Abraham (Rom. 4:1111And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: (Romans 4:11)).