"...In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:3).
To understand some of the Bible's most amazing and inspiring prophecies,
we must embark on a study that begins 4,000 years ago-when God began
working with a man called Abraham. Abraham was a remarkable figure. God
made astounding promises to him that continue to affect not only his descendants
but the whole world.
The story of his offspring is remarkable too. It covers much of what
we know as the Old Testament. This is a story filled with great themes-the
rise and fall not only of great men and women but of kingdoms and empires.
The story of Abraham's descendants has its share of twists and turns and
ups and downs and more than a few mysteries.
The books of the Old Testament describe Abraham's offspring growing into
a mighty nation-the Israelite kingdom-and entering into a special
covenant relationship with God. Comprised of 12 tribes, or family groups,
the nation gained prominence for a time.
Yet before long the Israelites divided into two competing kingdoms. When
the larger of the two, which retained the name Israel (comprised of 10
of the 12 tribes), rejected its partnership with God, it set in motion
one of history's greatest mysteries when its people were forcibly exiled
from their ancient homeland.
The smaller, southern kingdom of Judah-comprised of the two remaining
tribes and remnants of another-failed to learn the lesson of its
northern kinsmen. Its citizens likewise rejected God and were taken into
captivity. For the most part, however, they retained their identity and
have remained visible through history as a small and often persecuted race,
the Jewish people.
