Hebrews, Israelites and Jews

HEBREWS, ISRAELITES & JEWS.

Beloved brethren, do you know that:

1. Not all Hebrews are Israelites.

2. Not all Israelites are Jews.

3. Jesus was a Jew.

Generally speaking, people use these terms  interchangeably, but there are slight distinctions between Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews.

Abraham is their Common Root, but history has mutilated them to distinct communities.

Let me explain:

1. Hebrews:

This is the oldest term, primarily used in the early books of the Bible (like Genesis) to refer to the descendants of Abraham.

Hebrews were all descendants of Abraham. 

2. Israelites:

These are descendants of Jacob.

This term emphasizes their connection to Jacob who later was renamed Israel.

Jacob was a grandson of Abraham.

Israelites are the people that Moses delivered from Egypt, and they formed the Kingdom of Israel in the Bible. 

 

3.Jews:

These are the people from the Kingdom of Judah: 

When the original Kingdom of Israel with 12 tribes, divided into two Nations, Judah with 2 tribes,  and Samaria with 10 tribes.

Judah retained Jerusalem as her Capital City while the northern Kingdom formed the Kingdom of Samaria, and established the City of Samaria as their Capital City.

Judah established Judaism as their cultural and religious heritage.

Jesus was born in Judah and hence He was a Jew and practiced Judaism. 

Now you know !!!

Boniface Amani Gichina (CPM).