See what God has to say about the Gentiles in the Old Testament by checking out one of these handy study guides!
"'So you shall divide it by lot for an inheritance among yourselves and among the aliens who stay in their midst, who bring forth sons in your midst. And they shall be to you as the native-born among the sons of Israel; they shall be allotted an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.'" Ezekiel 47:22 ESV
Often when we read the Old Testament we tend to think that all the promises and prophecies written in it were only for the Israelites. We are told that it was the old covenant and does not pertain to us anymore, but when we carefully sift through passages such as this one, we are able to reveal hidden treasures, promises given to us Gentiles as well!
God speaks to Ezekiel and tells him about the future promise for Israel- that of the millenial reign and a future filled with hope and peace for Israel, and these "aliens" as well. Who are the aliens that have attached themselves to the Israelites? All of the non-Jews, the Gentiles, who will accept Christ as their Lord. This is a promise that we will be treated exactly as if we were God's original chosen people. Not only do we get to receive this undeserved honor, we have an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel!
When we accept Christ as Savior we are given the same rights and privileges given to God's chosen people, the Israelites. We can celebrate all that God has done for us and confidently say we are also cared for and loved just as much as the Israelites. We are not cast offs, but God's chosen people, adopted through salvation, and written about repeatedly throughout the Old Testament, as testimony to God's deep and unfailing love for us.
Take heart in this passage and dwell upon God's promise to you!
Dear Lord, Thank you for the sacrifice of Christ for us, for allowing us to be part of Your chosen people. Amen.
Take Action
Sift through Old Testament passages that speak about the future hope for the Gentiles. Find a reference Bible to help you cross-reference those passages and revel in the love of God!
Have you ever doubted God's love for you? Have you ever wondered if the Israelites received special treatment above Gentiles?