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A:There seems to have been an adversarial relationship between the gentiles and God in much of the Old Testament. Genesis says that Isaac and Jacob were not permitted to marry among the local Canaanites. God promised the land of the Canaanites to the Israelites, regardless of the well-established rights of the Canaanites over their ancestral lands. Then, when Joshua led the Israelites in fulfilment of that promise, God ordered that every living person in the conquered cities must be slaughtered. Throughout the Deuteronomic History, from Joshua to 2 Kings, God sides with the Hebrew people against their neighbours, no matter how much they sinned against him.

Only in the Book of Isaiah and in the post-Exilic period do we see the stance of the Old Testament authors soften against the gentiles. Isaiah 45:1 goes as far as to say that God called Cyrus, king of Persia, his anointed. Cyrus had freed the Jews from their captivity.

As far as the Old Testament authors were concerned, God cared only for the Hebrew people and was prepared to have the gentiles persecuted or slaughtered if they got in the way of his Chosen People.

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What are the four main themes of the Old Testament?

The four main themes of the Old Testament are the covenant between God and humanity, the relationship between God and Israel, the promise of a Messiah, and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. These themes are woven throughout the various books and stories of the Old Testament.


What links the old and New Testament?

The Old Testament laid the foundation for the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The New Testament fulfills the prophecies and promises made in the Old Testament, showing how they are interconnected and part of the overarching narrative of God's plan for humanity. Jesus himself often referenced the Old Testament scriptures to demonstrate how they foretold his arrival and mission.


What is the central saving action of the Old Testament?

The central saving action of the Old Testament is considered to be the covenant between God and the Israelites, where God promises to be their God and they promise to be His people. This covenant forms the basis of their relationship and sets the stage for salvation history as God works to redeem and deliver his people.


Did God stop talking to man in the new testament?

While direct communication from God to individuals may not be as prevalent in the New Testament as in the Old Testament, it is believed that God continues to communicate with people through scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament emphasizes a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ as a way for believers to access God's guidance and wisdom.


What book of the old testament is also called Canticles?

The book of the Old Testament that is also called Canticles is the Song of Solomon. It is a collection of love poems between two lovers that has been interpreted as an allegory of the relationship between God and his people.

Related Questions

What was the relationship of the gentiles to God in Old Testament times?

A:The Abrahamic God, Yahweh, was the national God of Judah and, perhaps later, of Israel. Foreign people, the gentiles, had their own national gods and would not have been expected to worship him.


Could gentiles be saved in the Old Testament?

Yes, according to the Old Testament, gentiles could be saved by following the laws and commandments of God, showing faith and obedience.


How were the Gentiles saved in the Old Testament?

In the Old Testament, Gentiles were saved by believing in and following the laws and commandments of God, just like the Israelites. They could also be saved by showing kindness and faithfulness to God and His people.


What promises does the Old Testament make for gentiles regarding their inclusion in God's covenant?

The Old Testament promises that gentiles can be included in God's covenant through faith and obedience, and that they will be blessed and receive salvation alongside the Israelites.


How did Gentiles get saved in the Old Testament?

In the Old Testament, Gentiles could be saved by believing in the one true God of Israel and following His commandments. They could also participate in the sacrificial system and seek forgiveness for their sins. Ultimately, salvation in the Old Testament was based on faith and obedience to God.


What role did the gentiles play in the Old Testament narrative?

Gentiles in the Old Testament were often portrayed as outsiders or non-Israelites. They interacted with the Israelites in various ways, sometimes as enemies and other times as allies. Their role in the narrative served to highlight the unique relationship between the Israelites and their God, as well as to demonstrate the universal reach of God's plan for all people.


In the Old Testament were the Jews not to mingle with gentiles?

In the old testament the Jews were not allowed to mingle with the gentiles especially the samaratins.


What role does the concept of salvation for the Gentiles play in the Old Testament narrative?

The concept of salvation for the Gentiles in the Old Testament narrative highlights the idea that God's salvation is not limited to a specific group of people, but is available to all who believe in Him. This theme emphasizes the inclusivity of God's love and mercy, showing that salvation is not restricted by cultural or ethnic boundaries. It serves to demonstrate God's desire for all people to be saved and to have a relationship with Him, regardless of their background.


Why only in the New Testament the salvation was extended to the gentiles?

God has His times and seasons. Actually there were a few Gentiles that received salvation in the Old Testament. Rahab in the Book of Joshua was one and Ruth in the Book of Ruth was another. There were more, but this was the exception to the rule. During Jesus' time on earth more Gentiles are mentioned and then finally when the Jewish people rejected Jesus as the Messiah it was time for the Gentile to be accepted by God on a different basis, although Salvation has always come by faith in God, God created a time when mostly Gentiles could come to Him freely and in great numbers. Salvation to the Gentiles was mentioned in the Old Testament a number of times, but the timing was God's.


What are some Old Testament verses that discuss the salvation of Gentiles?

Some Old Testament verses that discuss the salvation of Gentiles include Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 56:6-8, and Psalm 22:27. These verses highlight God's plan to include all nations in His salvation.


The old testament tells us about the relationship between God and who?

The Hebrew people


What is the division of old testament to New Testament?

The division of the old testament and the new Testament is because the new testament comes a new covenant that allows the gentiles to become God's people and children of Abraham. The new covenant is about delivering God's word to people other than the Israelites and to reestablish His kingdom on Earth because we had parted so far from his word and had become traditionalist instead of truly following what God wanted.