Trump just criticized Netanyahu and Israel
(twitter.com)
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MAG768720, thank you for such a thoughtful reply. I appreciate the scholarly, respectful, exchange you're providing. Some things you say I agree with. Lets discuss them a little further:
You asserts that Jews are not the Israelites. While there are different opinions on this matter, it's important to note that Jewish identity has been maintained through religious, cultural, and historical traditions. The Bible uses the term "Jew" to refer to the people of the Kingdom of Judah and, more broadly, to the descendants of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. The distinction between the tribes can be traced back to the division of the Israelite kingdom into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). This division occurred after the reign of Solomon (1 Kings 12). While the terms "Israelite" and "Jew" have been used differently, they both have biblical significance.
You quote Revelation 2:9, which discusses the blasphemy of those who claim to be Jews but are not. In this passage, it's important to understand the context of the letter to the church in Smyrna. The term "Jews" in this context refers to those who claim to be followers of God but engage in actions opposed to God's will. It's not meant to deny the Jewish identity but to address the spiritual state of certain individuals. This passage should not be interpreted as a blanket statement about all Jews or their identity.
You also mention that the term "Jew" is a relatively recent addition to English translations, and that "Judean" was the original word used. It's true that languages evolve, and translation choices can vary over time. However, the use of "Jew" in English translations is a common and accepted term. The term "Judean" could be a more precise translation in some contexts, but it's important to recognize that translations aim to convey meaning accurately.
You correctly state that by the time of Christ, Judea was no longer exclusively populated by the tribe of Judah. This is accurate; Judea, like many regions, had a diverse population. However, the use of "Jew" or "Judean" in the New Testament often refers to those living in the region of Judea, and not solely to the tribe of Judah. It's a geographical reference.
The term "Jew" is widely recognized in English as a reference to a Jewish person, while the term "Israelite" can have broader historical and biblical connotations.