The Common Wealth of Israel is the Most Misunderstood theology by morden Christianity.
Commonwealth of Israel is the English translation of the Greek (politeias) mentioned in Ephesians 2, 12. The context of the surrounding verses, Ephesians 2, 11 to 13, implies the uniting of Gentiles with Jews, whom had historically been God's Temple heritage and the object of God's promises.
Jews and Gentiles united under Yahweh's worship centred in the Temple. Before the coming of the Messiah the Gentiles were separated from the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2, 12 ).
Commonwealth of Israel is the English translation of the Greek (politeias) mentioned in Ephesians 2, 12. The context of the surrounding verses, Ephesians 2, 11 to 13, implies the uniting of Gentiles with Jews, whom had historically been God's Temple heritage and the object of God's promises.
Jews and Gentiles united under Yahweh's worship centred in the Temple. Before the coming of the Messiah the Gentiles were separated from the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2, 12 ).
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00:00The concept of the Commonwealth of Israel has deep historical roots and complex theological
00:04implications. In Ephesians 2 verse 12, the phrase is used to describe the spiritual unity and shared
00:10blessings of believers, both Jews and Gentiles, who are brought together through Christ. This
00:16unity transcends cultural, ethnic, and historical differences to create a new community bound by
00:21faith and salvation. In the history of Israel, there were two previous commonwealths, the first
00:26from 996 BCE to 586 BCE and the second from 516 to 70 AD. These commonwealths were centered around the
00:35temple, the king, and the nation, as outlined in Ezekiel 37 verses 19 to 22. In this video, we will
00:43explore the possibility of a third commonwealth of Israel, examining the historical context,
00:48theological implications, and contemporary relevance of this concept. We will also consider how the
00:53preparation for the third temple may spark the formation of this new commonwealth.
00:58Historical background, the concept of the commonwealth of Israel dates back to the Old Testament,
01:02where the nation of Israel was established as a covenant community under God's leadership.
01:07The first commonwealth of Israel existed from the time of King David to the Babylonian exile in 586 BCE.
01:13During this period, Israel was united under a monarchy, with the temple serving as the religious
01:18and spiritual center of the nation. After the Babylonian exile, the second commonwealth of
01:23Israel was established following the return of the exiles to Jerusalem in 516 BCE. This period saw the
01:29rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Jewish religious practices under the leadership
01:33of Ezra and Nehemiah. The commonwealth was characterized by a renewed sense of national
01:38identity and fidelity to the Mosaic law. Theological significance, from a theological perspective,
01:44many scholars interpret Yeshua's prophecy about the destruction of the temple as signaling a shift
01:49in God's relationship with humanity, moving from the centrality of the temple in worship to the
01:54establishment of a new covenant. The destruction of the temple was a pivotal event resulting from
01:58political rebellion, military might, economic motivations, and profound theological implications,
02:04leaving a significant mark on Jewish history and the development of early Christianity.
02:08The commonwealth of Israel refers to the ancient political and religious entity of the
02:12Israelites that had a significant historical and cultural presence in the region that is now
02:17modern-day Israel and Palestine. It's important to understand the context and the components that
02:22defined these commonwealths, particularly their institutions, governance, and religious importance.
02:27First Commonwealth of Israel, c. 996 BCE, 586 BCE, 1. Centered in the temple, the first commonwealth was
02:37centered around the Jerusalem temple, which was considered the dwelling place of God on earth and the
02:41focal point of Jewish worship. The temple played a central religious role, where sacrifices were made,
02:47and various religious festivals were celebrated. It represented a physical and spiritual center for
02:52the Jewish people, reinforcing their identity and religious practices. The king, during this period,
02:58Israel transitioned from a system of judges to a monarchy, with figures such as Saul, David, and Solomon.
03:04King David established Jerusalem as the capital, and his son Solomon built the first temple,
03:08further solidifying the monarchy's connection to both religion and state. The king was seen as God's
03:13chosen leader, responsible for maintaining law, order, and the covenant between God and the people.
03:19The nation, the commonwealth also encompassed the nation of Israel, which, according to biblical
03:24accounts, was a confederation of tribes united under a single monarchy. This unity was crucial for
03:30political cohesion, military defense, and cultural identity. The laws of the Torah guided this nation,
03:36shaping social, ethical, and religious life. Downfall, the first commonwealth came to an end in 586 BCE
03:43when the Babylonian empire conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the first temple, and exiled many of
03:48the people. This marked a significant shift in the history of the Jewish people, leading to the
03:53Babylonian exile. Second Commonwealth of Israel, 516 BCE, 70 CE, 1. Centered in the temple, after the
04:02return from Babylonian exile, the second temple was built around 516 BCE. This renewed temple again
04:09became the center of Jewish worship and cultural life, with rituals and festivals reinstated,
04:14reflecting the people's religious identity. The king, unlike the first commonwealth, the second
04:19commonwealth did not have an independent king, as Judea was often under foreign rule, Persian, Greek,
04:25and later Roman. The Hasmonean dynasty did establish a degree of autonomy and a kingship that was more
04:30oriented towards priestly leadership than a divinely ordained monarchy. The political landscape was
04:35complex, with competing groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees, which influenced governance and
04:40religious authority. The nation, the second commonwealth continued the notion of a distinct
04:44Jewish identity, with a revival of cultural and religious life after the exile, including the
04:49establishment of the Sanhedrin, a council of Jewish leaders. However, this period was also marked by
04:55tensions with surrounding empires and internal divisions among different Jewish sects.
05:00Downfall, the second commonwealth ended in 70 CE when the Romans destroyed the second temple during
05:05the first Jewish-Roman war, leading to a significant transformation in Jewish identity and practice.
05:11This destruction played a crucial role in moving Judaism from a temple-centered religion to one
05:15focused on community and study of the Torah. Both commonwealths were characterized by a close
05:20relationship between religion, political leadership, and national identity. The temple served as the
05:26spiritual and cultural hub, while the leadership, whether monarchical or otherwise, was expected to
05:31uphold the covenant with God. The narratives of these periods profoundly shape Jewish history and
05:36tradition, influencing the understanding of governance, spirituality, and community for generations to come.
05:42The concept of the commonwealth of Israel is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Bible,
05:46Tanakh, where various scriptures outline the religious, social, and political aspects of
05:51Israelite life in both the first and second commonwealths. Here are some key scriptures that
05:56illustrate this connection, first commonwealth of Israel, c. 996 BCE, 586 BCE, 1. Establishment of the
06:05monarchy, 1 Samuel 8 verses 4-7, the Israelites demand a king to rule over them like other nations,
06:12which leads to the anointing of Saul. 1 Samuel 16 verses 1-13, God instructs the prophet Samuel to
06:18anoint David as king, establishing God's chosen lineage. The Davidic covenant, 2 Samuel 7 verses 12-16,
06:26God makes a covenant with King David, promising that David's lineage will forever hold the throne of
06:31Israel. The building of the temple, 1 Kings 6 verses 1-38, Solomon builds the first temple in Jerusalem,
06:37which becomes the central place of worship for the Israelites. 1 Kings 8 verses 10-13,
06:43the dedication of the temple, emphasizing its significance as the dwelling place of God among
06:48his people. Law and governance, Deuteronomy 17 verses 14-20, guidelines for an Israelite king,
06:55emphasizing the king's responsibility to uphold the laws of God. Exodus 19 verses 5-6, God's call for
07:01Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, underscoring their unique covenantal relationship.
07:07Second Commonwealth of Israel, 516 BCE, 70 CE, 1. Restoration and rebuilding, Dezra 1 verses 1-4,
07:16Cyrus, the Persian king, permits the Jews to return from exile and rebuild the temple,
07:22signifying the restoration of the commonwealth. Nehemiah 2 verses 17-18, Nehemiah encourages the
07:28people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, emphasizing community action towards restoration.
07:32Second Temple and Worship, Haggai 1 verses 1-11, the prophet Haggai encourages the people to rebuild
07:39the temple, highlighting its importance in their communal life. Zechariah 8 verses 20-23,
07:45a vision of the future where many will come to Jerusalem to worship God,
07:49illustrating the temple's ongoing significance. Jewish Governance and Community Life, Acts 4 verses 32-37,
07:55New Testament Context, describes the early Christian community's unity and sharing,
08:00reflecting some socio-political dimensions of Israelite life. Matthew 5 verse 14, Jesus speaks
08:06to the people, referring to them as a city on a hill, echoing the aspiration of Israel as a beacon
08:11of light among nations. Destruction of the Second Temple, Matthew 23 verses 37-39, Jesus laments over
08:19Jerusalem, indicating the impending destruction of the temple and foreshadowing significant changes in
08:24Jewish identity and practice. This destruction played a crucial role in moving Judaism from a
08:29temple-centered religion to one focused on community and study of the Torah. Both commonwealths were
08:34characterized by a close relationship between religion, political leadership, and national
08:39identity. The temple served as the spiritual and cultural hub, while the leadership, whether
08:44monarchical or otherwise, was expected to uphold the covenant with God. The narratives of these periods
08:49profoundly shape Jewish history and tradition, influencing the understanding of governance,
08:54spirituality, and community for generations to come. The concept of the commonwealth of Israel
08:59is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Bible, Tanakh, where various scriptures outline the religious,
09:04social, and political aspects of Israelite life in both the first and second commonwealths.
09:09However, the second commonwealth of Israel was eventually destroyed with the fall of Jerusalem
09:14in 70 AD at the hands of the Romans. The temple was destroyed, the city was razed,
09:19and the Jewish people were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire.
09:22This event marked the end of Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel and the beginning of a long
09:26period of exile and diaspora. The idea of a third commonwealth of Israel emerges from the prophetic
09:32writings of the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 37 verses 19 to 22,
09:39the prophet envisions a future restoration of the divided nation of Israel, symbolized by the joining
09:44together of the two sticks representing the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. This vision of spiritual and
09:49political unity under a Davidic king reflects the hope for a future commonwealth of Israel based on
09:54the principles of justice, righteousness, and peace. Theological implications, the concept of the
09:59commonwealth of Israel carries deep theological significance for both Jews and Christians.
10:04For Jews, it represents the hope for a messianic age when the nation of Israel will be restored to
10:08its former glory under the reign of a righteous king from the line of David. This messianic expectation
10:13is rooted in the promises made to the patriarchs and prophets of Israel, which foretell a time of
10:18peace, prosperity, and divine favor. For Christians, the commonwealth of Israel takes on a new dimension
10:24with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies.
10:29Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant that transcended
10:34ethnic and cultural boundaries, inviting both Jews and Gentiles to become part of the new community
10:40of believers known. Ephesians 2 verse 12, Paul emphasizes the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ,
10:46who has broken down the barriers of division and created a new humanity in himself. The shared
10:50blessings of the commonwealth of Israel include salvation, forgiveness of sins, reconciliation
10:55with God, and the hope of eternal life. These spiritual benefits are available to all who believe
11:00in Jesus as the Messiah and follow his teachings. The concept of the commonwealth of Israel thus
11:05underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, which encompasses people of every nation,
11:11tribe, and tongue. Contemporary relevance, in the modern context, the idea of a third commonwealth
11:16of Israel holds both promise and challenge for Jews and Christians alike. For Jews, the vision of
11:22a restored nation of Israel is embodied in the state of Israel, which was established in 1948 as a
11:27homeland for the Jewish people. The reconstitution of Israel as a sovereign state after nearly 2,000 years
11:33of exile is seen by many as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a sign of divine providence.
11:38For Christians, the commonwealth of Israel is realized in the church, which is called to embody
11:43the values of justice, peace, and unity that characterize the kingdom of God. The church,
11:48as the spiritual successor to the ancient Israelite commonwealth, is tasked with being a light to the
11:53nations and a witness to the redemptive power of God's love. The inclusion of Gentiles in the
11:58commonwealth of Israel reflects the universal mission of the church to proclaim the good news of
12:02salvation to all people. The preparation for the third temple in Jerusalem is a significant
12:07development in the fulfillment of the prophetic vision of the commonwealth of Israel. The building
12:11of the third temple is seen by many as a prelude to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of
12:16God's kingdom on earth. The temple, as the symbolic center of Israel's worship and identity,
12:21represents the restoration of the nation to its spiritual and cultural heritage. In conclusion,
12:26the concept of the commonwealth of Israel is a powerful symbol of the spiritual unity and shared
12:31blessings of believers in Christ. The historical background of the first and second commonwealths
12:35of Israel provides a context for understanding the theological implications of this concept.
12:40The hope for a third commonwealth of Israel reflects the vision of a restored and renewed people of God,
12:45united under the reign of the Messiah. The contemporary relevance of the commonwealth of Israel is
12:50evident in the ongoing dialogue between Jews and Christians, as well as in the political and social
12:55dynamics of the Middle East. The state of Israel and the church both play a role in the realization
12:59of this vision, as they seek to embody the values of justice, peace, and unity in a divided world.
13:05As we look to the future, the preparation for the third temple and the continued dialogue between
13:10Jews and Christians offer possibilities for greater understanding and cooperation in the pursuit of
13:15shared goals. The commonwealth of Israel, as a symbol of hope and redemption, inspires us to work
13:20towards a future of reconciliation, peace, and unity among all believers. Through faith in the promises of
13:26God, we can participate in the unfolding drama of salvation and strive towards the fulfillment of
13:31the commonwealth of Israel in our time. Summary These scriptures illuminate the essence of the
13:36commonwealth of Israel, highlighting the significant relationships between God, the monarchy, or governing
13:41authority, and the nation. They illustrate how governance, worship, and community life were intricately
13:47woven together throughout both commonwealths, reflecting the Jewish people's understanding of their identity and mission.
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