Who are Israel?

The Bible claims the Messiah will accomplish certain signs:

1. Build the Third Temple (Ezekiel 37:26-28).

2. Gather all Jews back to the Land of Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6).

3. Usher in an era of world peace, and end all hatred, oppression, suffering and disease. As it says: 'Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall man learn war anymore.' (Isaiah 2:4)

4. Spread universal knowledge of the God of Israel, which will unite humanity as one. As it says: 'God will be King over all the world�on that day, God will be One and His Name will be One' (Zechariah 14:9).

The historical fact is that Jesus fulfilled none of these messianic prophecies.

Christians counter that Jesus will fulfill these in the Second Coming, but Jewish sources show that the Messiah will fulfill the prophecies outright, and no concept of a second coming exists.

In the New Testament gospels, Jesus frequently refers to himself as the 'Son of Man,' a term with deep messianic significance derived from the Old Testament Book of Daniel. While he explicitly describes his human nature and vulnerabilities as a man, Christian theology maintains that his dual identity encompasses both full humanity and full divinity.

60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, 'Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?'
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?'
62. 'I am,' said Jesus. 'And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'
Mark 14:60-62

39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
John 8:39

22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know
Acts 2.22

31 because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world with justice[o] through a man whom he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.
Act 17.31

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5

In both Christian and Islamic traditions, Jesus is explicitly recognized as a messenger sent with direct divine approval and authority. The New Testament documents this through public miracles and voices from heaven (such as at his baptism in Matthew 3:17), while the Quran (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:110) states that God explicitly strengthened Jesus with the Holy Spirit and authorized his miracles to validate his prophetic mission to Israel.

No, historical-critical analysis shows that the Bible is a vast anthology containing highly diverse themes, including both messages of profound peace and accounts of severe warfare. While the New Testament emphasizes love, grace, and forgiveness through Jesus, the Old Testament contains complex legal codes, civil laws, and narratives where God commands total military warfare and strict retributive punishments against rival nations to protect the monotheistic identity of ancient Israel.

Yes, both Christian scripture and Islamic theology completely agree that Jesus was explicitly sent by God as a divinely appointed guide, teacher, and messenger to humanity. In the New Testament gospels, his mission is framed as bringing spiritual salvation, healing the sick, and declaring the immediate arrival of the Kingdom of God. Similarly, the Quran defines his core task as delivering the Gospel (Injeel) and serving as a miraculous sign to guide the Children of Israel back to pure monotheistic worship.

In the legal codes of the Old Testament, most notably Deuteronomy 13:6-11, the prescribed statutory punishment for an Israelite who entices others to worship foreign gods is death by public stoning. While historical narratives like Exodus 32 document severe executions for national apostasy (such as the incident with the Golden Calf), biblical scholars note that this capital penalty was legally designed to protect the monotheistic identity of ancient Israel.

No, historical-critical analysis proves the Bible contains highly diverse themes, including intense descriptions of ancient warfare and divine judgments. In the Old Testament, there are several instances where God commands total military destruction such as Moses ordering the execution of Midianite captives in Numbers 31 or Joshua's campaigns in Canaan to legally protect Israel's monotheistic identity from neighboring polytheistic influences.

The foundational belief of the Old Testament is strict monotheism, epitomized by the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4): 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.' This faith was maintained in opposition to surrounding polytheistic practices.

First-century Jewish expectations, as discussed in this analysis of Trinity dogma, centered on a human leader, such as a prophet or king from David's line, rather than a divine figure.

A human empowered by God. Not a God-man, a person of the Godhead or part of a Triune God (Trinity)
From the lineage of Abraham (Gen. 22:18)
From the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10)
A descendant of David (2 Sam. 7:12)
A Lord under Yahweh, the God of Israel (Ps. 110:1)
From amongst their own people (Jer. 30:21)

Jesus may have married because first-century Jews viewed procreation as a sacred duty, and point to non-canonical writings like the Gospel of Philip which allege a romantic connection with Mary Magdalene. However, mainstream historical-critical scholarship and Christian tradition emphasize that there is no verified historical or biblical evidence to support the claim that Jesus married, concluding he practiced lifelong celibacy. The New Testament does explicitly verify that Jesus had brothers and sisters, though theologians debate whether they were biological siblings, step-siblings, or cousins.

Jesus' brothers were married. It is likely that Jesus had a wife for the following reasons:

• Pious 1st century Jews took God's commandment to Adam and Eve to 'multiply' seriously
• No evidence to suggest Jesus was celibate
• As a future king of Israel, Jesus would never have been celibate
• He was close to his companion Mary Magdalene - Gospel of Philip has Jesus kissing Mary on the lips

No. Neither Jesus nor his twelve disciples had any intention of founding a new, separate religion, as they operated entirely within the confines of traditional Judaism. Mainstream historians and biblical scholars affirm that the historical Jesus viewed his messianic mission as a internal renewal of Israel's covenant, continuing to follow the Mosaic Torah and temple rituals rather than building a separate world religion.

There is no doubt the Jewish religious leaders of Israel were responsible for Jesus' death. The Romans carried out the actuall crucifixion under the authority of Pontius Pilate.

Early Christians considered the Old Testament 'God-breathed' and authoritative, but believed its ultimate meaning was only revealed through its connection to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled Israel's prophetic history.

The prophet Elijah is directly associated with Baalbek. According to classical Quranic commentaries and Islamic tradition (such as the writings of Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari), Prophet Elijah was sent to the region of Baalbek to preach against the worship of the Canaanite storm god, Baal. The city's original ancient name stems from this deity, meaning 'Lord of the Beqaa Valley'.

In Chapter 37 of the Quran (Surah As-Saffat), Elijah's direct confrontation with his idol-worshipping people is mentioned: 'And Elijah was indeed one of the messengers. Remember when he said to his people, 'Will you not fear God? Do you call upon Baal and leave the Best of Creators, Allah...?' (Quran 37:123-126).

While the Biblical text places Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal primarily in the Kingdom of Israel (such as Mount Carmel), early Middle Eastern geographic traditions linked the worship of Baal and Elijah's mission directly to the city of Baalbek. Near the ancient city, local folklore and regional geography still mark sites and traditions referencing Elijah's presence during his hiding and preaching.

Aaron was an important prophet, the elder brother of Moses (Musa), and the first High Priest of Israel. Because Moses possessed a speech impediment, God appointed Aaron as his spokesperson to confront Pharaoh, guide the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, and maintain spiritual order in the desert.

In Islamic tradition, Aaron is revered as a noble prophet appointed by God to assist Moses. In biblical and Jewish tradition, he is celebrated as the very first High Priest of Israel (Kohen Gadol), establishing the hereditary priesthood (Levitical priesthood).

Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of the patriarch Jacob (Ya'qub), the full younger brother of Joseph (Yusuf), and a primary patriarch of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

David was a major prophet, brilliant military leader, and legendary king of the United Kingdom of Israel. Famous for defeating Goliath, he established Jerusalem as his capital and received the divine book of Psalms (Zabur).

Eli was a high priest, divine prophet, and spiritual judge who led the nation of Israel for 40 years from the sacred sanctuary in Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

Elijah (Ilyas) was a powerful, fearless prophet sent to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC. He spent his ministry calling the Israelites back to pure monotheism and opposing the widespread idolatry promoted by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.

Elisha (Alyasa') was a devoted prophet, worker of miracles, and the official spiritual successor to the Prophet Elijah (Ilyas). He spent over five decades guiding the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC, advising kings, performing miracles, and calling the people back to God.

In a famous prophetic vision, God carried Ezekiel to a valley filled with dried human bones and commanded him to prophesy to them. As he spoke, the bones miraculously assembled, flesh covered them, and life was breathed back into them, symbolizing the future spiritual and national resurrection of Israel.

Isaac was the father of twin sons, Esau and Jacob (Yaqub). Through his son Jacob who became the patriarch of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Isaac's lineage gave rise to numerous prophets.

Jacob (Yaqub) was a major prophet, a devoted family leader, and the founding patriarch of the nation of Israel. Born in Canaan to Prophet Isaac and his wife Rebecca, he was the twin brother of Esau.

God blessed Jacob with the name Israel (meaning 'one who strives with God'), and his twelve sons became the founding patriarchs of the famous Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Jesus (Isa) is recognized as one of the most prominent prophets, messengers, and divine teachers in human history, sent by God to guide the Children of Israel. Born miraculously to his virgin mother, Mary (Maryam), he preached love, mercy, and pure monotheism.

Joshua lived to be 110 years old. After dividing the land of Canaan among the Twelve Tribes of Israel and renewing their covenant with God, he died and was buried in his inherited land at Timnat-serah. A historical shrine dedicated to him (Nabi Yusha') also stands near Salt, Jordan.

Judah (Yehudah) was the fourth son of the patriarch Jacob (Ya'qub) and Leah, and the founding patriarch of the Tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Judah (Yehudah) was the fourth son of the patriarch Jacob (Ya'qub) and Leah, and the founding patriarch of the Tribe of Judah�the largest and most prominent of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

The terms 'Jew' and 'Judaism' are directly derived from Judah's name (Yehudah). Following the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the southern Kingdom of Judah preserved the heritage, faith, and culture of the Israelite people.

Levi was the third son of the patriarch Jacob (Yaqub) and Leah, and the founding patriarch of the Tribe of Levi. The tribe designated to serve as the priests, guardians, and religious caretakers for the nation of Israel.

Levi was the third son of the patriarch Jacob (Yaqub) and Leah, and the founding patriarch of the Tribe of Levi. The tribe designated to serve as the priests, guardians, and religious caretakers for the nation of Israel.

Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not granted a contiguous territory of land in Canaan. Instead, they were distributed across various cities to serve in the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem, receiving tithes from other tribes to support their dedicated spiritual duties.

On Mount Sinai (Horeb), God spoke directly to Moses, earning him the Islamic title Kalimullah ('the one who spoke with God'). There, Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Torah (known in Islam as the Tawrat), establishing foundational moral laws for the nation of Israel.

Phinehas (Pinchas) was a High Priest of Israel, grandson of Aaron, and grandnephew of Moses. Known for his intense zeal and religious devotion, he served as a key leader during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their entry into Canaan.

Judaism: Revered as a legendary High Priest, hero of righteous indignation, and central figure of an entire weekly Torah portion (Pinchas). Rabbinic tradition frequently associates his zealous spirit with the Prophet Elijah.

Christianity: Honored as a faithful leader whose decisive actions demonstrated the power of intercession and faith under the Old Covenant.

Islam: Recognized through classical historical and scriptural commentaries as a noble figure from the priestly line of Harun (Aaron) who helped preserve monotheistic guidance among the Children of Israel.

Samuel was a major prophet, judge, and leader of Israel who transitioned the nation from the era of tribal judges to a unified kingdom.

When the Israelites requested a king to lead them in battle, Samuel guided the transition under divine direction. He anointed Saul as the first King of Israel, and when Saul proved disobedient, Samuel secretly anointed David as his successor.

While Samuel is not named explicitly by his proper name in the Quran, his story is highlighted in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:246-248) as the unnamed prophet whom the Children of Israel asked to appoint a king to lead them against Goliath and their enemies.

Solomon (known as Sulaiman in Islam) was a legendary king of Israel, prophet, and the son of King David. Celebrated for his unprecedented wisdom, immense wealth, and vast kingdom, he is honored across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as a uniquely empowered monarch and divine messenger.

Judaism & Christianity: Revered as the wise king who built the First Temple and presided over the Golden Age of Israel, though biblical texts record his political decline late in life due to foreign alliances.

Islam: Honored as a noble, fully righteous prophet (Sulaiman) who remained completely devoted to God, using his vast kingdom, wealth, and miracles strictly to spread divine monotheism.

Zechariah (known as Zakariyya in Islam) was a high priest, prophet, and spiritual leader of the Children of Israel. Descended from the priestly line of Aaron, he served in the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam for his unyielding faith, devotion, and role as the father of John the Baptist (Yahya).

Zechariah (known as Zakariyya in Islam) was a high priest, prophet, and spiritual leader of the Children of Israel. Descended from the priestly line of Aaron, he served in the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam for his unyielding faith, devotion, and role as the father of John the Baptist (Yahya).

• Lived for 147 years
• Son of Isaac
• Knew Abraham for 20 years
• Also referred to by the name, Israel
• Father of the 12 tribes

There are an estimated 800,000 to 2 million Druze worldwide, concentrated almost entirely in the mountainous regions of the Levant. Syria holds the largest population (primarily in the Jabal al-Druze region), followed by significant, influential communities in Lebanon, Israel (specifically the Galilee and Carmel mountains), and Jordan. Due to historical emigration, vibrant diaspora communities also exist in Latin America (especially Venezuela) and North America.