REF: TR9EN
There is a great deal of confusion today regarding the identity of the people of God. Many teach that the Torah (instruction or law) is only for the Jews, while others claim that it no longer applies. But if we carefully examine the Scriptures, we will see that the subject is much deeper and clearer than it seems.
1. What does it mean to be “Jewish” and “Israelite”?
First, it is important to understand that they are not exactly the same.
Division of the Kingdom of Israel
After the reign of Solomon, the people were divided into two:
Northern Kingdom (House of Israel) – 10 tribes
Southern Kingdom (House of Judah) – Judah, Benjamin (and some Levites)
“At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi… and Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren.”
(Deuteronomy 10:8)
The 10 tribes of the north (House of Israel):
- Reuben
- Simeon
- Issachar
- Zebulun
- Dan
- Naphtali
- Gad
- Asher
- Ephraim
- Manasseh
These tribes were taken captive by Assyria around 722 BC.
“And the king of Assyria carried Israel away captive… because they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God.”
(2 Kings 18:11–12)
They were scattered among the nations and lost their identity.
The House of Judah
The southern kingdom remained more identifiable, and from there comes the term “Jew” (from Judah).
2. God calls Israel “sheep”
When Yeshua said:
“I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
(Matthew 15:24)
He was not speaking generally.
In the Old Testament, God calls His people “sheep”:
“You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God.”
(Ezekiel 34:31)
“My sheep wandered through all the mountains… and no one was seeking or searching for them.”
(Ezekiel 34:6)
Conclusion:
The “lost sheep” are the scattered tribes of Israel.
3. The parable of the prodigal son (a deeper perspective)
(Luke 15:11–32)
Although it applies personally, it also reflects something prophetic:
Younger son → House of Israel (lost among the nations)
Older son → Judah (remains identified)
The younger son:
Goes far away
Loses everything
Lives like a Gentile
Returns in repentance
This reflects exactly what happened to the scattered tribes.
4. The identity problem: “Jew vs Gentile”
Today people speak of two categories:
Jews
Gentiles
But biblically there is a third reality:
Israel as a whole (the 12 tribes)
5. What happens to Gentiles who believe in Yeshua?
Here is one of the most important keys.
Grafted into Israel
“And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them…”
(Romans 11:17)
“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
(Galatians 3:29)
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints…”
(Ephesians 2:19)
Clear conclusion:
You are no longer spiritually a Gentile
You are now part of Israel
You are an heir of the promises
6. So… who is the Torah for?
The biblical answer is:
For the people of God (Israel)
And if you are now part of Israel through Yeshua:
It also applies to you.
7. Promises and responsibilities
Many want the promises, but forget the rest.
“All that the Lord has spoken we will do.”
(Exodus 19:8)
The covenant always included:
Promises
Responsibility (obedience)
8. What does it mean to love God?
Yeshua said:
“You shall love the Lord your God…”
(Matthew 22:37)
But that does not eliminate the Torah—it summarizes it.
The Torah is the practical expression of love.
Example:
Love God → keep Shabbat
Love your neighbor → do not steal, do not lie, do not commit adultery
9. What is sin?
“Sin is lawlessness.”
(1 John 3:4)
“I would not have known sin except through the law.”
(Romans 7:7)
Without Torah:
There is no definition of sin
There is no clear guidance
10. Is it an impossible burden?
No.
“This commandment… is not too difficult for you.”
(Deuteronomy 30:11)
Also:
Not all commandments apply to everyone
Some are for priests
Others for men or women
Others depend on context
11. Restoration (the full plan)
God promised to gather His people:
“I will take you from among the nations… and bring you into your own land.”
(Ezekiel 36:24)
Yeshua came to begin this process.
It will be completed at His return.
12. Conclusion
If you have believed in Yeshua:
You are no longer spiritually a Gentile
You have been made part of Israel
You are an heir of the promises
And you are also called to obedience
Your identity is Israel.
Practical Application
Examine your identity in light of Scripture
Do not define yourself by religious traditions
Begin to study the Torah as instruction for life
Walk step by step in obedience
Glossary
Torah (תּוֹרָה – Torah): Divine instruction, not just “law,” but guidance for living.
Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל – Yisra’el): “One who struggles with God” or “God prevails.” Covenant people.
Gentile (גּוֹיִם – Goyim): Nations outside the original covenant.
Judah (יְהוּדָה – Yehudah): Tribe of the southern kingdom; origin of the term “Jew.”
Shabbat (שַׁבָּת): The day of rest established by God.
Sin (חֵטְא – Chet): To miss the mark, to disobey God’s instruction.
All Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version (NKJV).
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God bless you,
Ed Silva
torahrooted@pm.me
