The Chosen People have many biblical titles: Hebrews, Children of Jacob, and Israelites, to name a few. What is the origin of the branding “Jew,” in Hebrew ‘Yehudi?” It is first employed as a specific ethnic title during the Babylonian exile, as seen in Ezra, Daniel and Esther. Historically, this name indicated an association with the tribe of Judah (’Yehuda’), from which most of the Babylonian exiles descended. However, the name actually derives from the Hebrew word which means to praise or give thanks, as it says “And she conceived again, and bore a son; and she said: ‘This time will I praise the LORD.’ Therefore she called his name Judah” (Genesis 29:35). The name thus highlights an inherent primary Jewish value. The fact that this collective name was given in exile shows that sometimes one has to travel far away to discover who they really are. Love what you just learned? Sign up with the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies to gain deeper insights into the Bible than you ever thought possible!
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Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your head from the Lord Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach.
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People
Charlotte, NC USA