Israel and the Church

God made two sets of promises, one to Abraham and the other to David.

Israel
Abraham's promises described in Genesis were to his descendants, past down to Isaac and Jacob then onto the nation Israel.

Genesis 17:1-8
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.   And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly."   Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying:   "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.   No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.   I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.   And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.  Also I give to you and your descendants after you

When the prophets mention “Jacob”, they are referring to Israel, as Jacob had his name changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28) and was the father of twelve sons, each named after the tribes of Israel (Genesis 35: 22-26).

The Church
The Promises to David:

Psalm 89:34-37
My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David:   His seed shall endure forever, And his throne as the sun before Me; It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky." Selah

They were past down to Nathan, (David's son), and eventually to Jesus Christ (Luke 3:23-34).  Through-out Jesus’ ministry the crowds that followed Him always call Him “Son of David”, because they understood the prophecies relating to Jesus (Matthew 9:27). This why when the prophets mention “David”, they are referring to the Messiah or Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:16
"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

The promises to Abraham are the promises to the kingdom of God (Israel) and the promises to David are a Royal line to Jesus; to rule over Israel.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Jeremiah 30:7-11
Alas!  For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob's trouble, But he shall be saved out of it.   'For it shall come to pass in that day,' Says the LORD of hosts, 'That I will break his yoke from your neck, And will burst your bonds; Foreigners shall no more enslave them.   But they shall serve the LORD their God, And David their king, Whom I will raise up for them.   'Therefore do not fear, O My servant Jacob,' says the LORD, 'Nor be dismayed, O Israel; For behold, I will save you from afar, And your seed from the land of their captivity.  Jacob shall return, have rest and be quiet, And no one shall make him afraid.   For I am with you,' says the LORD, 'to save you; Though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, Yet I will not make a complete end of you.  But I will correct you in justice, And will not let you go altogether unpunished.'

The Body of Christ
The early Church knew to well that Jesus Christ was the Messiah and because of their great conviction and belief, they bravely declared His name in the presence of much persecution.  The hard work the early Church achieved, declaring Christ’s teachings are now well established, for example, forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7) and the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16) . Therefore when it mentions “David” in the prophets, they are referring not only to Jesus but also the Church as the body of Christ.

It is often thought that Israel no longer exists and that the Church has replaced the nation Israel.  But God has a fundamental plan for Israel and not just for the Church. The Church is not the fulfilment of God's plan, but rather the tool that God will use to fulfil His plan.  It is through the Church ruling as Kings and Priest with Jesus Christ over Israel, that the promises of Abraham shall have their final fulfilment.

The mysteries of the Kingdom will always remain hidden, until one realises Israel's role in God's plan.