Again, Jeremiah 31:31-33 states, “Behold, the days are coming, says YHVH, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— “not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says YHVH. “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says YHVH: I will put My Torah in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people”Footnote # here (emphasis mine).

Notice that this prophecy states that God will establish the new covenant with both the house of Israel and the house of Judah! This begs the question, “Why would it be necessary for God to establish the new covenant with both houses?” Since the new covenant is, in effect, a second marriage contract there can only be one reason: because God knew He would eventually divorce and remarry both houses! He had already divorced the house of Israel during Old Testament times for breaking their covenant with Him (Jer. 3:8). Now, during New Testament times, He was about to divorce the house of Judah for the same reason (Ex. 19:3-6; Deut. 7:6-12; Josh. 24:14-25; Neh. 1:5).

Of course, since God was bound by His promise to Abraham, to make his descendants a great nation forever, He was able to divorce the house of Judah, He first had to establish a covenant with at least one of Abraham’s descendants! That descendant was Yeshua, who was born under the old covenant, and who also established the new covenant with both the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Once God had established the new covenant with remnant Israel through Yeshua, He was free to divorce the house of Judah without breaking His promise to Abraham, that his descendants would be a great nation forever.

Three days before Yeshua was crucified, He “went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves’” (Matt. 21:12-13).

After the encounter with the money changers, Yeshua went to Bethany. Matthew 21:18-19 states, “Now in the morning, as He returned to the city [Jerusalem], He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away” (Emphasis added).

Scripture reveals that a fig tree is symbolic of Israel (Deut. 8:8; Jer. 24:5; Hosea 9:10; Joel 1:7; Matt. 21; Mark 11; Luke 13). And just as the fig tree looked healthy, but had no fruit, the house of Judah appeared to be God’s people, but had no fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22; Acts 5:32). Too, just as Yeshua cursed the fig tree, which later died, He also cursed the house of Judah, which was about to die!

After returning to Jerusalem, Yeshua arrived at the temple and began to teach. While He was teaching, the chief priests and the elders confronted Him. It was their intent to discredit Him as a false messiah and have Him put to death. It was at this time that Yeshua spoke two parables about the fate of Judah (Matt. 13:10-17).

The first parable, The Parable of the Two Sons, is recorded in Matthew 21:28-32 where Yeshua states, “But what do you think? A man [God] had two sons [the house of Israel and the house of Judah], and he came to the first [the house of Israel] and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ “He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. “Then he came to the second [the house of Judah] and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Yeshua said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. “For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him” (Emphasis added).

The second parable, The Parable of the Vineyard, is recorded in verses 33-41, immediately after the first parable, where Yeshua states, “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner [God] who planted a vineyard [the house of Judah (Isa. 5:1-7)] and set a hedge around it [God’s protection], dug a winepress in it [judgment (Isa. 63:2-3; Lam.1:5; Joel 3:13; Rev, 19:15)] and built a tower [the temple]. And he leased it to vinedressers [the chief priests and the Pharisees] and went into a far country [heaven]. “Now when vintage-time drew near [judgment], he sent his servants [the prophets] to the vinedressers [the chief priests and Pharisees], that they might receive its fruit [repentance - Matt. 3:7-10]. “And the vinedressers took his servants [the prophets], beat one, killed one, and stoned another [Matt. 23:35-37; Luke 11:51]. “Again he sent other servants, more than the first [more prophets], and they did likewise to them. “Then last of all he sent his son Yeshua to them [the first coming], saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ “But when the vinedressers [the chief priests and the Pharisees] saw the son [when they realized that Yeshua was the Messiah], they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance [the Kingdom of God].’ “So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard [the house of Judah] and killed him [nailed Him to a stake]. “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard [Yeshua] comes [The second coming], what will he do to those vinedressers [the chief priests and the Pharisees]?” They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons” (Emphasis added).

After telling both parables Yeshua stated, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was YHVH’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. “And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them” (Matt. 21:42-46). The prophecy, “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it,” is clear! It means that the Kingdom of God will be taken from the house of Judah, including the chief priests and Pharisees, and given to the house of Israel, including the ministers of the new covenant.

Then, Yeshua told a third parable: The Parable of the Wedding and the Wedding Feast. It is recorded in Matthew 22:2-14, where Yeshua states, “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king [God] who arranged a marriage for his son [Yeshua], and sent out his servants [the prophets] to call those who were invited [the house of Judah] to the wedding; and they were not willing to come [they were not willing to repent]. Again, he sent out other servants [other prophets], saying, ‘Tell those who are invited [the house of Judah], “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready [the marriage supper (Rev. 19:9)]. Come to the wedding.” ‘But they [the house of Judah] made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business [John 6:44-66]. And the rest [the religious leaders of the house of Judah] seized his servants [the prophets], treated them spitefully, and killed them. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies [the Roman Armies], destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city [Jerusalem]. Then he said to his servants [the ministers of the new covenant - 2 Cor. 3:4-6], ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited [the house of Judah] were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding [through the gospel message].’ So those servants [the prophets] went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found [both Israelites and Gentiles], both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests [the Israel of God - Gal. 6:15-16]. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment [a white robe which represents righteousness (Isa. 61:3, 10; Rev. 6:11; 7:9, 13-14; 19:7-8)]. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen” (Emphasis added).

After telling the third parable, Yeshua addressed the multitudes of Judea, including the scribes and the Pharisees. The account is recorded in Matthew 23. We’ll focus on verses 29 to 39 where Yeshua states, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, “and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. “Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. “Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? “Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, “that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. “Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! “See! Your house is left to you desolate; “for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of YHVH!’”

Let’s continue the account in Matthew chapter 24, verses 1 and 2. “Yeshua went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Yeshua said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD exactly as Yeshua had prophesied when the Roman Army under General Titus sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the temple so thoroughly that not one stone was left upon another. Also, the Levitical priesthood and the Sanhedrin were abolished and millions of Jews were scattered into the Gentile nations.

Thus, after the crucifixion of Yeshua, God gave Judah about 40 years, one generation, to repent. They refused! Thus, in 70 AD He allowed Jerusalem and the temple to be destroyed, and the Levitical priesthood and the Sanhedrin to be abolished! God had divorced the house of Judah!

Many Believers quote Romans 11:1 in an attempt to prove that God has not divorced Judah, Israel “of the flesh.” It states, “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.” Let’s examine this Scripture in context! Romans 11:1-5 states, “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “YHVH, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

Notice that Paul gives two examples as to how God has not cast away His people. He used remnant Israel, personified by himself, as the first example and remnant Israel, personified by Elijah, as the second example. Thus, when Paul said that God had not cast away His people, he is not referring to Israel “of the flesh,” he is referring to Israel “of the promise,” remnant Israel. In fact, Paul concludes with this statement, “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

In Romans 11:13-24, Paul expands the symbolism of an Old Testament analogy in which Israel is likened to a cultivated olive tree (Jer. 11:16-17; cf. Ps.52:8; 128:3). In his adaptation of the analogy, he explains that a number of the branches of the cultivated olive tree were cut off due to unbelief, leaving only a remnant on the tree. What happens to branches that are cut off a tree? They die! Of course, the branches that were cut off the tree due to unbelief symbolize Jews who reject Messiah Yeshua, a people with whom God was in the process of terminating His covenant (Deut. 7:6-12; Gen. 17:1-8; Ex. 19:3-6). Again, Paul refers to them as Israel “of the flesh.” The branches that remained on the cultivated olive tree symbolize remnant Israel, Jews who accept Yeshua as Messiah! Again, Paul refers to them as Israel “of the promise.” Paul goes on to liken Gentiles to a wild olive tree and explains that some of its branches were cut off and grafted into the cultivated olive tree, remnant Israel. They symbolize Gentile converts to the faith, a people with whom God was now establishing His covenant.

Many Believers interpret these Scriptures to mean that gentile converts to the faith are grafted into Israel as a whole, meaning both Israel of the flesh and Israel of the promise! This is not so! Remember, the branches that were cut off the cultivated olive tree were cut off before the branches of the wild olive tree were grafted in! Thus, the branches of the wild olive tree, which represent gentile converts to the faith, were only grafted into the branches that remained on the cultivated olive tree, remnant Israel, Jews who accept Yeshua as Messiah. Thus, the truth is that gentile converts to the faith are not grafted into Israel as a whole!

Finally, Ezekiel 37: 1-17 states, “The hand of YHVH came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of YHVH, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O YHVH God, You know.” Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of YHVH! Thus says YHVH God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am YHVH.”’” So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says YHVH God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says YHVH God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am YHVH, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, YHVH, have spoken it and performed it,” says YHVH.’” Again the word of YHVH came to me, saying, “As for you, son of man, take a stick for yourself and write on it: ‘For Judah and for the children of Israel, his companions.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel, his companions.’ Then join them one to another for yourself into one stick, and they will become one in your hand.” Notice that these Scriptures picture the “whole house of Israel” as being dead (vs. 11)! This includes both the house of Israel and the house of Judah (vv. 15-17)!

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Again, Jeremiah 31:31-33 states, “Behold, the days are coming, says YHVH, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— “not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says YHVH. “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says YHVH: I will put My Torah in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people”Footnote # here (emphasis mine).

Notice that this prophecy states that God will establish the new covenant with both the house of Israel and the house of Judah! This begs the question, “Why would it be necessary for God to establish the new covenant with both houses?” Since the new covenant is, in effect, a second marriage contract there can only be one reason: because God knew He would eventually divorce and remarry both houses! He had already divorced the house of Israel during Old Testament times for breaking their covenant with Him (Jer. 3:8). Now, during New Testament times, He was about to divorce the house of Judah for the same reason (Ex. 19:3-6; Deut. 7:6-12; Josh. 24:14-25; Neh. 1:5).

Of course, since God was bound by His promise to Abraham, to make his descendants a great nation forever, He was able to divorce the house of Judah, He first had to establish a covenant with at least one of Abraham’s descendants! That descendant was Yeshua, who was born under the old covenant, and who also established the new covenant with both the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Once God had established the new covenant with remnant Israel through Yeshua, He was free to divorce the house of Judah without breaking His promise to Abraham, that his descendants would be a great nation forever.

Three days before Yeshua was crucified, He “went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves’” (Matt. 21:12-13).

After the encounter with the money changers, Yeshua went to Bethany. Matthew 21:18-19 states, “Now in the morning, as He returned to the city [Jerusalem], He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away” (Emphasis added).

Scripture reveals that a fig tree is symbolic of Israel (Deut. 8:8; Jer. 24:5; Hosea 9:10; Joel 1:7; Matt. 21; Mark 11; Luke 13). And just as the fig tree looked healthy, but had no fruit, the house of Judah appeared to be God’s people, but had no fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22; Acts 5:32). Too, just as Yeshua cursed the fig tree, which later died, He also cursed the house of Judah, which was about to die!

After returning to Jerusalem, Yeshua arrived at the temple and began to teach. While He was teaching, the chief priests and the elders confronted Him. It was their intent to discredit Him as a false messiah and have Him put to death. It was at this time that Yeshua spoke two parables about the fate of Judah (Matt. 13:10-17).

The first parable, The Parable of the Two Sons, is recorded in Matthew 21:28-32 where Yeshua states, “But what do you think? A man [God] had two sons [the house of Israel and the house of Judah], and he came to the first [the house of Israel] and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ “He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. “Then he came to the second [the house of Judah] and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Yeshua said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. “For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him” (Emphasis added).

The second parable, The Parable of the Vineyard, is recorded in verses 33-41, immediately after the first parable, where Yeshua states, “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner [God] who planted a vineyard [the house of Judah (Isa. 5:1-7)] and set a hedge around it [God’s protection], dug a winepress in it [judgment (Isa. 63:2-3; Lam.1:5; Joel 3:13; Rev, 19:15)] and built a tower [the temple]. And he leased it to vinedressers [the chief priests and the Pharisees] and went into a far country [heaven]. “Now when vintage-time drew near [judgment], he sent his servants [the prophets] to the vinedressers [the chief priests and Pharisees], that they might receive its fruit [repentance - Matt. 3:7-10]. “And the vinedressers took his servants [the prophets], beat one, killed one, and stoned another [Matt. 23:35-37; Luke 11:51]. “Again he sent other servants, more than the first [more prophets], and they did likewise to them. “Then last of all he sent his son Yeshua to them [the first coming], saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ “But when the vinedressers [the chief priests and the Pharisees] saw the son [when they realized that Yeshua was the Messiah], they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance [the Kingdom of God].’ “So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard [the house of Judah] and killed him [nailed Him to a stake]. “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard [Yeshua] comes [The second coming], what will he do to those vinedressers [the chief priests and the Pharisees]?” They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons” (Emphasis added).

After telling both parables Yeshua stated, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was YHVH’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. “And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them” (Matt. 21:42-46). The prophecy, “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it,” is clear! It means that the Kingdom of God will be taken from the house of Judah, including the chief priests and Pharisees, and given to the house of Israel, including the ministers of the new covenant.

Then, Yeshua told a third parable: The Parable of the Wedding and the Wedding Feast. It is recorded in Matthew 22:2-14, where Yeshua states, “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king [God] who arranged a marriage for his son [Yeshua], and sent out his servants [the prophets] to call those who were invited [the house of Judah] to the wedding; and they were not willing to come [they were not willing to repent]. Again, he sent out other servants [other prophets], saying, ‘Tell those who are invited [the house of Judah], “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready [the marriage supper (Rev. 19:9)]. Come to the wedding.” ‘But they [the house of Judah] made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business [John 6:44-66]. And the rest [the religious leaders of the house of Judah] seized his servants [the prophets], treated them spitefully, and killed them. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies [the Roman Armies], destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city [Jerusalem]. Then he said to his servants [the ministers of the new covenant - 2 Cor. 3:4-6], ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited [the house of Judah] were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding [through the gospel message].’ So those servants [the prophets] went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found [both Israelites and Gentiles], both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests [the Israel of God - Gal. 6:15-16]. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment [a white robe which represents righteousness (Isa. 61:3, 10; Rev. 6:11; 7:9, 13-14; 19:7-8)]. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen” (Emphasis added).

After telling the third parable, Yeshua addressed the multitudes of Judea, including the scribes and the Pharisees. The account is recorded in Matthew 23. We’ll focus on verses 29 to 39 where Yeshua states, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, “and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. “Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. “Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? “Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, “that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. “Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! “See! Your house is left to you desolate; “for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of YHVH!’”

Let’s continue the account in Matthew chapter 24, verses 1 and 2. “Yeshua went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Yeshua said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD exactly as Yeshua had prophesied when the Roman Army under General Titus sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the temple so thoroughly that not one stone was left upon another. Also, the Levitical priesthood and the Sanhedrin were abolished and millions of Jews were scattered into the Gentile nations.

Thus, after the crucifixion of Yeshua, God gave Judah about 40 years, one generation, to repent. They refused! Thus, in 70 AD He allowed Jerusalem and the temple to be destroyed, and the Levitical priesthood and the Sanhedrin to be abolished! God had divorced the house of Judah!

Many Believers quote Romans 11:1 in an attempt to prove that God has not divorced Judah, Israel “of the flesh.” It states, “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.” Let’s examine this Scripture in context! Romans 11:1-5 states, “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “YHVH, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

Notice that Paul gives two examples as to how God has not cast away His people. He used remnant Israel, personified by himself, as the first example and remnant Israel, personified by Elijah, as the second example. Thus, when Paul said that God had not cast away His people, he is not referring to Israel “of the flesh,” he is referring to Israel “of the promise,” remnant Israel. In fact, Paul concludes with this statement, “Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

In Romans 11:13-24, Paul expands the symbolism of an Old Testament analogy in which Israel is likened to a cultivated olive tree (Jer. 11:16-17; cf. Ps.52:8; 128:3). In his adaptation of the analogy, he explains that a number of the branches of the cultivated olive tree were cut off due to unbelief, leaving only a remnant on the tree. What happens to branches that are cut off a tree? They die! Of course, the branches that were cut off the tree due to unbelief symbolize Jews who reject Messiah Yeshua, a people with whom God was in the process of terminating His covenant (Deut. 7:6-12; Gen. 17:1-8; Ex. 19:3-6). Again, Paul refers to them as Israel “of the flesh.” The branches that remained on the cultivated olive tree symbolize remnant Israel, Jews who accept Yeshua as Messiah! Again, Paul refers to them as Israel “of the promise.” Paul goes on to liken Gentiles to a wild olive tree and explains that some of its branches were cut off and grafted into the cultivated olive tree, remnant Israel. They symbolize Gentile converts to the faith, a people with whom God was now establishing His covenant.

Many Believers interpret these Scriptures to mean that gentile converts to the faith are grafted into Israel as a whole, meaning both Israel of the flesh and Israel of the promise! This is not so! Remember, the branches that were cut off the cultivated olive tree were cut off before the branches of the wild olive tree were grafted in! Thus, the branches of the wild olive tree, which represent gentile converts to the faith, were only grafted into the branches that remained on the cultivated olive tree, remnant Israel, Jews who accept Yeshua as Messiah. Thus, the truth is that gentile converts to the faith are not grafted into Israel as a whole!

Finally, Ezekiel 37: 1-17 states, “The hand of YHVH came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of YHVH, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O YHVH God, You know.” Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of YHVH! Thus says YHVH God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am YHVH.”’” So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says YHVH God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says YHVH God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am YHVH, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, YHVH, have spoken it and performed it,” says YHVH.’” Again the word of YHVH came to me, saying, “As for you, son of man, take a stick for yourself and write on it: ‘For Judah and for the children of Israel, his companions.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel, his companions.’ Then join them one to another for yourself into one stick, and they will become one in your hand.” Notice that these Scriptures picture the “whole house of Israel” as being dead (vs. 11)! This includes both the house of Israel and the house of Judah (vv. 15-17)!