Russell Haffner
Generally speaking, the terms Hebrews, Israelites and Jews all refer to the same people- the nation which sprang from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, a nation promised and chosen by God in the Old Testament (Genesis 12:1-3). Each term emphasizes some aspect of this people's origin or background.
The term Hebrew is first used in the scriptures to refer to Abraham (Genesis 14:13). Then it is used of Joseph (Genesis 39:14, 17) and the other descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 40:15; 43:32). It is uncertain why Abraham is called - "the Hebrew." Some have suggested that the word Hebrew comes from a word meaning "on the other side" or "to cross over" and alludes to Abraham leaving Ur and crossing the Euphrates River. Others believe the origin of the word Hebrew came from the proper name "Eber," listed in Genesis 10:24 as the great-grandson of Shem and an ancestor of Abraham.
There is no explanation given in the Scriptures for calling the nation that came from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, Hebrews. The term does, however, identify the nation as descendants of Abraham. It has been suggested by some that Hebrews is the national name that was preferred by this nation and the name by which foreign nations often referred to it.
The name of Jacob, the son of Isaac (Genesis 25:26) who was the promised son of Abraham (Genesis 17:19), was changed to Israel when he wrestled with a man of God (Genesis 32:28). Hence, the descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob (Israel) made up the nation of Israel and were sometimes called Israelites (Exodus 9:7). When the nation divided, the ten northern tribes took for themselves the name Israel, and the two southern tribes became known as Judah. Both nations were taken captive; Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians and Judah was later taken captive by the Babylonians. When the Babylonian captivity ended, exiles from both nations (Israel and Judah) returned to their homeland and were again united under the designation of Israel.
The term Jews was first used to describe the inhabitants of Judah, the name taken by the two southern tribes of the nation of Israel during the division (2 Kings 16:6; 2 Kings 25:25). After the Babylonian captivity, the meaning was extended to embrace all of Israel. It is suggested by some that this name may have been given to all Israel at this time because the larger portion of the remnant of the covenant people were from Judah (New Unger Bible Dictionary). Jew or Jews is often used to contrast or to distinguish this nation from Samaritans, Gentiles or proselytes (John 4:9; Romans 2:9; Acts 2:10).
All three of these terms (Hebrews, Israelites and Jews) continued to be used in the New Testament to describe the fleshly descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob (2 Corinthians 11:22; John 4:9). Furthermore, since the Israelites were God's chosen people of the Old Testament, in the New Testament the terms Jew and Israel are occasionally used figuratively to represent God's chosen people today (the spiritual seed of Abraham the church, Galatians 3:29; Romans 2:27, 28; 9:6). A careful study of the context of New Testament passages will allow one to discern which way the terms are used in the New Testament and of whom they speak. There are only a few times in the New Testament that a special meaning is given to the words.
The terms Hebrews, Israelites and Jews are close synonyms and are often used interchangeably. All three terms refer to those who have descended from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. The terms are used figuratively a few times in the New Testament in reference to the spiritual seed of Abraham. When speaking of the fleshly nation of Israel, the term Hebrew ties the people directly to Abraham; Israelite relates them to Jacob or Israel, and Jew or Jews reminds us of this people's homeland and is used to distinguish the race from other people or to contrast them with others.
Perhaps you have enrolled in the school, but have not yet started your first course. Beginning your studies is easy to do. Once you have logged in to your account, simply choose the course you would like to study from the "Course Schedule" option located on the blue menu bar of the school website (https://school.wvbs.org/course-schedule/). The "Course Schedule" reflects the designated order that Formal Students must follow. Informal and Auditing Students are recommended, but not required, to follow this schedule.
Once you have selected the course you would like to study you need to register for the course by clicking the "Register" button located on the course page. When this is done, you will have full online access to the course videos, course notes and course books (for textbooks published by WVBS). You can begin watching the videos immediately by clicking the "Lesson 1" link. From each lesson page you will be able to view a 30 to 40-minute video lesson presentation.
If you are a Formal or Informal Student you will not only see tabs on the course page for Description, Syllabus, Course Notes and Course Books, but also for Exams. Click on the appropriate tab and the document will be displayed. If you desire printed pages, there is a "Print" button located to the upper-right of the displayed document where you can print personal copies.
You may register and begin viewing the courses at any time. There is no official start time for any of the courses. They are always available - 24/7. Why not start your lessons today?