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2 Kings 17:23: So Israel was carried away into exile.
In this morning's sermon, I suggested that we should read the conclusion of the history of the North as part of the gospel story. This passage highlights the fact that Israel's failure was a failure to believe God, a failure to remain loyal in worship to Yahweh. It thus points to the demand of the gospel, the demand for loyal, persevering faith in the God of Israel. Further, by showing God’s justice in sending Israel into exile, and by preparing for the eventual restoration of "Samaria" in a new covenant, this passage also serves as a justification of God.
But this passage is also a gospel text in a more specific way. Israel is chosen; Israel is delivered from Egypt; Israel is planted in the land, but is divided; Israel sins, is handed over to Gentiles, and is cast out of the land. Israel's history of failure and death is not some accident. This is the way that Israel was supposed to bring blessing to the Gentiles. This is the very form of the salvation she was called to mediate to the nations. Israel was called and chosen to die for the sake of the world.
That calling was fulfilled by the true Israel, Jesus. That very sequence is the story of Jesus: He is the chosen one, the Eternal Son of God; He comes from Egypt and ministers in the land; He is eventually cast out of the land, handed over to Gentiles to suffer outside the camp bearing the sins of His people. Israel's history is thus a figure of the coming Messiah, the true Israel, the true Hoshea, who brings salvation to all nations through His death.
The fall of Samaria is Israel's Good Friday. But Good Friday is always followed by Easter. The story of Old and New is the same: Israel has died; Israel has been raised. Let us therefore keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 09:39 AM
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