1 King Who Destroys Hebrew Israelites

The Hebrew Israelite movement, particularly IUIC (Israel United in Christ), has gained significant attention in recent years.

Many followers teach that salvation, righteousness, and divine favor belong exclusively to the Israelites.

They claim that God’s laws, promises, and prayers are only for the Israelites or Hebrew people, dismissing the idea that God cares for other nations.

However, the Bible presents a different perspective.

Let’s explore the story of King Abimelech, a Philistine king, whose interaction with Abraham in Genesis 20 not only challenges these Hebrew Israelite doctrines, but also reveals God’s universal desire for all people to come to Him.

The Hebrew Israelites and Their Dodgy Doctrine

The Hebrew Israelite movement claims that salvation, righteousness, and divine favor are reserved solely for the Israelites.

However, the Bible, especially the story of King Abimelech, challenges and refutes these doctrines.

Abimelech, a Philistine king, was not an Israelite but had a unique relationship with God. His actions exposed the falsehood of several Hebrew Israelite teachings.

Here are 5 points that are deadly to the Hebrew Israelites dodgy doctrine.

1. Abimelech Had a Relationship with God, Even Though He Is Not an Israelite

The story of King Abimelech appears in Genesis 20, where Abraham, on his journey south, arrives in the land of Gerar. In an attempt to protect himself, Abraham tells Abimelech that Sarah, his wife, is actually his sister.

Abimelech, unaware of the deception, takes Sarah into his household. However, God intervenes by speaking to Abimelech in a dream and warning him of the consequences of his actions.

“But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife. But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?” – Genesis 20:3-4

What stands out here is that Abimelech, a Philistine king and not an Israelite, has a direct interaction with God. This is a clear indication that God’s relationship is not limited to the Israelites, as Hebrew Israelites often claim.

God communicates with Abimelech, showing that He is willing to engage with anyone, regardless of their ethnic background.

2. Abimelech Was a Righteous Man, Leading a Righteous Nation 

Abimelech speaks of his conscience being clear in his actions, and God confirms his righteousness. Despite being a non-Israelite, God recognizes Abimelech as a righteous man.

Furthermore, Abimelech claims that his nation is righteous, which directly contradicts the belief held by many Hebrew Israelites that righteousness is exclusively for Israel.

“Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.” – Genesis 20:5-6

Abimelech’s declaration that his entire nation is righteous showcases that God’s righteousness extends to other nations, not just Israel.

This further dismantles the false narrative that only Israelites can be considered righteous in God’s eyes.

3. Only Israelites Can Pray to God

Many Hebrew Israelite groups teach that only Israelites have the privilege of communicating with God. This doctrine falsely claims that Gentiles, or non-Israelites, are cut off from God and cannot pray to Him.

However, the interaction between God and Abimelech directly challenges this notion. God not only communicates with Abimelech but also listens to his plea.

In Genesis 20, Abimelech prays to God after receiving the dream warning, and God responds favorably. This demonstrates that prayer and communication with God are not reserved for Israelites alone.

“Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.” – Genesis 20:7

God’s response to Abimelech reveals that even a non-Israelite king can engage with God, directly contradicting the Hebrew Israelite teaching that God only hears the prayers of Israelites.

4. The Laws and the Way of Life Are Only for Israelites or Hebrews

Hebrew Israelites claim that God’s laws and commands were given exclusively to Israelites. They argue that Gentiles cannot sin against God because they were not given the law.

However, God’s intervention in Abimelech’s life proves His laws apply to all people.

God tells Abimelech that He prevented him from sinning. This demonstrates that God holds everyone accountable, regardless of nationality.

Abimelech’s actions align with God’s standard of righteousness, refuting the idea that only Israelites can sin or live according to God’s laws.

“I know you did this with a clear conscience; and so I have kept you from sinning against me.” – Genesis 20:6

God’s words to Abimelech demonstrate that His moral standards are applicable to all people, not just Israelites.

5. God Is Only Interested in the Israelites or Hebrews

The most prevalent false doctrine among Hebrew Israelites is the belief that God’s interest is solely in the Israelites. 

However, the story of Abimelech powerfully contradicts this idea. God’s interaction with Abimelech shows that He is interested in all nations, not just Israel.

Abimelech’s righteous leadership and God’s response to his plea show that God’s salvation and favor extend beyond the Israelites.

The Bible consistently teaches that God desires people from all nations to come to Him in faith, not just those of Hebrew descent.

“Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?” – Genesis 20:9-10

Abimelech’s rebuke of Abraham shows that the fear of God, including righteousness and justice, exists outside of Israel. This challenges the false belief that God’s interest is limited to the Israelites.

Know the Truth

King Abimelech’s story dismantles several key doctrines upheld by Hebrew Israelites.

Though not an Israelite, Abimelech engages with God, leads a righteous nation, and upholds God’s standards.

His story illustrates that God’s righteousness, laws, and invitation to relationship extend beyond Israel.

These truths challenge false teachings and reaffirm that God’s love and salvation are for all people, regardless of ethnicity.

If you found this post insightful, check out this article on Debunking False Hebrew Israelite Teachings, where we specifically address the story of Rahab.

Many Hebrew Israelite groups misinterpret her story to support their doctrine of exclusivity for the Israelites.

In the article, we explore Rahab’s faith and how God’s grace extends beyond Israel. This reinforces the truth that God’s invitation for salvation is open to all, not just to the Israelites nor the Hebrews.

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