The House of Jacob refers to the descendants of the Biblical patriarch Jacob, who was later named Israel. Jacob was the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham. He had 12 sons who became the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel.
The term “House of Jacob” is used several times in the Bible to refer collectively to the people of Israel, the descendants of Jacob. For example:
- “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend” (Isaiah 41:8 ESV)
- “Has he rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.” (Romans 11:1-2 ESV)
The 12 sons of Jacob were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph and Benjamin (Genesis 35:23-26). Jacob bestowed a blessing on each of his sons which outlined some of the characteristics of the tribes that descended from them (Genesis 49:1-28).
For example, Judah’s descendants became the tribe of Judah, known for their leadership. Joseph received a double portion and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, became tribes in their own right. The 12 tribes settled in different areas of the Promised Land and formed the kingdom of Israel.
Throughout the Old Testament, the term “House of Jacob” is used prophetically to refer to the destiny of the nation of Israel. The prophets delivered messages from God to His chosen people Israel, the “House of Jacob.” But they also gave messages of restoration and hope when Israel sinned and faced judgment.
A few examples of prophecies related to the House of Jacob:
- “In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.” (Isaiah 10:20 ESV)
- “Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.” (Jeremiah 46:28 ESV)
- “For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own…Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house, to set his nest on high, to be safe from the reach of harm! You have devised shame for your house by cutting off many peoples.” (Habakkuk 2:6, 9-10 ESV)
The term “House of Jacob” could also refer more specifically to the Southern Kingdom of Judah (as opposed to the Northern Kingdom of Israel), since the tribe of Judah was a prominent tribe along with Benjamin and Levi. These three tribes made up the Southern Kingdom.
A couple examples of this more specific reference:
- “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.” (Hosea 11:1-4 ESV)
- “And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 2:11-12 ESV)
After the return from Babylonian exile, “House of Jacob” continued to refer to all Israelites, but with an emphasis on those from the Southern Kingdom of Judah who returned to rebuild Jerusalem.
In the New Testament, the House of Jacob takes on further meaning in light of Jesus Christ’s coming. Jesus was descended from the tribe of Judah, and His salvation was promised to come through the House of Jacob:
“He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1:54-55 ESV)
The House of Jacob also expanded to include non-Jewish believers in Jesus as the Messiah. The Church is considered spiritual Israel, heirs together with Christ and thus children of Abraham (Galatians 3:29). So references to the House of Jacob apply both to ethnic Israelites and also Gentiles who put their faith in Christ:
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.” (James 1:1 ESV)
In summary, the term House of Jacob in the Bible refers to the physical and spiritual descendants of Jacob. It is used prophetically to talk about Israel’s destiny, sin, judgment, and restoration. Jesus Christ as descendant of Jacob fulfilled prophecy and created a way for all peoples to become part of the House of Jacob through faith in Him.
The House of Jacob has an important past, present, and future according to God’s covenant promises revealed in Scripture. Understanding this Biblical theme helps provide insight into God’s eternal plan for Israel and the Church.