NT Text: Galatians 6:16
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment + Longitudinal Theme
Significance: The expression "peace on Israel" occurs in Psalms 125:5; 128:6, but Paul may have been influenced by eschatological Isaiah passages, especially 54:10 LXX. Since Paul earlier (4:27) applied Isaiah 54:1 to Gentile believers in Galatia, and since the letter focuses on God's people's unity, it's difficult to believe he'd introduce ethnic distinction at the document's end. By means of a final OT allusion, Paul assures his readers that all who belong to the new order, whether Jew or Gentile, are the true seed of Abraham and thus constitute the eschatological Israel of God. The phrase "Israel of God" isn't a reference to ethnic Israel or Jewish Christians specifically, but to all who walk by the new creation's "rule" (kanōn, 6:15). This includes both Jewish and Gentile believers incorporated into the one people of God through faith in Christ. The blessing of peace and mercy, drawn from OT benedictions over Israel, is now pronounced upon the renewed people of God—the church composed of all who are Abraham's seed through faith.
NT Use Pattern: Symbolic — "Israel of God" → the church. Paul transfers the OT covenant designation symbolically to those who walk by the cross-rule, the new-creation people, regardless of ethnic Israelite descent.