How Salvation is "from the Jews"
Resolve one of the most puzzling sayings of Jesus
If most Jewish people do not receive Jesus as Messiah, how could Jesus declare, “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22)? The problem appears when we hear “salvation” solely as one person’s acceptance of Jesus. Throughout Scripture, salvation primarily involves God’s intervention in history, His restoring of His people, and His reign. Jesus names the origin of that saving work, without claiming that every Jewish person acknowledges its fulfillment. The issue, then, is the channel of God’s promise, not simply the percentage who receive it.
At Jacob’s well, the Samaritan woman asks about rival places of worship: Mount Gerizim or Jerusalem (John 4:20). Jesus responds inside this dispute between communities claiming Israel’s inheritance. His reply upholds the Judean context of God’s unfolding salvation. Straightaway He announces worship beyond either mountain, in spirit and truth (John 4:21-24). Its Jewish source therefore does not limit its scope.
Judah’s scepter and salvation
Isaiah provides a vital scriptural framework. The herald proclaims peace and salvation, then says, “Your God reigns!” (Isa 52:7). The Hebrew “salvation” or “deliverance” (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) concerns rescue from captivity and Zion’s full restoration. “Your God reigns” (מָלַךְ אֱלֹהָיִךְ, malakh Elohayikh) proclaims God’s triumphant kingship. Salvation here means God making His reign effective through rescue. Its horizon embraces the nations, who witness His saving power (Isa 52:10).
This royal theme reaches back to Jacob’s blessing. Judah receives his brothers’ honor and is portrayed as a lion (Gen 49:8-9). Next follows the promise: “The scepter will not depart from Judah” (Gen 49:10). The term (שֵׁבֶט, shevet) means “staff,” here a royal scepter. The passage links Judah’s rule with the obedience of peoples (Gen 49:10-12).
Once Jesus makes this argument (that salvation is from Judah/Judeans/”Jews”), she immediately silently agrees. The Samaritan woman knows her Torah (Samaritans have their own Torah, extremely close to that of the Judeans) and is well aware that YHVH promised to bless the tribe of Judah with salvific kingship (Gen 49:8-9). The chapter itself closes with Samaritans recognizing Him as “the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).
Conclusion
Salvation flows from the Jews/Judeans because God chose Judah and his tribe as the channel of His promise, not because every Jewish heart receives it. Jesus stands at Jacob’s well as the promised King, the scepter of Judah, and the Savior of the world. His origin in Israel does not limit His reach; it launches it. From Jerusalem to Samaria to every nation, the cry goes forth: Your God reigns! Salvation is indeed, as promised, from the tribe of Judah!
Comments (9)
Has it not been the Jews who provided the revelation of God in Christ through His word entrusted to them by God? Was it not the Jewish lineage of the Son of Man that, in concert with the Spirit of Yahweh, that brought forth the Son of God? Is this the point the Jesus was making? And, is this not also the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham; that all the nations of earth would be blessed through him?
Shalom, Roger! Yes, and that is the direct fulfillment of what Jesus meant by "Salvation is from the Judeans/the tribe of Judah/the Jews". You are highlighting the end product, while I focus on its basis. She did not know any of this (you and I know that); she lived before. But she gets Jesus' point, which means we have to find something in her thought world that she could have agreed to. Hence the prophecy/blessing of Jacob for Judah.
Great insight. And I inspired.
Blessings!
I thank you again, Eli.
1) In the first century CE, Samaritans were numerous, but nowadays, few?
2) The meaning of Jesus' name in Hebrew, Jeshúa, is 'JHWH (is) salvation'. Isn't that true?
3) And about the sceptre:
Gen. 49:10 עַ֚ד כִּֽי־יָבֹ֣א שילה until Shiloh come (transl. Green's literal)
Shiloh = the one whose it is / its owner
Yes. Samaritans were a substantial community in the first century, although exact numbers are uncertain. Today, fewer than 1,000 remain, mainly in Holon and on Mount Gerizim. Centuries of persecution, warfare, and conversion reduced their numbers.
Yes, through the name’s origin. Yeshua (ישוע) is the shortened form of Yehoshua (יהושע), conventionally understood as “YHWH saves” or “YHWH is salvation.” This meaning does not require the pronunciation “Yahshua.”
“Until he comes to whom it belongs” is a respected interpretation of Gen 49:10, with a close parallel in Ezek 21:27. However, Shiloh is disputed, so “its owner” is not an uncontested dictionary definition. Another reading is “until tribute comes to him.” Christians understand Judah’s royal promise as ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
Thank You so much!!! This is really inspiring. God Bless
I thank you. The verse Ezek 21:27 is a close parallel.
27 An overturn, overturn, overturn, I make it; also this hath not been till the coming of Him, Whose is the judgment, and I have given it.
But the verse numbering in Biblia Hebraica seems to be different.
Ezek 21:32 עַד־בֹּ֛א אֲשֶׁר־ל֥וֹ הַמִּשְׁפָּ֖ט וּנְתַתִּֽיו׃
Hallelujah!
Salvation must be from a JEW, who is Jesus Christ.
And I am sure all Jews will put their faith in Jesus Christ when they see Him coming to them in the eminent future, according to The TaNaKh.
Praise the Lord.
May the Lord grant Jewish people his peace with God and men.
In the case of speaking to the Samaritan woman I also see that Jesus is correcting centuries of misconception and wrong theology by the remnants of the lost ten tribes that eventually became Samaria. Israel was banished into exile long before Judah and in that short sentence Jesus simply and with authority corrected that misunderstanding.
This was one of my early books; some still say it is one of the finest - https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Gospel-John-Discovering-Israel/dp/1514392836
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Dr. Eli, where did the job of rabbi originate? Was it the extension of “prophet?” In the OT was there a school of prophets? Is that another name for the “sons of the prophets?”Thank you for your teachings which continue to add richness to my understanding of our Jewish/Gentile connection in Christ Jesus. Lois
Dear Lois,
thank you for your kind words! The rabbinic office did not develop directly from the prophetic office. Its roots lie more in Jewish scribes and sages who studied and interpreted Torah. “Rabbi” began as an honorific meaning “my master,” used for teachers, including Jesus (John 1:38). The formal rabbinic role developed gradually, especially after the Temple’s destruction in AD 70.
The Old Testament describes prophetic communities associated with Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha (1 Sam 19:20; 2 Kings 2). “Sons of the prophets,” Hebrew benei hanevi’im, means members of a prophetic group, rather than necessarily biological sons. They gathered around Elisha and sat before him (2 Kings 4:38).
“Schools of the prophets” is a customary description of these communities. It suggests learning and mentorship, but Scripture does not describe a formal curriculum. These prophetic circles should be distinguished from later rabbinic institutions. It is my understanding that Rabbinic class have not taken control over Jewish spirituality until somewhere between 6-8 centuries of CE/AD.
Absolutely breathtakingly brilliant. Just like our God! I have always loved this story in Luke where Messiah reveals himself (officially for the first time) to a lonely and thirsty Samaritan woman…. It could only have been her who shared their private conversation with Luke/ the rest of the world and now it’s just got even better!
Thanks for sharing this revelation.
Sorry, this story should be recorded in The Book of John.
John actually personally witnesses the incident, of course the facts should be told by Jesus to him as he should have gone to buy food leaving Jesus alone with the Samaritan woman.
You are blessed to know Jesus is The Messiah as well.
Praise the Lord.
Michelle, thank YOU for making this teaching ministry possible! May the Lord bless you and keep you! Thanks be to God!
Thank for the revelation. May everyone try and understand this teaching of yours. Praise God. Amen.
May the Lord grant us all his light!
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Thank you.
Maranatha
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