The execution of William Tyndale, who translated most of the Old Testament into English, in 1536. ‘It was the translation of the Bible into the vernacular, a project at the heart of the Reformation, that opened up the stories of the Hebrew scriptures to ordinary people,’ writes Giles Fraser. Photograph: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The Israel that David Lloyd George was won over to through Sunday school was a merger of Christian theological fantasy and British national self-aggrandizement.
Martin Luther became a horrendous antisemite in later life. But the foundation of a Jewish homeland for the Jewish people is hard to imagine without the reform of the church that he kickstarted 500 years ago. It was Protestants under Oliver Cromwell that led the drive to open this country up to Jews after centuries of banishment. And it was the Protestant Sunday-school background of men like David Lloyd George that made them so well disposed to the Zionist message.
Speaking to the English Zionist Federation at the Savoy hotel in 1931, Lloyd George said: “You will not be offended if I tell you that the names of these valleys and hills in Canaan are as sacred to the Gentile as they are even to the Jew. I heard of Jezreel and Esdraelon, of Carmel and of Zion before I knew of the existence in my own land of the Valley of Glamorgan or of Plinlimmon.”
When CP Scott, then editor of the Guardian, arranged for the Zionist statesman Chaim Weizmann to meet Lloyd George in 1915, Weizmann was pushing at an open door. The Balfour declaration that followed under Lloyd George’s leadership was rooted as much in the Sunday-school maps at the back of the Bible as it was in the geopolitical realities of the first world war.
It was the translation of the Bible into the vernacular, a project at the heart of the Reformation, that opened up the stories of the Hebrew scriptures to ordinary people. Before he was hunted down and executed on a charge of heresy, William Tyndale had translated most of the Old Testament. A Hebraist of some talent, Tyndale’s influence on the English language has been immense. “His influence decided that our Bible should be popular and not literary, speaking in a simple dialect, and that so by its simplicity it should be endowed with permanence,” wrote Brooke Foss Westcott (later bishop of Durham) in 1868. “He felt by a happy instinct the potential affinity between Hebrew and English idioms, and enriched our language and thought for ever with the characteristics of the Semitic mind.”
Following the translation of the Bible into English, the 17th century witnessed an explosion of popular interest in the Hebrew scriptures. It became common for ordinary people, especially Puritans, to give their children Hebrew names – Josiah, Saul, Hezekiah, Beulah. And it was these texts that people would look to as guidance and justification for their political priorities: James I was the new Solomon, the revolution against the king was mandated by the book of Daniel, etc.
Already in the New Testament, St Paul had taken a term that had referred to an actual community of people living over time, and changed its meaning to that of a theological idea. This was the decisive move. The true Israelites, argued Paul, a former Pharisee, are “not the children of the flesh … but the children of the promise”. The term “Israel” is thus detached from its rootedness in Jewish people and Jewish history and turned into a form of self-understanding.
With this separation established, the church could describe itself as the “new Israel” and people on the rugby terraces could sing, without puzzlement, about building Jerusalem in England’s green and pleasant land. From the 17th century, English nationalism borrowed from the language of being the chosen people. This is why, even today, the service of coronation draws so much more from the Old Testament than from the New.
Would it be right to describe any of this as philosemitism? I used to think (maybe hope) something roughly like this: that, because of our history, and despite frequent relapses into prejudice, Britain was especially well disposed towards the Jewish people. Hence the Balfour declaration. But having married an Israeli, I now feel more keenly than before the remarkable disconnect between the language we have historically used about Israel and the actual place and its people.
Most of those who wrote so enthusiastically about Jews in the 17th century had never actually met any. Jews weren’t so much a people as an idea. Likewise, the Israel that David Lloyd George was won over to through Sunday school was a merger of Christian theological fantasy and British national self-aggrandisement. And those of us who remain Zionists, and continue to support the existence of a state for Jews in the land of Israel, must also contend with a clear-eyed recognition that theological fantasy and national self-aggrandisement are not safest of foundations on which to build a future.
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is very useful. Thank you for sharing!
Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Hi there mates, its enormous piece of writing about teachingand fully explained, keep it up all the time.
Fine way of explaining, and pleasant article to get data regarding my presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in institution of higher education.
Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!
This excellent website definitely has all of the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
I like what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and coverage! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have read this publish and if I may I want to suggest you few fascinating things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles relating to this article. I wish to read more things approximately it!
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I will learn a lot of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Hi there i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make comment due to this sensible piece of writing.
Hi Dear, are you truly visiting this web site regularly, if so after that you will definitely take pleasant knowledge.
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thanks for providing this info.
This post is really a pleasant one it helps new net people, who are wishing for blogging.
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
I’m not positive where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or working out more. Thank you for great information I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website so i got here to go back the favor?.I am trying to in finding things to improve my site!I guess its good enough to use some of your concepts!!
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own website now 😉
Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your design. Thank you
I am curious to find out what blog system you have been working with? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and the rest of the site is also really good.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
Howdy, I believe your website might be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful website!
Ridiculous quest there. What occurred after? Thanks!
Hi there, its good article regarding media print, we all know media is a wonderful source of data.
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any points or suggestions? Appreciate it
This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
you are in reality a good webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a magnificent process in this matter!
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
Грамотный частный эромассаж в Москве в боди салоне
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
Hello there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any points or suggestions? Appreciate it
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, wonderful site!
This is very interesting, You are an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look ahead to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
I love what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and coverage! Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve added you guys to our blogroll.
Wow, this piece of writing is pleasant, my sister is analyzing such things, so I am going to tell her.
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great site.
If you want to take much from this post then you have to apply such techniques to your won blog.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the site is extremely good.
I quite like reading a post that will make people think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!
Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on %meta_keyword%. Regards
Great info. Lucky me I ran across your website by accident (stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back later in life. I want to encourage one to continue your great job, have a nice morning!
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this information to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!
I don’t even understand how I ended up here, however I thought this post was good. I don’t realize who you are however definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already. Cheers!
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m glad to show that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much undoubtedly will make certain to don?t fail to remember this web site and give it a look on a constant basis.
We stumbled over here different web page and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking over your web page yet again.
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a applicable deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vibrant transparent concept
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for %keyword%
I really like it when people come together and share views. Great website, keep it up!
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided brilliant transparent concept
Appreciating the hard work you put into your website and in depth information you present. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Hello there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? With thanks
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Appreciate it!
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Many thanks!
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different page and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to going over your web page yet again.
I truly love your site.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you create this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own blog and want to learn where you got this from or what the theme is called. Many thanks!
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Thank you!
Nice blog here! Also your site quite a bit up fast! What host are you using? Can I am getting your associate link for your host? I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
I used to be recommended this blog by way of my cousin. I am now not sure whether this submit is written by way of him as no one else realize such specific approximately my difficulty. You are amazing! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next post thank you once again.
I simply could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person supply for your visitors? Is going to be back incessantly in order to check up on new posts
I read this piece of writing fully about the resemblance of latest and previous technologies, it’s remarkable article.
Howdy! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your website for more soon.
Wonderful site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you in your effort!
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own blog now 😉
I read this post fully regarding the comparison of latest and preceding technologies, it’s remarkable article.
We stumbled over here different web page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to exploring your web page for a second time.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Cheers
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing in your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific site.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks a lot!
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers
Excellent post. I am dealing with some of these issues as well..
Thanks in favor of sharing such a nice opinion, piece of writing is good, thats why i have read it fully
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s posts everyday along with a cup of coffee.