JETS 28:4 (December 1985) p. 434 of the Messiah. 5 Brief mention may also be made of a third position, which points to a present revelatory function for Israel in addition to the future role described in the previous view. According to this interpretation Israel, in the present disobedience to her election, serves the purpose of God by witnessing to his judgment on obdurate man.6 A fourth understanding of Israel’s place in God’s plan views the nation as yet having a role in which she functions