That's a fascinating question, as it depends on how you define "last thing" and what parts of the Bible you consider. Here's a breakdown of different interpretations and possible answers:
Understanding the Nuances
* "Last Thing" by Biblical Chronology: Determining a precise chronological order for all biblical books is difficult. Scholars debate the exact dating of many books.
* "God Said" vs. "God Inspired": Some might argue that everything in the Bible is God-inspired, while others focus on direct quotes attributed to God.
* Specific Group vs. Broader Context: Are we looking for something specifically about "Israelites" (as in the descendants of Jacob/Israel), or something about God's people in general, including those brought into the faith later on?
* Old Testament vs. New Testament: Some may not consider New Testament as relevant since the "Israelites" are no longer the direct subjects of God.
Possible Answers & Interpretations
* Malachi (Old Testament): If you consider the last book of the Old Testament canon to be the cutoff, the relevant passage in Malachi refers to the people of Israel and contains both judgements and promises.
* Judgment: "Even from the days of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?'” Malachi 3:7
* Promise: "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." Malachi 3:16-18
This passage is a mix of rebuke and promise, reminding the Israelites of their covenant with God and the consequences of disobedience, but also offering hope for restoration.
* The Gospels (New Testament): In the New Testament, Jesus, who is considered God incarnate by Christians, often addresses the people of Israel. Here's an example:
* Matthew 23:37-39: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’"
This is a lament over Jerusalem's rejection of Jesus, a warning of judgment, and a hint of future restoration.
* Romans 11 (New Testament - Paul): Paul's letter to the Romans addresses the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles (non-Jews) in God's plan.
* Romans 11:25-27: "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’"
This passage speaks of a partial hardening of Israel, a role for the Gentiles, and a future salvation for "all Israel." It suggests that God is not finished with the Israelites.
Conclusion:
There is no single, definitive "last thing" God says about the Israelites in the Bible that everyone agrees on. The answer depends on your perspective and interpretive choices. I suggest reading these passages in their broader context to understand the nuances of the messages.