Why is there so much anti-Semitism in the world?

TL;DR:

The world has always hated the Jewish people because of their special place in God’s heart. The Jews have always been a part of God’s redemptive plan to bring salvation to the world.

While antisemitism can technically be defined as hatred of all of Shem’s descendants (Genesis 11:10-26), which includes Israel and the Ishmaelites (Genesis 21:12-21), it is more commonly understood as a strong opposition to the nation of Israel. Antisemitism (hatred against Jews) is unique; no hatred against any group of people can compare with it. First is its longevity. Hatred for Jews has been around a very long time. The Babylonians, the Persians, the Assyrians, the Egyptians, the Hittites, and the Nazis have all attempted to destroy the Jewish people. Second is its universality. Jews are despised virtually everywhere in the world. History has shown that at various times over the last 1,700 years, the Jews have been expelled from over eighty different countries. Third is its intensity. Antisemitism has always been expressed in a particularly virulent manner. In this sense, the world’s antisemitism reflects its hatred toward God.

from the old testament

Years after Joseph died, the Egyptians enslaved the Hebrews and ordered that their male infants be murdered (Exodus 1:8-22). Later, the Pharaoh during Moses’ day ran the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 12:31-32) and then pursued them to kill them (Exodus 14:5-9).
The Amalekites attacked Israel in the desert (Exodus 17:8)
King Sihon of the Amorites wouldn’t let Israel pass through his land (Numbers 21:23)
All the kings of the Canaanites came out against Israel (Joshua 11:1-5)
The Philistines besieged Israel for years (1 Samuel 17:1-3)
Assyria carried off the northern kingdom (2 Kings 17:6)
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and exiled the southern kingdom of Judah (2 Kings 25:1-12)

from the new testament

The Romans conquered Israel and demanded taxes from them (Luke 2:1-3)
The Jews are primarily hated because of their connection to the one true God (Romans 9:4-5)

implications for today

The real reason the world hates the Jews is explained by the apostle Paul. Speaking of the Jews, he says, "They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen" (Romans 9:4–5). The world hates the Jews because the world hates God.God used the Jews to bring forth His Word, the Law, and morality to a world of sin. It was through the Jews that God sent His Son to fulfill the Law and redeem mankind, offering salvation and freedom from sin. The message entrusted to the Jews ultimately transforms the world. Yet it is this very message that draws forth the wrath of those who would give their last ounce of strength to resist it. Those who desire to hold onto their sin cannot destroy God or His holy Law, so they attempt to destroy His messengers.Despite all efforts to destroy the Jews, God is not finished with Israel. Someday the nation of Israel will recognize Christ as their Savior and turn to Him (Romans 11:26), and this cannot come to pass if Israel no longer exists. God has always preserved at least a remnant of the Jews and will continue to do so until His final plan comes to fruition. No amount of anti-Semitism will thwart God's plan for the Jewish people.

understand

Antisemitism has endured for centuries across civilizations.
Jews have faced expulsion from over eighty countries, reflecting widespread animosity.
Antisemitism is characterized by virulent expressions of hostility toward the Jews.

reflect

How does understanding the historical and theological roots of antisemitism challenge or affirm your own perspective on God's redemptive plan for humanity?
Reflect on instances in your own life or community where prejudice or discrimination mirrored historical patterns of antisemitism. How can awareness of this history inform actions towards promoting understanding and responding to injustice?
What does God’s creation of and protection of the Jews reveal about Him and His redemptive plan?

engage

All people are made in God’s image. That means all people are to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of how different they are from you.
The mass hatred of Jews and the many attempts of exterminating them should give people pause as to why the world so deeply and virulently responds in hatred to the Jews.
How can understanding the biblical perspectives on Israel's role in God's plan influence contemporary attitudes towards Jews and antisemitism?