Does it seem that Middle Eastern events, especially ones focused on Israel, are dominating the international news cycle? If you are like me, you might wonder if these events connect to Bible prophecy. In the articles you are about to read, I invite you to discover an ancient story with eternal implications linking directly to geopolitical events of our day.
Natural Or Spiritual – Maybe Both?
In the 6th century BC, the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon, as the prophet Jeremiah had predicted. Two thousand years ago, during the Roman occupation, they were again driven from their land following the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the Bar Kokhba revolt 60 in 132-136 AD. Yet today, despite all odds and to the consternation of many, the Jewish people have returned to their ancient homeland.
This national restoration after thousands of years is not normal geopolitical behavior; in fact, it never happens, but God! There is much interesting history that made this a reality, laying the foundation for “last days” prophetic fulfillment.
Is Israel Required for the Last Days?
Some may question, “Why is Israel’s presence back in the land a requirement of the last days?” Much end-time prophecy hinges on Israel’s presence in the land, but understanding it generally requires a broader context to grasp the whole picture. Despite this challenge, allow me to highlight one prophecy that we will unpack later in this series.
And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
Daniel 9:27
This passage is part of a larger prophecy that the angel Gabriel delivered to Daniel regarding the Jewish people at the time of the end. The Jews must be in the land for the antichrist to make this “strong covenant” with the people. This passage also connects to the abomination of desolation that Jesus discusses in Mathew 24, and Paul brings it to our attention in Thessalonians.
How will Israel come back into the land after the nation has been scattered across the earth? That, also, is prophetic fulfillment, which, among other writers, Isaiah and Ezekiel foresaw, as discussed below. You may also wish to read a historical summary of the events here.
Can A Nation Be Born Again?
Both Isaiah and Ezekiel spoke of these days when Israel would experience a national rebirth. The ancient prophetic scriptures are coming alive in our modern world, if we have the eyes to behold the wonder.
“Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?” says the LORD; “shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?” says your God.
Isaiah 66:7-9
Ezekiel was another prophet who spoke of a time when the dead and dried bones of Israel would come back to life. This was not a singular event, but a process sometimes called the birth of Zionism, beginning in the late 1800s as Jews from around the world began returning (“making Aliyah”). But it would not be until after World War II, on May 14, 1948, when Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion declared national independence. Immediately following this national rebirth, five of its Arab neighbors: Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, attacked Israel. I suppose some folks have a funny way of saying, “Welcome to the neighborhood.”
It would take time for the new nation to build infrastructure, governmental systems, agriculture, commerce, etc. Ezekiel had explained that the dry bones would live again. At first, it would be a sound, then a rattling, followed by bone to bone; sinews would be laid down, then flesh, followed by skin, and finally breath. In his vision, Ezekiel described their rebirth as an army. Imagine trying to build your nation while simultaneously engaged in warfare from all sides. This “1948 Arab Israeli War” would be the first of many modern-day conflicts, so Israel’s coming back to life as an army was absolutely critical in prophetic history.
Ezekiel 37 contains the vision of dry bones.
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.
Ezekiel 37:10
Eventually, as the prophet foretold, God will place his Spirit in them, and they will know him as Lord. This process began over a hundred years ago (God working through human agency), and Ezekiel’s vision is still being worked out today.
The prophet Amos also spoke of these days…
And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
Amos 9:14-15
Is God at Work in Israel?
The question I’d like to consider as we begin this journey is quite simple, but profound with supernatural and eternal implications. Was Israel’s restoration as a nation on May 14, 1948, a historical anomaly, or was God directing human affairs to fulfill his ancient promises? And if God is behind these events, why? What ancient story is being played out in our world? As Bible-believing Christians, should we not be aware of the implications of His story so that we can cooperate with His purposes?
In this series of articles, I will develop a biblical framework for Israel’s right to exist, to possess the land, and to possess the holy city, which will set the stage for the Messiah’s coming kingdom and its establishment on the earth.
I hope you will join me on this journey as we unpack elements of this incredible story.