From Abraham to the Millennium
Tiny Israel punches above her weight. Geographically she is just the size of Wales and she has less than ten million people, but she still stands unique amongst the nations. Why? The answer is that her existence (past, present and future) is mapped out in the scriptures. No other nation has such a well-defined timeline. Nations come and nations go, but according to the Bible, Israel will never disappear!
The following slides give 54 key Bible prophecies relating to the people and the land of Israel. They give a clear timeline of Israel – past, present and future. They clearly predict the present regeneration of the land itself, the recent discovery of natural resources, and the current unprecedented immigration (aliyah) to Israel. They also describe the future world government and how the nations will one day honour Israel. And prophecy describes a future harmony between Jew and non-Jews; they live at peace alongside each other in a Millennial age.
God’s People: Israel
God promised Abraham and his descendants (the people of Israel) all the land of Canaan (modern Israel) as an everlasting possession. He promised Abraham that he would become a great nation, and that this nation would be God’s own people, a unique people on the face of the earth. They are God’s chosen servant to be a witness to Himself and to make a name for Himself. Today, after 2,500 years of exile through disobedience, Israel is once more on the world stage as millions of Jews return to their own land. Today there is a State of Israel and she is becoming the focus of world attention as we approach the end of the age. God is leading them, just as a Father leads his little child.
Aliyah: the Ingathering of Israel
For a time rebellious Israel was forsaken by God and they were scattered (like dry bones) amongst the nations. But Ezekiel the prophet saw a valley of dry bones that became alive as God brought the people back to their own land. In these last days God has reached out to His people and wants to blot out their sin and unite them with Himself. So He is calling His people out from the nations, back into their own land, the land of Canaan. Jews call this ingathering or mass immigration back to their own land ‘aliyah’ or ‘ascent’. It has been underway now for over 100 years, drawing in some 8 million people. The Gentile nations cannot help but see an amazing thing: a nation born almost overnight. It is a very clear sign to the nations that the God of Israel is working in the world!
The Refining of Israel
Israel was scattered throughout the nations because she rebelled against her Creator. The prophet Ezekiel says she was like a captive behind bars, experiencing great suffering. But even when Israel returns to her own land, the vast majority of the Jews will still reject Yeshua, their true Messiah. So God brings them through a time of severe trial to refine them, like the refining of silver and the testing of gold. It is so severe that only one third survive. But this remnant at last sees Yeshua as their Messiah, and they mourn for their rejection of Him and how they pierced Him on the cross. God then pours out His Spirit upon this remnant, cleanses them, and writes His law on their hearts. From this time onwards, Israel is reunited with her God.
God’s Protection & Blessing of Israel
The refined remnant of Israel receive God’s protection and blessing. He protects them from their enemies and humbles those who have afflicted Israel. At the final assault on Israel, God causes great geological changes as the Mount of Olives splits in two (to provide protection for Israel). Israel then sees great blessings in both land and sea (possibly abundant gas and oil). Her well-watered hills produce abundant crops to fill the world with fruit and the formerly desolate land becomes like the garden of Eden. At last the nations acknowledge that Israel is God’s true witness of Himself and that His glory rests on the people of Israel.
Millennial Israel
Millennial Israel will live in peace, with the land divided equally amongst the tribes of Israel. The people will grow vineyards and build houses, and any foreigner (Gentile) will be treated equally as though they were God’s own people. Part of the land near Jerusalem will be set aside for Christ’s sanctuary, the seat of His Kingdom on earth. It will be a beautiful, glorious place. From there Christ will be King over all the earth and will the rule the nations with a rod of iron. Each year the nations will go up to Jerusalem to worship Him and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.