1.5 Israel and the time of Jacob's trouble.

The purging of a nation.

Introduction:

Israel’s integrity is being questioned worldwide.
Popular opinion is turning against Israel.
Their sole support base, America (USA) is weakening.
China and Russia, supporters of Israel’s neighbours, are in ascent.
Israel’s land claims seem unrealistic, antagonizing neighbours.
Israel’s future looks bleak, being such a small country with so many enemies.
Nevertheless Israel, and their supporters, continue with an illusion of invincibility. They seem to claim, into the present, prophetic visions of dominion and biblical peace and prosperity.
Misapprehending biblical prophecy, Israel seems to appropriate biblical promises into the present which are only applicable after the Messiah arrives. In addition, these promises were not made to the nation, but to a faithful few, described as ‘the remnant’. (ref. Chapter 3)
Consequently, Israel is blindly marching to their doom, to the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble’.
Jacob’s trouble is prophesied to be a time of purging and refining, with only the ones acceptable to God, the righteous and purified remnant, receiving the promises.
Jesus terminates the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble’ by his second coming, at which time the surviving remnant receives him as their Messiah.

Jeremiah 30: 4-6 And these are the words that the LORD spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah. For thus says the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask you now, and see whether a man does travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

{30:7} Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Index

Chapter 1 – Prophetic Visions of the Future

Chapter 2 – Sabbath and Millennial Prophecy

Chapter 3 – Israel’s Future Restoration

Chapter 4 – Jewish Feasts and the Prophetic Timeline

Chapter 5 – Prophetic Timelines for Israel

Chapter 6 – Critique of Hebrew Roots and Christian Zionism

Chapter 7 – The Temple and the ‘Holy Place’.

Chapter 8 – Blindness of the Jews to the gospel of Jesus Christ

Chapter 9 – Understanding the different Jewish teachings and identities.

Chapter 10: Why the support for Israel by well-meaning Christians?

Chapter 1 -Prophetic Visions of the Future

Overview

Prophetic visions of the future messianic kingdom (the Millennium) are illustrated using twelve perspectives depicting the anticipated peace, prosperity, and spiritual renewal during the future reign of the Messiah, Jesus, from Jerusalem, with scriptural references to support each theme given in the link at the end.

Although one can understand that it could be tempting for the nation of Israel to appropriate such wonderful promises into the present, such speculation is gross error, as the messiah is clearly not present today. Neither is Israel a source of joy, peace, and security for all as foretold; rather the opposite applies.

However, one day these promises will apply, once Father God has purged and purified the nation…

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he has torn, and he will heal us; he has smitten, and he will bind us up. 6:2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. (Hosea 6:1,2)

The Messiah Reigns as King

The Messiah will reign as the sole King over all the earth.
His authority will extend globally (“from sea to sea”).
Nations and their leaders will be drawn to His light and rule from Jerusalem.
All nations will seek the wisdom and law emanating from Zion.

Earth Full of the Knowledge of the Lord

The world will be filled with a deep awareness of God, bringing peace.
People everywhere will be taught by the Lord and follow His ways.
Warfare and conflict will cease, replaced by global harmony.
Harmony is assured because justice will prevail. Messiah will rule with a ‘rod of iron’, keeping mankind’s inherent rebellious and sinful tendencies in check.
Resurrected believers, in their new, pure, eternal, spiritual bodies, will ‘rule and reign with Christ’ during the millennium. (Rev 1:5-6)

Jerusalem: City of God

Jerusalem will become a source of joy, peace, and security for all.
The city will be rebuilt with beauty and divine protection.
God’s presence will make Jerusalem a center of righteousness and praise.

Israel: Place of Peace and Purity

Israel will have a unified leadership under the Messiah (often linked typologically to David).
The people will be faithful, purified, and beneficiaries of a new covenant with God.
Violence and oppression will disappear, replaced by safety and prosperity.

Cities Rebuilt and Inhabited

Ruined cities will be restored and filled with life.
Foreign peoples will assist in rebuilding, reflecting God’s favor.
Communities will be peaceful, vibrant, and secure.

Vineyards Planted and Enjoyed

Agriculture will prosper; people will plant vineyards and enjoy their produce.
Famine will end, and the land will be fruitful and secure.
Israel Restored with Eden-like Conditions
The land will resemble Eden, abundant and beautiful.
Predators and prey will coexist peacefully; physical afflictions will be healed.
Life expectancy will increase, and holiness will prevail.
Dead Sea Healed; Fish and Trees Abound
Fresh water will flow from Jerusalem, healing the Dead Sea.
Abundant life, including fish and fruitful trees with medicinal leaves, will thrive.

The People of Israel

Israel’s people will be cleansed, joyful, and restored to God’s favor.
They will be recognized and blessed among the nations.
God’s Spirit and blessings will remain with them perpetually.

All Nations Seek the Lord

All nations will be drawn to experience God’s glory in Jerusalem.
People worldwide will seek instruction and blessing from Israel.
Wealth and tribute from all nations will flow to God’s people.

Worship of the Lord at Jerusalem

Global worship will converge at Jerusalem on appointed feasts.
Refusal to worship will result in divine consequences for nations.
Joy and celebration will characterize worship in the Millennium.

Geography: Cities, Names, Neighbors, and Boundaries

Israel’s borders and tribal divisions will be reestablished.
Jerusalem’s gates will be named after Israel’s tribes.
Egypt and Assyria will join Israel in worship and blessing, reflecting broader regional harmony.

For the expanded discussion and the scriptural references, view https://www.hopefulmartyr.com/2-8-ot-prophetic-picture-millennium/

Chapter 2 – Sabbath and Millennial Prophecy

Overview

This chapter explores the biblical concept of Sabbath as both a literal day of rest and a prophetic foreshadowing of a 7,000-year divine plan, culminating in the Millennial Kingdom. It analyzes scriptural, historical, and traditional support for the theory that human history spans 6,000 years, followed by the 1,000-year (millennial) reign of the Messiah.

Biblical Foundations of the Sabbath

The Sabbath command is unique among world religions and originates from the seven days of creation (Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:8-11).
The Sabbath provides a pattern for trusting in God’s provision and finding spiritual rest, not just physical cessation from labor.
New Testament texts (Hebrews 4:3-11) use the Sabbath as a metaphor for believers entering into God’s rest through faith.

Sabbath as Foreshadowing: The 7,000-Year Plan

The seven days of creation may be viewed as a foreshadowing of 7,000 years of human history, with the last millennium representing the Messianic Kingdom.
The proposed timeline divides into: 2,000 years from Adam to Israel, 2,000 years from Israel to the Messiah, 2,000 years of the Gentiles, and 1,000 years of Messianic rest.
Scriptural support for a day-for-a-thousand-years principle includes Psalm 90:4, Hosea 6:2and 2 Peter 3:8.

Patterns of Seven in Scripture and Law

Biblical instructions often follow a “6+1” pattern: six days or years of work, followed by a seventh period of rest or release (e.g. instructions for a land sabbath: land to be laid fallow each 7^th Also the bondage release: slave families released every 7×7 years plus property debts cancelled and returned to original owners).
Seven biblical feasts, each with prophetic significance, culminate in a festival symbolizing divine rest, when God dwells (‘tabernacles’) with us.

Jewish and Natural Patterns

Jewish texts (Sanhedrin, Zohar, Midrash) contain similar expectations of a six-thousand-plus-one-thousand-year themes.
Patterns of seven appear in nature (e.g., music, colors, minerals), suggesting divine intentionality.

Prophetic and Historical Evidence

Early church fathers, Jewish literature, and certain biblical genealogies have supported this millennial framework.
The 1,000-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20) is interpreted as the fulfillment of the Sabbath Millennium.
Patterns in Enoch, Noah, and the transfiguration are presented as possible prophetic parallels.

Chronological and Theological Considerations

Calculations of genealogies from Adam to Israel (and subsequent key events) are presented. There are some minor uncertainties concerning Terah’s timeline.
The start date for the 6,000-year period is debatable (creation vs. the fall of Adam).

Cautions and Final Assessment

The author cautions against reliance on popular or secular sources (e.g., Wikipedia) for spiritual theories.
The7,000-year timeline is not expressly taught in scripture, hence readers are urged to approach these theories with prayer, discernment, and personal study.
Engage in prayerful and critical self-study before accepting or promoting the 7,000-year plan theory.

For the expanded discussion and the scriptural references, view https://www.hopefulmartyr.com/3-2-gods-7000-year-plan/

Chapter 3 – Israel’s Future Restoration

This text explores the biblical prophecy of Israel’s future repentance and restoration, focusing on the fulfillment of promises through Jesus Christ and the role of the remnant of Israel during the end times.

Zechariah 12:10 is pivotal in understanding Israel’s repentance, placing this event at Armageddon with the public recognition of Jesus as King.

Zechariah 12:9,10 “And it shall come to pass in that day [i.e. Armageddon], that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn…

{13:1} In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness”

The Vision of the Kingdom

Jesus’ parables about the kingdom of heaven point to a future restored world, not a present reality.
Old Testament prophets, especially Micah, foresee Israel as a unique blessing to all nations in this new kingdom.
The remnant of Israel will fulfill promises by being the centre of godliness, worship, provision and nurture during the millennium.

The Repentance of Israel

Zechariah 12:10 prophesies Israel mourning their past rejection of Jesus after recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.
Paul explains in Romans 9-11 that Israel’s spiritual blindness will last until the “fulness of the Gentiles” is completed. Revelation 11 points to the culmination of the ‘time of the Gentiles’.

Timing of Repentance

Scriptural evidence points to repentance coinciding with Jesus’ arrival at Armageddon, aligning with Revelation 19 and Ezekiel 39.
The awakening commences at the realization of deception by the Antichrist, and protection for those who flee to the wilderness at that point.

The Remnant and Restoration

Only a remnant of Jews—those who accept Jesus—will survive purging and enter the millennium to rule under Christ.
Micah and Jeremiah describe the purification and restoration of this remnant, who will lead worldwide worship from Jerusalem.
‘The word remnant (Sa’ar) is typically used in the Old Testament in a technical way. It means to remain or survive and implies some catastrophic judgement that eliminates most of a group’.- cf. Larry Richards in “735 Bible Questions”…
In prophetic passages ‘Remnant’ is typically used of those who remain after divine judgement and implies their subsequent conversion and restoration to fellowship with the Lord. (Isaiah 10:20-22)
The ‘Remnant concept reminds us that mere descent from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did not save Israel, nor did mere ritual observance of the Law.
Only those exercised personal faith in the Lord were members of the true Israel of God. (Rom 9:6, 11:1-6)’

Gospel preached till the end.

During the tribulation, the gospel continues through the two witnesses, the 144,000, and angelic proclamation.
Some Jews and others may come to faith after witnessing Jesus’ initial return.

The Millennial Kingdom

Jerusalem will be the seat of Christ’s global rule, marked by justice, peace, and fulfillment of God’s promises.
The remnant of Israel, refined and restored, will play a central role in this millennial administration.
Resurrected believers will ‘rule and reign with Christ’ during the millennium. (Rev 1:5-6)

For the expanded discussion and the scriptural references, view https://www.hopefulmartyr.com/appendix-repentance-israel/

Chapter 4 –Jewish Feasts and the Prophetic Timeline

This chapter considers the ceremonial calendar as a framework for understanding both the completed and forthcoming acts of God in history. It analyzes the prophetic significance of the seven Jewish ceremonial feasts in Leviticus 23, proposing that they symbolically correspond to God’s overarching 7,000-year plan for humanity, with fulfilled events in Christ’s first coming and prophetic parallels for the end times and Christ’s millennial reign. Consider the ceremonial calendar as a framework for understanding both the completed and forthcoming acts of God in history. These feasts were instituted by God, through Moses at Sinai, at around 1500BC.

Structure and Grouping of the Jewish Feasts

The seven feasts are grouped into three sets and occur over seven months, as described in Leviticus 23.
The first group includes Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits; the second is Pentecost; the third consists of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles.
Notably, the feasts’ timing and intervals reflect patterns that have prophetic parallels.

Prophetic Significance of the Spring Feasts

Passover: Symbolizes Jesus as the Passover Lamb, sacrificed for humanity’s salvation.
Unleavened Bread: Represents the believer’s new life after salvation, free from the consequences of sin (leaven).
Firstfruits: Foreshadows Christ’s resurrection as the “firstfruits” of the dead.
Pentecost: Fulfilled by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

The Interval

Four months between Pentecost and Trumpets symbolize the current age between Jesus’ first and second coming.

Fall Feasts (Prophetic Parallel to the Second Coming)

Trumpets: Proposed to represent end-times warnings and a call to respond after the revealing of the Antichrist.
Day of Atonement: Foretells Israel’s national repentance and cleansing upon seeing Christ at His return.
Tabernacles: Symbolizes Christ’s millennial reign, when God “tabernacles” with humanity; all nations will come to worship.

Scriptural Basis

The fulfilled and yet-to-be-fulfilled feasts provide a pattern for understanding redemptive history.
The chronology and symbolism of the feasts encourage readiness for the second coming and recognition of God’s continuous plan.
Analysis and interpretations draw heavily on Leviticus 23, Daniel 9:27, Zechariah 14, Micah, and New Testament passages linking Christ to the feasts.

For the expanded discussion and the scriptural references, view https://www.hopefulmartyr.com/4-10-pattern-7000-years-jewish-ceremonial-calendar/

Chapter 5 –Prophetic Timelines for Israel

Overview

This chapter explores prophetic timelines for Israel’s spiritual revival and restoration, focusing on Hosea 6:2, Daniel 9, Ezekiel 37, and related passages. It interprets Hosea’s “two days” as two millennia of Jewish exile, followed by a restoration and the millennium of Christ’s reign.

Daniel’s Prophetic Timeline

Daniel received visions detailing the future of Israel, the coming Messiah, and a timeline of 483 years up to the start of Jesus’s ministry.
God outlined seven remaining years in His plan for Israel after Jesus’s first public appearance, which includes the 3.5 years of His ministry.
Daniel’s 70 weeks prophecy aligns with significant milestones in salvation history.

Hosea 6:2 – Prophetic Interpretation

Hosea 6:2 is interpreted symbolically: two “days” = two millennia of Jewish exile and blindness to the Messiah.
Revival for the Jewish remnant is anticipated after these two millennia.
The third “day” (millennium) represents the 1,000-year Messianic reign, where restored Israel lives in God’s presence.

Jewish and Christian Perspectives

Ancient rabbis foresaw six millennia for the world, with a sabbatical millennium of peace.
Jewish sources and Christian interpreters differ mainly on the starting point of the 2,000 years (Jewish diaspora vs. Jesus’s crucifixion/Pentecost).

Ezekiel 37 – The Vision of Dry Bones

Ezekiel’s vision symbolizes Israel’s prolonged spiritual death and anticipated end-time Jewish revival.
This Jewish revival occurs after severe suffering, concurrent with the day of the Lord, and is linked to Zechariah and Joel’s prophecies.

Signs and Timing of the End-Time Revival

Major indicators include a siege of Jerusalem, cosmic disturbances, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2, Zechariah 12).
Revival peaks at the end of the age, between the 1260th and 1290th days described in Daniel 12.
These timelines suggest a window for revival/restoration around 2030–2033, not as a precise prediction but as a range.

Parables of the Fig Tree

The fig tree represents Israel; The budding fig tree (Israel’s repopulation) signals the commencement of the end times and the nearness of Jesus’s return.
Parables about the unfruitful tree and the cursed fig tree symbolize Israel’s spiritual state and future restoration.

The Millennium and Restoration

After two millennia, Jesus’s return ushers in the 1,000-year reign (the “third day”) where Israel is fully restored.
This aligns with prophetic patterns of sabbatical rest after six millennia of human history.

Key Dates / Deadlines

2,000 years estimated from Jesus’s crucifixion (~30 AD) potentially ending around 2030.
1260, 1290, and 1335-day markers in Daniel correspond to key end-time events and restoration phases.

For the expanded discussion and the scriptural references, view https://www.hopefulmartyr.com/3-5-revival-of-the-remnant/

Chapter 6 – Critique of Hebrew Roots and Christian Zionism.

Overview

This chapter critically examines Hebrew Roots and Christian Zionism, arguing that the Hebrew Roots movement’s desire to validate Old Testament practices contradicts the finality of Christ’s sacrifice. New Testament theology teaches all believers in Christ—regardless of ethnicity—are God’s chosen people. It contends that Jewish exclusivity under the Old Covenant only applied to those with faith in the God of the Bible, and this principle is extended by the spiritual inclusion of Gentile believers in the New Testament. The examination on the validity of the Hebrew Roots movement includes questioning Christian Zionism, the misguided Christian support for modern Israel on ‘theological grounds’.

The Law, Covenant, and Salvation

The law reveals sin but cannot justify or save; salvation comes by faith, not by law (Rom 3:20, James 2:10).
God now writes His law on believers’ hearts, not as external rules.
The New Covenant in Christ supersedes the Old, and provides proper understanding to the function of the law (Heb 8, Rom 4).
There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; all are one in Christ (Gal 3:28, Col 3:11).
Believers are Abraham’s spiritual seed and heirs to the promise (Gal 3:29).

Critique of Christian Zionism/Hebrew Roots

The Hebrew Roots’ desire to restore Old Testament practices contradicts the finality of Christ’s sacrifice.
The New Testament denies a special status for non-believing Jews; all believers are God’s elect.
Support for rebuilding the Temple for animal sacrifice is incompatible with Christian doctrine.

Israel’s Future and Prophetic Fulfillment

Only a believing remnant of Jews will be restored at Christ’s return; most face hardship until that time (Rom 11, Zech 13).
Old Testament promises to Israel were conditional and now fulfilled in the spiritual Israel (the Church).
Emphasis on Jewish feasts or rituals is discouraged; these were shadows fulfilled or to be fulfilled in Christ (Col 2:14-17).

The Elect and the Holy Nation

“Elect” refers to all believers, not ethnic Jews; justification comes by faith in Christ alone (Rom 8:33, 1 Pet 2:9-10).
The Church is now God’s holy nation and royal priesthood.

Modern Israel and Christian Zionism

Christian Zionism dates back to the persecution of Protestants by Mary I, when Protestants fled to Geneva and translated the Bible.
There they learned about the Jewish people, about God’s covenantal promises to them in the Old Testament, and that Paul reaffirmed these promises in Romans 11.
John Bale (1495 – 1593), wrote. “The laste of all [the Gospel] shall returne to the Iewes…that Christes prophyce may be founde true…for he that hath dispersed Israell, shall bringe him again to his folde.”
From those early days onwards, Christian ‘Zionists’ have continued to influence politicians to repopulate Israel with Jews.
Christian Zionists fail to understand that outward Jewish identity is insufficient; true Jews are those with inward, spiritual faith (Rom 2:28-29).
The 1948 establishment of Israel is a political achievement, and of little spiritual significance, as it lacked national repentance and faith in Christ.

Watch Marching To Zion | Paul Wittenberger & Steven L. Anderson (FULL Documentary 2015) for a full explanation about the current spiritual state of Israel.

Also watch this link explaining the trouble Israel is in: israel’s-crisis-analysis-notes

The Name of Jesus and Language Issues

The name “Jesus” (Greek: Iesous) is scripturally valid; the push for “Yeshua” is modern and unsupported by early Christian texts.

The Star of David

The Star of David lacks biblical foundation and is linked to ancient religious and idolatrous symbols.

Summary of Christian Duty Toward Israel

Christians should pray for the salvation of Jews, not for their material prosperity or military success.
Blessings promised to Abraham’s seed apply to believers in Christ, not ethnic Israel alone.

Recommendations / Advice

Avoid adopting Old Testament rituals or symbols in Christian practice.
Focus on the spiritual unity of believers rather than ethnic distinctions.
Pray for the salvation of all, including Jews, through belief in Jesus Christ.

For the expanded discussion and the scriptural references, view https://www.hopefulmartyr.com/4-3-christian-zionism/

Chapter 7: The Temple and the ‘Holy Place’.

Overview

This chapter examines Jesus’s reference in Matthew 24:15 to the “abomination of desolation, standing in the Holy Place”, analyzing its Old and New Testament contexts, prophetic implications, and possible end-time fulfillment. Focus is on interpreting prophetic passages, particularly from Daniel, with a strong emphasis on how these may relate to both historical and future events, including the personal spiritual “temple” of believers.

Jesus’s End-Time Prophecy Context –

Jesus’s teaching in Matthew chapters 24 to 25 includes clues about world circumstances before his return,
Jesus addresses the future of the temple, his return, and the end of the world.
Matthew 24 verse 15 highlights the “abomination of desolation, standing in the holy place” referring directly to Daniel’s prophecies.
Jesus indicates that understanding this event, mentioned in Daniel 11 and 12, requires thoughtful study and reference to Daniel’s prophecies.
The instruction to “flee” upon recognizing the abomination echoes both historic and future warnings.

Interpretation of “Abomination of Desolation” –

Historically, the term referred to Antiochus Epiphanes’s desecration of the Jerusalem temple (~168 BC).
Jesus’s prophecy in Matthew 24:15 suggests a future, analogous event with potentially multiple fulfillments.
The “holy place” is reinterpreted post-resurrection as the believer’s body or spiritual temple. This holy place is not necessarily confined to a physical structure.
The abomination is an act that defiles or profanes what is set apart for God, possibly resulting in spiritual desolation.

Key Passages in Daniel –

Daniel 11:31 describes historical and prophetic pollution of the sanctuary and abolition of regular worship.
Daniel 12:11 ties the setting up of the abomination to the final end-time period, giving specific timeframes (1290, 1335 days).
Daniel 8:11–14 introduces related concepts such as the “transgression of desolation” and emphasizes the sanctuary being “trodden underfoot” and later cleansed.
The end-time focus in Daniel 12 underscores the importance of these prophetic timelines.

Prophetic Timelines and World Conditions –

The period leading up to the end is marked by global turmoil, increased wickedness, knowledge and travel, and unprecedented troubles. –
Daniel’s timeline suggests key events: removal of the regular (continuance), transgression of desolation, abomination of desolation, and sanctuary cleansing. –
Potential timing connects recent world events (e.g., 2021) to future prophetic milestones, though interpretations remain cautious due to the cryptic nature of prophecy.

Application and Possible Fulfillments –

The abomination may include both physical and spiritual forms of defilement.
Both a literal defilement of a physical place, and/or a spiritual defilement corrupting believers’ spirituality, their abilities, and their DNA, need to be considered.
Modern concerns such as transhumanism, genetic modification, or mass chemical exposures are considered possible contemporary ‘defilement’ parallels.
The mark of the beast in Revelation 13 is seen as a separate, subsequent event requiring active participation, distinct from the abomination of desolation.

Summary of Key Themes

The abomination of desolation is an end-time warning requiring discernment and readiness to flee or separate oneself.
Daniel’s prophecies serve as the primary references for understanding Jesus’s warning.
The believer’s body as the temple is central in the interpretation of end-time defilement.
Caution is advised against speculative date-setting, recognizing the prophecies are sealed until their time.
Referring to the prophetic principle of dual reference or dual fulfillment, it is not uncommon for focus to shift midway in the prophecy from one event or person to another which the first one foreshadows. Also, not uncommon for predicted events or persons to serve as symbols of even greater similar events or persons destined to follow. Thus, there is no reason why the AOD should not speak of both Antiochus’ pollution of the temple and of a future desecration performed by an even greater enemy of God’s people as history draws to a close.

Recommendations / Advice

Believers are urged to study Jesus’s and Daniel’s words diligently, remain watchful, and be prepared for both physical and spiritual forms of defilement.
Interpretations should be made carefully, understanding the prophetic language and symbolism within its biblical context.
Stay alert to global trends that may fit prophetic descriptions, while relying on spiritual discernment for application

For the expanded discussion and the scriptural references, view 1.4 ‘….whoso reads, let him understand:’ – THE HOPEFUL MARTYR

Chapter 8: Blindness of the Jews to the gospel of Jesus Christ

This chapter briefly quotes only scriptures, with a link to a discussion provided at the end. Scripturally, the blindness of the Jews to the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue:

Until fullness of the Gentiles have come in.’ (Rom 11:25, Luke 21:24)
Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,’ (Is 6:10-11)
‘Until Jerusalem be trodden down by the Gentiles.’ (Luke 21:24)
‘Until ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.’ (Matt 23:36-39, Luke 13:32-35)

Romans 11:5- Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.7 What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeked for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.

Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. {11:26} And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: {11:27} For this [is] my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. {11:28} As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers’ sakes. {11:29} For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance. {11:30} For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: {11:31} Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. {11:32} For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

The desolation of Jerusalem:

‘Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles.’ (Luke 21:24)
‘The court outside the temple is given to the Gentiles. They shall tread the holy city under foot for 42 months.’ (Rev 11:2)
‘Great distress in the land wrath upon this people. Fall by the sword. Be led away captive into all nations.’ (Luke 21:23-24)
‘Jerusalem, house will be left desolate.’ (Matt 23:37)
‘The cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate.’ (Is 6:11)
‘… the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, & the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.’ (Zech 14:2)
‘that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people’, ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE FINISHED. (Dan 12:7)

Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. {11:2} But the court, which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. (Rev 11:1-2)

Jesus laments, just before his crucifixion: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kills the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! {23:38} Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. {23:39} For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.’ “(Matt 23:37-39, also Luke 13:32-35)

The timing:

Dan 12:1-2 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Dan 12:6b:’How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?’

How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?

12:7 “And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and swore by him that lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.”

Luke 21:20 ; A prophecy with a layered of multiple fulfillment – the first in 70 AD and then also at the ‘end’( which is the context of this chapter 21.)

“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is near. {21:21} Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. {21:22} For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. {21:23} But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. {21:24} And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

….

NB: The discussion below diverges from the chapters above on many points, nevertheless, the problems with Christian Zionism are clearly pointed out.

For further reading view Christian_Zionism_A_Missiological_Emerge (1)

Chapter 9 – Understanding Zionism, and the different Jewish teachings and identities.

The following link (and summary notes) may provide an insight to the different current Jewish identities.

The_Heralds_of_Zionism_as_Theological_Re

heralds-of-zionist-thought-notes

The chabad website provides information on Judaism and its literary basis:

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3347866/jewish/What-Is-the-

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4354682/jewish/10-Sacred-Texts-of-Judaism.htm

https://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380599/jewish/Judaism-and-Reincarnation.htm

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/170308/jewish/What-Is-Kabbalah.htm

https://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380410/jewish/The-Zohars-Mysterious-Origins.htm

https://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380596/jewish/What-Is-the-Zohar.htm#Who

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4329319/jewish/The-Mishnah.htm

Do orthodox Jews consider Zionism as being relevant today?

The following explores the debate amongst the Jews themselves about the relevance of Zionism. Most orthodox Jews would consider Zionism without the redemptive Messianic basis unthinkable, and if so, Zionism is a failed political experiment. The two primary reasons are:

The unwillingness of the majority of foreign Jews ‘in exile’ to relocate to Israel.
The failure to establish a coherent and ‘normalized’ society in Israel. (ref Jakobovits and Berkowitz)

The_Instrumentalization_of_the_Messianic

For a PDF summary, view redemptive-zionism-in-focus-notes

Chapter 10: Why the support for Israel by well-meaning Christians?

The support for Israel amongst evangelical Christians worldwide is very apparent as the conflict in the middle east continues. The motivation for their support is often very hard to understand, by the secular world, in view of the apparent ‘non-christian’ actions of the Israeli government.

Jesus’ teachings emphasise compassion and care for the downtrodden. Jesus’s parable of the good Samaritan is a prime example. (Luke 10:30-37). Why Christians would support actions antithetical to Jesus’s teachings is confusing.

It seems, in general, that the Christian support for Israel can be understood as an emotional attachment to the nation of Israel based on bible prophecy. These Christians seem to (roughly) fall into three main groups:

The Old Testament prophecy group:

These are Biblically literate Christians who have studied Old Testament prophesies. This group of Christians have come to a conclusion that the current state of Israel is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. These are genuine Christians who love God and his Word, and the Bible. They also love seeing the visible ‘hand of God’ over the nation of Israel. An example is the powerful prophecy of Joel 2-3.
Understandably, because they love all things Biblical, these Christians often become emotionally attached to the people and land of Israel. Because they see ‘God’s hand’ on Israel, they feel that the nations around Israel are a threat to their vision for Israel, they will support Israel no matter what. Any valid questioning about the military/oppressive actions of the Israeli government are nevertheless viewed as inevitable and are justified in order to safeguard the country.

Unfortunately, they omit the equally powerful prophecies of the necessary purging of the pervasive wickedness in Israel prior to that date, the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble, as quoted in the introduction.

The New Testament prophecy group.

This second group of Christians supporting Israel are those who are biblically literate but with a greater focus on end-time prophecy. Whereas the first group’s focus is mainly on the promises made to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, this second group has their primary focus on the prophesies of the New Testament. New Testament prophesies focus on world events immediately preceding the second coming of Jesus and are often called ‘end-time’ prophesies. These genuine Christians love to think of meeting their Lord at his second coming and then being with Him forever. An example is Matthew 24.

These Christians are excited about all signs that seem to align with end-time prophecy. Because Jerusalem is the focus of much of this prophecy, Israel is being closely watched, leading to a desire to follow the playing-out of the exciting events surrounding the ‘end of world as we know it’. These Christians also desire to see the Jews accepting Jesus as their Messiah, as their Saviour.
This event, the ‘opening of their eyes’ or ‘the lifting of the veil’, is the clear teaching of Biblical prophecy; – at the second coming of Jesus the Jews will recognize that they have rejected their Messiah, Jesus. Only then will they mourn for their error, and be saved.

The “Bless Israel’ Group:

This third group is perhaps in the majority. These are marginally Bible-literate christians who follow popular preachers or personalities who proclaim that their country (and they too) will be blessed if they bless Israel with support and money. These preachers often threaten that “God will pull the plug on them if they ‘pull the plug on Israel’. This is obvious fearmongering and entirely non-biblical. The Genesis 12:1-2 (KJV) blessing was proclaimed to the person of Abraham, and not to the nation of Israel. In addition, Galatians 3:16 (KJV) makes it clear that the’ blessing to all nations’ is Jesus Christ.
The motivation of these Christians appears to be self-focussed in order to gain prosperity for them and their country. It appears asif these Christians are the worldly type who have one foot in the kingdom of God and one foot in the world. When their comfort and prosperity is being threatened, they seem to be easily swayed by coercion from whichever source.

The above list is incomplete and only paints the general picture of the motivating influences for evangelical support for Israel. Unfortunately, very little scripture can be cited to support such views. In addition, Israel was repeatedly warned, by the prophets of the Old Testament, not to make alliances with foreign nations. When they did so, it didn’t go well for them. God’s instruction was for Israel to trust Him, God Almighty, alone. With the Zionist/American alliance, it seems that History is about to repeat itself.

Read Zionist_Israel_and_the_Question_of_Pales tine for further information on why it’s inadvisable to try ‘help God’ with His plans for Israel. Those wonderful plans are there for sure, as illustrated in Chapter 1, and God’s counsel will stand despite human machinations.

Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Defenders of Christian Zionism.

The motivation of Christian Zionists for their support for Israel’s establishment and continuation as the ‘chosen people’ may be illustrated from the thesis below (with a summary added):

Bringing_Gods_Chosen_People_Home_A_study

pro-‘christian-zionist’-aliyah-strategy-notes

Recognizing that Jesus’ teachings minimize the importance of the physical (objects, possessions, property, location, ethnicity, etc.) and highlight the importance of our heart attitude and our response to God’s love towards us, makes the above motivations for support to a physical location (the land of Israel) seem quite bizarre. How far Christian Zionists can go off track is illustrated by the ‘Sons of Menasseh’. Menasseh was one of the 10 tribes conquered by Assyria (around 700 BC), who were deported and mostly dispersed as slaves/exiles all over the known world. This Indian ethnic group, who claim ‘lost tribe’ identity, are being assisted by Christian Zionists to migrate to Israel to increase its population, as most western Jews decline to immigrate. This obvious ‘Sons of Menasseh’ farce continues despite their claimed ‘Middle Eastern heritage’ having been shown unsupported by genetic testing.

No one on earth knows where the lost tribes are, hence, the name! Common sense should confirm that the ‘Lost 10 Tribes of Israel’ have been assimilated into the (mostly) European/middle eastern population, thus anyone from these parts can also make that claim.

For a very detailed study, read (2) The International Christian Embassy, Jerusalem (ICEJ), Renewalist Christian Zionism, and Jewish-Christian Ethnonationalism