Israel

Israel in Prophecy

Israel plays a very vital role in prophecy. It is God's chosen people. Israel is the promised land of the Jewish people. God promised that Abraham would be a "father of many nations" through his son, Isaac (Genesis 17:19). Ishmael was Abraham's son by Hagar, the handmaiden of Sarah. They were banished and God promised to make a nation of Ishmael as well (Genesis 21:12-13) These are the Arab people or Palestines, but they are not the nation of Israel, for God made His covenant with Isaac. Thus the strife in the middle east. The Palestines believe they were promised the land as well as the Jews.

Because of the disobedience of the Jews, they have been scattered abroad numerous times. It is a wonder of God that enough of them survived to bring about the "re-birth" of Israel in 1948. They were slaves to the Egyptians, captured by Babylon, and their nation has been under Roman rule. Yet they have survived, and this time God says they shall not be removed anymore (Ezekiel 37:21-23)

In the latter days, Israel will be attacked by an army from the north. Gog (leader of Russia) and Magog (Russia) will come against Israel and be supernaturally defeated. The very God of Israel will do battle for them (Ezekiel Chapter 39) It will take 7 years to burn the weapons and 7 months to bury the dead.

The Jewish temple will have to be rebuilt and the ark of the covenant found and restored to the temple. But Israel has a multitude of problems to face before Jesus can set up his kingdom. That will be discussed in the section of "the coming peace in the Middle East."

Right now in the Middle East is a vast amount of skirmishes involving the Jews and the Palestines. All eyes should be focused on this region of the world, and no one should be unaware or deceived by anyone saying "peace." There will be peace in that region, but unfortunately, it will come at a very high price.