Modern Israel and Biblical Prophecy: What the Scriptures Say

The establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948 has sparked much interest in biblical prophecy. While the Bible doesn’t mention 1948 specifically, many verses suggest Israel plays a vital role in future events, especially regarding the return of Jesus and the end times. Let's explore key New Testament scriptures and their connection to Israel.

1. Acts 1:6-11 records Jesus’ ascension.
Before He ascended, His disciples asked, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” While Jesus didn’t give them a date, He promised to return “in the same way” He left. Some believe this means Jesus will return to an existing Jewish nation, suggesting Israel’s existence is necessary for His second coming.

2. In Matthew 24:32-34,
Jesus tells the Parable of the Fig Tree: “When its branch becomes tender and puts out leaves, you know that summer is near.” The fig tree is often interpreted as a symbol of Israel, and many see this as a sign of the nation’s rebirth. When Israel was re-established in 1948, many believed this marked the beginning of end-time events.

3. Luke 21:24 speaks of Jerusalem,
saying, “Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” This prophecy is seen as referring to the return of Jewish control over Jerusalem. In 1967, Israel regained control of the city during the Six-Day War, and many interpret this as the fulfillment of this prophecy, indicating that we are nearing the end of the age.

4. In Romans 11:25-26, Paul writes
that “Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way, all Israel will be saved.” This suggests a future spiritual restoration of Israel. For this prophecy to be fulfilled, Israel must exist as a nation.

5. Revelation 7:4-8 describes
144,000 people, sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel. This passage highlights the importance of Israel in God’s plan for the end times. The existence of these tribes reinforces the belief that Israel has a central role in future prophetic events.

6. In Revelation 11:1-2,
John is told to measure the temple of God, a vision many interpret as a future temple in Jerusalem. For this prophecy to occur, Israel must exist and control Jerusalem, pointing again to Israel's key role in the final days.

7. In Matthew 23:37-39, Jesus speaks to Jerusalem,
lamenting, “You will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Many interpret this to mean that the people of Israel will recognize Jesus as the Messiah upon His return. For this prophecy to come true, Israel must exist.

In conclusion, while the Bible does not provide a specific prophecy for 1948, several verses indicate that Israel must exist for end-time events to unfold.
From Jesus’ return to Jerusalem, to the restoration of Israel and the role of the Jewish people, these scriptures suggest that the modern existence of Israel is a key part of God’s prophetic plan. Many see Israel’s re-establishment and control of Jerusalem as significant signs that we are moving closer to the return of Jesus and the fulfillment of end-time prophecy.

BIBLE VERSES

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:6-11 ESV

32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
Matthew 24:32-34 ESV

24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Luke 21:24 ESV

25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers:[d] a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved
Romans 11:25-27 ESV

4 And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel
Revelation 7:4-8 ESV

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