Israel’s Renewed Statehood

  

This past week the world has witnessed inhumane atrocities committed by Hamas militants against unsuspecting people, mostly Jews, residing in Southern Israel. The barbaric acts by these monsters are too graphic to mention in this article, but many of you have no doubt heard and watched what happened on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Fox News has covered this tragedy from the get-go. Their on-the-ground journalists have done a good job reporting; in my opinion. At last count, there have been 1300+ people killed by Hamas, and at least 25 American citizens were among that number. The Hamas militants captured and took hostage at least 150 people back into Gaza, including many women and babies. In Hamas’ charter, their goal is to slaughter every Jewish person. Not unlike the goal of the government of Iran, headed by the ayatollahs, who fund both Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Today, Friday, October 13, 2023, Hamas sympathizers have held rallies and protests against Israel in many cities across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. In Bagdad, pro-Hamas/pro-Palestinian groups had a huge rally showing their support by burning Israeli flags. Israel cannot even defend itself without being called out by the world, being accused of crimes against humanity. Has Israel got a chance? What are their options in defending themselves when the world forbids it? The world is bloodthirsty for the destruction of Israel? One has to go to the Holy Scriptures to find out what is the future of Israel.

In Scripture, we read about Jesus teaching his disciples about the future of the Jewish nation (Matt. 24:9-35; Mk. 13:9-31; Lk.  21:12-33). His Olivet Discourse was taught the same week he was crucified. In this teaching you can read a prophecy about Israel’s seventieth-week period, and get a brief description of what the Jewish people will go through during that time—that time is drawing very near. Christians usually hear about Israel’s seventieth week referred to as the Tribulation Period. The Bible declares that it will be the most horrific seven years in the history of man. At the time this prophecy was taught to the disciples (AD 32) the nation of Israel had not been a sovereign state since Judah was first deported to Babylon (605 BC)—there were three exiles altogether; 605 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC. But Scripture prophesied that Israel would have their statehood renewed after a specific amount of time. This information is contained within the Old Testament, but I am not going to write about that in this article. Scripture prophesied accurately to the day when they would have their statehood renewed; it happened May 14, 1948. Their statehood was taken away from them by Yahweh because of their continual disobedience. Especially because of the sins of King Manasseh—his evil the Lord could not take.

Below is a prophecy given by Jesus about Israel’s renewed statehood and the season of their eventual salvation. Below this prophecy passage I will explain this prophecy as best I can in this article. My experience is that some in the church do not like Bible prophecy, especially endtimes prophecy. But I encourage you to read this teaching anyway. Force yourself to read it, if that is what you have to.

Matthew 24:32-34

“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. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (ESV).

  

Matthew 24:32

“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” (ESV).

When Jesus refers to the fig tree in this prophecy, he is referring to the nation of Israel, as he did with the parable of the man that had a fig tree planted in his vineyard (Lk. 13:6-9), and as he did with the live encounter with the fruitless fig tree (Matt. 21:18-20; Mk 11:12-14, 20-21). The Lord asserts that his hearers should: μάθετε τὴν παραβολήν (máthete tín paravolín) “learn the parable.” This phrase means that Jesus expects his disciples to decipher, or make sense of, what this prophecy means—they must discern the meaning of this parable. Why did Jesus speak this prophecy about Israel’s future in allegorical language anyway? I believe he did this to keep this endtimes prophecy a mystery to not only those who would not put faith in him throughout the church age, whether Jew or Gentile, but especially to some in the church who live in the final generation of the church age; when this prophecy finds its fulfillment. Remember I wrote above that some today in the church do not believe this prophecy refers to Israel? They do not believe it because they do not study endtimes prophecy. They do not study the rapture of the church, the seventieth week of Israel/seven-year Tribulation Period, or the second coming of Israel’s Messiah to redeem the remnant of Israel at the end of their seventieth week. A primary reason for their doubt is because they do not strive after the truth but rather enjoy mythical or disputable stories (2 Tim. 4:4). They do not believe the budding fig tree parable has anything to do with endtimes Israel and its future restoration and redemption, this is why they cannot discern this prophetic language. This prophecy about endtimes Israel is for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear (Matt. 13:1-23). They have eyes to see and ears to hear because they aspire to truth. Those who endeavor truth are the ones who can understand this metaphorical language to discern this prophecy. Sometimes Christians need a trustworthy teacher to guide them into truth because no Christian becomes a scholar without study and the power of the Holy Spirit. 

In the disciple’s day, most devout Jews would have known that Israel is referred to as the fig, and its tree in the Holy Scriptures (Jer. 24:1-10; Hos. 2:12; 9:10; Joe. 1:7, 12; 2:21-22; Mic. 4:3-4; 7:1; Hab. 3:17; Hag. 2:19). And they all knew that Israel had lost their right to rule their land since the first deportation of Judah to Babylon while Jehoiakim was king in 605 BC (2 Chron. 36:5-7; 2 Kgs. 24:1-2)—at the time this fig tree prophecy was spoken Rome was ruling the land of Israel, not the Jews; and then the Jews were scattered once Jerusalem and the second temple was destroyed in AD 70. But even so, this prophecy about the fig tree budding was a mystery to everyone who first heard it. When Jesus first spoke it, the disciples likely thought that he was just referring to yet another fig tree, because fig trees were common and they made good analogies when telling a story, or telling a parable. The fig tree they had recently encountered that Jesus cursed may have run through their mind. The fig tree parable about the man who had one and planted it in his vineyard may have also run through their heads. I am not sure how long it took before the disciples were able to figure out that Jesus was referring to the nation of Israel again with this fig tree analogy, and that he was prophesying its future. They would not have known that this prophecy was to have its fulfillment in the endtimes and that it would begin the final generation of the church age. At that time, they had no idea about God’s plan for a new creation, the church of Jesus Christ. That was a mystery as well (Eph. 1:3-14). They may have thought Israel would regain power over their land soon, and this prophecy likely gave them some hope before they were martyred.

In this prophecy, Jesus describes what happens to the fig tree (Israel): ὅταν ἤδη ὁ κλάδος αὐτῆς γένηται ἁπαλὸς (ótan ídi o kládos aftís génitai apalós) “when its branch already becomes soft” (Matt. 24:32b, mGNT). Many English translations say something similar to the ESV: “as soon as its branch becomes tender.” This refers to the time when natural figs become mature, get soft, and begin to droop and can be picked. As I wrote in chapter four, the season for figs in Israel is June through September—the Summer. There are two harvests: June and July, the early or first crop, and August and September, the second crop. Then Jesus adds: καὶ τὰ φύλλα ἐκφύῃ (kaí tá fýlla ekfýi) “and the leaves grow” (Matt. 24:32c, mGNT). The ESV translates: “and puts out its leaves.” Remember also, that I wrote in chapter four, that the leaves usually begin to grow after the figs are present. Then Jesus says: γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐγγὺς τὸ θέρος (ginóskete óti engýs tó théros) “you know that summer is near” (Matt. 24:32d, mGNT). Summer is the time when the figs are ripe. He reminded his disciples that they knew this was the process of a natural fig tree. But Jesus is prophesying about the metaphorical fig tree, Israel—he just finished teaching them about Israel’s seventieth week and the second appearance of the Jewish Messiah (Matt. 24:9-31). The prophetic analogy is that the nation of Israel (the fig tree) will bear fruit at a specific time to come, in the endtimes. They will be restored as a sovereign state when its branch gets soft, and from that point on Israel’s redemption is near, their leaves are growing. They will finally be faithful to Yahweh (Dan. 9:24). As the disciples knew that when a fig tree’s branch gets soft and its leaves grow summer is near, the analogy is, that when Israel becomes a sovereign state once again (1948) then their redemption is near; the remnant of Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:25-27), at their Messiah’s second appearance (Matt. 24:29-31; Mk. 13:24-27; Lk. 21:25-28). 

As I have written above, when Jesus gave this prophetic word (c.a. AD 32) Israel was occupied by the Roman government under the rule of Emperor Tiberius. They did not have sovereign control over their nation since 605 BC—the first of three exiles to Babylon. But Israel’s branch got soft in 1948; approximately 1,916 years after this prophecy was given. For the first time since 605 BC Israel was a sovereign state once again in 1948 as was prophesied (Isa. 66:7-8; Ezek. 37:10-12; Amos 9:14-15). As Israel’s leaves are growing their future loyalty to God is near (Dan. 9:24). It will happen at the end of their seventieth week period, the last day of the seven-year Tribulation Period (Rev. 19:11-16). The fig tree parable, and the Scripture verses before it that give a brief description of their seventieth week and reveal the second coming of their Messiah, reveal the season of Israel’s redemption. In the gospel of Luke, the phrase is added: καὶ εἶπεν παραβολὴν αὐτοῖς ἴδετε τὴν συκῆν καὶ πάντα τὰ δένδρα (kaí eípen paravolín aftoís ídete tín sykín kaí pánta tá déndra) “And he told them a parable: see the fig tree and all the trees” (Lk. 21:29, mGNT). This phrase refers to all the nations and peoples that surround the present-day state of Israel. This would include Gaza which is controlled by Hamas, Lebanon which is controlled by Hezbollah, and the West Bank which is controlled by the Fatah-directed Palestinian National Authority (PNA); the PNA controls approximately 42% of the West Bank while Israel controls the rest. Other trees (nations) likely refer to Jordan, and possibly Egypt. It may also refer to Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Possibly Russia and Turkey as well. 

Matthew 24:33

“So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates” (ESV).

Jesus continues to prophesy the pinnacle of Israel’s redemption with a better understanding of what he is prophesying. In the previous verse, he used the fig tree and its growth process, the figs get mature and then the leaves begin to grow, which indicates that summer is near. When summer is near it is a sign that the figs are mature and can be harvested. But of course, he is prophesying Israel's return to sovereign statehood which will lead to its redemption by using the fig tree as a metaphor. But now he prophecies more literally. He speaks plain sense stepping away from his allegorical utterance of what is to come. I want you to notice what this verse above is saying: When he says, “when you see all things,” Jesus is referring to all that he has prophesied would happen in the previous verses (Matt. 24:9-26; Mk. 13:9-23; Lk. 17:22-23; 21:12-26), which is Israel’s seventieth week as I have written above.

As I said, he is speaking more literally in this statement than he did in the previous verse when he spoke allegorically. Jesus used the fig tree metaphorically because he knew his disciples would eventually figure out that he was prophesying about the nation of Israel. Now I want you to notice what Jesus said next: “You know that he is near.” Some English translations say, “Know that it is near” (KJV, NKJV, NIV, Darby, HNV). Some Bibles do add a footnote to indicate that “it” is referring to “he.” Both the Morphological Greek New Testament and the Textus Receptus translations say: γινώσκετε ὅτι ἐγγύς ἐστιν (ginóskete óti engýs estin) “you know he is near.” The “he” Jesus was referring to with this declaration was himself: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” … “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the peoples of the earth [or all the tribes of the land] will mourn [literally will beat their chests], and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:27, 30 – CSB). When Israel sees the things that will happen in their seventieth week (Matt. 24:9-26), then they should know that the Son of Man’s appearance is ἐγγύς (engýs) near. In fact: ἐστιν ἐπὶ θύραις (estin epí thýrais) “It's on the doorstep” (Matt. 24:33c, mGNT)— “at the very gates.” Israel’s redemption has gotten nearer ever since it became a sovereign state once again in 1948. And once they enter into their prophesied seventieth week, the seven-year Tribulation Period, their Messiah’s second appearance and their redemption is right on the doorstep.   

This part of the prophecy reveals the season when Israel’s Messiah will descend from heaven to the earth (Matt. 24:27, 30; Mk. 13:26, Lk. 17:24; 21:27; Rev. 19: 11-16), and set down upon the Mount of Olives where he will redeem the nation of Israel from (Zech. 14:4). The second coming of Jesus Christ should not be confused with the rapture of the church, but because of a lack of sincere study it continually is—the rapture of the church is to complete the salvation of the church before the seventieth week of Israel begins, and the second coming of Christ is to redeem the remnant Jews on the last day of their seventieth week. The season of the second coming of Christ, which includes, first the rapture of the body of Christ, and then the seven-year Tribulation Period/the seventieth week of Israel, began when the branch of the fig tree (the nation of Israel) got soft, its fruit became mature and its leaves began to grow—Israel was restored and once again became a sovereign state. This prophecy is intended for the final generation of the church to understand so they can believe and pray for the remnant Jews and their salvation (Isa. 45:17; Jer. 31:31-34; Rom. chaps. 9-11). It is also meant to give the church revelation of the season when their salvation will be completed (1 Cor. 15:51-53) which coincides with being caught up in the clouds (raptured) to meet the Lord Jesus in the air with the believers already passed away (1 Thess. 4:16-17). 

Matthew 24:34

“Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (ESV).

The third part of the fig tree prophecy reveals accurately the season of Israel’s Messiah's second appearance which will bring about their redemption that was prophesied in Daniel (Dan. 9:24). The prophetic statement above is foretelling who is going to be alive at the time when Israel’s Messiah returns for a second time, and will experience the power of God’s salvation so that they will be done transgressing against Yahweh, receive atonement for their iniquity, and will forever be righteous before the Lord. Matthew, Mark, and Luke wrote that Jesus began this prophetic affirmation by using the word, ἀμὴν (amín) Amen. Many English translations translate amín as, truly or verily, sometimes surely—this is when it begins a statement. When amín is used to begin a declaration, it means that what is about to be said can be trusted, and the forthcoming message is reliable. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word אָמֵן ('āmēn) amen, is usually used to mean, truly, but also the phrase, so be it—the Hebrew adverb 'āmēn comes from the root word אָמַן ('āman) amen, which translates many times in the English versions of the Old Testament as believe and faithful. So, Matthew says that Jesus began the third part of this prophecy by affirming that his prophetic word can be trusted.

Jesus then announces the phrase: γενεὰ αὕτη (geneá áfti) “this generation.” Before I go any further; what generation is Jesus referring to? Some seem to think he was referring to the generation that heard him speak this prophecy in person, in AD 32. Therefore, they think this prophecy had something to do with the besiege and conquer of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the second temple in AD 70. No! That is not the generation Jesus was referring to. When interpreting Scripture, especially prophetic Scripture, we must stay within the context of the text. Jesus had been prophesying that Israel would once again become a sovereign state which would lead to its salvation using the fig tree metaphorically as an example (Matt. 24:32). Then he prophecies in more literal language by revealing that when Israel sees the catastrophes take place during their seventieth week (Matt. 24:9-26) they will then know, “that he is near.” The “he” is Jesus. He prophesied his second appearance that would occur at the end of Israel’s seventieth week (Matt. 24:33), which he revealed in previous verses (Matt. 24: 27, 30). The geneá (generation) that Jesus was referring to are the people who witnessed the symbolic fig tree and its branch get soft, or become tender, and its leaves begin to grow. More literally, the generation who witnessed Israel become a sovereign state again are the people who will live to witness the second appearance of Israel’s Messiah. I believe that Jesus was primarily referring to the Jewish people. So, the Jewish people who witnessed Israel become a state once again, on May 14, 1948, will live to also see their Messiah’s second coming. A reasonable person fully understands that not all the Jews who witnessed Israel obtain statehood in 1948 will live to the end of Israel’s seventieth week to see Jesus come out of heaven to destroy the Antichrist and the kings of the earth and their armies. But as the prophecy insists, there will be some. 

Some Christians get that this prophecy was not referring to the generation that heard Jesus speak this prophecy on the Mount of Olives, but rather understand he was referring to the generation that witnessed Israel’s statehood being restored. But they seem to not be able to get passed what Jesus meant by the word generation. They have stuck in their mind that the noun, geneá, only means a certain age or peer group, like Generation Z and Y and X. Or Millennials and Baby Boomers. Some seem to think Jesus was referring to a set number of years, like twenty, forty, seventy, or a hundred years. Nevertheless, Jesus was not using the term generation in that context; he used it to mean contemporaneously. The people that coexisted at the time of the Holocaust and the rebirth of Israel is the meaning behind his use of the noun, geneá. Therefore, the geneá of Jewish people who were alive to see Israel reclaim the land of Israel and become a sovereign state again as they had before their first Babylonian exile in 605 BC, will be the geneá still alive to witness their Messiah’s second appearance and will also receive his salvation.

Picture: Toa Heftiba (Father and Daughter)