The Biblical and Spiritual Significance of the Modern State of Israel

Author: Andy Woods
Date Written: May 9, 2014
From the archive of thewordonpolitics.com

On Wednesday, May 14th 1948, one of the greatest anticipated prophecies of the Bible was fulfilled. Isaiah 66:8 rhetorically asks, "Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once?" We now know from history that the answer to these questions is an emphatic and resounding "yes." The Declaration of Independence of the modern State of Israel took place on May 14th sixty-six years ago. Why should today's Christians and believers care about the rebirth of the modern state of Israel? At least four reasons come to mind.  

First, it was a day that caused Bible prophecy teachers all over the world to shout "Hallelujah," because the re-establishment of the State of Israel properly sets the prophetic stage signaling the soon return of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and King. For example, the events surrounding the coming Great Tribulation period, such as the coming peace treaty between the Antichrist and unbelieving Israel (Dan. 9:27a), simply cannot be fulfilled without first the national existence of an unbelieving Israel in proper position. Thus, Israel's national rebirth suddenly makes the long anticipated prophetic scenario credible. As explained by the great prophecy teacher William E. Blackstone, "Israel is God's sundial. If we want to know our place in chronology, our position in the march of events, look at Israel." ( William E. Blackstone, Jesus Is Coming: God's Hope for a Restless World (New York: F.H. Revell, 1908; reprint, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1909), 238.)  

Second, Israel's national rebirth also discredited the longstanding perspective within Christendom known as "Replacement Theology," which argues that the biblical prophecies concerning the nation of Israel have been symbolically transferred to the church and are therefore not to be construed in a literal or denotative sense. For example, back in the sixth century B.C., the exilic prophet Ezekiel predicted, "For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.

Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God" (Ezek. 36:24-28). Although the spiritual regeneration component of this prophecy is yet to be fulfilled, when we tangibly see a regathered Israel in national existence in the Middle East, we begin to see that God means what He says and says what He means regarding Israel's national future. God is more than capable of moving heaven and earth so that the specific details of His Word are fulfilled. Such a national regathering vindicates a national and literal approach to these prophecies rather than approaching them in an overly mystical or symbolic manner.

Third, Israel's Declaration of Independence also vindicated God's gracious character by demonstrating His faithfulness to an unfaithful nation. The national regathering of the Jews, in spite of their many years of rebellion against God, demonstrates that God is unilaterally and unconditionally committed to His promises. Thus, God is faithful even when His people are not. This attribute of God is heartening to us as Gentile Christians since it reveals that God will similarly keep His promises to us as well. For Him to fail to do so would be for Him to deny and violate His very character. Second Timothy 2:13 says, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." God is a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. He is the only true promise keeper.  

Fourth, May 14, 1948 also showed that God is still in the miracle-working business. Never in the history of mankind has a nation been removed from its land and yet restored to that very same land 2000 years later with its own unique culture, religion, and language all intact! Typically when a nation is removed from its homeland, its people simply assimilate into the surrounding host cultures within a few generations. After all, have you ever met any modern-day Amalekites or Jebusites? Interestingly, it was a Latin-speaking Rome that pushed the Jews out of their land and into worldwide dispersion back in A.D. 70. Yet, today, the Roman Empire as a viable political entity is long gone all while Israel still remains. Moreover, Latin is a dead language and Hebrew is a living language. What a contrast!

"Israel is God's sundial. If we want to know our place in chronology, our position in the march of events, look at Israel."  ~William Blackstone

God is wrapping up this present age of human history. Israel's prophecies are meant to be understood in their normal sense. God is faithful even when His people are not. God still performs miracles. Let us pause on this very special day to reflect upon these and many other spiritual lessons that are taught to us as we contemplate the restored state of Israel.