In Scripture, Israel is the reference point in discerning God’s prophetic timetable for the End-Time drama. Israel has always been the primary timing indicator for God’s prophetic calendar. The entire End-Time drama in Scripture is given in context to events related to Israel. Dan. 9:24-27 is the most significant prophecy about nations in the End-Times. It speaks of Israel being in the land, with an army and a rebuilt Temple with sacrifices according to the law of Moses.
The re-establishing of the state of Israel and capturing of the city of Jerusalem fulfills numerous prophecies. Israel began as a nation on May 15, 1948. Scripture describes Jerusalem inhabited by citizens of the state of Israel as the center of world controversy in the End-Times (Zech. 12:1-3; 14:1-3; Luke 21:20-24). The Abomination of desolation requires Israel to be in the Land with a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 25:15; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13:5, 15-18).
Several prophecies related to Israel are closely linked to each other. They include the return to the land, gaining control of Jerusalem, rebuilding the Temple, re-establishing the Hebrew language and the Sabbath (in their civil law; Mt. 24:15-20), becoming the center of world politics and controversy (Zech. 12:1-3; 14:1-3; Joel 3:2, 12; Zeph. 3:8; Lk. 21:20-24).
The re-establishment of the Hebrew language was prophesied by Zephaniah. For Israel to speak Hebrew after being out of their homeland for 2,000 years is unprecedented in history.
Over 2,500 years ago, Daniel and Zechariah prophesied what seemed impossible; that a weak and broken Israel would be the primary focus of the whole earth (Zech. 12:3; 14:2). Jerusalem is quickly becoming the center focus of world attention. The stage will be set that leads to the Armageddon Campaign in which all nations will be gathered against Jerusalem for 3½ years. Anti-Semitism will increase worldwide. Jesus requires that the Church stand with Israel.
Significant activities related to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple signal the coming of the End-Times. The Abomination of Desolation cannot occur unless Israel rebuilds the Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This Temple does not currently exist, but it must be rebuilt (Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 11:1-2; 13:12-18; Dan. 9:26, 27; 11:31; 12:11). Even now plans to rebuild the Temple are being pursued aggressively in Israel.
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Here's an attempt at putting the End Times prophesies into plain English for believers and non-believers alike. Read my free e-book Walkabout: The History of a Brief Century!
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