Ben Masada
Well-Known Member
First, general questions concerning prophecy and Israel as a whole.
Do you believe that God literally allowed Israel as a nation to go into captivity,etc., in the past due to disobedience -or do you believe prophecies concerning such are not literal?
I believe that the prophet got his Divine inspiration in a vision or dream, according to Numbers 12:6. Then, he put down in writing that God had allowed Israel to be sent to captivity. But that God, literally, told him that He was sending Israel into exile, no. And the reason for exiles are two: First, local injustices among the people, and second to bring the knowledge of God unto the nations. (Ezek. 20:41) By means of Israel, God has chosen to reveal His glory in the sight of the nations. As you know, we are against active proselytization. So, exiles are provided, so that we get out there among the Gentiles from time to time.
As you believe that the prophecies I mentioned before do not apply to modern times, do you believe that God still makes decisions concerning modern Israel based on its adherance to his laws?
Not literally. Through the Scriptures. After the New Covenant was established with the House of Israel and the House of Judah as one People, we no longer need, as in the ancient Covenant, to be taught how to know the Lord, because we have His Word with us in our own heart. (Jer. 31:34; Deut. 30:11-14) However, the same decisions concerning ancient Israel apply today.
Do you believe the formation of the modern state of Israel was prophesied in the old testament? (Such as the following -or anywhere else in the old testament?)
Zec 12:6 In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.
This is metaphorical of a strong Israel when exile is not in the horizon. If you remember the period of the Hasmonians, when the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, Israel became so strong as to beat back great nations like Greece, Egypt and all the neighbours around. But with time we became hostile with each other inside and, metaphorically, as God is concerned, and literally, according to History, time had arrived to bring the knowledge of God to the world at large, and the Romans were used to make that happen by spreading the Jews throughout the world.
The above seems to be exactly what has happened with the modern state of Israel thus far.
Yes, history repeats itself. God's blessings and punishments are conditional. For the time being, we are a strong nation; but we could be exiled again if we keep monopolizing the Word of God and not sharing It with the wold. I believe I am doing my part, but most of my coreligionaries are adopting the same policy to keep the nations away from the truth as if God gave It only to Israel, according to Psalm 147:19,20 to be kept with Israel only.
Last edited: