The re-gathering of Israel is a part of End-time prophecy being fulfilled. This prophecy is currently being fulfilled in our lifetime and is an example of how one can live during a prophetic time.
The Bible speaks of at least two worldwide gatherings. The present Jewish state is not a fulfillment of those prophecies that spoke of worldwide gathering in faith in preparation for blessing, which is yet to come. Rather, it is a fulfillment of those prophecies that spoke of worldwide gathering in unbelief in preparation for judgment. We must keep our balance. We must not see more fulfillment than is actually there. But at the same time, we must not fail to see the fulfillment that does exist.(1)In other words the modern state of Israel is the realization of the first world-wide regathering.(2)
It is estimated that 90 percent of the Jewish people today are not observant to the Mosaic Covenant. The 10 percent who are, follow the teachings of rabbis (such as in the Talmud) when the rabbis teachings are different from the word of God. Keep in mind that many things needed to be modified to allow Judaism to continue after the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. because of the end of the sacrificial system described by the word of God. This is one reason that for Israel the Messianic Millennial Kingdom is not on the horizon (that is the second regathering) but the Tribulation Period and Time Of Jacob's Trouble is needed first. (See Jer. 23:20, Dan. 12:1 and Deut. 4:30).
Jeremiah 23:3-6 "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to
their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD. "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our
Righteousness."
This is considered a Messianic prophecy by both Christians and Jews. Most bible scholars view the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 as the official point where this prophecy began to be fulfilled. Regardless of when this prophecy begins to see its prophetic fulfillment, it won't be fully realized until Messiah returns to set up His Millennial Kingdom. While the focus here is on the second regathering Israel must go through the first regathering followed by repentance when they cry out for the one they have pierced (Zech. 12) to initiate the second regathering to get to this point.
Even before 1948 there was a remnant of Jews living in Israel but with the official recognition by the United Nations in 1948, Israel has once again become known as a homeland for Jews. This in of itself is a miracle considering it has been over 1800 years since Israel has been scattered throughout the world and less than 100 years ago the land was occupied by Muslim Turks.
Since knowing which one of the 12 tribes a person actually descended from is next to impossible, some view this event as the reunification of the 12 tribes. Although prophetically significant and correct to some degree in theory, cooperation between all branches of Judaism (not currently available due to theological differences) is necessary for practice. When the Messiah comes, this will be reconciled.
These verses are recommended for further study concerning the regathering of Israel.
Ezekiel Chapter 37 (The Valley of the Dry Bones)
Hosea 3:5 Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.
Some scholars believe that David their king is reference to Jewish believers in Jesus. There is a fast growing number of Messianic Jews in Israel.
Luke 21:29-31 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
Some scholars recognize the fig tree as being Israel.
Then the Lord your God will give you back your freedom. He will feel sorry for you, and he will bring you back again from the nations where he scattered you. He may send you to the ends of the earth, but he will gather you and bring you back from there, back to the land that belonged to your ancestors. It will be yours. He will give you success, and there will be more of you than there were of your ancestors (Deut. 30:3-5).
Since this prophecy in Deut. 30:3-5 has never been fulfilled, this must relate to the Messianic Redemption. Therefore, to deny the coming of the Messiah and the redemption He will bring is deny the Torah itself.(3)
Other interesting verses include Deuteronomy 30:3-5; Ezekiel 36:24; Isaiah 43:5-6; Amos 9:13-15; Jeremiah 23:7-8; Ezekiel 39:25, 27-29.
There is more than one re-gathering of Israel in prophecy: Isaiah 11:11-12,16 teaches of a second regathering. Some consider one of the re-gatherings the "Exodus from Egypt."
Isaiah 66:8 which teaches that the nation will be "born in one day" is often tied into Israel becoming a nation on May 14th 1948. However there are those who believe that put in it's proper context this prophecy is reserved for the end of the Tribulation Period and as such has not been fulfilled yet.(2)
Matthew 24:31 suggest that the event to follow the second advent of Christ will be the regathering of Israel. They had been scattered because of the anger of Satan (Rev.12:12) and the desolation of the Beast (Matt. 24:15), but according to promise, they will be regathered to the land (Deut. 30-3-4; Ezek. 20:37-38; 37:1-14).(4)
Aliyah Flying High: 3,000 North Americans in 2005: More than 3,000 North American Jews, the highest number since 1984, will have "come home" by the end of the year. (Arutz-7 12/26/05)
1). Arnold Fruchtenbaum Footsteps of the Messiah (Ariel Ministries).
2). HaDavar Messianic Ministries (July 2006 Newsletter).
3). Mashiach, The Principle of Mashiach and the Messianic Era in Jewish Law and Tradition by Jacob Immanuel Schochet.
4). J. Dwight Pentecost: Things to Come, A Study in Biblical Eschatology
The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy by Tim Lahaye.
HaDavar Messianic Ministries.
Israel Destiny Logo tied into Pastor Kenneth Rawson.
