Revealing Eschatology.
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Page 5.
The Power and Glory of God's Creation.
The Land Covenant Promises given Israel.
The historical background of Abraham is given in Gen. 11-10-31. He and his family were descendants of the line of Shem. According to verses 31-32 Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot and their wives and started out for the land of Canaan. But when they came to Haran they settled down until Terah died.
The fuller explanation is given in scripture which follows, giving the precise provisions of God's covenant which was revealed to Abraham. These provisions of God's covenant to Abram were subsequently enlarged in the book of Genesis and throughout scripture. Later prophecies emphasized this fact that Israel would continue as a nation throughout human history.
Was the Lord's Covenant fulfilled in History?
Was the Lord's covenant to Abram, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants fulfilled in bibical history? For our answer we turn to God's word beginning in chapter 12 of Genesis. In Gen. 12-1-3, God had revealed to Abram the basic provisions of his covenant with him while Abram was still in Ur of the Chadeans; "The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
The promise of a great nation was fulfilled in the nation of Israel which has had a large place in the history of the world. Their number would be like the stars of the heavens, and like the sands of the sea. But as Abram had no children at that time, the promise seemed to be to extensive to be true.
Gen. 12-7. Though not included in the basic provisions of the covenant with Abram, the narrative of the book of Genesis immediately picked up the central feature of the promise of the land. Part of the revelation that God gave to Abram when he was still in Ur. A continuing proof of God's purpose for Abram, his people, and in time the Gentile nations of the world. According to verse 7, "The Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land. From this point on throughout the Old Testament the land became one of the central features of God's prophecies concerning Israel.
Gen. 13-1-18. In the original command to Abram in Ur, he was told to leave his family. Instead, his father and his nephew Lot travaled with him. His arrival in the Promised Land was delayed until the death of his father. In Genesis chapter 13 the herds of Lot and Abram became so large they could not occupy the same area. Because of this Abram offered Lot the choice of the land. Lot chose the valley of the Jordan.
After Lot had seperated himself from Abram, God came to Abram and said, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you."
Gen. 15-9-21. In verses 9-17 prediction of the land was further supported by a solemn ceremony in which blood was shed, certifying that this covenant with Abram would have literal fulfillment. Further the boundaries of the land were indicated in verses 18-21, "On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates (which was at that time) the land of the Kenites, Kennizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites."
Gen. 16-7-16. The problem of who would inherit the land was complicated when Abram had a son, Ishmael, by Hager, the handmaiden he had brought from Egypt. Hager, attempting to flee Sarai, was instructed to return. Her child was to be named Ishmael. She was told her son would live in hostility in relation to his brothers. After Ishmael was born, scriptures were silent about the next 13 years.
Gen. 21-1-21. Impossible as it seemed, Abraham and Sarah were the parents of Isaac. Hager and Ishmael were sent away with Abraham's blessing, but without the promise which Isaac would inherit (v.v.9-20). The promises to Ishmael were also fulfilled (1 Chron. 1-28-29).
Gen. 22-15-18. Because Abraham had obeyed God, he was promised again many blessings, victory over enemies, and that all nations would be blessed because of him. This is fulfilled in history and prophecy.
Gen. 24-1-26-6. Isaac was promised that the blessing on Abraham would pass to him and he would fulfill in part the promise of a great nation and blessing on the whole world. The place of blessing was in the land that God had promised to Abraham. In the land God provided a bride for Isaac (24-1-66). Isaac and Rebekah were childless for 19 years, and it seemed that Isaac would have the same problem that Abraham had of having a suitable heir. Twenty years after marriage when Isaac was 60 years old, Jacob and Esau were born (25-20,26). The promise of the land was also repeated in Genesis 26. Isaac, like his father, sought to go to Egypt because of the famine in the land. In confirmation of earlier prophecies, verses 2-6 repeated the promise of the land. "The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for awhile, and I will be with you and bless you. For to you and your descendants will I give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees, and my laws." So Isaac stayed in Gerar."
Gen. 27-1-40. Though Jacob was not the firstborn, he connived with his mother Rebekah to decieve Isaac, who now was old and blind, into giving the blessing that normally would be given to the firstborn. It was the will of God however, that Jacob and not Esau should be the one who inherited the Abrahamic promises. These promises were fulfilled in history and prophecy.
Gen. 27-41-28-22. The promise of the land however, continued to be the magnet around which the history of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would unfold. Because of Esau's hatred of Jacob, his mother Rebekah arranged to send him back to her people. On the way the Lord repeated the promise of the land. "I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, and to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (28-13-15).
This prophecy is of upmost importance because it makes clear that the promise of the land, as well as other promises are given to the promised seed of Abraham, were given to Isaac, not Ishmael, and to Jacob, not Esau. While some of the promises of blessing extended to all of Abraham's descendants, the promises of the land was limited to Jacob and his heirs.
Gen. 36-1-37-36; 39-1-48-22. The latter chapters of Genesis described the history of Jacob. It was summerized in Gen. 37-1, "Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan." As the story of Jacob and his children unfolded, Joseph was sold as a slave into Egypt (v.v. 1-36) and in the end rescued his people and brought them down to Egypt to escape the famine (41-1-43; 45-9-46-7). In Joseph's prophetic dream (37-5-7) it was predicted that his brethren would bow down to him (v.v.8-11). This was later fulfilled in Egypt (42-6). Toward the close of his life Jacob pronounced his blessing on Joseph and his sons (48-15-20).
Gen. 49-1-28. Jacob had gathered his sons about his bed to give them his final prophetic blessing. Jacob predicted that Judah would triumph over his enemies and be strong like a lion (v.v.8-9). The most significant prophecy was given that the scepter, referring to the future Messiah, would come from the tribe of Judah. Jacob predicted, "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his" (v.10). This was fulfilled in Christ. In general, the prophecies that Jacob bestowed on his children were fulfilled in their subsequent history. Scripture is clear that the promise of the land was limited to a particular line of descendants; Isaac, Jacob and his 12 sons.
Four books were dedicated to the Exodus from Egypt, the years of wandering in the wilderness, and the death of Moses. Though mainly historical books, numerous prophecies were revealed throughout this portion of the history of Israel. In most cases the prophecies described events that were to be fulfilled soon.
Exodus 12-31-36. After the tenth plague Pharaoh allowed the children of Israel to leave and they were delivered from Egypt as God had prophecied to Moses. The Israelites were able to take silver and gold and other plunder from the Egyptians because the Egyptians were eager to see them leave after the tenth plague (v.v.33-36). The Exodus from Egypt was the most important move in Israel's history until the 20th century movement of Israel back to the Promised Land.
Exodus 19-1-13. The favored status of the people of Israel in the world was revealed in connection with the giving of the covenant, the children of Israel were warned not to approach Mt. Sinai.
Exodus 23-20-31. God directed Israel to follow the guidance of the angel of the Lord who would go ahead of them and lead them to the promised land. God promised to establish their borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines and from the desert to the Euphrates River.
Numbers 33-51-66. God directed Israel to drive out the inhabitants of the land and prophecied that those they allowed to remain "will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them."
Deut. 28-1-68. In this sweeping prophetic revelation of Israel's future, God promised to bless them if they obey the Law but to curse them if they do not. To some extent this chapter charts the course of Israel's history from here on. The closing verses of Deuteronomy described the worldwide dispersion of the children of Israel. As brought out in many other passages, their ultimate restoration is assured (Jer. 23-5-8;30-8-11). The worldwide dispersion predicted in Deuteronomy 28 has been literally fulfilled. So also their ultimate regathering that began in the 20th century.
Joshua 1-1-9. After the death of Moses, God announced to Joshua his purpose of giving the promised land to Israel. The Lord said, "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great River, the Euphrates-all the Hittite country-to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (v.v.3-5). The prophecies concluded, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"(v.9). The rest of the book of Joshua recorded how Israel conquered the land. The promises are seen as being fulfilled in Joshua's lifetime (21-43-45).
Gen. 15-9-21. In verses 9-17 prediction of the land was further supported by a solemn ceremony in which blood was shed, certifying that this covenant with Abram would have literal fulfillment. Further the boundaries of the land were indicated in verses 18-21, "On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates (which was at that time) the land of the Kenites, Kennizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites."
Gen. 16-7-16. The problem of who would inherit the land was complicated when Abram had a son, Ishmael, by Hager, the handmaiden he had brought from Egypt. Hager, attempting to flee Sarai, was instructed to return. Her child was to be named Ishmael. She was told her son would live in hostility in relation to his brothers. After Ishmael was born, scriptures were silent about the next 13 years.
Gen. 21-1-21. Impossible as it seemed, Abraham and Sarah were the parents of Isaac. Hager and Ishmael were sent away with Abraham's blessing, but without the promise which Isaac would inherit (v.v.9-20). The promises to Ishmael were also fulfilled (1 Chron. 1-28-29).
Gen. 22-15-18. Because Abraham had obeyed God, he was promised again many blessings, victory over enemies, and that all nations would be blessed because of him. This is fulfilled in history and prophecy.
Gen. 24-1-26-6. Isaac was promised that the blessing on Abraham would pass to him and he would fulfill in part the promise of a great nation and blessing on the whole world. The place of blessing was in the land that God had promised to Abraham. In the land God provided a bride for Isaac (24-1-66). Isaac and Rebekah were childless for 19 years, and it seemed that Isaac would have the same problem that Abraham had of having a suitable heir. Twenty years after marriage when Isaac was 60 years old, Jacob and Esau were born (25-20,26). The promise of the land was also repeated in Genesis 26. Isaac, like his father, sought to go to Egypt because of the famine in the land. In confirmation of earlier prophecies, verses 2-6 repeated the promise of the land. "The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for awhile, and I will be with you and bless you. For to you and your descendants will I give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees, and my laws." So Isaac stayed in Gerar."
Gen. 27-1-40. Though Jacob was not the firstborn, he connived with his mother Rebekah to decieve Isaac, who now was old and blind, into giving the blessing that normally would be given to the firstborn. It was the will of God however, that Jacob and not Esau should be the one who inherited the Abrahamic promises. These promises were fulfilled in history and prophecy.
Gen. 27-41-28-22. The promise of the land however, continued to be the magnet around which the history of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would unfold. Because of Esau's hatred of Jacob, his mother Rebekah arranged to send him back to her people. On the way the Lord repeated the promise of the land. "I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, and to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (28-13-15).
This prophecy is of upmost importance because it makes clear that the promise of the land, as well as other promises are given to the promised seed of Abraham, were given to Isaac, not Ishmael, and to Jacob, not Esau. While some of the promises of blessing extended to all of Abraham's descendants, the promises of the land was limited to Jacob and his heirs.
Gen. 36-1-37-36; 39-1-48-22. The latter chapters of Genesis described the history of Jacob. It was summerized in Gen. 37-1, "Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan." As the story of Jacob and his children unfolded, Joseph was sold as a slave into Egypt (v.v. 1-36) and in the end rescued his people and brought them down to Egypt to escape the famine (41-1-43; 45-9-46-7). In Joseph's prophetic dream (37-5-7) it was predicted that his brethren would bow down to him (v.v.8-11). This was later fulfilled in Egypt (42-6). Toward the close of his life Jacob pronounced his blessing on Joseph and his sons (48-15-20).
Gen. 49-1-28. Jacob had gathered his sons about his bed to give them his final prophetic blessing. Jacob predicted that Judah would triumph over his enemies and be strong like a lion (v.v.8-9). The most significant prophecy was given that the scepter, referring to the future Messiah, would come from the tribe of Judah. Jacob predicted, "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his" (v.10). This was fulfilled in Christ. In general, the prophecies that Jacob bestowed on his children were fulfilled in their subsequent history. Scripture is clear that the promise of the land was limited to a particular line of descendants; Isaac, Jacob and his 12 sons.
Four books were dedicated to the Exodus from Egypt, the years of wandering in the wilderness, and the death of Moses. Though mainly historical books, numerous prophecies were revealed throughout this portion of the history of Israel. In most cases the prophecies described events that were to be fulfilled soon.
Exodus 12-31-36. After the tenth plague Pharaoh allowed the children of Israel to leave and they were delivered from Egypt as God had prophecied to Moses. The Israelites were able to take silver and gold and other plunder from the Egyptians because the Egyptians were eager to see them leave after the tenth plague (v.v.33-36). The Exodus from Egypt was the most important move in Israel's history until the 20th century movement of Israel back to the Promised Land.
Exodus 19-1-13. The favored status of the people of Israel in the world was revealed in connection with the giving of the covenant, the children of Israel were warned not to approach Mt. Sinai.
Exodus 23-20-31. God directed Israel to follow the guidance of the angel of the Lord who would go ahead of them and lead them to the promised land. God promised to establish their borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines and from the desert to the Euphrates River.
Numbers 33-51-66. God directed Israel to drive out the inhabitants of the land and prophecied that those they allowed to remain "will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them."
Deut. 28-1-68. In this sweeping prophetic revelation of Israel's future, God promised to bless them if they obey the Law but to curse them if they do not. To some extent this chapter charts the course of Israel's history from here on. The closing verses of Deuteronomy described the worldwide dispersion of the children of Israel. As brought out in many other passages, their ultimate restoration is assured (Jer. 23-5-8;30-8-11). The worldwide dispersion predicted in Deuteronomy 28 has been literally fulfilled. So also their ultimate regathering that began in the 20th century.
Joshua 1-1-9. After the death of Moses, God announced to Joshua his purpose of giving the promised land to Israel. The Lord said, "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great River, the Euphrates-all the Hittite country-to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (v.v.3-5). The prophecies concluded, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"(v.9). The rest of the book of Joshua recorded how Israel conquered the land. The promises are seen as being fulfilled in Joshua's lifetime (21-43-45).
Joshua 11-11-23. A summary of the conquest of Joshua was recorded, fulfilling the promise that the Lord had given Joshua in Joshua 1. The Lord was said to have fulfilled all his promises, as the book of Judges makes clear, though much of the territory had not yet been possessed (Joshua 13-1-19-51). But God had given them every portion of the land that they had set their foot on.
Joshua 21-43-45. "So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of the enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled." We see here that the Lord had not failed to keep his promise even though Israel had failed by faith to conquer all the land.
Chapters 23 and 24 of Joshua are important to the understanding of Joshua 21-43-45, where it is said that God fulfilled all the promises made to Israel and their forefathers. In 23-4 we see that land to be taken still remain. But if they remain true to God (v.v.5-11) the Lord himself will drive them out of the land. But at this point in time if they disobey (v.v.12-13) they would become snares and traps for them "until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you."
We see here again in verse 13 that the Lord had fulfilled his promises. Verses 14-16 repeat the fulfilled promises and the curses for disobedience. "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. But just as every good promise of the Lord your God has come true, so the Lord will bring on you all the evil he has threatened, until he has destroyed you from this good land he has given you. If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord's anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you."
It is clear here, if we are to believe the word of God, that he FULFILLED the promise he gave to Israel and their forefathers. Where now, to complete the inheritance promise given to the 12 tribes, THEY must remain true to God, or they would not recieve their inheritance promised them through Moses on Mt. Sinai; where there was seen a conditional covenant as is seen here in Joshua chapters 23-24.
Judges 1-1-8. After Joshua's death the Lord gave instruction for the continued battle to obtain the land, "Judah is to go, I have given the land into their hands"(v.2). The Simeonites assisted Judah in conquering the land. Important to their conquest was the destruction of Jerusalem which was set on fire (v.8).
Judges 2-1-3. The familiar picture of Israel's failure in the time of judges was described in God's statement to Israel; "Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this? Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you" (v.v.2-3).
Judges 2-20-23. Further revelation is given here concerning the Lord's anger with Israel. "Because this nation has violated the covenant that I laid down for their forefathers and has not listened to me, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LOrd and walk in it as their forefathers did." The Lord had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua" (v.v.20-23).
The books of Joshua and Judges set the stage for the coming of Samuel, the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. The ministry of Samuel was an important link between the time of the Judges and the reign of David. Long before Saul was killed, Samuel was instructed to anoint David as the future King of Israel (1 Sam. 15-12-13). Though the anointing itself was not a prophecy, it was prophetic of the future reign of David which began only after years of fleeing from Saul who wanted to kill David to prevent his assuming the throne. Once Saul was dead, the men of Judah recognized David as their king (2 Sam. 2-3-4), but the remaing tribes recognized Ish-Bosheth, a son of Saul. It was recorded in 2-12-4-12 that a divided kingdom continued for seven years, but after Ish-Bosheth's death, David was able to assume control over all 12 tribes of Israel. According to 5-1-2, representatives of the 11 tribes came and made a pact with David and anointed him king over all Israel.
Like the Abrahamic covenant the Davidic covenant is a major issue covenant that's related to prophecy in its fulfillment. In the case of the Abrahamic covenant, as we have seen, God's promises to Israel and their forefathers were fulfilled, and little room is given to question that literal fulfillment (yet they do) in the time of Joshua's life; as scripture clearly reveals. Today the major factor that is still debated in connection with the Abrahamic covenant is the question as to the land promised to Israel was subject to future fulfillment, or whether this is the correct interpretation seen in these scriptures. That ALL God's promises concerning the territories given Abraham were fulfilled in Joshua's time. In the boundaries given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and their seed, Israel. This is important to the understanding of what is meant by their prophecied "restoration and return to their land in the end time."
In attempting to interpret the Davidic covenant, certain facts stand out. 1. David understood that the promises had to do with his physical descendants or "house". 2. The prophecy is accurate in details as indicated by the fact that though Solomon's throne was promised to continue forever, his descendants were not given this promise as ultimately the line of Solomon was deposed (Jer. 22-28-30). 3. The ultimate person to sit on the throne of David would be Jesus Christ. 4. The lanquage of the covenant in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17, as it was understood by David, referred to his physical lineage and his political kingdom.
As history unfolded the role of Israel, there was obviously an interruption of the reign of David's descendants on the throne during the Babylonian captivity. One of the important prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Israel and the Davidic covenant was revealed in Amos 9-11-15. Restoration was referred to as a restoration of "David's fallen tent." Obviously, this was a declaration of the restoration of the Davidic kingdom, A "nation kingdom."
Verses 13-15 tell us that her cities would be rebuilt, vineyards would be planted, gardens would produce fruit. But the most important promise was given in verse 15. "I will plant Israel in her own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them." Says the Lord your God.'
In 1Kings 11-11-39, God confronted Solomon because of his departure from the Lord and predicted that the kingdom (its territories and boundaries Solomon held) would be taken from his descendants. But God assured Solomon that this would not happen in his life time.
There is much evidence in these scriptures given, that the Lord clearly fulfilled the promises of the Abrahamic land covenant and the blessings promised Abraham and his descendants as recorded in the book of Joshua. If it cannot be excepted there, it certainly was fulfilled during David and Solomon's reign to its fullest. The fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, in its fullest, would come through Christ.
Confirmation of the Davidic covenant is found in the words of the angel to Mary, announcing that she would be the mother of Jesus, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father dAvid, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end" (Luke 1-30-33).
At the time of the ascension of Christ, the disciples were not clear how this promise of Christ's kingdom would be fulfilled. In Acts 1-6 they asked the question, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom (physical kingdom) to Israel?" Their question was not whether Christ would bring in or restore the kingdom, but rather "when" he would "restore" the kingdom (a nation kingdom) to Israel. He told them that it was not for them to know the times (of this prophecy) set by the Father. In effect, Christ confirmed that the prophecied restoration of the kingdom of Israel would in time occur. The question asked Christ here is important to understand concerning "what" was to be "restored?" They were not asking for a "spiritual restoration," but rather the prophecied restoration of "Israel's return to their land as a kingdom again, predicted in the Old Testament.
The disciples obviously had difficulty in understanding that prior to the restoration of Israel, the present age would need to be fulfilled to a point, in which Gentiles would be brought in; this being the church age. This question came up in the Council of Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 15. In solving the problem, James quoted the prophecy of Amos 9-11-12. James concluded that scriptural prophecy indicated that there would be a time of Gentile blessing before the restoration of Israel as a kingdom could be brought in. This of course, is exactly what has occurred to this present age.
In coming to this conclusion, on the one hand, they reaffirmed God's present purpose of calling out a people to him from the Gentiles being fulfilled up to the present age. At the same time, they reaffirmed their expectation that the kingdom of Israel would be restored fulfilling the promises given in the OLd Testament, of their returning to their land and made a nation again; Fulfilling a physical restoration.
Ezek. 37-26-28. As Jeremiah stated, God predicted here a covenant of peace with Israel which would be "an everlasting covenant"(v.26). Though announced in the Old Testament, it will replace the Mosaic covenant and will have its fulfillment for Israel when Israel is restored nationally, and for some of her ( the remnant) spiritually, those that would turn to Christ. Scholars have puzzled over the precise meaning of this new covenant announced by Jeremiah (Jer. 31-31-34). Probably the simplest explanation is that in dying on the Cross, God made possible a covenant of grace for those who would trust in him. This covenant of grace made for the salvation of every individual from the time of Adam to the last person to be saved.
At the time of the fulfillment of this prophetic covenant God promised the restoration of Israel, and that would be the sign to the world that this was accomplished by the Lord who would cleanse Israel and make her holy, like the Gentiles through the New Covenant of Christ's blood.
Micah 7-1-20. In verse 8, Micah pleaded with the enemy not to gloat over them. Though it was true that Israel has sinned and will bear the wrath of God (v.v.9-10), the day will come when Israel will continue to build her walls and extend her boundaries (v.11). God's judgement on that day will be on the nations instead of on Israel (v.v.12-13).
Joshua 21-43-45. "So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of the enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled." We see here that the Lord had not failed to keep his promise even though Israel had failed by faith to conquer all the land.
Chapters 23 and 24 of Joshua are important to the understanding of Joshua 21-43-45, where it is said that God fulfilled all the promises made to Israel and their forefathers. In 23-4 we see that land to be taken still remain. But if they remain true to God (v.v.5-11) the Lord himself will drive them out of the land. But at this point in time if they disobey (v.v.12-13) they would become snares and traps for them "until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you."
We see here again in verse 13 that the Lord had fulfilled his promises. Verses 14-16 repeat the fulfilled promises and the curses for disobedience. "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. But just as every good promise of the Lord your God has come true, so the Lord will bring on you all the evil he has threatened, until he has destroyed you from this good land he has given you. If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord's anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you."
It is clear here, if we are to believe the word of God, that he FULFILLED the promise he gave to Israel and their forefathers. Where now, to complete the inheritance promise given to the 12 tribes, THEY must remain true to God, or they would not recieve their inheritance promised them through Moses on Mt. Sinai; where there was seen a conditional covenant as is seen here in Joshua chapters 23-24.
Judges 1-1-8. After Joshua's death the Lord gave instruction for the continued battle to obtain the land, "Judah is to go, I have given the land into their hands"(v.2). The Simeonites assisted Judah in conquering the land. Important to their conquest was the destruction of Jerusalem which was set on fire (v.8).
Judges 2-1-3. The familiar picture of Israel's failure in the time of judges was described in God's statement to Israel; "Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this? Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you" (v.v.2-3).
Judges 2-20-23. Further revelation is given here concerning the Lord's anger with Israel. "Because this nation has violated the covenant that I laid down for their forefathers and has not listened to me, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LOrd and walk in it as their forefathers did." The Lord had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua" (v.v.20-23).
The books of Joshua and Judges set the stage for the coming of Samuel, the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. The ministry of Samuel was an important link between the time of the Judges and the reign of David. Long before Saul was killed, Samuel was instructed to anoint David as the future King of Israel (1 Sam. 15-12-13). Though the anointing itself was not a prophecy, it was prophetic of the future reign of David which began only after years of fleeing from Saul who wanted to kill David to prevent his assuming the throne. Once Saul was dead, the men of Judah recognized David as their king (2 Sam. 2-3-4), but the remaing tribes recognized Ish-Bosheth, a son of Saul. It was recorded in 2-12-4-12 that a divided kingdom continued for seven years, but after Ish-Bosheth's death, David was able to assume control over all 12 tribes of Israel. According to 5-1-2, representatives of the 11 tribes came and made a pact with David and anointed him king over all Israel.
Like the Abrahamic covenant the Davidic covenant is a major issue covenant that's related to prophecy in its fulfillment. In the case of the Abrahamic covenant, as we have seen, God's promises to Israel and their forefathers were fulfilled, and little room is given to question that literal fulfillment (yet they do) in the time of Joshua's life; as scripture clearly reveals. Today the major factor that is still debated in connection with the Abrahamic covenant is the question as to the land promised to Israel was subject to future fulfillment, or whether this is the correct interpretation seen in these scriptures. That ALL God's promises concerning the territories given Abraham were fulfilled in Joshua's time. In the boundaries given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and their seed, Israel. This is important to the understanding of what is meant by their prophecied "restoration and return to their land in the end time."
In attempting to interpret the Davidic covenant, certain facts stand out. 1. David understood that the promises had to do with his physical descendants or "house". 2. The prophecy is accurate in details as indicated by the fact that though Solomon's throne was promised to continue forever, his descendants were not given this promise as ultimately the line of Solomon was deposed (Jer. 22-28-30). 3. The ultimate person to sit on the throne of David would be Jesus Christ. 4. The lanquage of the covenant in 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17, as it was understood by David, referred to his physical lineage and his political kingdom.
As history unfolded the role of Israel, there was obviously an interruption of the reign of David's descendants on the throne during the Babylonian captivity. One of the important prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Israel and the Davidic covenant was revealed in Amos 9-11-15. Restoration was referred to as a restoration of "David's fallen tent." Obviously, this was a declaration of the restoration of the Davidic kingdom, A "nation kingdom."
Verses 13-15 tell us that her cities would be rebuilt, vineyards would be planted, gardens would produce fruit. But the most important promise was given in verse 15. "I will plant Israel in her own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them." Says the Lord your God.'
In 1Kings 11-11-39, God confronted Solomon because of his departure from the Lord and predicted that the kingdom (its territories and boundaries Solomon held) would be taken from his descendants. But God assured Solomon that this would not happen in his life time.
There is much evidence in these scriptures given, that the Lord clearly fulfilled the promises of the Abrahamic land covenant and the blessings promised Abraham and his descendants as recorded in the book of Joshua. If it cannot be excepted there, it certainly was fulfilled during David and Solomon's reign to its fullest. The fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, in its fullest, would come through Christ.
Confirmation of the Davidic covenant is found in the words of the angel to Mary, announcing that she would be the mother of Jesus, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father dAvid, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end" (Luke 1-30-33).
At the time of the ascension of Christ, the disciples were not clear how this promise of Christ's kingdom would be fulfilled. In Acts 1-6 they asked the question, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom (physical kingdom) to Israel?" Their question was not whether Christ would bring in or restore the kingdom, but rather "when" he would "restore" the kingdom (a nation kingdom) to Israel. He told them that it was not for them to know the times (of this prophecy) set by the Father. In effect, Christ confirmed that the prophecied restoration of the kingdom of Israel would in time occur. The question asked Christ here is important to understand concerning "what" was to be "restored?" They were not asking for a "spiritual restoration," but rather the prophecied restoration of "Israel's return to their land as a kingdom again, predicted in the Old Testament.
The disciples obviously had difficulty in understanding that prior to the restoration of Israel, the present age would need to be fulfilled to a point, in which Gentiles would be brought in; this being the church age. This question came up in the Council of Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 15. In solving the problem, James quoted the prophecy of Amos 9-11-12. James concluded that scriptural prophecy indicated that there would be a time of Gentile blessing before the restoration of Israel as a kingdom could be brought in. This of course, is exactly what has occurred to this present age.
In coming to this conclusion, on the one hand, they reaffirmed God's present purpose of calling out a people to him from the Gentiles being fulfilled up to the present age. At the same time, they reaffirmed their expectation that the kingdom of Israel would be restored fulfilling the promises given in the OLd Testament, of their returning to their land and made a nation again; Fulfilling a physical restoration.
Ezek. 37-26-28. As Jeremiah stated, God predicted here a covenant of peace with Israel which would be "an everlasting covenant"(v.26). Though announced in the Old Testament, it will replace the Mosaic covenant and will have its fulfillment for Israel when Israel is restored nationally, and for some of her ( the remnant) spiritually, those that would turn to Christ. Scholars have puzzled over the precise meaning of this new covenant announced by Jeremiah (Jer. 31-31-34). Probably the simplest explanation is that in dying on the Cross, God made possible a covenant of grace for those who would trust in him. This covenant of grace made for the salvation of every individual from the time of Adam to the last person to be saved.
At the time of the fulfillment of this prophetic covenant God promised the restoration of Israel, and that would be the sign to the world that this was accomplished by the Lord who would cleanse Israel and make her holy, like the Gentiles through the New Covenant of Christ's blood.
Micah 7-1-20. In verse 8, Micah pleaded with the enemy not to gloat over them. Though it was true that Israel has sinned and will bear the wrath of God (v.v.9-10), the day will come when Israel will continue to build her walls and extend her boundaries (v.11). God's judgement on that day will be on the nations instead of on Israel (v.v.12-13).
This shows that the restoration of Israel as a nation will be based on the doctrine of grace rather than the covenant of the Law, concerning God's promises in restoring them again as a nation or kingdom under David their king whom he shall raise when that time will have come. Their spiritual restoration lies in Christ, as it does with the Gentiles. Concerning Israel's restoration of the physical kingdom, this covenant of peace made with Jacob's seed fulfills the covenant of the land made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the 12 tribes of Israel, and the remnant seed of their forefathers who would be restored as a nation again, in the land of their forefathers in the last days.
Jer. 31-38-40. In those last days God declared that Jerusalem "will be rebuilt for me from the tower of Hananel to the corner gate. The measuring line will stretch from there straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn to Goath. The whole valley where dead bodies and ashes are thrown, and all the terraces out to the Kidron Valley on the east as far as the corner of the Horse Gate, will be holy to the Lord. The city will never again be uprooted or demolished."
This prophecy given by Jeremiah nearly 2500 years ago has seen its fulfillment in the recapture of Jerusalem. Since then, Jerusalem has built up this precise area, and today there are lovely apartments and streets in the location formally used as a place for garbage heaps and dead bodies. In spite of the fact that Jerusalem has been demolished many times, God declared that this section will not be demolished until his second coming. Clearly, this prophecy fulfilled is one of the final signs given us in scripture that the coming of the Lord is very near.
When looking to the borders of David and Solomon's kingdom, we see that they more than fulfill the promises of their inheritance seen in Numbers 34-1-12; Joshua 15-1-12; and the territorial borders seen in Ezek. 47-15-20. This shows us that without a doubt God fulfilled his land-covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob through David and Solomon's kingdom.
The covenant the Lord made with David consists of two major promises. 1. That David understood that these promises had to do with his physical descendants who would occupy his "house", to mean to occupy his "political kingdom." And one from him (his seed) who would occupy his "throne." The ultimate person to sit on the throne of David would be Jesus Christ. 2. Again, concerning David's "house" or political kingdom, these promises were conditional to their obedience to the Lord, as history and its fulfillment records in scripture. These conditions were not met by the descendants of David.
But nonetheless, the restoration of "David's fallen tent" would be fulfilled at a future time. Scripture sees this fulfillment of restoring David's fallen tent as coming in "the last days." This restoration is seen as meaning the restoration of the return of the remnant of Israel and Judah (their forefather's seed) back to the land the Lord had driven their forefathers out because of sin, unbelief and rebellion. The Lord at that time, would bring this remnant of Israel and Judah back to the land he had given their forefathers and again make them into a nation kingdom, as "one nation" (Ezek. 37-15-23). Recent history shows us that these promises in part given to David began to be fulfilled in 1948 when Israel became a nation kingdom again, as the prophecy continues to its fulfillment to this day.
Our recent history shows that the promise of the political restoration given to David was fulfilled in 1948. The Lord's promise to David was that there would be a future restoration of Israel and Judah's seed that would become a nation kingdom again, as is seen throughout the Old Testament. The prophecy states that after he scatters them out of the land of their forefathers, in the last days, he would forgive their unfaithfulness and bring them back into the land their forefathers had at one time or another possessed.
It is important here to understand the promises given concerning "this restoration" in the final days as compared to the "former days and promises given" and fulfilled to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon seen throughout the Old Testament.
The Old Testament prophecies concerning the land covenant "specified areas and boundaries" that they were promised would occupy because of the promise the Lord made to them. In time, bibical history shows us that these areas and boundaries were given them as promised; thus the Lord fulfilled his promises concerning the Abrahamic covenant. The Davidic covenant is a bit more complicated. But in keeping for now, the promise of a restored political nation kingdom, was all the Lord promised David, and that is all that is seen in the Old Testament concerning this restoration. Wherever we read in the Old Testament of this "restoration", we never see "specific boundaries or areas" concerning the return of this remnant of the house of David, or 12 tribes of Israel. The only promise given Israel by the Lord was that in "the last days" He would return the remnant seed of Israel and Judah "to the land" (the land -territory of Palistine proper) He gave their forefathers.
As noted, one of the important prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the physical restoration of Israel as applied to the Lord's covenant to David is seen in Amos 9-11-15. This restoration is referred to the restoration of David's fallen tent. Obviously, this is a declaration of the fulfillment of the Lord's promise to David concerning the political kingdom. Verses 13-15 tells us that at the time this restoration promise is fulfilled, her cities would be rebuilt, vineyards would be planted, gardens would produce fruit. In verse 15 is the most important promise given, "I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the Lord your God." Concerning this restoration in the last days, another important prophecy is seen in Micah 7-11-13. It is said in these verses that the day would come when Israel would continue to build her walls and extend her boundaries. And God's judgement at that time would be on the nations instead of on Israel.
The fulfillment of this prophecy of the Lord's began immediately at her birth. The Arab nations immediately attacked her to prevent that birth from ever growing. But by doing so fulfilled the Lord's promises and prophecy of that time. God was now with Israel and against the nations as was prophecied in Micah 7-11-13. The Lord protected Israel, and they were victorious in that war of Independence in 1948, where they gained considerable territory from this war. The Lord began building her walls and extending her boundaries. History shows us that this occurred each and every time the Arab nations conspired to attack her and try to drive her into non-existence.
The war of 1967 was a major fulfillment of the Lord's promises and prophecies concerning these last days. In that war, Israel regained East Jerusalem, where now all of Jerusalem was theirs and would remain theirs. They took over the territory of the Golan Heights and could have taken all of Damascus and gone even further, if it were not for "intervention" of the nations of the world. Not only could they have taken all of Damascus and other areas further north, they took over all of the Sinai and to the Suez Canal. Again, if intervention had not stopped them, they would have taken Egypt as well.
So when we look to God's promises concerning the land covenant given to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon and their seed in the Old Testament, God fulfilled those promises. Just as He also fulfilled His promise of Israel's restoration as a nation kingdom in these last days. Scripture prophecy concerning the land covenant promises given Israel have all been fulfilled in these last days.
The fulfillment of the Lord's covenant to David is seen as coming through Christ in Luke 1-30-33. The angel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. "Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob (all Israel-the Israel of God) forever; his kingdom will never end." We see this to be the fulfillment of the Lord's promise given to David, which would come through our Lord Jesus Christ. The kingdom given him is seen as being the house of Jacob or Israel, in which we were grafted in. And Jesus would reign over this house of Israel forever.
Thus Christ will reign, and have rulership over this kingdom completely, when all is fulfilled. And the kingdom he would reign over is the house of Jacob, the church kingdom in which we have been grafted in under the New Covenant. This earthly church kingdom is explained further in the pages titled "The Kingdom of God." There we can see the fulfillment of what is seen in scripture.
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Jer. 31-38-40. In those last days God declared that Jerusalem "will be rebuilt for me from the tower of Hananel to the corner gate. The measuring line will stretch from there straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn to Goath. The whole valley where dead bodies and ashes are thrown, and all the terraces out to the Kidron Valley on the east as far as the corner of the Horse Gate, will be holy to the Lord. The city will never again be uprooted or demolished."
This prophecy given by Jeremiah nearly 2500 years ago has seen its fulfillment in the recapture of Jerusalem. Since then, Jerusalem has built up this precise area, and today there are lovely apartments and streets in the location formally used as a place for garbage heaps and dead bodies. In spite of the fact that Jerusalem has been demolished many times, God declared that this section will not be demolished until his second coming. Clearly, this prophecy fulfilled is one of the final signs given us in scripture that the coming of the Lord is very near.
When looking to the borders of David and Solomon's kingdom, we see that they more than fulfill the promises of their inheritance seen in Numbers 34-1-12; Joshua 15-1-12; and the territorial borders seen in Ezek. 47-15-20. This shows us that without a doubt God fulfilled his land-covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob through David and Solomon's kingdom.
The covenant the Lord made with David consists of two major promises. 1. That David understood that these promises had to do with his physical descendants who would occupy his "house", to mean to occupy his "political kingdom." And one from him (his seed) who would occupy his "throne." The ultimate person to sit on the throne of David would be Jesus Christ. 2. Again, concerning David's "house" or political kingdom, these promises were conditional to their obedience to the Lord, as history and its fulfillment records in scripture. These conditions were not met by the descendants of David.
But nonetheless, the restoration of "David's fallen tent" would be fulfilled at a future time. Scripture sees this fulfillment of restoring David's fallen tent as coming in "the last days." This restoration is seen as meaning the restoration of the return of the remnant of Israel and Judah (their forefather's seed) back to the land the Lord had driven their forefathers out because of sin, unbelief and rebellion. The Lord at that time, would bring this remnant of Israel and Judah back to the land he had given their forefathers and again make them into a nation kingdom, as "one nation" (Ezek. 37-15-23). Recent history shows us that these promises in part given to David began to be fulfilled in 1948 when Israel became a nation kingdom again, as the prophecy continues to its fulfillment to this day.
Our recent history shows that the promise of the political restoration given to David was fulfilled in 1948. The Lord's promise to David was that there would be a future restoration of Israel and Judah's seed that would become a nation kingdom again, as is seen throughout the Old Testament. The prophecy states that after he scatters them out of the land of their forefathers, in the last days, he would forgive their unfaithfulness and bring them back into the land their forefathers had at one time or another possessed.
It is important here to understand the promises given concerning "this restoration" in the final days as compared to the "former days and promises given" and fulfilled to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon seen throughout the Old Testament.
The Old Testament prophecies concerning the land covenant "specified areas and boundaries" that they were promised would occupy because of the promise the Lord made to them. In time, bibical history shows us that these areas and boundaries were given them as promised; thus the Lord fulfilled his promises concerning the Abrahamic covenant. The Davidic covenant is a bit more complicated. But in keeping for now, the promise of a restored political nation kingdom, was all the Lord promised David, and that is all that is seen in the Old Testament concerning this restoration. Wherever we read in the Old Testament of this "restoration", we never see "specific boundaries or areas" concerning the return of this remnant of the house of David, or 12 tribes of Israel. The only promise given Israel by the Lord was that in "the last days" He would return the remnant seed of Israel and Judah "to the land" (the land -territory of Palistine proper) He gave their forefathers.
As noted, one of the important prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the physical restoration of Israel as applied to the Lord's covenant to David is seen in Amos 9-11-15. This restoration is referred to the restoration of David's fallen tent. Obviously, this is a declaration of the fulfillment of the Lord's promise to David concerning the political kingdom. Verses 13-15 tells us that at the time this restoration promise is fulfilled, her cities would be rebuilt, vineyards would be planted, gardens would produce fruit. In verse 15 is the most important promise given, "I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the Lord your God." Concerning this restoration in the last days, another important prophecy is seen in Micah 7-11-13. It is said in these verses that the day would come when Israel would continue to build her walls and extend her boundaries. And God's judgement at that time would be on the nations instead of on Israel.
The fulfillment of this prophecy of the Lord's began immediately at her birth. The Arab nations immediately attacked her to prevent that birth from ever growing. But by doing so fulfilled the Lord's promises and prophecy of that time. God was now with Israel and against the nations as was prophecied in Micah 7-11-13. The Lord protected Israel, and they were victorious in that war of Independence in 1948, where they gained considerable territory from this war. The Lord began building her walls and extending her boundaries. History shows us that this occurred each and every time the Arab nations conspired to attack her and try to drive her into non-existence.
The war of 1967 was a major fulfillment of the Lord's promises and prophecies concerning these last days. In that war, Israel regained East Jerusalem, where now all of Jerusalem was theirs and would remain theirs. They took over the territory of the Golan Heights and could have taken all of Damascus and gone even further, if it were not for "intervention" of the nations of the world. Not only could they have taken all of Damascus and other areas further north, they took over all of the Sinai and to the Suez Canal. Again, if intervention had not stopped them, they would have taken Egypt as well.
So when we look to God's promises concerning the land covenant given to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon and their seed in the Old Testament, God fulfilled those promises. Just as He also fulfilled His promise of Israel's restoration as a nation kingdom in these last days. Scripture prophecy concerning the land covenant promises given Israel have all been fulfilled in these last days.
The fulfillment of the Lord's covenant to David is seen as coming through Christ in Luke 1-30-33. The angel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. "Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob (all Israel-the Israel of God) forever; his kingdom will never end." We see this to be the fulfillment of the Lord's promise given to David, which would come through our Lord Jesus Christ. The kingdom given him is seen as being the house of Jacob or Israel, in which we were grafted in. And Jesus would reign over this house of Israel forever.
Thus Christ will reign, and have rulership over this kingdom completely, when all is fulfilled. And the kingdom he would reign over is the house of Jacob, the church kingdom in which we have been grafted in under the New Covenant. This earthly church kingdom is explained further in the pages titled "The Kingdom of God." There we can see the fulfillment of what is seen in scripture.
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