The land of Israel is more than a geopolitical hotspot – it is a central thread in the tapestry of God’s promises, woven through scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Understanding its significance requires us to look beyond headlines and into the heart of God’s covenant.
The Promise of the Land
God’s promise of the land was first made to Abraham and his singular “seed”, or “offspring.” Genesis 12:7 records, “To your seed I will give this land.” This is echoed in Genesis 13:15, where the land is given to Abraham and his offspring forever. But who is this seed? Is it referring here to ALL of Abraham’s descendants, or just one? Galatians 3:16 clarifies: “He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one… who is Christ.” The land, then, belongs to Jesus. It was promised to him FIRST! It is his inheritance, and Jerusalem is described as “the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:34–35).
This eternal promise implies resurrection and the coming Kingdom of God on earth. Abraham himself did not receive the land in his lifetime (Acts 7:5), nor did any of the faithful listed in Hebrews 11. They died in faith (Hebrews 11:13), awaiting the fulfillment of the promise when Jesus returns and resurrects them to share in it (Hebrews 11:39–40).
Scattering and Regathering
Though the descendants of Abraham did inherit the land under Joshua and the kingdom saw its peak under Solomon (Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 4:21), this was not the final fulfillment. It was temporary, and Jesus has not yet taken his place as reigning king.
God foresaw Israel’s scattering and prophesied their return. Jeremiah 29:14 declares, “I will gather you from all the nations… and bring you to the place from which I caused you to be carried away.” This regathering began in the late 1800s, continued through the early 1900s, and culminated in the reestablishment of the nation of Israel in 1948 and the recapture of Jerusalem in 1967.
Prophecies for the Latter Days
Zechariah 12:3 warns that Jerusalem will become “a very heavy stone for all peoples,” a burden to any who try to manipulate its fate. In Joel 3:2 God rages against the nations, particularly because they have been so presumptuous as to think they can determine the boundaries of God’s land! He says “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.” The land belongs to God – he will determine how it is to be divided, and He alone determines its inheritance! This is a direct challenge to modern political solutions like the “Two-State Solution.”
Ezekiel 37–39 offers a vivid prophetic panorama. The vision of dry bones in chapter 37 symbolizes Israel’s national resurrection. Verses 21–22 describe their regathering and reunification – fulfilled in stages punctuated by the major events of 1948 and 1967. Yet one part remains: “One king shall be king over them all.” That king is Jesus, and his return is still awaited. We are in the latter stages of this prophecy being fulfilled.
Ezekiel 38 outlines a future conflict involving Russia (“Rosh”), Iran (“Persia”), and other nations, opposing Western powers like Britain (“Tarshish”) and its allies. This war threatens Israel’s survival, but just when all seems lost, Jesus returns to rescue his people and establish God’s Kingdom on earth (Daniel 12:1–3; Zechariah 14:3–4).
A Kingdom Not of This World
In light of today’s conflicts – such as those in Gaza and the Ukraine – we must remember that war and suffering are the fruit of human rule. As Christadelphians, we do not support political entities or take sides in such conflicts. Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and our allegiance is to Christ, who will one day reign over all the earth.
Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” The language is clear – when Jesus returns to claim his throne and his inheritance, he will fight for it! He came the first time as a sacrifice for sin – the Lamb who did not resist, but when he returns as the Lion of Judah, he will be the King, and he’ll take his throne!
The land of Israel is not for nations to divide. It is God’s land, promised to His Son. No matter what the world decides, one day there will be a single, righteous kingdom ruled by Jesus Christ. Until then, our mission is clear: preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Daniel 4:17 reminds us, “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He will.” May we live in faith, teach with clarity, and wait with hope.
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The Original Gospel 