Patterns that Reveal Jesus in Bible Prophecy: Modern Israel and the End Times
The years 1948 and 2023 are important for Israel. In 1948 AM Abraham, the father of Israel was born, which was 1948 years after creation as recorded in Genesis. More recently Modern Israel was re-born in 1948 AD. We have reasons to believe that these are signs from God. At the age of 75, Abram received God’s call (Genesis 12v4). The year was 2023 AM, (1948+75=2023). Consequently, we have reasons to expect major end times events to begin in 2023 AD.
The Prophetic Pattern of Modern Israel
The purpose of prophecy is always to reveal Jesus. Through Jesus, God reveals the journey of salvation. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev 19v10). Modern Israel is in the process of unveiling a pattern of events that resembles the life of Jesus. This is the prophetic pattern, a testimony that reveals Jesus in three parts:
- Modern Israel Born in 1948: This resembles the birth of Jesus where Hitler was the King Herod figure and the Holocaust was a slaughter of the innocent.
- A 75-Year Journey: Their life long journey as a small nation in the Middle East is now 75 years long, and probably nearing completion.
- Death and Resurrection: A moment of death and resurrection / conversion is expected next, and signs are suggesting it will begin around about 2023.
When Israel reach the end of their testimony we will see the birth of the final generation which Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24v34. On October 7th 2023 we got the much expected one year warning when Hamas attacked Israel. As I write this update on 26th September 2024 we currently see a much bigger war with Hezbollah brewing in the North.
Jerusalem in God's Plan for the Ages
A proper understanding of the pivotal role of Jerusalem in God's plan for the ages, will greatly aid a proper understanding of all other end time events. The following data represents a synopsis of the prophetic "peaks" centered around the city of Jerusalem:
| Mountain Peak | What is the Sign? | Supporting Scripture | Historical/Prophetic Fulfillment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak 1 | Sketch, Side, Starvation (Ezek 4-5) | Ezekiel 4-7 | 586BC (Babylon) |
| Peak 2 | Jerusalem Being Surrounded | Lk 19:41-44, Lk 21:20-24 | 70AD (Rome) |
| Peak 3 | Abomination of Desolation Standing in Holy Place | Mt 24:15, 2Th 2:3-4 | Second Half of Daniel's 70th Week |
| Peak 4 | Nations of the World Surround Jerusalem | Zech 12:1-9, Rev 11:1-2 | End of Great Tribulation |
| Peak 5 | Beloved City Surrounded by Nations | Rev 20:7-10 | At End of 1000 Year Reign |
| Peak 6 | "Bride Adorned for Her Husband" | Rev 21:1-4 | After Heaven & Earth Pass Away |
The Times of the Gentiles
The times of the Gentiles (Lk 21:24) last from the conquest by Nebuchadnezzar until the destruction of the antichrist. Ezekiel's prophecy deals with God's final warnings and reasons for the complete destruction of the holy Temple and the holy city of Jerusalem. This was fulfilled in 586BC with the final burning of the city, but this was not to be the final "end" of God's discipline on His holy city.
The Chronology of Biblical History
The period of the judges is 1350 - 1014 BC for a total of 336 years. The chronology of the book of Judges has been a problem because when you add up all the numbers and dates given in the book the sum of years is about 100 years more than what it should be. The death of Joshua in 1356 BC is a critical anchor point for beginning the Chronology of the Judges. Joshua began serving Moses at age 18-20, and served Moses for 40 years in the wilderness and then 50 years in Canaan after crossing the Jordan. Samuel was the last judge who died in 1014 BC, which was four years before David began to reign in 1010 BC.
Prophetic Voices Across Centuries
The Bible Prophets Timeline shows us how God raises up voices of truth across centuries to guide His people. Each major shift in Israel’s political situation brings corresponding prophetic voices to interpret events:
- United Kingdom: Samuel, Nathan, and Gad advised Saul, David, and Solomon.
- Divided Kingdom: Elijah and Elisha confronted idolatry; others like Amos and Isaiah spoke of judgment and restoration.
- Exile: Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel showed that God’s power was not bound by location.
- Post-Exile: Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi called the people to rebuild their hearts and the Temple.
The prophets called the Israelites back to God, and today their words still challenge, comfort, and point us toward the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ.