The Day of
Judgment – The Day of God’s Wrath
A Study in
the Book of Zephaniah
D.P. Weary
October
2025
The book of Zephaniah is a prophecy dealing with the day of
the wrath of God [God’s last day’s final judgment upon fallen mankind]. It is a
book that adds insights to the book of Revelation. In this study we are going
to be looking for insights into the fate of the peoples and nations that
surround Israel today.
Chapter 1 – The Day of Judgment
[Zep 1:1 AMP] The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah
the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah,
in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah:
[Zep 1:2 AMP] "I will completely consume and sweep away
all things From the face of the earth [in judgment]," says the LORD.
[Zep 1:3 AMP] "I will consume and sweep away man and
beast; I will consume and sweep away the birds of the air And the fish of the
sea, And the stumbling blocks (idols) along with the wicked; And I will cut off
and destroy man from the face of the earth," declares the LORD.
[Zep 1:4 AMP] "I will also stretch out My hand [in
judgment] against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I
will cut off and destroy the remnant of Baal from this place, And the names and
remembrance of the idolatrous priests along with the [false] priests,
[Zep 1:5 AMP] And those who bow down and worship the host of
heaven [the sun, the moon, and the stars] on their housetops And those who bow
down and swear [oaths] to [and pretend to worship] the LORD and [yet also]
swear by [the pagan god called] Milcom [god of the Ammonites],
[Zep 1:6 AMP] And those who have turned back from following
the LORD, And those who have not sought the LORD [as their most important need]
or inquired of Him."
[Zep 1:7 AMP] [Hush!] Be silent before the Lord GOD [there
is no acceptable excuse to offer]! For the day [of the vengeance] of the LORD
is near, For the LORD has prepared a sacrifice (Judah), He has set apart [for
His use] those who have accepted His invitation [the Chaldeans who rule
Babylon].
[Zep 1:7 NLT] Stand in silence in
the presence of the Sovereign LORD, for the awesome day of the LORD's judgment
is near. The LORD has prepared his people for a great slaughter and has chosen
their executioners.
Although
there was a foreshowing fulfillment of this prophecy when the
Babylonians conquered and exiled Judah, the
final fulfillment awaits the days of the great tribulation of Revelation 6-22.
[Zep 1:8 AMP] "Then it will come about on the day of
the LORD'S sacrifice That I will punish the princes and the king's sons And all
who are clothed in [lavish] foreign apparel [reflecting their paganism].
[Zep 1:9 AMP] "On that day I will also punish all those
who leap over the temple threshold, Who fill their [pagan] lord's temple with
violence and deceit.
[Zep 1:10 AMP] "On that day," declares the LORD,
"There will be the sound of crying from the Fish (Damascus) Gate [in the
northern wall of Jerusalem where invaders enter] And wailing from the Second
Quarter [of the city], And a loud crash from the hills.
[Zep 1:11 AMP] "Wail [in anguish], you inhabitants of
the Mortar (Valley of Siloam), For all the merchants of Canaan will be silenced
and destroyed; All who weigh out silver will be cut off.
[Zep 1:12 AMP] "It will come about at that time That I
will search Jerusalem with lamps And I will punish the men Who [like old wine]
are stagnant in spirit, Who say in their hearts, 'The LORD will not do good,
nor will He do evil.'
[Zep 1:13 AMP] "Furthermore, their wealth will become
plunder And their houses a desolation. Yes, they will build houses but not live
in them, And plant vineyards but not drink their wine."
[Zep
1:14 AMP] The great [judgment] day of the LORD is near, Near and coming very
quickly. Listen! The [voice of the] day of the LORD! The warrior cries out
bitterly [unable to fight or to flee].
[Zep
1:15 AMP] That day is a day of [the outpouring of the] wrath [of God], A day of
trouble and distress, A day of destruction and devastation, A day of darkness
and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness,
[Zep
1:16 AMP] A day of trumpet and the battle cry [of invaders] Against the
fortified cities And against the high corner towers (battlements).
[Zep
1:17 AMP] I will bring distress on men So that they will walk like the blind
[unable to find a way of escape], Because they have sinned against the LORD;
Their blood will be poured out like dust [and trampled underfoot], And their
flesh like dung.
[Zep
1:18 AMP] Neither their silver nor their gold Will be able to rescue them On
the day of the LORD'S indignation and wrath. And the whole earth will be
consumed In the fire of His jealous wrath, For He shall make a full and
complete end, Indeed a terrifying one, Of all the inhabitants of the earth.
The highlighted verses establish
that we are dealing with the last days, the days of the wrath of God; the days
of the book of Revelation. There is also clear that all the inhabitants of the
earth are being subjected to the wrath of God. The New Testament clearly tells
us that those that accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and are born again (Jn
3:3-6) are not subjected to the wrath of God (1 Thes 1:10, 5:9; Rom 5:9; Rev
3:10). The clear implication is that all people that are saved by accepting
Yeshua (Jesus) as their Savior have already been removed from the earth in what
is called the Rapture of the Saints. During the days of the wrath of God, the
great tribulation, many do come to accept Jesus as their Lord and savior. These
we call the tribulation saints and are in addition to those saved during the
church age who are taken at the rapture. Many of these tribulation saints, if
not most, are Jews. These must endure the trials of the great tribulation and
many are martyred (Rev 20:4) for their faith.
Chapter 2 - Judgments on Judah’s Enemies
[Zep 2:1 AMP] Gather yourselves together [in repentance], yes, gather [in submission], O nation
without shame,
[Zep 2:2 AMP] Before the decree takes effect [and the time for repentance is lost]-- The day
passes like the chaff [whirled by the wind]-- Before the burning and fierce anger of the LORD comes
upon you, Before the day of the wrath of the LORD comes upon you.
[Zep 2:3 AMP] Seek the LORD [search diligently for Him and regard Him as the foremost
necessity of your life], All you humble of the land Who have practiced
His ordinances and have kept His commandments; Seek righteousness, seek humility [regard them as vital].
Perhaps you will be hidden [and pardoned and rescued] In the day of the LORD'S
anger.
These first 3 verses are for us
today! They are a very clear call to all to seek righteousness, repent of sin,
seek humility, to seek the LORD and submit to Him before the day of wrath
comes. And for those that do, you will be hidden [and pardoned and rescued] in
the day of the LORD’s wrath.
(1 Thes 1:10, 5:9; Rom 5:9; Rev 3:10)
Now we come to the fate of the
nations that surround Israel.
Gaza:
[Zep 2:4 AMP] For [this is the fate of the Philistines:] Gaza will be abandoned And
Ashkelon a desolation; [The people of] Ashdod will be driven out at noon [in
broad daylight] And Ekron will be uprooted and destroyed.
[Zep 2:5 AMP] Woe (judgment is coming) to the inhabitants of the
seacoast, The nation of the Cherethites [in Philistia]! The word of the LORD is against
you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; I will destroy you So that no
inhabitant will be left.
“Philistia was an ancient region on the southern coast of
Canaan, roughly corresponding to the modern Gaza Strip and parts of southern
Israel. It was home to the Philistines, a people known from biblical and
archaeological sources, who settled there around the 12th century BCE, likely
as part of the Sea Peoples migration. They established a confederation of five
city-states: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Philistia was known for
its urban culture, advanced pottery, and frequent conflicts with neighboring
Israelites, as depicted in stories like David and Goliath.
The Philistines were an ancient people who lived along the
coastal plain of Canaan, in what is now modern-day Israel and the Gaza Strip,
from around the 12th century BCE to the 7th century BCE. They are best known
from biblical accounts as frequent adversaries of the Israelites, though
archaeological evidence provides a broader picture.” (Grok)
The name Cherethites is “a reference to their early
geographical links with Crete.” (Baker)
Today the people of Gaza call themselves
Palestinians.
“The Palestinians are an Arab ethnonational group native to the
historic region of Palestine, located in the Levant (encompassing modern-day
Israel, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and parts of Jordan, Lebanon, and
Syria). They form a highly homogeneous community bound by shared cultural,
linguistic, and historical ties, primarily speaking Palestinian Arabic—a
dialect of Levantine Arabic. While predominantly Sunni Muslim (about 85-90%),
they also include significant Christian minorities (around 1-2% in the territories,
higher in the diaspora) and smaller groups like Druze and Samaritans. Their
identity emphasizes indigenous roots in the land, with genetic studies linking
them to ancient Levantine populations from the Bronze and Iron Ages, including
Canaanite ancestry, alongside later influences from Arab migrations.
Palestinians
trace their presence in the region back millennia, descending from a mix of
ancient Semitic peoples (such as Canaanites and Philistines) who inhabited the
area before recorded history. The name "Palestine" derives from the
Roman term Syria Palaestina (after the Philistines, a biblical sea people),
imposed in the 2nd century CE to suppress Jewish ties to the land following
revolts. Over centuries, the region saw conquests by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs
(7th century CE Islamic expansion), Crusaders, Ottomans (1516–1918), and
British (1917–1948). Under Ottoman rule, the population was diverse but
predominantly Arab, with Muslims, Christians, and a small Jewish minority all
identifying as inhabitants of "Filastin" (Arabic for Palestine).
Modern Palestinian national identity emerged in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, influenced by Arab nationalism and resistance to European
colonialism and Zionist immigration. By the 1910s, publications like the
Jaffa-based newspaper Filastin explicitly addressed Arabs in the region as
"Palestinians" and warned against Zionist "colonization. "The
British Mandate for Palestine (1920–1948) formalized the territory, but
escalating Jewish-Arab tensions led to the 1947 UN partition plan, which
proposed dividing the land into Jewish and Arab states. Rejected by Palestinian
leaders and Arab states, it sparked the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.” (Grok)
[Zep 2:6 AMP] So the [depopulated] seacoast shall be pastures, With [deserted]
meadows for shepherds and folds for flocks.
[Zep 2:7 AMP] The seacoast will belong To the remnant of the house of Judah; They
will pasture [their flocks] on it. In the [deserted] houses of Ashkelon [in
Philistia] they [of Judah] will lie down and rest in the evening, For the LORD
their God will care for them; And restore their fortune [permitting them to
occupy the land].
Gaza is
destined to be destroyed, the inhabitants to be driven out or destroyed. The
land is to become deserted meadows for shepherds who are the remnant of the
house of Judah (Jews). This is all the LORD’s doing! He is restoring the land
to the Jews.
[Zep 2:8 AMP] "I have heard the taunting of Moab And
the revilings of the sons of Ammon, With which they have taunted My people And
become arrogant against their territory [by violating Israel's boundary and
trying to seize its land].
[Zep 2:9 AMP] "Therefore, as I live," declares the
LORD of hosts, The God of Israel, "Moab will in fact become like Sodom And the sons of Ammon like
Gomorrah, A land possessed by nettles and salt pits, And a perpetual
desolation. The remnant of My people will plunder them And what is left of My
nation will inherit them [as their own]."
“Biblical
Moab refers to an ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea in what is now
modern-day Jordan, existing during the Iron Age (roughly 13th to 6th centuries
BCE). It is frequently mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and other
ancient texts, known for its interactions with the Israelites. Key points about
Moab:
Geography:
Moab's territory included fertile lands along the eastern shore of the Dead
Sea, with key cities like Dibon, Kir, and Ar. Its borders fluctuated but
generally spanned the region between the Arnon and Zered rivers.
People
and Culture: The Moabites were a Semitic people, closely related to the
Israelites, with a shared linguistic and cultural heritage. Their primary deity
was Chemosh, and they engaged in agriculture, trade, and herding.
Biblical Ammon refers to an ancient kingdom mentioned in the
Hebrew Bible, located east of the Jordan River in what is now modern-day
Jordan. Its people, the Ammonites, were considered descendants of Lot’s son
Ben-Ammi (Genesis 19:38). The capital was Rabbah (modern Amman, Jordan).”
(Grok)
The
territory of Jordan will become a desolation and the remnant of Israel (Jews)
will inherit it as their own.
[Zep 2:10 AMP] This they shall have in return for their
pride, because they have taunted and become arrogant against the people of the
LORD of hosts.
[Zep 2:11 AMP] The LORD will be terrifying and awesome to them, for He will starve all
the gods of the earth; and all the coastlands of the nations will bow down and
worship Him, everyone from his own place.
In
these days the LORD will do away with all the gods of the earth and the nations
will bow down and worship Him [“Every knee will bow and every tong confess the
Jesus is LORD”].
[Zep 2:12 AMP] "You also, O Ethiopians, will be slain by My sword."
“The
term "Ethiopians" in the Bible refers to people from the region known
as Cush in ancient Hebrew texts, which corresponds to parts of modern-day
Ethiopia, Sudan, and surrounding areas in Northeast Africa. The name
"Ethiopia" comes from the Greek term Aithiopia ("land of burnt
faces"), used in ancient texts to describe dark-skinned peoples south of
Egypt. Here’s a concise overview of the Biblical Ethiopians:
Cush in
the Old Testament:
In the
Hebrew Bible, "Cush" often refers to a region south of Egypt, likely
encompassing modern Ethiopia, Sudan, and parts of Eritrea. It was known for its
wealth, military strength, and distinct cultural identity.” (Grok)
The
people of the modern-day territory of Ethiopia and Sudan will be slain by war
[God’s sword]. Note that it is one of the areas overcome by God during the
Ezekiel 38 wars.
[Zep 2:13 AMP] And the LORD will stretch out His hand against the north And destroy
Assyria, And He will make Nineveh a desolation [a wasteland], Parched as the
desert.
“The
region historically known as Assyria, an ancient Mesopotamian empire centered
in what is now northern Iraq, parts of northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey,
and northwestern Iran, doesn’t have a direct modern-day equivalent as a
distinct political entity. However, the geographic area corresponding to
ancient Assyria can be mapped to parts of several contemporary countries. Modern-Day
Regions Associated with Assyria:
Northern
Iraq:
The
heartland of ancient Assyria, including cities like Nineveh (modern Mosul),
Ashur (near Sharqat), and Nimrud (near Mosul), lies in northern Iraq. This
region, particularly the Nineveh Plains, is still home to many ethnic
Assyrians, a modern ethnoreligious group who identify as descendants of the
ancient Assyrians.
Key
areas: Mosul, Erbil, Dohuk, and the Nineveh Governorate.
Northeastern
Syria:
Parts
of the Al-Hasakah Governorate, particularly the Khabur River valley, were
historically part of Assyria. This area, known as Gozarto (Jazira), is home to
Assyrian communities.
Southeastern
Turkey:
The Tur
Abdin region in southeastern Turkey, near Mardin and Midyat, was part of
ancient Assyria’s periphery and remains a cultural center for modern Assyrians.
Northwestern
Iran:
The
Urmia region in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, includes areas historically
linked to Assyria and is home to Assyrian communities.” (Grok)
[Zep 2:14 AMP] Flocks will lie down in her midst, All the
animals which range in herds; Both the pelican and the short-eared owl Will
roost on the top of Nineveh's pillars. Birds will sing in the window,
Desolation will be on the threshold; For He has uncovered the cedar paneling.
[Zep 2:15 AMP] This is the joyous city Which dwells
carelessly [feeling so secure], Who says in her heart, "I am, and there is
no one besides me." What a desolation she has become, A lair for [wild]
animals! Everyone who passes by her will hiss [in scorn] And wave his hand in
contempt.
The modern-day
territories of ancient Assyria will be destroyed and made a wasteland and Musul
[Neneveh] will be a deserted ruin where only animals and birds can be found.
Specific details all this
destruction can be found in scriptures like: Ps 83, Isa 17, Jer 49-51, Ezek
38-39, Joel, Zechariah, Revelation 6-21, and bits and pieces in most of the
prophets of the Bible.
Chapter 3 - Judgment on Jerusalem and the Restoration
Now we come to Jerusalem and
Israel
v[Zep 3:1 AMP] Woe (judgment is coming) to her who is rebellious and defiled, The
tyrannical city [Jerusalem]!
This
makes it clear that Israel is in a state of rebellion against God in the last
days. Testing and judgment is coming to Israel as a nation. This is what the
great tribulation of the book of Revelation is all about.
[Zep 3:2 AMP] She did not listen and heed the voice [of God]; She accepted no correction. She did
not trust in the LORD [but trusted
her own power]; She did not draw near to her God [but to the pagan gods of
Baal or Molech].
Israel
is not trusting or even listening to God. Israel is trusting in her own power,
both military and economic. These days the “pagan gods” would include
religious, power, and money.
[Zep 3:3 AMP] Her officials within her are roaring lions; Her judges are [as hungry
as] the wolves at evening, They leave nothing for the morning.
Here
the political leadership and the judges are specifically called out as corrupt
and unrighteous.
[Zep 3:4 AMP] Her prophets are reckless and treacherous men; Her priests have
profaned the sanctuary; They have done violence to the law [by pretending their
word is God's word].
Here
the religious prophets and priests are called out as reckless, treacherous, and
profane as they make their writings and laws to be God’s word.
[Zep 3:5 AMP] The LORD is righteous within her; He will do
no injustice. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He does not fail.
But the unjust person knows no shame.
Every
day God reveals His righteousness to Israel and exposes the unrighteousness.
But as a nation they know no shame. There is no repentance or changing of their
ways.
[Zep 3:6 AMP] "I [the LORD] have cut off and destroyed nations [as a warning to
Judah]; Their corner towers (battlements) are in ruins. I have made their
streets desolate So that no one passes by; Their cities are destroyed So that
there is no man, there is no inhabitant.
[Zep 3:7 AMP] "I said, 'Most certainly you will
[reverently] fear Me; Accept correction.' So Jerusalem's dwelling will not be
cut off In accordance with all that I have appointed concerning her
[punishment], But they
were eager [even rising early] to make all their deeds corrupt.
God has
and is protecting Israel and has destroyed and is destroying enemy nations as
we see in chapter 1, and in current history and events in the Middle East. God
says, “surely now, you, Israel will listen to Me, accept correction, and turn
to me for mercy and grace (pardon) so that I will not have to execute my
judgment upon you.” But they are not, and will not and will persist in their
corruption and the judgment and testing of the 7 years of the great tribulation
will surely come.
But then comes the pardon, redemption and restoration,
the completion of God’s covenant promises to the Hebrews [Jews and Israel].
[Zep 3:8 AMP] "Therefore [you of the godly remnant of Judah, patiently] wait for
Me," declares the LORD, "[Wait] for the day when I rise up as a
witness [against the nations]. For it is My decision and My right to gather the
nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All [the
heat of] My burning anger; For [in that day] all the earth shall be consumed By
the fire of My zeal.
This is
addressed to the godly remnant of Judah. Who are they? The NT declares that
none are righteous, no not one [Rom 3:9-10]. Righteousness is a gift imputed
from Jesus by believing in Him. The godly remnant of Judah (Israel) are Jewish
believers in Jesus. This is the day when God rises in wrath against ungodly
nations and kingdoms. These are the days of the great tribulation (Rev 6-22). The
pardon comes from believing in Jesus. The redemption and restoration of Israel
come when the Lord Jesus returns to the earth as Lord of lords and King of
kings at the end of the 7 years of the great tribulation.
[Zep 3:9 AMP] "Then I will give to the peoples [clear and pure speech from]
purified lips [which reflect their purified hearts], That all of them may call
on the name of the LORD, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder (united).
[Zep 3:10 AMP] "From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, [the
descendants of] My dispersed ones, Will bring My offerings.
[Zep 3:11 AMP] "On that day you [Israel] will feel no
shame Because of all your acts By which you have rebelled and sinned against
Me; Then I will remove
from among you Your rejoicing ones who delight in their pride; And you will
never again behave arrogantly On My holy mountain [Mount Zion].
[Zep 3:12 AMP] "But I will leave among you A humble and lowly people, And they
will take refuge and trust confidently in the name of the LORD.
The
name of the LORD is Yeshua (Jesus)! (Isaiah 45:14-25)
[Isa
45:17 NKJV] But Israel shall be saved by the LORD With an everlasting
salvation; You shall not be ashamed or disgraced Forever and ever.
[Isa
45:18 NKJV] For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who
formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in
vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: "I am the LORD, and there is no
other.
[Isa
45:23 CSB] "By myself I have sworn; truth has gone from my mouth, a word
that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow to me, every tongue will swear
allegiance.
[Rom
14:11 CSB] For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to
me, and every tongue will give praise to God.
[Phl
2:10 CSB] so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow -- in heaven and
on earth and under the earth –
[Zep 3:13 AMP] "The remnant of Israel will do no wrong Nor speak lies, Nor will a
deceitful tongue Be found in their mouths; For they will eat and lie down With
no one to make them tremble and feel afraid."
[Zep 3:14 AMP] Shout for joy, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice,
be in high spirits and glory with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem [in
that day]!
[Zep
3:15 AMP] The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; He has cleared
away your enemies. The King of Israel, even the LORD [Himself], is in your
midst; You will no longer fear disaster.
It is Yeshua (Jesus) that has pardoned
them and dealt with their enemies. Yeshua is the King that will live among them
for 1000 years on the earth after His return to the earth. (Rev 20:4-6)
[Zep
3:16 AMP] In that day it will be said to Jerusalem: "Do not be afraid, O
Zion; Do not let your hands fall limp.
[Zep
3:17 AMP] "The LORD your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He
will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention
of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
The LORD in your midst is the Warrior
King, commander of the armies of Heaven, Yeshua (Jesus).
[Zep
3:18 AMP] "I will gather those [Israelites in captivity] who grieve about
the appointed feasts-- They came from you, [O Zion]; On whom the reproach [of
exile] is a burden.
[Zep
3:19 AMP] "Behold, at that time I am going to deal With all your
oppressors; I will save the lame And gather the scattered, And I will turn
their shame into praise and renown In every land [where they have suffered].
[Zep
3:20 AMP] "At that time I will bring you in, Yes, at the time I gather you
together; For I will make you a name and a praise Among all the peoples of the
earth When I restore your fortunes [and freedom] before your eyes," Says
the LORD.
[Psalm 118 and Isaiah 49]
These are all promises that come
with God completing His covenant promises to the Hebrews (Israel). A study of
these covenant promises is presented in Addendum A.
Addendum A
The Covenants (The Abrahamic
Covenant)
From “Things to Come” by Dwight J. Pentecost, Zondervan Publishing House,
1958 and “The Road to Holocaust” by Hal
Lindsey, Bantam Books, 1989.
A.
Overview
Basically, these covenants are
agreements between God and men. There
are five major covenants, four are unconditional and one is conditional (i.e. I
will If you will). These covenants are
literal and eternal. The unconditional
covenants depend upon God’s integrity and they are made with a covenant people,
the Jews. It is important to note that
gentiles are not a covenant people (Rom. 9:4; Eph. 2:11, 12). We as gentiles can partake in the covenant
promises only by being adapted into God’s covenant people through Jesus.
The
covenants are of great importance to us in this study because they are the
basis of the eschatological program of God.
They guarantee Israel a permanent national existence, perpetual title to
the land of promise, material and spiritual blessing through the Messiah, and
through the Messiah they guarantee gentiles a share in these blessings. The land promises or blessings are given in
the Palestinian covenant. The promises
of a perpetual kingdom are given in the Davidic covenant and the redemptive and
spiritual blessing are given in the New Covenant. Taken together these constitute the Abrahamic
covenant.
The
Palestinian covenant promises a National Land forever (Gen 12:1; 13:14-15, 17;
15:18-21). This redemption is national
and universal (Gen 12:3; 22:18; Gal. 3:16; Rom. 11:25, 26; Zech. 13-1).
The Davidic
covenant promises Israel, the Jews, a dynasty (Kingdom of no end), a nation
(the house of Jacob), and a throne (the throne of David, 2 Sam 7:11, 13, 16;
Jeremiah 33:3-26; 31:35-40; 1 Chron. 7:12; 22:10; Isa. 55:3; Ezek. 37:25; Hosea
3:4-5; Ezek. 37:21-28; Amos 9:11-12; Jer. 30:7,11,18). God promised Abraham numerous descendants who
would form a great, everlasting nation (Gen. 12:2; 13:16; 17:2-6). This is the essence of the Davidic
covenant.
The Mosaic
Covenant is the one conditional covenant.
Basically it is the Law. If the
house of Jacob and the sons of Israel would obey God's voice and keep the Law
God gave to them through Moses, then God promises that Israel would be His
special possession or treasure, a kingdom whose citizens were all priests with
access to God, and a holy nation, separated from all other nations and devoted
only to God (Exodus 19:5-6). The basic commandments are given in Exodus 20. The
New Covenant replaced the Mosaic covenant.
The New Covenant is based on better promises, and on Christ's
blood. It is no longer conditional on
keeping the law, but only on accepting the atonement offered by Christ
Jesus. It is to be with the house of
Judah and of Israel, and includes writing His laws upon their minds and hearts
and forgiving their sins (Heb 8:6-13; Jeremiah 31:31-40).
The new covenant promises Israel spiritual blessings and
redemption (Isa. 61:8; Jer. 31:31-40; 32:40; 50:5; Heb 8:6-13; 13:20). It is unconditional
(Jer. 31:31:34, i.e. "I will") and everlasting (Isa. 61:2). It
promise’s a renewed mind and heart
(Jer. 31:33), favor and blessing of
God (Hosea 2:19-20), forgiveness of
sin (Jer. 31:34), indwelling of the
Holy Spirit (Jer. 31:33; Ezek. 36:27), the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit
and that the will of God to be known
by obedient hearts (Jer. 31:34). It
promise that Israel will be blessed materially (Jer. 32:41; Isa. 61:8; Ezek.
34:25-27), that God’s sanctuary will
be in the midst of them for evermore (Ezek. 37:26-27) and that wars shall cease
and that peace shall reign (Hosea
2:18). The Blood of Jesus is the
foundation of all these blessings (Zech. 9:11).
Some features are already in effect.
The Lord no longer remembers or holds against
believers, sins and lawless deeds because Jesus the Messiah has permanently
atoned for our sins. He has also put His laws in our hearts, and writes them in
our minds through the Holy Spirit who now dwells in every believer.
B.
General characteristics of the Abrahamic covenant
The general
provisions of the Abrahamic covenant included promises to Abraham himself (Gen
12:2; 17:6), promises to Abraham's seed (Gen 12:2; 13:16; 15:5) and promises to
the Gentiles (Gen 12:3). If we take
these promises literally, then Israel must be preserved, converted, and
restored.
These promises
did depend on Abraham's act of obedience (leaving the land). But once in place through Abraham’s obedience
and faith, the promises were eternal
and unconditional (Gen 17:7, 13, 19;
1 Chron. 16:17; Ps. 105:10). The
covenants were confirmed repeatedly
by reiteration and enlargement. They
were solemnized by the shedding of
blood and the ritual of passing between the parts of the sacrifice solemnized
the covenants (Gen 15:7-21; Jer. 34:18).
Exact boundaries of the land
were given (Gen 15:18-21). Even the N.T.
declares the Abrahamic covenant immutable (Heb 6:13-18; Gen 15:8-21), confirmed
by the oath of God (Heb 6:13, 14, 17).
These covenants depend on God’s
integrity alone (Abraham was put to sleep and God walked through the parts
of the sacrifice alone). In the O.T.
circumcision was the act of faith and
obedience that enabled an individual to participate in and enjoy the
blessings of the covenant. Esau forfeited the blessing due him under the
covenant. An act of faith and obedience
is required of us to enjoy the blessings of God already given us.
For us the
eschatological implications of these covenants is the issue of Israel. Will Israel literally be restored and saved
(Rom. 11:26, 27; Deut. 28:63:68; 30:1-7; Ezek. 16:59-60; 36:17-27; 37:21-28)? Some of the provisions of the New Covenant
are in place but most of the promises to Israel are yet unfulfilled. We believe God. They will be fulfilled. This then leads us to look at the unfulfilled
prophecies of the Bible as fulfilling these covenant promises. The “end Times”, The Day of the Lord deals
with Israel!
Material from “Things
to Come” by Dwight J. Pentecost, Zondervan Publishing House, 1958.
C.
Dealing with The Issue of Israel (Rom. 9, 10, and 11)
The first 8 chapters of Romans teach God's saving work
through Christ that is given on the basis of grace through faith alone. Paul taught that once we are born as a child
of God and put into living union with Christ, nothing in heaven, nor on earth
nor in the future, nor any created thing can separate us from the love of God
(8:38-39). This brought up the issue of Israel’s status. God made the same sort of promises to
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants as He makes here to the
Christians. In spite of this, Israel as
a people and nation is now in apostasy.
The question is has God's Work become ineffective? If God couldn't keep His covenant people from
falling away into unbelief, how do we know that He can keep us? If indeed the Lord failed to keep His solemn
word to Israel, will He keep His word to the Church and with me as an individual?
Israel in the past Elected
(Micah 7:18-20)
Rom. 9:4-5 clearly presents ten advantages of being an
Israelite. 1) The Jews were entrusted with the living words of God. 2) They are called Israelites by God, meaning
"prince of God". 3) To them
belongs the adoption as sons. Christians
are adopted individually into God's family through union with Christ. But
Israel was adopted as a nation. 4)
Israel alone was given the visible, continuing manifestation of "the
glory" of God, the Shekinah Glory.
5) The Covenants were made to only one people on earth, Israel. 6) God's Law, the Law of Moses, was only
given to the Nation of Israel. 7) Israel was given the Temple service, a Divine
order of worship with the only God-given provision of sacrifice in the world
for the forgiveness of sin. 8) To Israel
alone was given the unique promise of the Messiah and of direct blessings
through Him. They were also promised a
land, a city, and a kingdom on an earth from which the original curse would be
removed. 9) Only Israel had as its
fathers Abraham (friend of God), Isaac (born by supernatural power) and Jacob
(who wrestled with God and prevailed).
10) Only about Israel is it said, "From whom is the Messiah,
according to the flesh, who is God overall, blessed forever. Amen."
There
has always been and will always be a remnant, a spiritual Israel within
physical Israel. This remnant came
through the line of Isaac and not Ishmael
(Rom. 9:6-9) and through Jacob and not
Esau (Rom. 9:10-13). Paul declares,
“only the remnant will be saved” (Isa. 1:9; Rom. 9:27-29). The believing remnant of Israel can be traced
down through the ages from Abraham to those that are saved at the last day as
they “look upon Me Whom they have pierced” (Zech. 12:9; Deut. 4:27, 30-31; Isa. 11:11, 16; Jer. 23:3; Micah 5:6-7; Zech. 8:3-8;
Ezek. 50:20; Micah 7:18-20; Hosea 5:15-6:3).
Israel in the present Rejected (Hosea 5:14-6:2)
The
nation of Israel is rejected today because they did not understand the true
purpose of the Law of Moses. They did
not understand the righteousness of God (Isa. 8:14, 28:16; Rom. 9:30-10:21;
Deut. 29:4; Isa. 29:10; Ps 69:22,23; Rom. 11:7-10). The purpose of the law was to show what sin
is (Rom. 3:20). It was not to make man sin more (Rom. 5:20; 1 Cor. 15:56) or to
drive man to despair (Gal. 3:10-12; Rom. 7:24).
It was to lead mankind to faith in the Messiah (Gal. 3:24; Acts 15:5-11;
Rom. 8:2-4; 7:9-10; 13:8-10; Gal. 3:1-5; 5:3-6). Israel's present rejection is a warning to
all who would seek to approach God by the law (Gal. 3:12; Rom. 4:15; 10:19;
Deut. 32:21).
Israel in the future Accepted (Jer. 31:34-37; 33:23-26)
The MYSTERY of Israel’s
future as a nation is addressed in Romans chapter 11. Their present rejection is not total (Rom.
11:1-10). God has not rejected His
people, has He? Paul says, "ME
GENOITO - may such a thing never be".
The dilemma is Israel's present rejection and God's unconditional
promises concerning Israel's national future.
God cannot undo His own choice
of Israel (Rom. 11:2). God has always
kept a BELIEVING REMNANT from the
seed of Abraham (Rom. 11:2-4). The remnant of Israel is the present age (Rom.
11:5-6). The only reason that Israel has
a believing remnant is because of God's sovereign grace. Their election has always been on the basis
of grace alone. Today Israel is still in
a rejected condition as a nation because they did not understand the nature of
God’s righteousness. That righteousness
is a gift appropriated by faith and not earned by works (by keeping the
law).
Though Israel is in a rejected condition Paul clearly
tells is in Rom. 11:11-32 that this rejection is not final. He has an everlasting covenant with them. God
has promised them a land, a kingdom, a King and to take away their sin (Rom.
11:27). At question is God’s veracity (Rom. 11:11). God reveals
His overall purpose and strategy in history (Rom. 11:11). "Salvation has come to the Gentiles for
the purpose of making Israel envious".
Rom. 11:12 give us some logical reasons why Gentiles
should have an attitude of grace toward the Israelites. Israel's fullness (pleroma), the full measure
of all that God has promised to the nation of Israel will bring with it great
‘riches’ or blessings for the Gentiles.
Great numbers of Gentiles will be saved (Rev. 7:9-17; 20:4-6; Dan.
12:1-3). The curse on nature and the
animal kingdom will be removed (Isa. 11:6-8; 65:17-25). The whole earth will be filled with the
knowledge of the Lord (Isa. 11:9). The
Messiah will reign over all the earth from Jerusalem (Zech. 14:9-21; Ezek.
37:24:28; Jer. 33:14-16; Micah 4:7).
Life will be greatly extended (Isa. 65:20-22). There will be world peace (Micah 4:3). There will be justice for all (Isa. 42:1-7;
11:3-5). There will be permanent
prosperity for all (Isa. 65:21-23).
As God once again turns to deal with Israel, to make
good on His promises to them, it will be nothing short of life from the dead,
rejection to resurrection (Rom. 11:15).
This process has already begun.
Israel is in the process of being regathered in our day. Israel is being regathered but with no breath
(spiritual life) in them (Ezek. 37:1-8).
But God promises to put breath into them that they may live (Ezek.
37:9-10; Rom. 11:15). This will be a
spiritual rebirth after the physical rebirth.
God's interpretation of the allegory is given in Ezek. 37:21-27 and Jer.
23:5-6. Their acceptance will be life
from the dead (Ezek. 37:12-14). Israel
is still considered Holy by the Lord (Rom. 11:16).
The mystery of all Israel’s
future salvation (Rom. 11:25-32)
The
Bible tells us that the world will reject Israel as a nation
(Micah 7:8-10; Ezek. 37:11; Jer. 33:24).
However we are warned about having anti-Semitic attitudes (Rom.
11:17-21). We are warned, "Do not
be ARROGANT, but be afraid,"
(Rom. 11:20-21). We are also warned
not to be IGNORANT of one of God’s great mysteries (Rom. 11:25-27). The
mystery concerns how Israel's future salvation is contingent upon the coming in
of the full number of the Gentiles first.
It is a mystery to be known through the prophetic writings by the
command of God (Rom. 16:25-26). These
writings reveal that there are certain things that must happen or conditions
met before God will fulfill His covenant promises to restore Jerusalem, to bring
Israel to full repentance, and to bring about a national conversion.
Jerusalem’s restoration is to be contingent upon the end
of Gentile world dominance (Luke 21:24).
The “Times of the Gentiles” speak of a period of Time during
which the Gentile kingdoms have dominion over the earth, and particularly over
God's land, God's city, and God's people.
The Times of the Gentiles began when the Neo-Babylonian Empire took the
Davidic dynasty captive and destroyed the nation of Israel. Daniel predicted that it would be the
Messiah, the Stone cut without human hands, who will suddenly destroy gentile
power, rule, and world dominance (Dan. 2:44-45). The events of the Second Coming of Jesus will
end the Times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:25-28).
Jesus
said, “You will not see me again UNTIL the time when you say, ‘Blessed is he
who comes in the name of the Lord’ (Matt. 23:39; Zech. 12:10; 13:1, 8-10). Israel’s national repentance is contingent
upon their recognizing that Jesus is the Messiah. Israel’s national conversion is contingent
upon their repentance and the closing of the Time of the Gentiles (Luke
21:24). All Israel will be saved after the
full number of Gentiles has come in (Rom.
11:25-27), the time when God completely fulfills His covenants when them. The
nation will be “saved in a day” (Zech. 3:9).
Zechariah tells us “They
will look on Me, the One they have pierced ---On that day a fountain will
be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse
them from sin and impurity (Zech. 12:10;
13:1; 13:8-19). About that day it is
written “Then you will know that I am the Lord (Isa. 49:13, 22, 23); you will
be comforted over Jerusalem (Isa. 66:10, 12, 13); you will do no wrong; the
Lord has taken away your punishment; the Lord will rescue the lame and gather
those who have been scattered; and you will be given honor and praise among all
the peoples of the earth. Israel's
distinct and exalted position after her spiritual rebirth promised is
prophesied in Zeph. 3:11-15 and 19-20.
"From the standpoint of the gospel the Jews,
Israel, are enemies for your sake ---" (Rom. 11:28). But from God's perspective - "but from
the standpoint of God's choice they are beloved
for the sake of the fathers” (Rom. 11:28).
God's promises are IRREVOCABLE (Rom. 11:29). To challenge these promises challenges God's
character and attributes of IMMUTABILITY, VERACITY, and OMNISCIENCE. God’s immutability says once God makes a
sovereign unconditional promise it cannot be changed. His veracity says that God must always be
true to Himself and His Word. God's Word
is the basis of all reality and certainty in the universe. God’s omniscience says that God has always
known all things. Above all is God’s
mercy and love. To challenge God’s
promises to Israel is to challenge God Himself.
If God will not be true to Israel, why would we think He would be true
to us? Why is the issue of Israel important?
One's whole approach and understanding of prophecy is related to the
understanding of the scriptures with respect to the Nation of Israel, the
Church, and the Gentiles. If we approach
scripture recognizing that God deals with mankind through the Nation of Israel
and the Church, each with its own special promises, purpose, and destiny, then
the confusion and lack of understanding of the prophetic Word concerning
unfulfilled prophecies can be resolved.
Material
from “The Road to Holocaust” by Hal Lindsey, Bantam Books, 1989.
