God made eternal promises to Israel through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He confirmed those promises through all the prophets and the words of Jesus Christ. But many Bible scholars have asked the same question as the Apostle Paul.
I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. (Romans 11:1 NLT)
No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, “LORD, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (Romans 11:2-3 NLT)
And do you remember God’s reply? He said, “No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!” (Romans 11:4 NLT)
Here is one of my favorite verses that prove God will fulfill the eternal promises he made to Israel.
It is the LORD who provides the sun to light the day
and the moon and stars to light the night,
and who stirs the sea into roaring waves.
His name is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies,
and this is what he says:
“I am as likely to reject my people Israel
as I am to abolish the laws of nature!”
This is what the LORD says:
“Just as the heavens cannot be measured
and the foundations of the earth cannot be explored,
so I will not consider casting them away
for the evil they have done.
I, the LORD, have spoken! (Jeremiah 31:35-37 NLT)
Some believe these promises were fulfilled when the United Nations established the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. But I wonder if political Israel is the same as the new Israel of God promised in Isaiah 66, Jeremiah 33, and Hebrews 8. It seems to me the descriptions of the eternal promises are dramatically different than what happened.
- 10 Prophecies Fulfilled in 1948 –Watchman Bible Study
- Jacob’s descendants would regain control of Israel (Amos 9:14-15)
- Vast army of Jewish dry bones would be brought back to life (Ezekiel 37:10-14)
- Isaiah spoke of Israel being reborn in one day (Isaiah 66:7-8)
- Israel would be re-established as a united nation (Ezekiel 37:21-22)
- The second Israel would be more impressive than the first (Jeremiah 16:14-15)
- Ezekiel predicted when Israel would be re-established (Ezekiel 4:3-6)
- The people of Israel would return to “their own land” (Ezekiel 34:13)
- God would watch over the people of Israel (Jeremiah 31:10)
- Israel’s army would be disproportionately powerful (Leviticus 26:3-8)
- The fortunes of the people of Israel would be restored (Deuteronomy 30:3-5)
- Was Israel 1948 a Fulfilment of Bible-Prophecy? –Christian-Faith
- No temple, no priests, no animal sacrifices
- No river of peace and prosperity, no wealth of nations
- No overwhelming blessings on the godly
- No angry worldwide judgment on enemies
- Biblical signs and wonders confirm God’s word
- How to test prophecy in the last days
But even if something awful was to happen to political Israel, all of God’s eternal covenant promises are still true.
- Genesis 12:1-9 The call of Abram (an eternal covenant)
- Genesis 13:14-18 God encourages Abram after Lot separates
- Genesis 14:17-24 God’s eternal promise to Abram (from Melchizedek)
- Genesis 15:1-21 The LORD’s eternal covenant promise to Abram
- Genesis 17:1-8 The LORD confirms His eternal promise to Abraham
- Genesis 17:9-14 Circumcision is the mark of the eternal covenant
- Genesis 17:10-27 God promises eternal Inheritance of a son to Sarah
- Genesis 21:1-7 The LORD keeps His word
- Genesis 23:1-20 Abraham buys plot of land to bury Sarah
- Genesis 25:1-11 Abraham dies and is buried with Sarah
- Genesis 25:27-34 Esau sells his birthright to Jacob
- Genesis 26:1-6 The LORD confirms eternal covenant to Isaac
- Genesis 27:1-40 Jacob claims the birthright from Esau
- Genesis 28:10-22 The LORD God confirms eternal covenant to Jacob
- Genesis 32:22-32 God changes Jacob’s name to Israel (God Fights)
- Genesis 45:1-14 Joseph reveals His identity (God sent me here)
- Genesis 47:1-12 Israel settles in Goshen for a while
- Genesis 48:1-22 Jacob blesses Manasseh and Ephraim
- Genesis 49:1-28 Jacob blesses his sons
- Genesis 49:29-33 Jacob buried with Abraham and Sarah
- Exodus 1:1-22 The Israelites in Egypt (from freedom to bondage)
- Exodus 3:1-22 The LORD appears to Moses in burning bush
- Exodus 4:1-17 Signs of the LORD’s power
- Exodus 6:1-13 The LORD promises to deliver Israel
- Exodus 19:1-25 The LORD makes eternal covenant with Israel
- Exodus 23:20-33 A promise of the LORD’s eternal presence
- Exodus 32:11-13 Moses reminds God of the eternal covenant
- Exodus 34:1-9 The LORD repeats the eternal covenant
- Leviticus 26:1-13 Eternal blessings for obedience
- Leviticus 26:14-39 Punishments for disobedience
- Leviticus 26:40-46 Promise to remember eternal covenant
- Numbers 9:1-23 God inhabits the tabernacle after second Passover
- Numbers 13:1-3 The LORD promises the land of Canaan
- Numbers 14:1-45 The LORD punishes rebellion but confirms promise
- Numbers 23:1-12 Balaam tries to curse Israel (recognizes eternal blessing)
- Numbers 23:13-26 Balaam tries again (recognizes God is with them)
- Numbers 24:1-14 Balaam tries again (prophecies eternal blessing)
- Numbers 34:1-15 The LORD defines boundaries of the land
- Deuteronomy 1:6-8 Moses reminds of command to leave Sinai
- Deuteronomy 4:15-31 Warning against idolatry and promise of mercy
- Deuteronomy 4:32-40 The LORD is God in heaven and on earth
- Deuteronomy 7:7-11 The LORD is faithful God who keeps covenant
- Deuteronomy 8:1-20 A call to remember and obey God’s covenant
- Deuteronomy 9:1-6 Reminder that God will fulfill his oath
- Deuteronomy 9:7-29 God’s forgiveness of his people after awful sin
- Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Reminder to love God for his covenant
- Deuteronomy 11:8-32 Eternal blessings for obedience
- Deuteronomy 12:1-32 God will choose a place for worship
- Deuteronomy 26:16-19 The LORD has declared you are his people
- Deuteronomy 28:1-14 Eternal blessings for obedience
- Deuteronomy 28:15-68 Cursings for disobedience
- Deuteronomy 29:1-29 Moses reviews the eternal covenant
- Deuteronomy 30:1-10 A Call to return to God’s eternal blessings
- Deuteronomy 31:14-29 Israel’s disobedience and repentance predicted
- Deuteronomy 32:1-43 The song of Moses (sung again in Revelation)
- 2 Samuel 7:1-17 The LORD’s covenant promise to David
- 2 Samuel 7:18-29 David’s prayer of thanks
- 1 Kings 8:22-53 Solomon’s prayer of request for eternal protection
- 1 Kings 9:1-9 The LORD’s agreement to Solomon’s prayer
- 1 Chronicles 17:1-15 The LORD’s covenant promise to David
- 1 Chronicles 17:16-27 David’s prayer of thanks
- 1 Chronicles 22:1-19 Preparations for the temple of the LORD God
- 2 Chronicles 7:1-10 Dedication of the temple to the LORD whose faithful love endures forever
- 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 The LORD promises to hear prayers and forgive
- Psalm 18:46-50 Praise the LORD of unfailing love
- Psalm 45:1-17 Praise the LORD who blesses Israel forever
- Psalm 72:1-20 Praise the LORD as long as the moon remains in the sky
- Psalm 89:1-52 Praise the LORD who will not break his covenant
- Psalm 98:1-9 Praise the LORD remembers his promise to Israel
- Psalm 147:1-20 Praise the LORD who brings exiles back to Israel
- Psalm 148:1-14 Praise the LORD who never revokes his decrees
- Psalm 149:1-9 Praise the LORD who delights in his people
- Isaiah 25 Song of God’s favor to Israel
- Isaiah 26 Song of trust in God’s provision
- Isaiah 27 Promise for the deliverance of Israel
- Isaiah 28:14-22 Prophecy of a cornerstone in Zion
- Isaiah 29:17-24 Prophecy of eternal sanctification to the godly
- Isaiah 30:18-33 The LORD will wait for you to come to him
- Isaiah 32:1-20 Israel’s ultimate deliverance
- Isaiah 33:1-24 Your eyes will see the LORD God in all his splendor
- Isaiah 34:1-17 The day of the LORD’s revenge is guaranteed
- Isaiah 35:1-10 The LORD will restore Jerusalem with everlasting joy
- Isaiah 41:1-29 The LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel
- Isaiah 42:1-9 A Promise of the Messiah as a symbol of the eternal covenant
- Isaiah 42:10-17 Praise the LORD who will not forsake Israel
- Isaiah 43:1-13 The LORD who created you will rescue you for eternity
- Isaiah 43:14-28 The LORD will blot out their sins and never think of them again
- Isaiah 44:21-28 The LORD will redeem Israel, rebuild Jerusalem, restore the temple
- Isaiah 45:1-13 The almighty LORD God of Israel promises salvation and righteousness
- Isaiah 48:12-22 The Sovereign LORD your Redeemer, the Holy Hone of Israel promises freedom
- Isaiah 49:8-26 The LORD promises to reestablish the land of Israel
- Isaiah 51:1-23 The LORD will comfort Israel again and rescue those who trust in him
- Isaiah 52:1-12 The Sovereign LORD will redeem and rebuild Israel
- Isaiah 53:1-12 The LORD carried our weakness, was punished for our sins, was pierced for our rebellion, was beaten so we could be whole, had our sins laid on him, so we could be counted righteous
- Isaiah 54:1-17 Future eternal covenant glory for Jerusalem
- Isaiah 55:1-13 Invitation to share in the unfailing love promised to David that will bring great honor to the LORD’s name
- Isaiah 56:1-8 The Sovereign LORD will bring the outcasts of Israel back to the holy mountain of Jerusalem
- Isaiah 57:14-21 God will rebuild, restore, and revive those whose spirits are contrite and humble
- Isaiah 59:20–21 The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins. The LORD will make a covenant with them forever.
- Isaiah 60:1-22 The glory of the LORD will rise to shine on Israel forever
- Isaiah 62:1-12 Israel will never again be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land” but will be called “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God” forever
- Isaiah 65:1-25 God will judge sin, but just as good grapes are found among a cluster of bad ones, so he will preserve a remnant of the people of Israel, and restore his servants forever
- Isaiah 66:1-16 The Lord of heaven’s throne will rebirth Israel in a day to five Jerusalem of river of peace and prosperity forever
- Isaiah 66:18-24 The LORD will perform a sign to bring the remnant of Israel back from every nation to his holy mountain and appoint priests so all humanity will come to worship me forever
- Jeremiah 24:1-10 The LORD promises to bring the exiles back and build and plant them to be his people forever
- Jeremiah 31:1-13 The LORD promises to redeem Israel from the distant corners of the earth
- Jeremiah 31:14-30 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, will bring Israel back from captivity even though they broke the covenant.
- Jeremiah 31:31-38 Promise to make a new covenant with Israel
- Jeremiah 32:36-44 Promise to restore prosperity to Israel
- Jeremiah 33:1-26 Promises of eternal peace and prosperity
- Jeremiah 50:4-10 Future hope for Israel and Judah
- Jeremiah 51:15-19 A hymn of praise to the LORD God of Israel
- Lamentations 3:1-66 Hope in the LORD’s eternal faithfulness
- Lamentations 4:1-22 Israel’s punishment will end when God’s anger is satisfied
- Ezekiel 11:14-21 The Sovereign LORD will gather Israel back to the land
- Ezekiel 16:59-63 The LORD God will remember his covenant with Israel
- Ezekiel 20:27-44 The Sovereign LORD judgment for disobedience but restoration promised after obedience
- Ezekiel 22:17-22 God promises to purify Israel in the refining fire of his fierce anger
- Ezekiel 34:11-24 The Sovereign LORD is the good shepherd who will rescue the lost sheep from the goats
- Ezekiel 34:25-31 The LORD will make a covenant of peace with Israel
- Ezekiel 36:1-38 The Sovereign LORD promise to restore Israel to the land he gave them long ago
- Ezekiel 37:1-14 The LORD will resurrect a great army from dry bones of Israel
- Ezekiel 37:15-28 The LORD will reunite Israel and Judah with an everlasting covenant of peace
- Ezekiel 40:1-49–42:20 Prophecy of restored temple in Jerusalem
- Ezekiel 43:1-12–46:24 The glory of the LORD to return to the temple
- Ezekiel 47:1-12 The river of healing flowing east from beneath the door of the temple
- Joel 2:18-27 The LORD’s promise of restoration
- Joel 2:28-32 The LORD promises that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved
- Joel 3:1-16 The LORD will judge against enemy nations
- Joel 3:17-21 The promises eternal blessings for Israel
- Amos 9:11-15 The LORD will restore Israel to its former glory, and they will never be uprooted again
- Micah 4:1-5 The LORD’s future reign on earth in Jerusalem
- Micah 4:6-13 The LORD will gather Israel and restore the kingdom
- Zechariah 2:1-13 The LORD is going to going to call the exiles home to live with him in Israel
- Zechariah 6:9-15 The LORD will rule as king and priest in the rebuilt temple
- Zechariah 8:1-23 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies will return to Mount Zion and live in Jerusalem to bless the remnant of Israel
- Zechariah 9:9-17 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies will destroy all the weapons used in battle and bring peace to the nations
- Zechariah 10:1-12 The LORD will restore his people
- Zechariah 12:1-14 The LORD will defend his people and give victory to Jerusalem
- Zechariah 14:1-21 The LORD will rule the whole earth from Jerusalem
- Malachi 3:16-18 The LORD’s promise of mercy
- Luke 1:26-38 The angel told Mary he will reign over Israel forever
- Acts 2:14-41 Peter preaches, God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!
- Acts 3:12-26 Peter preaches, now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord.
- Acts 4:1-22 Peter and John preach Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of Israel
- Acts 7:1-60 Steven preaches, Israel has rejected the salvation of the LORD
- Romans 4:13-25 God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants is based on a right relationship with God that comes by faith
- Romans 9:6-29 God chose Israel by his sovereign choice
- Romans 10:1-21 The righteousness promised to Israel has been offered to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous
- Romans 11:1-24 God’s mercy on Israel is waiting for them to claim it
- Romans 11:25-36 God will return to deliver Israel because of his irrevocable covenant
- Hebrews 8:7-13 The day is coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant, not like the one their ancestors broke by unfaithfulness
- Hebrews 4:1-13 Promised rest for God’s people will be better than Moses or Joshua
- Hebrews 9:11-28 The new covenant sanctified by the perfect blood of the Lord Jesus Christ
- Hebrews 10:1-18 Jesus Christ sacrificed once for all to perfect so he will never again remember their sins