15 - The Jews

The Jews

309. The history of the Jews is very important to those who would understand the counsels of God; but, at the same time. it is so copious that it becomes difficult to deal with, when a lengthy article would be out of place. And the scope of our book will only permit the briefest possible sketch of this intensely interesting subject, which carries us through many centuries, from the call of Abram, indeed, to the very end of the Divine revelation.

310. For our present purpose, then, we will merely note a few of the leading events in Jewish history, adding, however, some Scriptural references which the reader can examine and digest at his leisure.

311. The beginning of the story is, of course, the unconditional gift of the whole Land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, to Abram and to his seed (Genesis 13:14-17, Genesis 15:18, and Genesis 17:1-8). But neither Abraham (Hebrews 11:13) nor his seed have hitherto enjoyed the full possession of the gift. The seed did, it is true, enter the Land under Joshua, and subdued a portion of it. Owing, however, to their frequent rebellions against God, they were not permitted to retain even that part of it which they were holding, but were driven out of it, and carried away into captivity (2 Kings 18:9-12; 2 Kings 25:1-12). Yet they were partially restored under Ezra, and Palestine remained a Jewish country, and Jerusalem a Jewish city, until the time of the Lord’s ministry. But the. stiff-necked Jew., rejected Him, and brought about His death; therefore, God’s patience was at last exhausted; so that He rejected them, and caused them to be nationally destroyed by Titus and Hadrian, by whom they were almost annihilated, and the survivors; banished from their own country, and scattered among all peoples.

312. This banishment, however, is not to be perpetual (Lev. 27:44-45; Romans 11:1-2, Romans 11:25-26, Romans 11:29). In God’s good time, the inheritance will be restored to its rightful owners (Isaiah 11:10-12, Isaiah 14:1-3, etc.); but the period of their re-gathering will be a season of exceptional tribulation and sifting (Jeremiah 30:1-9; Ezekiel 22:17-22).

313. It is foretold that, previously to the time of the re-gathering, the Jews will be emancipated from the cruel bondage and ignominy to which they have been subjected in the lands of their exile (Zephaniah 3:19-20); also that they will have greatly increased in numbers, and have accumulated much wealth and influence.

314. Now, all these predictions are being fulfilled before our eyes. Everywhere the Jews are beginning to manifest an ability, and to exercise an influence, which provoke the jealousy of other nations. And, doubtless, this feeling will grow with their power, until, when they finally become a wealthy and influential people, and are restored to their own Land and Capital, the ever-increasing hatred of the Gentile nations will become so violent that they will combine for the purpose of wiping the whole Jewish race from off the face of the earth (Psalms 83:1-8).

315. Thus, as the time for the promised restoration draws near, the threatenings of bitter trouble will also begin to be fulfilled. Indeed, the very fulfilment of the promises will cause the fulfilment of the threats.

316. Very instructive is it to note, that, after so many centuries of desolation, Palestine is now being revived, and that by Jewish settlers; while Jerusalem, within whose walls, until not much more than a quarter of a century ago, very few Jews were permitted to dwell, is now mainly inhabited by Jews, who have flocked to it from all parts of the earth. In the first edition of this Book, we called attention to the fact, that, while it was being written, a large and representative gathering of influential Jews was being held, for the first time, at Basle, for the purpose of considering by what means the exiled children of Abraham might once more gain possession of their beloved Land. Last August (1903) the sixth of these meetings was held, and proved more remarkable, enthusiastic, and interesting, than any of the others; while, at the same time, it was more largely attended. No less than five hundred and ninety-two delegates were present: and the Congress was more truly representative of the whole Dispersion than it had ever previously been. Besides the delegates, great numbers of other Jews from both hemispheres were present - there was, of course, no possibility of making room for them in the Hall, and several well-to-do persons are said to have offered ten pounds for a ticket. The reports of the speakers, and especially of Dr. Herzl, plainly testified that the leaders are using all their ability, and straining every nerve, to effect their purpose. Truly there is, at last, a stirring among the dry bones: the Daughter of Zion is awakening after her age-long sleep, and is stretching out her hands toward Jerusalem; but, alas! not yet to her God.

317. We cannot better illustrate the strength of the desire for restoration which is now animating the Jews, than by mentioning some of the many societies which they have formed to aid in bringing about their return to Palestine, among which are the following:-

(1) The Chovevi-Zion - or Lovers of Zion. A very large society, which has been in existence only a few years; but which has its ramifications in every place where Jews are to be found.

(2) L’ma’an - For Zion’s Sake. A similar society.

(3) Zion - The National Society.

(4) The "Admath Israel" - The Land of Israel.

(5) The Society for Assisting Jewish Agriculturists and Artizans in Syria and Palestine.

(6) Ezra - A great Austrian Society, go called because it is formed to do what Ezra did, that is, to lead the Jews back to Jerusalem. It has its own journal called "Zerubbabel," because it is intended to help the Society, as the Prince of that name helped the scribe Ezra..

318. That such Societies should recently have sprung into active existence is an exceedingly significant fact, which cries aloud, that the Word of our God is being fulfilled. It is, also, an unmistakable sign, that the present Dispensation is nearing its end, and that we may expect the Lord before long to translate His Heavenly people into His Own Presence. For the branches of the Jewish olive were broken off, that the Gentile branches of a wild olive might be grafted in. But now the times of the Gentiles and of the Church have almost passed by; and, therefore, the Lord will shortly remove His Own people to Himself, and then break off the barren branches of the merely professing Church, in order that the Jewish branches may again be grafted in their own tree.

319. And, after that, the chief event, in the history of Israel will be these:- When the Jews have been re-gathered and finally tested in the time of Jacob’s trouble, they will be delivered by the Personal Appearing of the Lord Jesus (Zechariah 14:2-4).

Satan will be bound and cast into the Abyss (Revelation 20:1-3). The Lord will sit upon the Throne of His Glory (Isaiah 9:6-7). The Millennium will commence (Revelation 20:4-5).

All Israel, and not merely the Jews, will be gathered to Palestine (Isaiah 11:11-12).

Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and inhabited in security (Isaiah 33:20; Jeremiah 31:38-40). The Temple will be rebuilt by the Messiah (Zechariah 6:12-13). The Glory of the Lord will be restored to it (Ezekiel 43:4). At the end of the Thousand Years, Satan will be loosed, and will again incite the nations to destroy Israel from off the face of the earth (Revelation 20:7-9). But the Lord will interpose to save His people, and will send down fire from heaven to consume their foes (Revelation 20:9).

320. Here the future history of Israel, so far as it is revealed in Scripture, terminates, the promises to Abraham having been fully accomplished. Of God’s plans after the judgment of the Great White Throne scarcely anything has been hitherto revealed. Hence we are unable to say whether the distinction between Israel and the other inhabitants of this globe will be continued into Etetnity, or not.