Historical Israel

TEXT:

Genesis 22:15-18 — Promise to Abraham

Deuteronomy 28:64-66; Ezekiel 37:21-22 — Dispersion and restoration of people

Leviticus 26:27,31-33; Ezekiel 36:8-11,29-35 — Desolation and restoration of land

Leviticus 26:42-46 — National identity

The nation of Israel began with a promise to Abraham. Its name was taken from that of Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. In later years the twelve tribes were dispersed in fulfillment of earlier prophecies. When they were restored to their land and became a nation in 1948, they named their country Israel.

QUESTIONS

1. In reference to our text, what were the promises God made to Abraham?
2. How were all the nations of the earth blessed through the seed of Abraham? See Matthew 1:1,21.
3. Ten tribes of Israel went into captivity to the king of Assyria and were dispersed according to the prophecy in Deuteronomy 28. Why and how did this occur? See Deuteronomy 28:58 and 2 Kings 17:6-8.
4. Jeremiah 25:1,11 tell us that the kingdom of Judah (which included the tribe of Benjamin) would go into captivity for seventy years. The name of the king who would order their return to Jerusalem was prophesied some two hundred years earlier in Isaiah 44:28. Read 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, and tell how these verses show a fulfillment of both of these prophecies.
5. The destruction of the Temple, as foretold by Jesus, occurred when the Roman general, Titus, captured the city in A.D. 70. However, Jews continued to live in the land of Israel until A.D. 135. The Roman emperor, Hadrian, decided to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, make it a Roman colony, and build a temple to Jupiter on the former site of the Jewish Temple. The Jews revolted and were defeated and scattered over all the world, not having a nation of their own until 1948. What prophecy does this fulfill?
6. For over 1800 years the Jews were without a homeland. Why, in spite of all their persecution, were they not completely destroyed?
7. God told the Children of Israel that their land would be desolate if they disobeyed. Other than by the dispersion, how did God accomplish this? See Deuteronomy 28:23-24.
8. What other events in today’s history verify that Ezekiel’s prophecy is coming to pass? Bring some documentation to class from current encyclopedias, newspapers, magazines, etc.