CONTROVERSY OF ZION AND THE TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE - PART THREE
by Dalton Lifsey
This was a book I read a couple of years ago that has some great insights on end time eschatology concerning the church and the nation of Israel. The “time of Jacob’s trouble” refers to the Age-ending suffering of the Jewish people and the glorious restoration that follows. The following are my notes on the book. It may be ordered at the above website.
10. Destruction and restoration of Israel in Isaiah.
Isaiah is the most important end time book about Israel at the end of the age. Isaiah 4, 6, 11 In Isaiah 4 we see the extremity of the violence against Israel, the process of cleansing, and finality of restoration. This is an indispensable chapter to read. We see the military crises in the land of Israel and the salvation of Israel. They are never to be uprooted again after Messiah comes. This is an important chapter for the generation alive at the end of the age.
In Isaiah 6 we see Isaiah’s cleansing foreshadowing Israel’s cleansing. Verses 8-13 explain how God will execute His prophetic purpose for Israel. The modern state will be leveled like a tree and the population reduced to 1/10th or a stump. Israel is “hardened” until the end.
Isaiah 11 emphasizes the process of Israel’s return to the land after chastening has run its course. Jewish captives will be recovered for a second time. All these events occur after Jesus returns.
11. Devastation and restoration in Daniel 10 thru 12.
Jesus quoted these prophecies for the end of the age: Daniel’s encounter with the angel 10.1-21, Near future 11.1-20, Distant future 11.21-12.13, Anti-Christ 10, Resurrection and deliverance 12, and military campaign 11.21. Jesus treated Dan 11.21-12.13 as one unified prophetic message.
Daniel 9.27 and 11.31 are both about the abomination, Matt 24.15.
1st half of final 7 years is Dan 11.21-31
2nd half of final 7 years is Dan 11.32-12.10...after the final 7 years is Dan 12.11-13. The final assault on Jerusalem is due to hatred of the covenant (with the people and the land). Dan 11.28-31...heart set against covenant. He shall come south and withdraw again and is enraged against the holy covenant. (Is this Islam?) Dan 11.31 speaks of international armies. Joel 3.2-3.
Four facts in Daniel 11:31:
1. Will enter land w/forces, Ez 38.10-16, Zech 14.1-2.
2. Will profane the Temple as tribulation begins, 2 Thess 2.1-5. Rev 11.2
3. Burnt offerings taken away--is this a temple to be built in Jerusalem?
4. Abomination of Desolation when the Anti-Christ proclaims he is god, then the last 42 months begin (Rev 13.5-7). The re-instating of the burnt offerings to the restoration of the temple is 1150 days in Daniel 8.11-14. There are two burnt offerings each day = 1150 days.
12. Future re-gathering. Jeremiah 30.4-11
(Chapters 30-33 focus on restoration) speaks of coming terror. Verses 8-11 happen chronologically. There are 10 promises in vv 4-7. Read Jer 31.1-14 in connection with ch 30. We see remnant in Isaiah 4.2-6, Zech 13.8-9. In Isaiah 49.13-26 we see comfort, people forsaken, re-gathering to blessed land, restoration in sight of nations, rescue of captives, and punishment of oppressors. Joel 3 speaks of final battle for the land.
The issue of the land and the people of Israel will be God’s method of testing the hearts of all men and nations at the end of the age. This will be the measuring stick of the judgment of the nations. This test will polarize humanity. He who loves the Lord Jesus Christ will love His people--and Jesus said, “ I bring division.” This division will separate the sheep and goat nations. Joel speaks of the assault of the nations on Israel and of their judgment. Joel 3.1-16 In the same chapter vv17-21 speaks of the restoration of Israel. Joel mentions these things in order that the church know what to do and how to act when they begin occurring.
13. The church’s identification with Israel during Jacob’s Trouble.
We are called to honor the commonwealth of Israel and it is mandatory that we identify with Israel and the Jewish people. “To the Jew, first,” says the word of God. The church’s sacrificial identification with Israel is not an option. It will separate the faithful from the apostate at the end of the age. Six ways the church will be called upon to express their devotion:
1. Pain--Identification with Israel will be painful. To stand with her will mean we suffer. Jacob’s trouble is not just “Jacob’s” problem. We will not be raptured away to watch. We will share in her fate when we stand with her.
2. Prayer--Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122.6-9). Pray for boldness, pray for Jewish salvation.
3. Provision--Radical and generous giving to the “naked, thirsty, strangers, hungry, sick, and in prison.” We may have to feed them if there is a “mark of the beast.”
4. Provocation-- Our identification with them should move them to faith in Christ. They will be moved by how Christians care for them in the time of trouble.
5. Prophecy--Isaiah 28.9-13 speaks of prophetic ministry of gentiles to Jews. The church speaks as expositors of the prophetic scriptures. We will proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom to them--and the one whom they have pierced.
6. Persevering Love--When the entire world despises them, the church’s sacrificial service will shine like the sun in brilliance. The Jews will see Jesus. Ruth 1.16-18, Rev 12.11
14. The land: Jewish right to the land is the controversy of the Covenant.
Since Abraham, the land has been a contentious issue and a theatre of war. Zionism is rooted in the biblical concept of the land--a union between the land, the people, and God. This is the issue that will ultimately test men’s hearts. Zech 12.2-3, 6 shows the center of the controversy.
Islam rejects the covenant. The church rejects Israel’s claim to the land--many side with the Palestinians calling Israel Apartheid and dehumanizing indigenous Palestinians. They believe Israel is irrelevant to the purposes of God. In fact Israel is the only democratic and free nation in the region. They respect the rights of individuals and recognize the Palestinian need for a homeland. The Palestinian’s refuse to recognize Israel’s right to exist.
15. The question of Jewish right to the land--conditions of the Covenant.
Many believe the New Covenant renders the Covenant with the Jews and the land obsolete. Luke 1.68-75 speaks of millennial safety and peace in the land. The unconditional covenant does come with one condition to allow it to work--obedience.
1. Abraham received an unconditional promise of eternal presence in the land.
2. Descendants must obey God to enjoy the covenant.
3. Prophets declared if condition of obedience not met--expulsion from the land--but future re-gathering when repentant.
Even though the Jews have been rebellious and not obeyed--they have been promised the land. It is not based on righteousness, but on the irrevocable covenant with the fathers. Jeremiah 30.3, 31.35-37. The final Anti-Christ invasion of the land is represented as an assault on the “Holy Covenant.” Daniel 11.28-30 The people are rebellious, but nonetheless regarded as holy.
The issue of the land is the issue of grace. It will test men’s hearts because it concerns what God has spoken. It raises the question of divine election since the Jews are not yet obedient through faith in the Messiah’s blood. God has given the land unconditionally apart from works on the basis of future grace. This will expose each heart to the nature of grace--and this is the point of divine testing. God’ covenant with obstinate Israel is God’s premier object lesson by which He will teach the nations the mystery of His grace.
16. The question of Jewish right to the land: The vengeance of the Covenant.
Joshua 23.14-16, and Leviticus 26.25 point out the quarrel or vengeance of the covenant. Blessings-Curses, Obedience-Disobedience. Their residence in the land is jeopardized as long as they fail to meet requirements: Deut 28, Lev 26. Note Hosea’s situation with an unfaithful wife along with Leviticus 26.23-42.
Human rage against the covenant is shown in Dan 11.28-32. The Jews have been persecuted forever--their very existence challenged throughout history. The end of the age will feature unprecedented quarrel, controversy, and suffering. It will be all about the land and the intent to exterminate the people of the covenant thereby settling the issue of the land “once and for all.”
God’s Zeal for Zion
If we understand the covenant we understand history, discern the present, have clarity about the future, and reverence of the holy. It gives meaning to a seemingly meaningless history of mind numbing violence. It helps us to understand the nature of spiritual warfare. Eph 6.12-18
During this time of trouble the church will need to express her devotion to Jesus through faithfulness and stewardship to declare God’s “zeal for Zion.” Zech 8.1-8, Isaiah 62.1-2, 6-7. We need to discern God’s fierce jealousy for Jerusalem and the land of Israel--to pray and intercede for Israel. Their tenure in the land is marked by iniquity, rebellion, unbelief, and sin. Have the actions of the church been any different? These are important things to meditate upon. Ezekiel 39.25-29 is the final word.
17. Some final thoughts to sum things up It is fitting that the beast kills the 2 prophets in Jerusalem. Luke 13.33, Rev 18.24, 17.16-18. All nations will be required to consider the basis of righteousness and grace--this is the purpose of Jerusalem at the end of the age and in the scheme of divine wisdom. It will offend human reasoning. God alone is God. It is his grace--not our works or reasoning.
Some spokesmen of the past who stood for Israel: Charles Spurgeon, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, Horatius Bonar, J.C. Ryle, all from the 1800’s
For more info: thecontroversyofzion.com and daltonlifsey.com
10. Destruction and restoration of Israel in Isaiah.
Isaiah is the most important end time book about Israel at the end of the age. Isaiah 4, 6, 11 In Isaiah 4 we see the extremity of the violence against Israel, the process of cleansing, and finality of restoration. This is an indispensable chapter to read. We see the military crises in the land of Israel and the salvation of Israel. They are never to be uprooted again after Messiah comes. This is an important chapter for the generation alive at the end of the age.
In Isaiah 6 we see Isaiah’s cleansing foreshadowing Israel’s cleansing. Verses 8-13 explain how God will execute His prophetic purpose for Israel. The modern state will be leveled like a tree and the population reduced to 1/10th or a stump. Israel is “hardened” until the end.
Isaiah 11 emphasizes the process of Israel’s return to the land after chastening has run its course. Jewish captives will be recovered for a second time. All these events occur after Jesus returns.
11. Devastation and restoration in Daniel 10 thru 12.
Jesus quoted these prophecies for the end of the age: Daniel’s encounter with the angel 10.1-21, Near future 11.1-20, Distant future 11.21-12.13, Anti-Christ 10, Resurrection and deliverance 12, and military campaign 11.21. Jesus treated Dan 11.21-12.13 as one unified prophetic message.
Daniel 9.27 and 11.31 are both about the abomination, Matt 24.15.
1st half of final 7 years is Dan 11.21-31
2nd half of final 7 years is Dan 11.32-12.10...after the final 7 years is Dan 12.11-13. The final assault on Jerusalem is due to hatred of the covenant (with the people and the land). Dan 11.28-31...heart set against covenant. He shall come south and withdraw again and is enraged against the holy covenant. (Is this Islam?) Dan 11.31 speaks of international armies. Joel 3.2-3.
Four facts in Daniel 11:31:
1. Will enter land w/forces, Ez 38.10-16, Zech 14.1-2.
2. Will profane the Temple as tribulation begins, 2 Thess 2.1-5. Rev 11.2
3. Burnt offerings taken away--is this a temple to be built in Jerusalem?
4. Abomination of Desolation when the Anti-Christ proclaims he is god, then the last 42 months begin (Rev 13.5-7). The re-instating of the burnt offerings to the restoration of the temple is 1150 days in Daniel 8.11-14. There are two burnt offerings each day = 1150 days.
12. Future re-gathering. Jeremiah 30.4-11
(Chapters 30-33 focus on restoration) speaks of coming terror. Verses 8-11 happen chronologically. There are 10 promises in vv 4-7. Read Jer 31.1-14 in connection with ch 30. We see remnant in Isaiah 4.2-6, Zech 13.8-9. In Isaiah 49.13-26 we see comfort, people forsaken, re-gathering to blessed land, restoration in sight of nations, rescue of captives, and punishment of oppressors. Joel 3 speaks of final battle for the land.
The issue of the land and the people of Israel will be God’s method of testing the hearts of all men and nations at the end of the age. This will be the measuring stick of the judgment of the nations. This test will polarize humanity. He who loves the Lord Jesus Christ will love His people--and Jesus said, “ I bring division.” This division will separate the sheep and goat nations. Joel speaks of the assault of the nations on Israel and of their judgment. Joel 3.1-16 In the same chapter vv17-21 speaks of the restoration of Israel. Joel mentions these things in order that the church know what to do and how to act when they begin occurring.
13. The church’s identification with Israel during Jacob’s Trouble.
We are called to honor the commonwealth of Israel and it is mandatory that we identify with Israel and the Jewish people. “To the Jew, first,” says the word of God. The church’s sacrificial identification with Israel is not an option. It will separate the faithful from the apostate at the end of the age. Six ways the church will be called upon to express their devotion:
1. Pain--Identification with Israel will be painful. To stand with her will mean we suffer. Jacob’s trouble is not just “Jacob’s” problem. We will not be raptured away to watch. We will share in her fate when we stand with her.
2. Prayer--Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122.6-9). Pray for boldness, pray for Jewish salvation.
3. Provision--Radical and generous giving to the “naked, thirsty, strangers, hungry, sick, and in prison.” We may have to feed them if there is a “mark of the beast.”
4. Provocation-- Our identification with them should move them to faith in Christ. They will be moved by how Christians care for them in the time of trouble.
5. Prophecy--Isaiah 28.9-13 speaks of prophetic ministry of gentiles to Jews. The church speaks as expositors of the prophetic scriptures. We will proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom to them--and the one whom they have pierced.
6. Persevering Love--When the entire world despises them, the church’s sacrificial service will shine like the sun in brilliance. The Jews will see Jesus. Ruth 1.16-18, Rev 12.11
14. The land: Jewish right to the land is the controversy of the Covenant.
Since Abraham, the land has been a contentious issue and a theatre of war. Zionism is rooted in the biblical concept of the land--a union between the land, the people, and God. This is the issue that will ultimately test men’s hearts. Zech 12.2-3, 6 shows the center of the controversy.
Islam rejects the covenant. The church rejects Israel’s claim to the land--many side with the Palestinians calling Israel Apartheid and dehumanizing indigenous Palestinians. They believe Israel is irrelevant to the purposes of God. In fact Israel is the only democratic and free nation in the region. They respect the rights of individuals and recognize the Palestinian need for a homeland. The Palestinian’s refuse to recognize Israel’s right to exist.
15. The question of Jewish right to the land--conditions of the Covenant.
Many believe the New Covenant renders the Covenant with the Jews and the land obsolete. Luke 1.68-75 speaks of millennial safety and peace in the land. The unconditional covenant does come with one condition to allow it to work--obedience.
1. Abraham received an unconditional promise of eternal presence in the land.
2. Descendants must obey God to enjoy the covenant.
3. Prophets declared if condition of obedience not met--expulsion from the land--but future re-gathering when repentant.
Even though the Jews have been rebellious and not obeyed--they have been promised the land. It is not based on righteousness, but on the irrevocable covenant with the fathers. Jeremiah 30.3, 31.35-37. The final Anti-Christ invasion of the land is represented as an assault on the “Holy Covenant.” Daniel 11.28-30 The people are rebellious, but nonetheless regarded as holy.
The issue of the land is the issue of grace. It will test men’s hearts because it concerns what God has spoken. It raises the question of divine election since the Jews are not yet obedient through faith in the Messiah’s blood. God has given the land unconditionally apart from works on the basis of future grace. This will expose each heart to the nature of grace--and this is the point of divine testing. God’ covenant with obstinate Israel is God’s premier object lesson by which He will teach the nations the mystery of His grace.
16. The question of Jewish right to the land: The vengeance of the Covenant.
Joshua 23.14-16, and Leviticus 26.25 point out the quarrel or vengeance of the covenant. Blessings-Curses, Obedience-Disobedience. Their residence in the land is jeopardized as long as they fail to meet requirements: Deut 28, Lev 26. Note Hosea’s situation with an unfaithful wife along with Leviticus 26.23-42.
Human rage against the covenant is shown in Dan 11.28-32. The Jews have been persecuted forever--their very existence challenged throughout history. The end of the age will feature unprecedented quarrel, controversy, and suffering. It will be all about the land and the intent to exterminate the people of the covenant thereby settling the issue of the land “once and for all.”
God’s Zeal for Zion
If we understand the covenant we understand history, discern the present, have clarity about the future, and reverence of the holy. It gives meaning to a seemingly meaningless history of mind numbing violence. It helps us to understand the nature of spiritual warfare. Eph 6.12-18
During this time of trouble the church will need to express her devotion to Jesus through faithfulness and stewardship to declare God’s “zeal for Zion.” Zech 8.1-8, Isaiah 62.1-2, 6-7. We need to discern God’s fierce jealousy for Jerusalem and the land of Israel--to pray and intercede for Israel. Their tenure in the land is marked by iniquity, rebellion, unbelief, and sin. Have the actions of the church been any different? These are important things to meditate upon. Ezekiel 39.25-29 is the final word.
17. Some final thoughts to sum things up It is fitting that the beast kills the 2 prophets in Jerusalem. Luke 13.33, Rev 18.24, 17.16-18. All nations will be required to consider the basis of righteousness and grace--this is the purpose of Jerusalem at the end of the age and in the scheme of divine wisdom. It will offend human reasoning. God alone is God. It is his grace--not our works or reasoning.
Some spokesmen of the past who stood for Israel: Charles Spurgeon, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, Horatius Bonar, J.C. Ryle, all from the 1800’s
For more info: thecontroversyofzion.com and daltonlifsey.com
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