What role does Israel play in the end times? Do the events in Israel indicate the end times are close?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The rise of the modern state of Israel in 1948 is an important part of biblical prophecy (Ezekiel 36:24; 37:21-22). The preparations for a new Jewish temple reflect what Scripture predicts will take place. The growing alliance of nations in the Middle East that oppose Israel also point toward the Bible's predictions (Ezekiel 38:2–6). But Scripture also teaches that Jesus could return at any moment, regardless of what is taking place in Israel today (Matthew 24:4-8). Rather than trying to predict prophecy fulfillment by the ever-changing news headlines, we should always be ready for Christ’s return (Matthew 24:42–44, Matthew 25:1–13; Mark 13:33–37).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Daniel 9:24-26 is an end-times prophecy that uses “weeks” to represent years. The prophecy begins with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and carries onto the death of the Messiah—but seven years remain. This represents the seven years of tribulation.
• Ezekiel 38 predicts a war of nations that will align and attack Israel in the last days. God Himself will provide a supernatural victory for Israel. Though many debate when this event will take place, it appears to occur sometime after the Rapture and prior to the midpoint of the Tribulation.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Revelation 12 speaks of a woman that some interpret as the nation of Israel.
• According to Revelation 7:4, 144,000 Jews will serve as evangelists during the last days. During the first half of the tribulation, two witnesses will preach in Jerusalem, die, and then resurrect into the sky (Revelation 11:3).
• Finally, the people of God will war against the nations at the end of the Tribulation at Armageddon (Revelation 16:14, 16:16, 19:19). God will win and Jesus is predicted to return (Revelation 19:11-16) and reign for one thousand years from His throne in Jerusalem (Revelation 20:1-6). After this time a final rebellion will take place (Revelation 20:7–10) followed by a new heavens, new earth, and a new heavenly city called the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

A tiny, melted fuse can cause an electrical outage. Small honeybees impact our food supply. A typo in computer coding can crash a system. Jesus said faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). In other words, small doesn’t mean insignificant.

Israel is a small country—smaller than New Jersey. Yet God established the Jewish people as a special people. And their special role hasn’t ended. Many Bible verses suggest that Israel will play a part in the end times. What does that mean for Christians today? Should we support Israel? While we may not support all that the nation does, we should support Israel’s right to exist.

But we shouldn’t think we can identify the date of the end based on every Israeli conflict that makes headlines. Jesus said only the Father knows when the end will come (Matthew 24:36). What every Christian should do is be ready, preaching the gospel and furthering God’s Kingdom until He comes to take us home.

UNDERSTAND

• Israel plays a central role in end-times events and God’s overall plan.
• Key end-times events involve Israel surviving conflicts, sending witnesses, and participating in final battles.
• The timing of the end is unknown, so believers must stay spiritually ready and active in God’s work.

REFLECT

• How does understanding Israel’s role in the end times affect the way you view the end of days?
• How are you actively preparing yourself spiritually for Christ’s return?
• How do you balance staying aware of world events with trusting God’s timing for the end?

ENGAGE

• How should Christians support Israel today while navigating political and ethical complexities?
• What lessons can we learn from Israel’s role in redemptive history that apply to our own spiritual lives?
• How can we encourage one another to remain spiritually vigilant without becoming fearful or obsessed with prophecy?