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NOTE: The transcript below is approximately a 99% match of the audio and has been edited for readability. Speaker transitions have been removed to maintain a smooth flow of ideas.”
Introduction
In this episode, we explore a deeply significant and often controversial topic: the theological basis for the modern state of Israel’s claim to the land. Drawing from historical records, scriptural analysis, and theological perspectives, we examine whether modern claims align with God’s covenant promises or if they represent a political narrative disconnected from biblical fulfillment. This conversation invites listeners to reconsider long-held assumptions and approach these issues through the lens of Scripture.
Transcript Begins
Welcome To Deep Into Israel’s Claim to the Land
Today, we’re diving into a fascinating and often debated topic: the theological reasons behind the modern state of Israel’s claim to the land. For many evangelical Christians, the establishment of Israel in 1948 is seen as a direct fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12—that foundational land promise.
This viewpoint has deep roots for many people. The idea that current events could be directly tied to ancient prophecies certainly sparks widespread interest and discussion. Our goal in this deep dive is to get to the heart of this issue. We’ve gathered rich theological analyses, examined historical events, studied specific biblical texts, and even explored some surprising historical perspectives on Jewish identity.
We’re asking: How does that original land promise—and key events like the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, a truly pivotal moment—connect (or perhaps not connect) to the scriptural basis for modern Israel’s claim? It’s a huge topic. So where do we begin?
The Conditional Nature of the Land Promise
A fundamental starting point is found in Leviticus 18:28: “…that the land spew not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spewed out the nations that were before you.” This passage introduces a key principle: the right to live in the land was conditional upon faithfulness and obedience to God.
This wasn’t a permanent, unconditional grant. Leviticus 18 clearly warns Israel against adopting the corrupt practices of Egypt and Canaan—practices involving idolatry and serious moral corruption. The consequence for disobedience was severe: the land would vomit out its inhabitants, just as it had the Canaanites before them. This wasn’t merely a metaphor; historical examples like the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles demonstrate that God enforced these warnings.
The Judgment of 70 AD and the End of the Old Covenant
This principle of judgment culminates in the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. Jesus Himself prophesied this event in Matthew 23 and 24. In Matthew 23, He laments, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” And in Matthew 24:2, He plainly predicts that “there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”
From a theological perspective, this event marked the end of the Old Covenant system. Hebrews 8:13 affirms that with the establishment of a new covenant through Christ, the first covenant became old and was “ready to vanish away.”
The destruction of the Temple wasn’t just a Roman military action; it was the ultimate fulfillment of the warning in Leviticus 18:28. Persistent disobedience, culminating in the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, resulted in expulsion from the land—just as God had warned.
The Legitimacy of Modern Israel’s Claim
This brings us to a challenging modern question: From a scriptural standpoint, what is the legitimacy of the modern state of Israel’s claim to that same land?
Scripture teaches that the New Covenant, established through Christ, supersedes the Old Covenant. Faith in Christ—highlighted in Romans 9:6-8—becomes the new foundation for receiving God’s blessings. This creates significant tension, as modern Israel identifies largely as a secular nation and does not, as a state, acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah.
If the right to live in the land was originally based on obedience under the Old Covenant, and that covenant has now been fulfilled and replaced by one centered on Christ, what is the basis for a claim today that relies solely on ethnicity or ancestry?
Galatians 3:16 makes clear that the promises to Abraham were ultimately fulfilled in Christ, identifying Him as the singular “seed.” Thus, modern claims based purely on ethnic identity become more political or national rather than covenantal.
Who Is the True Israel Today?
According to this theological perspective, the “true Israel” is not a modern political nation but rather the church—composed of all those who believe in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile (Galatians 6:15-16).
This view challenges us to consider God’s consistency. If ancient Israel was expelled for disobedience, why would a modern secular state that often promotes values contrary to biblical morality—such as widespread celebration of LGBTQ+ lifestyles and other practices condemned in Leviticus 18 and Romans 1—receive unconditional divine blessing today?
Additionally, the very definitions of “Israel” and “Jew” have changed over time. Historically, being an Israelite was about direct descent from Jacob’s twelve tribes. But even in the Old Testament, conversion played a role, as seen in Esther 8:17. Forced conversions, such as those under John Hyrcanus, further complicated this identity.
After the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, genealogical records were lost, making it nearly impossible for most modern Jews to prove direct lineage to the tribes of Israel. Even in the New Testament, the term “Jew” is used in varied ways—sometimes referring to geography, sometimes to religious practice, and sometimes to the religious leaders opposing Christ (John 7:1).
Modern Judaism: A Different Faith?
It’s also important to recognize that modern Judaism is not identical to the Old Testament faith. After 70 AD, Judaism developed into what is known as Rabbinic Judaism, based largely on the Talmud, Mishnah, and later traditions rather than the Mosaic Law centered on Temple worship and sacrifices.
Key Old Testament practices—Temple worship, the Aaronic priesthood, and blood sacrifices—no longer exist. Rabbinic traditions took their place, which Jesus Himself criticized when He rebuked the Pharisees for making God’s Word “of none effect through your tradition” (Matthew 15:6).
John 14:6 and 1 John 2:23 make it clear that salvation is only through Christ. Modern Judaism’s rejection of Jesus as Messiah places it outside the New Covenant established through Him.
Was the Land Promise Already Fulfilled?
Many evangelical Christians apply Genesis 12:3 directly to modern Israel, interpreting it as a reason for unconditional support. But the sources discussed in this analysis argue that the original land promise was already fulfilled historically.
Joshua 21:43 states, “And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.” Similarly, 1 Kings 4:21 and Nehemiah 9:7-8 confirm that God fulfilled His promises long ago.
Galatians 3:29 makes it clear that those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. Supporting Christ and His gospel, not necessarily a modern secular nation, is the New Covenant fulfillment of blessing Abraham.
A Complex Ethnic History
Throughout Israel’s history, there was significant ethnic mixing. The Exodus included a “mixed multitude” (Exodus 12:38), and Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were half Egyptian. Figures like Rahab and Ruth became part of Israel’s lineage, even entering the genealogy of Christ.
Over centuries, through dispersion and intermarriage, Jewish communities became ethnically diverse—Ashkenazi from Europe, Sephardic from Spain and North Africa, and Mizrahi from the Middle East. Some scholars even reference the controversial Khazar theory, suggesting mass conversions in the Middle Ages.
This long history challenges the idea that the Jews returning to modern Israel represent a pure, unmixed, ethnic remnant fulfilling prophecy.
The Secular Roots of Zionism
Modern Zionism was largely a secular nationalist movement. Leaders like Theodor Herzl pursued a political solution to Jewish persecution, particularly in Europe, not a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 focused on democratic values, not on a return to obedience under God’s law. Today, Israel remains a secular state with a significant portion of its population identifying as non-religious.
A Final Challenge to Consider
If God consistently judged ancient Israel for disobedience, idolatry, and immorality, why would He now bless a modern secular state engaged in similar behaviors? From the golden calf at Sinai to the idolatry under Solomon and the horrors of child sacrifice under Manasseh, Israel’s history is filled with warnings and judgments.
How then can a modern state, largely rejecting Christ and embracing secular values, expect unconditional divine blessing simply based on ethnic heritage or geography?
This analysis calls us to reconsider common assumptions about modern Israel. Are we applying Old Testament promises through the proper lens of the New Covenant in Christ? And how might this understanding reshape how we view current events and biblical prophecy?
Closing Statement
This discussion invites thoughtful reflection on how we understand biblical prophecy, covenant fulfillment, and current events. As always, we encourage you to search the Scriptures diligently and weigh these matters carefully, keeping Christ at the center of your understanding. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive.
End of Transcript
This discussion was adapted from a podcast that explored theological and historical source material on this topic. It is intended to encourage further study and critical examination of Scripture. May it challenge you to search the Word diligently and seek the truth through the lens of Christ, who is the fulfillment of all God’s promises.
If this content has been helpful, consider sharing it with others who may benefit. Keep exploring, keep learning, and stay grounded in the truth.
John 17:17 (KJV) – “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
(Reminds us that God’s Word is the ultimate standard of truth)
