Nowhere is God’s orchestration of world events displayed more dramatically than in the Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). In fulfillment of prophecy, He allowed it to lie desolate for over 18 centuries. In fulfillment of prophecy, He has drawn His Chosen People back to claim the Land promised to Abraham and his descendants. In fulfillment of prophecy, He has protected and preserved the Jewish people, right in the face of satanically-inspired hatred and animosity all around – and often within – their own territory.
By late in the First Century AD, Roman oppression had devastated Jerusalem and what was then labeled Palestine as well. In the centuries that followed, the Land of Israel saw more bloodshed and more devastation. The Romans were followed by the Arabs, the Fatimids, the Turks, the Crusaders, the Egyptians, and the Mamelukes – among others. From 1517 to 1917, the Ottoman Empire ruled the Land with callous disregard.
The Ottomans were Islamists who did not care much for the Land. Ottoman taxation policy led to the denuding of the trees and vegetation throughout the Land (because trees were taxed). That is why Mark Twain found the Land desolate and devoid of population outside a few scattered cities and villages.
”…a desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds-a silent mournful expanse…A desolation is here that not even imagination can grace with the pomp of life and action…We never saw a human being on the whole route…There was hardly a tree or a shrub anywhere. Even the olive and the cactus, those fast friends of the worthless soil, had almost deserted the country.” – Mark Twain
But God had promised to regather Israel to the Land and restore their prosperity. He commanded Ezekiel to prophesy:
Thus says the Lord GOD, “When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and will manifest My holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their land which I gave to My servant Jacob. They will live in it securely; and they will build houses, plant vineyards and live securely when I execute judgments upon all who scorn them round about them. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.” (Ezekiel 28:26)
This prophecy is still being fulfilled. And the fact that God’s promise was slow to be fulfilled does not lessen its significance. If anything, it demonstrates the miraculous nature of the regathering to inhabit the Land once again. Jeremiah said this regathering would be so amazing that it would make the Exodus from Egypt pale in comparison:
Even now, most Jews and far too many Christians fail to recognize the miraculous fulfillment of ancient prophecies right before our eyes. Followers of Christ, who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit and given eyes to see and ears to hear, certainly should be praising God for His great faithfulness.
But there’s more…
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