As we continue to focus on the many different events which will ultimately find their fulfilment in God’s prophetic program, one of the most dramatic changes facing the world is the end of Gentile domination. You see, at this moment, the world is still in a period referred to as “the times of the Gentiles.” However, this period does have an expiration date.
The phrase “the times of the Gentiles” is used by Jesus as recorded in Luke 21:24: “And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
As you can tell, Gentile domination is specifically concerned with the city of Jerusalem, evidenced by the fact that all significant empires have aspired to possess the land of Israel and the Holy City. Although some claim that the times of the Gentiles ended with modern Israel’s declaration of statehood in 1948 or when Israel captured the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in June 1967, this is incorrect.
Understanding the panoramic view of the times of the Gentiles is achieved through two significant revelations in the Book of Daniel. The first was a dream given to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2), and the second was given to Daniel (Daniel 7). In both dreams, we bear witness to four successive Gentile empires, beginning with Babylon and ending with a revived form of the Roman Empire. Therefore, the times of the Gentiles covers the period from when the Babylonians invaded Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled the Jewish people, and will end when Christ physically returns to the earth at the end of the Tribulation Period.
If there is one book in the Bible that evokes glad anticipation in the hearts of believers who cherish that wonderful day when Christ will reign in power and great glory, it is the Book of Isaiah. In particular, chapter 60 of Isaiah provides important details about the Messiah’s earthly Kingdom.
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