36. What is Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel in Prophecy?

"From Ancient Kingdoms to End-Time Restoration: Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel in Prophecy" 

Restoration of Theocratic Government

Learn how Symbolism are used: God’s Prophetic plan for His people in the Latter Days

Prayer Thought:

"The Degenerate Vine: A Call for Judgment"

But Israel did not fulfill God's purpose. The Lord declared, "I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?" Jeremiah 2:21. "Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself." Hosea 10:1. "And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For . . . He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry." Isaiah 5:3-7.  {COL 290.3}  

"God's Purpose Fulfilled Through Spiritual Israel"

That which God purposed to do for the world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today. He has "let out His vineyard unto other husbandmen," even to His covenant-keeping people, who faithfully "render Him the fruits in their seasons." Never has the Lord been without true representatives on this earth who have made His interests their own. These witnesses for God are numbered among the spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people.  {PK 713.1}

PURPOSE  - "To understand the symbolic and literal roles of Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel in biblical prophecy, their significance in God's covenant plan, and their relevance to the fulfillment of God’s purposes for His people, both historically and spiritually, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom."

This purpose emphasizes the connection between God’s dealings with His covenant people and the spiritual truths relevant to believers today, including themes of judgment, restoration, and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

INTRODUCTION:

The Bible's prophetic writings frequently mention Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel, each playing a pivotal role in God's redemptive plan. These entities are not only historical places and tribes but also rich in symbolic meaning, representing God's covenant relationship with His people. From the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms to the promises of restoration and the vision of a New Jerusalem, these themes weave a powerful narrative of God's justice, mercy, and ultimate victory.

This study seeks to explore the prophetic significance of Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel by addressing their roles in history, their spiritual applications, and their relevance in the fulfillment of end-time prophecy. By doing so, we aim to uncover how these elements of prophecy reveal God's character, His purposes for humanity, and His call to faithfulness.

Through this exploration, we will see how God’s promises to His people remain steadfast, culminating in His ultimate plan to establish a kingdom of righteousness where His glory will fill the earth. As we delve into these prophetic symbols, may we gain a deeper understanding of our own role in God’s divine purpose and our place in His eternal kingdom.

The terms Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel hold significant prophetic meanings in the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP), and the Shepherd's Rod (SRod). Their interpretations often encompass literal, historical, and spiritual dimensions. Below is a summary based on these sources:

1. Jerusalem in Prophecy

Biblical Meaning, SOP and SRod insight

2. Judah in Prophecy

Biblical Meaning, SOP and SRod insight

3. Israel in Prophecy

Biblical Meaning, SOP and SRod insight

Jerusalem in Prophecy: Biblical Meaning

Literal Jerusalem: The historic city central to Israel's history and worship, as the location of the temple (1 Kings 8:29; 2 Chronicles 6:6).

Spiritual Jerusalem: Symbolizes God's people or His church. The New Testament often uses Jerusalem to represent the "heavenly Jerusalem," the eternal city of God (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 21:2).

Prophetic Significance: Represents the center of God's purposes on earth, often tied to restoration (Zechariah 8:3-8), the focus of eschatological conflict (Zechariah 12:2-9), and ultimate triumph in the establishment of God’s kingdom. 

SOP Insights 

Ellen White emphasizes Jerusalem's destruction as a type of the final judgment upon the world (The Great Controversy, p. 25-37).

The New Jerusalem represents God's eternal kingdom and the final home of the redeemed (Revelation 21:1-4).

SRod Perspective

The Shepherd’s Rod views Jerusalem as a symbol of God's church in both its pure and impure states.

In prophetic terms, Jerusalem often represents the leadership of the church or the headquarters of God's visible movement on earth. A purified Jerusalem signifies the triumph of God's faithful remnant. 

Judah in Prophecy: Biblical Meaning

Literal Judah: The southern kingdom after the division of Israel, comprising two tribes (Judah and Benjamin), with Jerusalem as its capital.

Spiritual Judah: Represents the faithful lineage or remnant who remain loyal to God, particularly in the time of apostasy (Isaiah 37:32).

SOP Insights 

Judah often typifies a faithful remnant chosen to preserve God's truth.

Ellen White highlights how Judah's history serves as a warning and example for God's church today, particularly regarding apostasy and restoration (Prophets and Kings, p. 74-75). 

SRod Perspective

Judah symbolizes the visible portion of God’s church, particularly its leadership and governing body.

The division between Israel and Judah is used as a type of division within the church, illustrating how God's faithful remnant (Judah) must stand apart from apostate systems (Israel).

Israel in Prophecy: Biblical Meaning 

Literal Israel: The nation descended from Jacob, later divided into the northern kingdom (Israel) and southern kingdom (Judah).

Spiritual Israel: Represents the collective people of God, including both Jews and Gentiles, who are spiritually "grafted" into the covenant through faith in Christ (Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 3:29).

Prophetic Israel: Symbolizes God’s chosen people, with end-time significance pointing to the restoration of the faithful remnant (Isaiah 10:20-23). 

SOP Insights

Ellen White teaches that spiritual Israel includes all believers who follow Christ and keep God's commandments (Acts of the Apostles, p. 9).

Literal Israel’s rejection of Christ serves as a warning for modern-day spiritual Israel not to fall into unbelief and apostasy (The Desire of Ages, p. 577).

SRod Perspective

Ellen White teaches that spiritual Israel includes all believers who follow Christ and keep God's commandments (Acts of the Apostles, p. 9).

Literal Israel’s rejection of Christ serves as a warning for modern-day spiritual Israel not to fall into unbelief and apostasy (The Desire of Ages, p. 577).

SRod Perspective 

The Shepherd's Rod frequently refers to Israel as a type of the Christian church as a whole, particularly in its divided and scattered state.

The "gathering of Israel" is viewed as the restoration of God’s church in the last days, with a special focus on the purification of the church and the gathering of the 144,000 (Revelation 7).

Synthesis of Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel in Prophecy 

Jerusalem: Represents God's dwelling place, His covenant people, or His church in its visible form. Prophecies about Jerusalem often include both warnings of destruction and promises of restoration.

Judah: Represents the remnant who remain faithful amidst widespread apostasy. Judah also symbolizes God's leadership and the governing authority of His church.

Israel: Represents God's covenant people, historically and spiritually. It includes all who accept the promises of God through faith, with an emphasis on the final gathering and restoration of the faithful remnant.

End-Time Application

The literal and spiritual conflicts over Jerusalem symbolize the broader conflict between Christ's kingdom and Satan's kingdom.

The division between Judah and Israel foreshadows the separation of the faithful remnant from the unfaithful majority within the church.

The restoration of Israel and the gathering of spiritual Jerusalem signify the final victory of God’s people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

In conclusion, Jerusalem, Judah, and Israel are central to understanding God’s redemptive work throughout history and in the end times. They represent both literal and spiritual realities, with lessons and applications for the church today.