Prophecies Made-Prophecies Fulfilled
Numerous articles have been written about the State of Israel’s remarkable achievements. However, very few show how what we are witnessing in our lifetimes was predicted by way of prophecy more than two thousand years ago.
Rav Shmuel Eliyahu researched this topic extensively. Much of what will be presented here, is based on a lecture given by Rav Eliyahu in the holy city of Tzfat. (The Rav gave me his blessings to translate his ideas into English.)
Aliya: In Deuteronomy, Chapter 30, Moses tells the nation, “And G-d will return your captives. He will have mercy on you and gather you from among the nations.” Two hundred years ago, there were only 7,000 Jews living in Israel. Before World War One, the number grew to 84,000. Today, there are more than six and a half million Jews living in Israel.
Victory over our enemies: In Leviticus Chapter 26, the Torah says, “And five of you will chase 100, and 100 of you will chase 10,000. Israel’s war victories were a fulfillment of this verse. This was especially true in 1967 when seven Arab nations called for Israel’s destruction. Israel defeated them all in just six days!
Economic and agricultural abundance: In Deuteronomy Chapter 7, the prophecy reads, “And G-d will show His love for you and will bless you and give you abundance to the fruit of the womb and the fruit of the earth.” Israel’s economy is among the most stable in the world. Israel’s cows produce more milk daily than any cow in the world. We see this abundance in the produce of the land.
Rebuilding of cities: In Ezekiel 36, the prophet predicts, “And the desolate land shall be worked after it was utter desolation to all who passed by. And the destroyed cities will again be rebuilt.” From 1950 to today, we grew from 771 settled areas to 1084. During the same period, Arab settlements only grew 109 to 136.
Paving new roads: The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 57, says the following: “Prepare the way. Take the stumbling blocks out of the way of My people.” This prophecy refers to the actual paving of roads that will ultimately lead to Jerusalem. In 1960, there were 6,570 kilometers of highways in Israel. Today, 18,482 kilometers of highway. The numerous entrances to Jerusalem is a clear Messianic sign.
The rebuilding of Jerusalem: The Prophet Zechariah, Chapter 6, predicted,” And old men and old women will again dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, with young boy and girls playing in these streets.” One hundred years ago there were 45,000 Jews living in Jerusalem. Today, more than 650,000.
Returning to tradition: Again, Ezekiel 36, predicts, “And I will pour waters of purification upon you. And you will purified from all of your impurities. And you will be given a new heart. You will be My people, and I will be Your G-d.” Statistics have shown a sharp rise in the enrollment of young children to religious schools over the secular. The country has clearly become more religious.
Israel’s contributions to the world: Deuteronomy Chapter 4 states, “Only a wise and understanding people. This great nation.” Israel’s technological advancements as well as their inventions in the fields of medicine and the military, are the envy of the world. The same is true of Israel’s disproportionate number of Nobel Prize winners.
Diplomatic Relations: Isaiah, in Chapter 62 declares, “And the nations will see your righteousness, and kings will honor you.” The past thirty years has seen Israel double its diplomatic ties from eighty nations to one hundred and sixty. Israel is respected and admired throughout the world.
Fall of our enemies: Deuteronomy Chapter 30 says, “And G-d will place all of the curses on your enemies and pursuers.” There is virtually no religious persecution for Jews anywhere in the world. For the first time since Temple days, Jews are free to practice their religious beliefs. This is truly amazing.
End of Exile: Leviticus 26 states, “And you will be destroyed among the nations. And you will be devoured in the lands of your enemies.” The number of Jews living in the Diaspora continues to diminish. This is primarily due to assimilation and the increase in Israel’s population. This, too was predicted and is taking place before our very eyes.
Israel’s future: Isaiah Chapter 69 predicts, “ Shall I bring to the time of birth and not cause delivery?” This is a clear and strong statement that the world cannot but acknowledge that G-d loves His people, Israel. These prophecies clearly show the special relationship between G-d and Israel.
Rav Eliyahu said that this research that clearly shows how we have been so fortunate to see these numerous prophecies fulfilled in our lifetimes, serves another purpose as well. Instead of trying to prove G-s’s existence by way of theology, it is even more effective by showing what was written then, and fulfilled. Nobody could doubt the truth of G-d and our religion.