Netanyahu says Ezekiel 37 already fulfilled???
See my comments near the bottom. - Hanok
PM Netanyahu's Speech at the Ceremony Commemorating 65 Years Since the Liberation of Auschwitz where he proclaimed the fulfillment of the prophet Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones.
Quotes from speech [translated from Hebrew]:
The Jewish people rose from ashes and destruction, from a terrible pain that can never be healed.
Armed with the Jewish spirit, the justice of man, and the vision of the prophets, we sprouted new branches and grew deep roots.
Dry bones became covered with flesh, a spirit filled them, and they lived and stood on their own feet.
As Ezekiel prophesized:
“Then He said unto me: These bones are the whole House of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone; we are doomed.'
Prophecy, therefore, and say to them: Thus said the Lord God: I am going to open your graves and lift you out of your graves, O My people, and bring you to the land of Israel.”
I stand here today on the ground where so many of my people perished -- and I am not alone.
The State of Israel and all the Jewish people stand with me. We bow our heads to honor your memory and lift our heads as we raise our flag-a flag of blue and white with a Star of David in its center.
And everyone sees. And everyone hears. And everyone knows – that our hope is not lost.
Source: www.pmo.gov.il (Israeli PM's Office)
OneNewsNow reported on the event... adding standard Christian interpretation.
Netanyahu: Ezekiel 37 fulfilled
Chad Groening - OneNewsNow - 2/16/2010 4:00:00 AMThe leader of a Messianic Jewish ministry is pleased that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently proclaimed the fulfillment of the prophecy in Ezekiel, Chapter 37.
Speaking on the recent 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz in Poland, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed the fulfillment of the prophet Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones.
Netanyahu said, "Armed with the Jewish spirit, the justice of man, and the vision of the prophets, we sprouted new branches and grew deep roots. Dry bones became covered with flesh, a spirit filled them, and they lived and stood on their own feet."
Jan Markell, founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, comments that Netanyahu's statement helps debunk the idea that modern Israel is just a secular country with no connection to ancient biblical prophecy.
"There is a degree of spirituality in Israel, recently with this Benjamin Netanyahu saying that Ezekiel 37 is now fulfilled," she notes. "So I'm encouraged when the top leader in the nation of Israel comes out and stands up for the Bible. This is absolutely tremendously good news."
Markell adds that now that Ezekiel 37 has been fulfilled, chapters 38 and 39 are expected to follow.
"The Ezekiel 38, 39 scenario - that's the Gog and Magog invasion of Israel, where they, being Russia, Iran and some other nations, descend on her to seize her wealth," the Olive Tree Ministries founder mentions.
She concludes that Israel wins that war, and though some scholars argue on the time frame of that event, Markell believes it takes place during the tribulation period.
My comments:
I do not want to diminish the horror and suffering Jew-dah experienced at the hands of Nazi Germany, but please forgive me if I'm reluctant or unamiable to Bibi's speculation or application of Ezekiel 37. He is misapplying what happened to Jew-dah during the Jewish Holocaust to Ezekiel 37 when he should be connecting it (the holocaust) and the re-birth of the Jewish nation to Zechariah 12:7 and Zephaniah 2:7 ...where Jew-dah is the primary focus and prophetic recipient... and even called by name (i.e., Judah/Yehudah).
The prophecy of the dead "dry bones" in the first half of Ezekiel 37 is a prophecy regarding the awakening of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, or the Lost Ten Tribes (having very little to do with Judah or the Jews). Their mention of being "cut-off" is an allusion to the way the Prophet Hosea depicted 10-Israel when they "ceased to be a people". For the last 2700 years, 10-Israel has been little more than the whispering of ghost stories, legend, and myth (which has continued until recent years). So before the second half of Ezekiel 37 can be fulfilled (the "two sticks prophecy"), 10-Israel must first become a people again (i.e., "put on flesh"). In other words, a non-people (or a non-stick) can not be joined to the Jewish people, (the Stick of Jew-dah), this is why the "valley of dry bones" occurs before the joining of the two sticks.
For example, when Joseph was a slave in Egypt, he was dead in the mind of his father and brothers. In many ways, he was even dead to himself, looking like an Egyptian and eventually ruling over all Egypt. There is a very similar parallel manifesting in the world today... in regards to the hidden identity of Joseph/Ephraim (a wide-spread, largely leaderless remnant of Ephraimites are repenting, desiring Torah, and desiring to become "Yah's people" again, just as Hosea predicted).
Furthermore, Ezekiel is told that the "dry bones" depicts the "whole house of Israel". Jew-dah did recover from a great atrocity and they are Israelites, but they (in that event) did not represent the "whole house of Israel" (read Ezekiel 37:11, but read the entire passage in conjunction with the entire book of Hosea). The house of Israel and the house of Judah were and are two separate bodies of people.
Indeed, Ezekiel 37 foretells many things. Here are several items that have NOT happened YET:
- Ephraim (10-Israel) has not formed into a "stick" (i.e., become a people again).
- Ephraim (10-Israel) has not joined with the Stick of Jew-dah (the Jews) YET!
- There is not One King and One Shepherd ruling over both Jew-dah and Ephraim YET! The modern secular nation of Israel is a democratic socialist nation without a King.
- Both Ephraim and Jew-dah continue to defile themselves with various idols. Their backsliding has not ceased YET!
- There has been no covenant of peace made with the whole House of Israel YET! Jew-dah knows anything but Peace at this time.
- Yah's sanctuary, His Dwelling Place has not been established in the Land of Israel YET!
I realize the Christian and Jewish world is antsy about having the Gog/Magog war happen sooner rather than later, but there are several things that must happen before we can move along to Ezekiel 38 and 39.
Be ever watchful for the signs He promised. But also be careful to discern the counterfeit signs the-Adversary may attempt to use to bring confusion (even destruction).
Lila tov,
Hanok
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February 17th, 2010 - 07:59
I agree 100% with your take on this. When I first read Netanyahu’s comments, I thought to myself, that so many who do not understand the difference between Judah and Israel (like Jan Markel) would take this and run with it (in the wrong direction).
February 17th, 2010 - 11:47
Netanyahu seems to be instilling some sort of subliminal message to those who are, like you said “antsy” for the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecies.
Not only is he convincing many that the “dry bones” episode has taken place but he is also sharing with the world that the Jews in Israel today are ALL of Israel. This is so critical because it is a slippery lie that most already believe and defend. The vast multitude of Israel, that being the Ten Tribes of the Northern Kingdom are scattered and only beginning to discover their identity, despite the lie that most scholars, much of the church and Jew-dah defend today.
One can only wonder what other subjective messages Netanyahu is instilling in this speech.
February 17th, 2010 - 12:43
1 word and that is “AGREE”!!!!!!!
Hanok, just as your opinions about DNA and the Levinite Priesthood resemble a little bit of discouraging on our part, this article is simply put, one of the same…That is, they are both examples of how Jew-dah/Judah have not accepted Joseph as their brother yet…Am I correct on this?
How great it will be to see a man on the scene arise from Israel who “Restores all things”. No, I am not refering to the False Prophet people! The FP will deceive many but I do not think that he will fool the “Elect” or Yah’s very own.(I say this due to the overwhelming criticism I am receiving as a part of myself returning to my Hebraic Roots even though I am a Full Blown CAUCASIAN!) (= I have been in awe like you (The Reader) when it comes to trying to see how Judah reasons things and proclaims HALF Truths! Just like Joseph, 10-Israel is not fully aware of their own “existence” and have lost their way.
America is Yah’s resting place for his People! When I say resting place, I mean exactly that! What happens in the morning when you get up from a nights sleep? You leave the bed for most likely the day and return to bed or rest later that night. When Eliyahu returns in flesh or in Spirit, we will be reawakened to what needs to be done. Hence the restoration of all said things will be fulfilled. John the Baptist did surely come but only in part! I am one of few that believe in the 3-Fold principle.
First as Elijah/Eliyahu, then as Yohan the Emerser/ John the Baptist and finally the unknown but ALIVE today I believe.
Another interestin article1 Thanks again!
Shalom
February 18th, 2010 - 12:10
My Dear Friends,
It is certain that we are living in the last days, and that the creation of Israel as a political entity, on the human level, has been fraught with much that is less than perfection.
Israel’s existence is, however, a clear fulfillment of biblical prophecy, and it is also the case that G-d frequently uses imperfect or impious vessels to accomplish His Divine purpose, prophetically, in the world. He often uses leaders who do not believe in Him.
I am a supporter, generally, of Israel’s right to exist, and specifically, of Benjamin Netanyahu’s desire to protect and preserve his people.
However, I would like to offer a few thoughts regarding Mr. Netanyahu’s recent speech in Poland.
Mr. Netanyahu’s announcement regarding what he seemingly considers to be an exclusively Jewish fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy, which prophecy describes the reunification of the northern kingdom of Israel (10-tribes), and the southern kingdom of Judah (Judah & elements of Benjamin and Levi), is, in the study of the discipline of logic, what is known as the “Lawyer’s Fallacy,” wherein the criminal prosecutor, as well as the defense attorney, take turns addressing the judge and jury, with only that part of the “truth” which tends to confirm the welfare of their perspective client.
The prosecutor conviently forgets to present exculpatory evidence, and the defense attorney likewise forgets to mention any facts tending to support a guilty verdict.
Whether we agree with Mr. Netanyahu’s biblical/theological conclusions from the Tanach or not, we might consider the following pertinent thoughts:
1. Interpreting any bible text without accurately interpreting the meaning of its context almost always reveals a hidden pretext that is to some degree an a priori, predetermined personal view, prejudice or motive, or simply reflects a condition or state of ignorance.
2. Mr. Netanyahu is neither ignorant nor stupid.
3. Question: If these facts are true, why, then, does he choose to mis-interpret the plain meaning of the text in Ezekiel 37, i.e., a prophetical statement about the evential reunification of all 12 (or 13) tribes of Israel under the rule of Messiah?
4. In our analogy of comparing Mr. Netanyahu to a defense lawyer, who would be Mr. Netanyahu’s client? Who is he trying to protect? Is it not the Israeli government and the people of Israel? I believe that self defense is a good and just motive, and if his motive is self defence, I am supportive of him.
5. What, then, to continue our analogy, whould be the contextual facts on the ground in the middle east to which Mr. Netanyahu’s case logic responds? Is it not true, that Mr. Netanyahu is making a case to the world community, including America, to justify a preemptive and probably military action against Iran to destroy its nuclear production capacity that would foreclose Iran’s ability to initiate a nuclear first strike capacity against Israel?
6. Mr. Netanyahu was educated in the United States. He speaks perfect english. He is no doubt very familiar with the Judeo-Christian people who live here. He is not ignorant of what American Jews and Christians think. Is it not possible that, like any good defense attorney, Mr. Netanyahu is carefully laying the legal and theological ground work which will justify to those audiences a preemptive military strike against Iran? And like any good defense attorney, is he not expert at analyzing and speaking to their beliefs, prejudices, and opinions? Is it not true that he understands that truth doesn’t necessarily win a legal case, and does he not certainly know that the legal opinions of the judge and jury certainly will.
7. Is it possible that, like a good defense attorney, Mr. Netanyahu was speaking not only to those who heard his speech in Poland, but also to the Jews in America who support him?
8. And what about the American Christians? The overwhelming majority of dispensational or traditionalist Christians have rarely or haphazardly studied two-house prophecy. They are almost completely insentient regarding the theological distinction between the word “Judah” and the word “Israel.” They believe that the term “Jews” today represents all 12 remaining tribal descendents of ancient Israel. And what are they expecting to happen next in the prophetical calendar? Are they not expecting, not the fulfillment of the two sticks prophecy of Ezekiel and the reunification of all twelve tribes of Israel, but an imminent secret rapture from the earth, wherein they are conveniently whisked up and out of the danger zone away to heavenly safety while the recalcitrant Jews are left to suffer through the trials of a seven year tribulation and the horrors of the Antichrist?
9. My friends, Mr. Netanyahu doesn’t believe in a non-existent secret rapture or any other kind of rapture, and he doesn’t apparently believe that the exiled of Israel are still exiled, but he does believe in protecting Israel, and he does understand that swaying the masses of Judeo-Christians in support of Israel is crucial to the upcoming war with the Muslim world is essential if Israel is to continue to exist in a hostile middle eastern environment.
What is my conclusion, then? Shouldn’t we support Israel? Of course we should. Of course we do. But at the same time we should excercise biblical spiritual discernment as well. We should pray to G-d that the spiritual blindness of the traditional Christians, and their continued exile in the dispersion of a Babylonion capitivity is ended by awakening to Yeshua’s biblical plan as revealed in Ezekiel 37. We should as well pray that Muslims and Jews awaken to the love and forgiveness of Messiah Yeshua, and we should ourselves repent and do the works that Messiah commands us to do, until the day of the Greater Exodus arrives, and we are reunited with all who accept and honor the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and His holy Son our Adonai and Savior.
Best Wishes,
David
February 21st, 2010 - 14:54
[Thanks for your great blog. Just saw the following on the web; froth like the
secret rapture keeps folks from thinking deeply about Netanyahu etc.!]
PRETRIB RAPTURE SECRECY
by Dave MacPherson
The word “secrecy” when applied to Christ’s return can refer to two different things: time and visibility. Before 1830 the only coming Christians looked for was the “every eye shall see him” second advent to earth – secret only in point of time.
Enter Margaret Macdonald in 1830. She saw “the one taken and the other left” before “THE WICKED” [Antichrist] will “be revealed” – and added that her pretrib rapture would not be “seen by the natural eye” but only by “those who have the light of God within.” Her rapture was doubly secret: at an unknown day and hour and also invisible to “outsiders.”
Desperate to eliminate Margaret as the pretrib originator and the Irvingites as the first public teachers of pretrib, Darby defender Thomas Ice foolishly claims that they taught a secret POSTTRIB coming even though he knows that when Hal Lindsey teaches “one taken” etc. before the Antichrist “is revealed” Lindsey is expressing the kernel of the pretrib view – what MM and the Irvingites clearly taught before Darby did! Google “X-Raying Margaret” and “Edward Irving is Unnerving” to see why they are properly labeled “pretrib.”)
As early as June 1832, Irving’s journal taught that only “to those who are watching and praying…will Christ be manifested…as the morning star. To the rest of the church, and to the world, this first appearance will be…unintelligible.” (“Present State of Prophetic Knowledge” etc., p. 374)
Always trailing and “borrowing” quietly from the Irvingites who in turn had “borrowed” from Margaret, Darby in 1845 finally sounded like them when he wrote that “the bright and morning Star…is the sweet and blessed sign to them that watch…And such is Christ before He appears [at the final advent to earth]. The Sun will arise on the world….The star is before the [Sun], the joy of those who watch. The unwakeful world, who sleep in the night, see it not.” (“Thoughts on the Apocalypse,” p. 167)
And Lindsey’s “Late Great Planet Earth,” p. 143, says that “the second coming is said to be visible to the whole earth (Revelation 1:7). However, in the Rapture. only the Christians see Him – it’s a mystery, a secret.”
My bestselling book “The Rapture Plot” (available at online stores including Armageddon Books) has 300 pages of such documentation and proves that Margaret was the first to “see” a secret, pretrib rapture, that the Irvingites soon echoed her in their journal (which Darby admitted he avidly read), and that Darby was last on all of the crucial aspects of dispensationalism.
Shockingly, all of the earliest pretrib development rested solely on unclear OT and NT types and symbols and NOT on clear Biblical statements. Margaret’s rapture was inspired by Rev. 11′s “two witnesses.” And her “secret visibility” rested on the “types” of Stephen, Paul, and John – all of whom saw or heard what others couldn’t see or hear.
For 30 years Darby’s pretrib basis was the rapture of Rev. 12′s “man child” – actually his plagiarism of Irving’s usage of this “pretrib” symbol eight years earlier!
As I said at the start, the “second advent to earth” is secret in point of time with its unknown “day and hour,” as Christ stated. Pretribs assert that if Christ returns for the church after the tribulation, we could count down the days and figure out the actual date of His return – which would contradict Christ’s words.
But pretribs deliberately ignore the fact that Christ said that the tribulation days will be shortened – and He didn’t reveal the length of the shortening!
Our opponents also assume that the “watch” verses prove the “any-moment imminence” of Christ’s return. But do they? II Peter 3:12 says we are to be “looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God” which all premills claim is at least 1000 years ahead of us and therefore hardly “imminent”! What’s the difference between “watching for” and “looking for”?
You have just learned a few of the many secrets that the Secret Rapture Gang has hidden for a long time. Evidently they have forgotten Luke 12:2′s warning that “there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed”!
PS – For the ultimate in uncovered secrets, see engines like Google and type in “Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty.”
July 7th, 2010 - 21:18
Ezekiel in chapter 37 refers to the WHOLE house of Israel, which explicitly includes both the ten northern tribes and the two southern tribes. There have always been a remnant of the ten “lost” tribes mingled with the Jews.
James 1:1 (NASB95)
1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
Secondly, the location and regathering of the ten lost tribes is a process which has already started and modern Israel is actively involved in this process. A large community of Jews has been identified in North East India. Messianic Jewish ministries and Jewish Rabbis from Israel are ministering to them. They are the tribe of M’nasheh [causing to forget] or Manasseh. They have been forgotten for over two thousand years but they have not lost all their Hebrew culture and they are being restored at this time.
We must not dismiss modern Israel as a fulfilment of Ezekiel 37 because it is secular and includes many non practising Jews and most do not acknowledge Yeshua as Messiah. The first stages of revival in Ezekiel 37 did not involve spiritual life at all but regathering of bones and the restoration of flesh as a preparation for the reception of the breath of divine life.
July 8th, 2010 - 07:25
I wrote my last comment before looking seriously at your website. I apologise for writing so boldly from my Christian perspective without acknowledging in any way that I am a guest on a Jewish blog. I want to thank you for introducing me to RefTagger, which I have just added to my Christian blog. I also want to thank you for greatly adding to my knowledge of the different ethnic groups in the world which claim descent from various tribes of Israel. I thank you for your thorough bible study and your listing of 160 bible texts from the Tanakh which use the name Israel referring to the ten Northern Tribes which were captured and dispersed by the Assyrians.
I am aware that the word ISRAEL is frequently used in the Tahakh to refer to the Ten Northern Tribes as distinct from the tribe and the nation of Judah. I was aware that the word Jew is a reference to the tribe of Judah. However, I have just done some searching with my Bible study Software and confirmed what I thought to be the case. The word ISRAEL is also often used to refer to the people and nation of Judah and to the Hebrew people as a whole, even after the division of the Kingdom and the exile of the ten northern tribes. The prophet Ezekiel was a Priest (Cohen of the tribe of Levi) living amongst the exiles (from Judah) in Babylon. He used the word ISRAEL in 169 verses. In Ezekiel 2:3; 3:1; 3:4-5; 3:7 Ezekiel was CALLED to be a prophet to the people of ISRAEL, although clearly he was living amongst the JEWS from Judah. In Nehemiah, the word ISRAEL is used in 18 verses, generally referring to the JEWS who were returning to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity.
The Christian New Testament was written wholly or mostly by Jews. If Luke was a Gentile as some claim, his sources were Jewish. The New Testament generally uses the words Israel and Jews to refer without distinction to the whole land and people of the Hebrews.