Does the modern state of Israel have any real connection to biblical Israel? In this episode of The Bible Sojourner, Peter Goeman works through that question by interacting with an article by Dr. Mike Vlach on the relationship between modern Israel and Israel in Scripture. The discussion addresses a major issue in current theology and culture: when people claim that modern Israel has no meaningful connection to biblical Israel, does that claim actually fit with the Bible’s own storyline?This episode walks through key biblical categories for understanding Israel as an ethnic, national, and territorial people. It also explains the purpose of Israel’s election, the importance of the faithful remnant, the covenant pattern of rebellion, exile, and restoration, and why passages like Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28–30, Jeremiah 31, Ezekiel 20, Matthew 19, Acts 3, and Romans 11 are so important in this discussion.Peter also makes an important clarification: the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948 did not create Israel as a people, nor does it automatically equal the fulfillment of every prophetic promise. At the same time, the continued existence of the Jewish people and their presence in the land does matter and should not be dismissed lightly.Links mentioned in this episode include Dr. Mike Vlach’s article and books on the Bible’s storyline and Israel’s place within it.1. Vlach's Article: https://www.michaeljvlach.com/blog/modern-israel-and-israel-in-the-bible-clarifying-the-relationship
2. Vlach's Bible Storyline Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Storyline-Unstoppable-Creation-Establish/dp/0979853982/
3. Vlach's Israel in God's Storyline Book: https://www.amazon.com/Israel-Bibles-Storyline-Genesis-Revelation/dp/B0GSZJGV9Z
4. Video that contains discussion on Jewish DNA issue: https://youtu.be/KofqCqKqeGw?t=3743Chapter titles00:00 — Does Modern Israel Connect to Biblical Israel?00:27 — Why This Question Matters Right Now01:41 — Mike Vlach’s Article and Why It Helps03:19 — Two Helpful Books on the Bible’s Storyline05:24 — Start with Scripture, Not Red Herrings07:39 — Israel as an Ethnic, National, and Territorial People13:06 — Why God Chose Israel in the First Place18:21 — Israel as a Transgenerational People21:26 — God’s Promise That Israel Will Endure24:13 — The Remnant Within Israel28:55 — The Covenant Pattern: Sin, Exile, Restoration40:23 — So How Does This Relate to Modern Israel?41:12 — Why 1948 Matters, and Why It Is Not Everything48:33 — Key Features of the Modern State of Israel51:10 — Is Modern Israel Connected to Biblical Israel?54:07 — The Big Challenge to “Replacement” or “Fulfillment” Claims57:25 — Final Thoughts on Israel, Prophecy, and the FutureIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.
Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.
Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
