JEWS’ RETURN

NOTE:  This material contains 41 arguments made by premillennialists about their view of the land promise.  It also includes scriptural responses to these errors.  These notes were no doubt originally prepared as debate notes by a faithful Christian.  This material was handed out when I was a student in the Memphis School of Preaching (1968-1970).  It is not dated, and I do not know who compiled it.  

PROPOSITION:

The Scriptures teach that fleshly Israel will yet be restored to Palestine and be converted to Christ.

AFFIRMATIVE ARGUMENTS:

I. LAND PROMISE NOT YET FULFILLED.

The land promise was given to Abraham and his seed forever (Genesis 13:14-17; 15:18; 17:7,8).

A. Yet the promise was never fulfilled.

1. Genesis 23:4:  “I am a stranger and a sojourner with you.”

2. Hebrews 11:8:  “Gave him none inheritance in it.”

3. Hebrews 11:8:  “Should after receive it for inheritance.”

4. Hebrews 11:9:  “Sojourned as in a strange land.”

5. Hebrews 11:13:  “Died…not having received the  promise.”

B. Hence, it must yet be fulfilled.

C. Not conditional—Abraham died without receiving it.  God must yet fulfill it, though many of Israel have died.

ANSWER:

A. Genesis 23:4—The fact that Abraham was a stranger does not prove that the promise was NEVER fulfilled.

B. If given to his seed AFTER HIM (Acts 7:15), it certainly was not to be given to both at once in the future (Genesis 48:4).

C. Hebrews 11:8,9—Answered in Arguments 1, 7, and 8.

D. The “promise” of Hebrews 11:13 had spiritual significance--“Having seen them afar off.”  John 8:56—Promise of land not made to Abel, Noah, etc.

E. The land promise is not the same promise of Hebrews 11:39 (which was a  promise of the Messiah).

F. But the land promise was fulfilled:

1. Moses said, “Go in and possess it” (Deuteronomy 1:8).  

2. Not one thing failed (Joshua 21:43-45; 23:14).  The fathers had the promise (Deuteronomy 1:8).

3. Continuance in the land depended on conditions (Deuteronomy 28:15,63; 1 Chronicles 28:8,9; Deuteronomy 4:25,26).

4. “Abraham inherited the land” (Ezekiel 33:24; Nehemiah 9:7,8).

5. Rebellious to cease from land forever (Deuteronomy 28:46-68).

6. Promise of this kind to nations kind are always conditional (Jeremiah 18:7-10).

7. The “everlasting covenant” was broken due to their sin (Isaiah 24:5; Zechariah 11:10; Deuteronomy 29:10ff; Psalm 105:8-11).

8. Cities of refuge:

a. Six cities if all the land was given (Deuteronomy 19:7-9).

b. Six cities were appointed (Joshua 20:1-8).

c. Therefore, all the land was given .

G. Many of his (Abraham’s) seed died without receiving the promise.  Will they receive it?  While dead?  If not, it is conditional.  Why exclude the unsaved dead?

H. No proof that Abraham HIMSELF would receive the inheritance, but his seed (Genesis 12:7; 15:18).  “In thee all families of earth are blessed” (Genesis 12:3).  Yet he was dead when it was done (Acts 3:25,26; Galatians 3:8,9,28,29).

II. RESTORATION TO THEIR LAND PROMISED.

 “Shall set up ensign—assemble the outcasts of Israel” (Isaiah 11:11,12).
 The animals of verses 6-9 literal.
 REPLY:  How about the branch of Isaiah 11:1?

ANSWER:

A. The Lord is the “ensign” (Isaiah 11:10; 42:6,7; 60:3)

B. Gentiles to assemble, too (Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 62:2).

C. Not all Israel, but the remnant gathered (Isaiah 11:11,16; 10:20-22; Romans 9:27; 11:5).

D. This prophecy fulfilled in the gospel (Romans 15:12).

E. Gentiles seek the Lord now (Isaiah 11:10).  Hence, it is already filled.

F. “Will yet choose Israel and set them in their own land” (Isaiah 14:1-3; see also next argument).

III. “WILL YET CHOOSE ISRAEL AND SET THEM IN OWN LAND” (Isaiah 14:1-3).

ANSWER:

A. Partially (temporarily) fulfilled in return from Babylon (Isaiah 14:4).

B. Spiritually, the remnant was to be chosen (Romans 9:27).

C. Isaiah prophesied before the Babylonian captivity (Isaiah 1:1).

IV. “GOD WILL BRING THEE INTO THE LAND WHICH THY FATHERS POSSESSED” (Deuteronomy 30:3-9; Note especially verse 3: “will return and gather thee”).

ANSWER:

A. This was a conditional promise (v. 10). 
B. Nehemiah says it was fulfilled in the return from Babylon (Nehemiah 1:8-10).

C. Deuteronomy states also “which our fathers possessed” (30:5).

D. Hence, this conflicts with Argument 1.

V. THEIR NATIONAL CONVERSION PREDICTED.

Moses foretold their repentance (Deuteronomy 4:27-31).

ANSWER:

A. Not so – he said, “If thou turn to the Lord thy God.”

B. They served idols during this dispersion.

VI. “SHALT RETURN TO LORD THY GOD AND SHALT OBEY HIS VOICE” (Deuteronomy 30:1,2,8).

ANSWER:

A. “When…thou shalt return…” (verses 1,2 really carry the force of admonition.  For example, “When ye be come to the land…ye shall keep this service” [that is, Passover]; Exodus 12:25—Yet they failed to reach it).

B. Verse 10 says:  “If thou shalt hearken.”

C. Nothing said about “conversion to Christ,” as per premillennial doctrine.

D. Fulfilled in the return from Babylon (Nehemiah 1:8-10).

VII. “ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED WITH AN EVERLASTING SALVATION” (Isaiah 45:17).

ANSWER:

A. Doesn’t say “all Israel.”

B. Reference is made to “spiritual Israel”—including the “remnant” (Romans 9:27; 11:5; Galatians 3:7,29).

VIII. WILL BECOME HIS PEOPLE (Hosea 1:10,11).

A. Once said, “Ye are not my people” (verse 10).

B. Then he said,  “Ye are the sons of God” (verse 10).

C. Children of Judah and Israel will be gathered together (verse 11).

ANSWER:

A. Peter said this had been fulfilled in his day (1 Peter 2:10).  He included the Gentiles.

B. Hence, a promise to spiritual Israel (Galatians 3:7,29).

C. Paul applied it to the Gentiles (Romans 9:24-26).

IX. TO BE GATHERED FROM NORTH AND FROM ALL LANDS AND BROUGHT INTO THEIR LAND (Jeremiah 16:14,15).

 This is a second recovery; the first was from Egypt.

ANSWER:

A. Return from Babylon, etc., was a second recovery (Jeremiah 29:10; 29:14; 27:22).

B. This captivity caused by idolatry (Jeremiah 16:11-13).  Not so with the present time.

C. Jeremiah prophesied before Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 1:1-3)

X. BRING AGAIN THEIR CAPTIVITY – CAUSE TO RETURN TO THEIR OWN LAND (Jeremiah 30:3,18).

ANSWER:

  Fulfilled in return from Babylon, etc. (Jeremiah 27:22; 29:10,14).

XI. NEW HEART TO BE GIVEN (Ezekiel 36:26,27).

ANSWER:

A. How the new heart, etc., given is seen at Pentecost (Acts 2).

B. Yet fulfilled, no doubt, in return from captivity of penitent Jews (Jeremiah 27:22; 29:14; Nehemiah 1:8-10; 8:5,6).

C. While law of Moses in force (Ezekiel 36:2-5; Cf. Idols, verse 18).

XII. ISRAEL WILL ONE DAY SAY, “BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD” – HENCE, WILL NOT BE CONDEMNED (Matthew 23:39).

ANSWER:

A. No proof that all fleshly Israel will say so.

B. Nothing said about conversion.

XIII. “HE THAT SCATTERETH ISRAEL WILL GATHER HIM” (Jeremiah 31:8-13).

ANSWER:

A. Gathered from captivity (Jeremiah 29:22; 29:10,14).

B. A spiritual significance (v. 12).  Hence, gathered to a heavenly country.

XIV. “THEN WILL I REMEMBER MY COVENANT AND I WILL REMEMBER THE LAND” (Leviticus 26:42).

ANSWER:

A. Sabbath would still be in force (vv. 34-43).

B. Fulfilled in the return from Babylon.

C. Even this was conditional (vv. 40,41).

XV. THE OLIVE TREE (Romans 11:17-27).

A. Israel broken off (v. 19).

B. Will be grafted in again (v.24).

C. Blindness till fulness of Gentiles be come (v. 25).

D. “So all Israel shall be saved” (v. 26).

ANSWER:

A. Broken off because of unbelief (v. 20).

B. Will be grafted in again “if continue not in unbelief” (v.23).

C. “So (Greek houtos: “thus”—by faith, etc.) all Israel shall be saved.”

D. “Shall” is conditional (John 5:24; Jonah 3:4).

XVI. “SHALL RETURN TO ME WITH THEIR WHOLE HEART” (Jeremiah 24:7).

ANSWER:

A. This they did at return from Babylon (Nehemiah 8:5,6).

B. Chaldean captivity (Jeremiah 24:5).

XVII. “MANY DAYS WITHOUT A KING—AFTERWARD RETURN AND SEEK THE LORD” (Hosea 3:4,5).

ANSWER:

A. To be fulfilled in “latter days” (v. 5; Micah 4:1)—hence Christian age.

B. “David their King” (Hosea 3:5) is Christ (Luke 1:32).

C. Hence, spiritual Israel is intended.

XVIII. TO BE GATHERED OUT OF THE COUNTRIES AND BROUGHT INTO THE LAND OF ISRAEL (Ezekiel 20:33-44).

ANSWER: 

A. Fulfilled temporarily in the return from Babylon, etc. (See Jeremiah 27:22; 29:10,14).

B. Greater fulfillment for true Israel (Romans 2:28,29; 9:6-8; Galatians 3:29; Hebrews 11:16).

C. Temporal fulfillment while offerings and oblations were required (Ezekiel 20:40).

D. Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian period (1:1,2; 20:1).

XIX. “SHALL DWELL IN THEIR LAND”—BUILD HOUSES, PLANT VINEYARDS, ETC. (Ezekiel 28:25,26).

ANSWER:

A. Fulfilled in the gathering from the nations (Jeremiah 27:20-22; 29:10,14).

B. If any of it is yet to be fulfilled, it will be the new earth (the church, Isaiah 65:17-22).

XX. THE FLOCK TO BE GATHERED TO THEIR LAND (Ezekiel 34:11-31; Jeremiah 23:5-8). 

Yet to be fulfilled for David (Christ) is to be their Prince (or shepherd; see vv. 23,24).

ANSWER:

A. But Christ is Prince (or shepherd) now (Acts 5:31; 3:15; 1 Peter 5:4).

B. The covenant of Ezekiel 34:25 has already been made (Hebrews 8:10-13).

C. Hence, the promise is to “Israel indeed” (Romans 2:28,29; 9:6-8).

D. A “heavenly country” is their final reward (Hebrews 11:16).

XXI. “TAKE YOU FROM AMONG THE HEATHEN…BRING YOU INTO YOUR OWN LAND (Ezekiel 36:24-38).

ANSWER:

A. Fulfilled at the close of the Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 27:22; 29:10,14).

B. If reference is made to anything beyond that, it is spiritual (under the gospel; Ezekiel 36:26,27).  “New spirit”—“New heart.”

C. This would make the “land promise” a spiritual promise (Romans 9:6-8; Hebrews 11:16).

D. But it was fulfilled while Mosaic requirements were in force (Ezekiel 36:25).

E. This dispersion caused by idolatry (Ezekiel 36:18).

XXII. VALLEY OF DRY BONES (Ezekiel 37:1-28).

The whole house of Israel—and the land of Israel (v. 11).

ANSWER:

A. This refers to their captivity and deliverance (Ezekiel 37:12,13).

B. Spiritual blessings under the gospel are included.

1. One king—David (Jesus; Ezekiel 37:24,25; Luke 1:32).

2. Covenant made with them (Ezekiel 37:26; Hebrews 8:11-13).

3. Tabernacle to be among them in “new earth” (Ezekiel 37:27; Revelation 21:1-3).

4. To dwell in the land forever (Ezekiel 37:25).  Could not be on this earth (2 Peter 3:7-13).

XXIII. COMPLETE RESTORATION PROMISED (Ezekiel 39:28,29).

A. “Mercy upon whole house of Israel” (v. 25).

B. “Gathered into own land” (v. 28).

C. “None of them left behind” (v. 28).  Not true of Babylon captivity.

ANSWER:

A. Spiritual significance—“Spirit poured out” (Ezekiel 39:29; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:1-17).

B. Hence a promise to the “whole house” of spiritual Israel (Romans 2:28,29; 9:6-8).

C. None of spiritual Israel to be left behind.

D. Argument on Ezekiel 39:28 conflicts with argument on Ezekiel 20:38.

E. None left behind who were willing to go (Ezra 7:13).

XXIV. JOEL PREDICTS DELIVERANCE AND BLESSINGS TO THE LAND (Joel 2:19-27).

ANSWER:

A. Already fulfilled, for he said, “Afterward I will pour out of my Spirit” (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).

B. Subsequently there was to be spiritual deliverance—“Deliverance in Mount Zion” (Joel 2:32; Hebrews 12:22,23).

XXV. “HOUSE OF JUDAH SHALL WALK WITH HOUSE OF ISRAEL…AND COME INTO THE LAND” (Jeremiah 3:17,18).

ANSWER:  

A. Some of both came out of Babylon.

B. May refer to spiritual Israel also:  “All nations gathered to Jerusalem” (Jeremiah 3:17; Isaiah 2:2,3).

C. Idolatry produced this captivity.

XXVI. SONS OF STRANGERS BUILD UP THY WALLS…GATES OPEN CONTINUALLY (Isaiah 60:10,11).

ANSWER:

A. This has a spiritual application (Isaiah 60:18).

B. If literal, animal sacrifice to be observed (Isaiah 60:7).

C. Sun and moon would cease (Isaiah 60:19,20); in such case Israel no longer exists (Jeremiah 31:35,36).

XXVII. “WITH GREAT MERCIES GATHER THEE” (Isaiah 54:7).

ANSWER:

  Fulfilled in return from Babylon (Jeremiah 27:22; 29:10,14).

XXVIII. “PLANT THEM IN THIS LAND” (Jeremiah 32:27-44).

ANSWER:

A. From Chaldean captivity (Jeremiah 32:43; Jeremiah 27:22; 29:10,14).

B. Idolatry produced this captivity (Jeremiah 32:34-44).

C. During the time of tribal distinction as shown by the redemption of land (Jeremiah 32:1-15,44).

XXIX. CAUSE CAPTIVITY TO RETURN (Jeremiah 33:7-14).

ANSWER:

  Fulfilled (Jeremiah 27:22; 29:10; Cf. Chaldeans, 33:5).

XXX. LAND WILL BE CROWDED WITH THEM (Zechariah 10:6-11).  SPOKEN AFTER THE BABYLONIAN PERIOD.

ANSWER:

A. Will necessitate restoration of all dead Jews (chance after death).

B. Merely a figure denoting a great multitude (see the similar use of language in John 21:25).

C. Great multitude returned from Babylon.

D. Many returned after this prophecy (Ezra 7:6-13; 487-457 B.C.)

E. Caused by idolatry (Zechariah 10:2).

XXXI. EVEN THE NATIONS WILL COME TO JERUSALEM TO WORSHIP (Zechariah 14:16-19).

ANSWER:

  This will restore the “feast of tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16).

XXXII. FROM ALL NATIONS.

A. To be scattered to all nations (Deuteronomy 28:63,64).

B. Babylonian captivity was not worldwide (2 Kings 17:6; 2 Chronicles 36:20).

C. Worldwide dispersion took place in A.D. 70 (Luke 21:20-24).

D. So, the restoration from all nations future (Isaiah 66:20).

ANSWER:

A. During the dispersion of Deuteronomy 28:64 they were to going to be idolatrous (other gods)—NOT SO SINCE A.D. 70.

B. Were among all nations before A.D. 70 (Acts 2:5).

C. The 70-year dispersion fulfilled such prophecy (Zechariah 7:4-14; also Jeremiah 15:4).

D. If Isaiah 66 is not figurative, the Levitical priesthood and Mosaic requirements were to be restored (Deuteronomy 28:21-23).

XXXIII.ISRAEL DID NOT INHERIT ALL OF THE LAND; HENCE, YET TO BE 
FULFILLED.

ANSWER:

A. The borders of the land (Genesis 15:18-21; Numbers 34:3-12).

B. They broke their covenant and released God from His part (Judges 2:20-23).

C. Yet they possessed it (2 Samuel 8:3; 1 Kings 4:21; 8:65).

D. Joshua said God gave them “all the land” (Joshua 21:43-45).

E. Nations that were not driven out were placed under tribute (Judges 1:28-35).

XXXIV. TO BE GATHERED FROM ALL NATIONS AND BROUGHT TO THEIR LAND  (Jeremiah 29:14).

ANSWER:

A. This  was addressed to people in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1).

B. At end of the 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10).

XXXV. RIGHTEOUS BRANCH RAISED UP—ISRAEL AND JUDAH TO DWELL 
SAFELY (Jeremiah 33:15-18).

ANSWER:

A. If this does not have spiritual significance, then the Levitical priesthood must be restored (Jeremiah 33:17-26).

B. The priesthood change has already been made (Hebrews 7:23).  Hence, the statement of Jeremiah 33 has spiritual reference.

C. Levites have not ministered for 2000 years.

XXXVI. TO POSSESS THE LAND (Jeremiah 30:3); BUT AFTER THE RETURN FROM BABYLON THEY WERE SERVANTS IN IT (Nehemiah 9:36,37).

ANSWER:

  They dwelt in their possessions (Nehemiah 11:3).

XXXVII. AFTER RESTORATION, NO MORE TO BE REMOVED.

“No more to be pulled up out of their land” (Amos 9:11-15).

ANSWER:

A. James said the tabernacle had been built in his day (Amos 9; Acts 15:13-17).

B. “No more pulled up” must be conditional (Jeremiah 18:7-10).  It refers to the fact that the kingdom cannot be destroyed--or heaven, for this earth is to be destroyed (2 Peter 3:7-13; Genesis 8:22; Hebrews 1:10-12; Job 26:10).

XXXVIII. “MAY DWELL IN THEIR OWN PLACE AND MOVE NO MORE” 
(2  Samuel 7:10).

ANSWER:

A. Such promises (if earthly) were conditional for verse 11 says they were then enjoying some of those things (Jeremiah 18:7-10).

B. If yet future, the new earth.

C. Their first possession of it was to be everlasting (Genesis 17:8) yet conditional (Deuteronomy 4:25,26). 

XXXIX.     NOT PULL DOWN NOR PLUCK THEM UP (Jeremiah 24:6).

ANSWER:

A. No evidence that any such condition to be on this earth—if such means “forever” (2 Peter 3:7-11).

B. But this was restoration from Chaldean captivity (Jeremiah 24:5).

C. “Not pluck up” is always conditional (Jeremiah 18:7-10).

XL. “SHALL INHERIT THE LAND FOREVER” (Isaiah 60:21).

ANSWER:

A. Israel cannot inherit Canaan at the Lord’s second coming (2 Peter 3:10-12).

B. Sun and moon would no more shine on them (Isaiah 60:19,20).  If this be literally fulfilled, Israel no longer exists (Jeremiah 31:35,36).

C. It would also establish animal sacrifices (Isaiah 60:7).

D. Such promises conditional (Jeremiah 18:7-10).

XLI. “NO MORE BE A PREY TO THE HEATHEN” (Ezekiel 34:28,29).  BUT THEY HAVE BEEN SINCE THE RETURN FROM BABYLON.

ANSWER:

  All such promises pertaining to time are conditional (Jeremiah 18:7-10).

        (Skip Andrews)