Before I get started on this subject I would like to let you know that this is only my opinion and not that of this web site or others who contribute here. I do always pray and ask for Gods holy spirit to guide me and lead me in the truth. Hopefully this is taking place. I look forward to your feedback on this subject.

In Ezekiel 37 it talks about dry bones coming to life again. Then it explains that this is the house of Israel. As many may know who have studied the Revelation book by Jehovah’s Witness’s, they applied this prophecy to Rutherford and those who were let out of prison with him back in 1918. Looking back it is almost laughable to think I actually believed this. This is only one example of how the GB/JWorg has taken scriptures out of context and misapplied them. The misleading by the GB/JWorg has caused many of us to be blind or sleep if you will as the Nation of Israel has been restored and many bible prophecies fulfilled under our own noses. Now many of you who were JW’s or are Christians might believe that God has left the Nation of Israel as they have not excepted Christ. However if you will read Ezekiel 37-39 you might come to a different understanding.

Please notice what is say’s here in Ezekiel 39: 21-29,

“21”And I will set My glory among the nations; and all the nations will see My judgment which I have executed and My hand which I have laid on them. 22″And the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God from that day onward. 23″The nations will know that the house of Israel went into exile for their iniquity because they acted treacherously against Me, and I hid My face from them; so I gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and all of them fell by the sword. (We, all the nations, got to see some of this on TV and in the movies didn’t we? The holocaust?) 24″According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I dealt with them, and I hid My face from them.” ‘”25 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; (Please NOTICE “whole house of Israel” not just Christians) and I will be jealous for My holy name. 26 “They will forget their disgrace and all their treachery which they perpetrated against Me, when they live securely on their own land with no one to make them afraid. 27 “When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the lands of their enemies, then I shall be sanctified through them in the sight of the many nations. 28 “Then they will know that I am the LORD their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them again to their own land; and I will leave none of them there any longer. 29″I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,” declares the Lord GOD.”

Christ’s apostles were very familiar with the scriptures and Gods promises to Israel. Notice what they asked Christ here at Acts 1:6-8: “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;’ Jesus didn’t say they had a wrong understanding and that God has abandoned the nation of Israel forever. The restoration of Israel is something that the nations will take notice of and the apostles understood this. The nations will once again see that God is with them. This isn’t an event that will happen after the nations are destroyed. This happens before armageddon while the other nations exist and take notice. Many believe God will only restore “spiritual Israel.” I believe “spiritual Israel” is applied to Christians with a heavenly hope. Ezekiel 37: 28 “And the nations will know that I am the LORD who sanctifies Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forever.” Do the “nations” recognize or know of any “spiritual Israel”? The GB/JWorg believe these prophesies apply to “spiritual Israel”, who are they themselves, 144,000 of them lead by the “governing body” or “faithful slave”. Unlike JW’s who have been sleeping as all of this has been unfolding ever sense the nation of Israel was restored in 1948, the nations are taking note of the nation of Israel and not the nation of GB/JWorg/144,000/”anointed spiritual Israel”. The promise land long abandoned became a barren waist land that nobody was interested in until the Jews started to return and declared themselves a nation again in 1948! The Jewish population reached over 6,000,000 by 1998 and continues to rise. Satan tried to wipe them out using Hitler but he failed. What a great tribulation that was. Could it have been any worse?

Many believe miracles have happened and continue to happen in Israel. Before Rutherford took over the Watchtower Society, they believed that Israel/Jews would be restored to their home land. Russell believed this would happen soon and he was right. Rutherford changed many teachings and really went way off track. I myself am not currently a “Bible Student” as JW’s were called back then. However, The Bible Students are still going strong today and I agree with many things they teach. Especially their view on the nation of Israel. I don’t see how anyone can read the book of Ezekiel and believe that God has abandoned them as his chosen people. Yes I believe they must except Christ and as a nation I believe this will happen soon when Christ returns. This time they will not put him to death but will be cut to the heart and repent and make him their king as the nations realize that God is with them. Jehovah will sanctify his holy name again like he did before with Egypt as all the nations look on. Was Israel worshipping God properly when he delivered them from Egypt the first time? No they were not. Likewise they are not today. Will that stop Jehovah from delivering them again? How could he not with all of the promises he made to them in Ezekiel and other scriptures? The nations would say, “look, your God is not with you”. Jehovah said, “Not for your name sake but for my name sake I am doing this.” He said he will “turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh”. I believe they will except Christ and then they will lead all nations to our lord Christ Jesus to bless all mankind.

I personally believe (please understand I am not dogmatic about this) that the REAL and TRUE good news of the Kingdom will be preached after armageddon to all the nations and then the END of SATAN, his DEMONS and the final enemy DEATH will come at the end of the 1000 years. In other words the END Christ was talking about is the END of SATAN and his WORLD filled with DEATH and PAIN. THAT IS THE END. It is not OVER until it is OVER. The END is not here until SATAN is GONE and he will not be gone until the 1000 years are over. That is the way I see it for now. If you have a different understanding on any of this please post it.

If you were raised a JW or have been one for years, please update yourself on the recent events in Israel that the Watchtower and Awake has put you/myself and anyone they can find, to sleep on. I recommend you read this: Israel: A Half Century of Miracles
Also please consider watching this video: Israel – Born To Destiny

I look forward to post’s on this subject,
Your brother,
Greybeard

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14 Comments on Is the nation of Israel still Gods Chosen People?

  1. serein says:

    im deffinatly with you on this one gb, im thinking it to be this way also,i already asked this question on the question page, allthoe i dont read up on the litriture of the bible students i do go on there site often and i feel at home there,i think i do need to start having a closer look at it all, the prob i have is i never have anytime to do alot of study i have so many kids,but im deffinatly seeing things as you do on this subgect :)

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  2. greybeard says:

    Thank you Serein,

    There is so much more that can be said on this subject. I am glad you agree with me but I am sure there are those of us with different understandings. The fact that Israel is a nation again despite all the nations around her that want to “drive her into the sea” is a miracle in itself to me. So many nations hate her and want to destroy her but she still remains. With all the uproar in Egypt going on today I thought this would be a good subject. The 1914 prediction and the world problems don’t really make me think the end is that close except for the fact that Israel is finally a nation again as for told and the Jews are returning. Also the nations want to destroy them. That make me think something could happen soon. Jehovah promised to restore the “whole house of Israel” so I believe this is talking about fleshly Israel not just those who except Christ.

    I look forward to other opinions on this subject.
    Your brother,
    Greybeard

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  3. greybeard says:

    I added this later to my first article.

    More food for thought. Please watch this video: Israel – Born To Destiny

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  4. andrew says:

    This subject is a difficult one. I agree that the JW interpretation of Eze. 37 is totally wrong.

    My present feelings on the matter are that the prophecies that are yet to fulfilled in Israel for the most part are fulfilled in the “Israel of God” (Gal.6:16)

    Ezekiel 37:11 explains that the bones are the “house of Israel”. Jer. 31:31-35 says the God will celebrate a “New Covenant” with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Most bible commentators will agree that the “house of Israel” mentioned in Jer. 31 is the “Israel of God” or in other words Christians.

    The latter part of Eze. 37 would seem to prophecy of the joining of Gentiles with the faithful natural Israelites to form the christian congregation. Eze 37:22 says” I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. They will no longer be divided into two kingdoms.

    vs. 24″My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them.” These verses seem to be prophesying what Jesus did when he mentioned the “other sheep” in Jn. 10:16

    Paul also seems to quote Eze. 37:26b, 27 in 2 Cor. 6:16 and he applies it to the christian cong.

    1 Pet 2:9 among other things says that the christians were ” a chosen race” “holy nation” “a people for His possession”

    See also Rom 2:28,29 9:6-8

    These thoughts are also only an opinion, we may never understand totally this subject until Christ’s coming.

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    • greybeard says:

      Hi Andrew and thank you for your comments. Your right, this is a difficult subject but one that has been close to my heart lately.

      What I don’t understand is how many seam to believe these prophecies apply to “spiritual Israel” or the “Israel of God” and not the “whole house of Israel” like it says in Ezekiel 37.

      Please consider this again, Ezekiel 37:25-29, “”25 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name. 26 “They will forget their disgrace and all their treachery which they perpetrated against Me, when they live securely on their own land with no one to make them afraid. 27 “When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the lands of their enemies, then I shall be sanctified through them in the sight of the many nations. 28 “Then they will know that I am the LORD their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them again to their own land; and I will leave none of them there any longer. 29″I will not hide My face from them any longer, for I will have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,” declares the Lord GOD.”

      Does that sound like any group other than fleshly Israel? How could it be? How could it include “spiritual Israel” when “spiritual Israel” has gentiles? Were the gentiles taken from their land and scattered throughout the world? I believe this is a very clear prophecy that is taking place right now under our noses. Why people don’t see it is way beyond me.

      Tell me, is it not possible that the “whole house of Israel” will turn back to Jehovah and be saved? Or except Christ Jesus? The prophecies say the “whole house of Israel” will “know that I AM THE LORD” . Why do people cut the hand of God short?

      Please consider what Paul said here in Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

      ” I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew… God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”
      — NIV

      Isn’t it clear that God’s promise to Israel is “irrevocable” and even though Israel has left God countless times, God always forgives them and calls them back?

      Are we to conclude that God has cast off the entire house of Israel and chosen to replace them with the gentiles or believing christians? I do not think so. I do however believe that those chosen christians now will be first to see the heavenly kingdom of God and the Israelites will be last. Jesus said, “those who are first shall be last and those who are last first.” True the nation of Israel might be the last to except Jesus but Jehovah said they ALL WILL. Paul said, “For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.” They ALL, ALL, ALL will know that I am their God. And HOW? When he delivers them again before all the nations just like he did from Egypt. That is what the Bible teaches. That is the irrevocable promise to the nation of Israel.

      This is only my opinion on the subject. I do believe I am right and happen to think Gods holy spirit is answering my prayers. If I am not right then God’s promise to the “whole house of Israel” is revocable and that is a fact. Again, I repeat, the “whole house of Israel” not just those who have accepted Christ now because soon they ALL will. How do we know? Because the Bible tells us so 😉

      Off my soap box now 😉

      Your brother,
      Greybeard

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      • EyesOpened says:

        There are also verses in Romans, chapter 11:25-28, that talk about the partial blindness that came upon Israel until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

        Replacement Theology, as used by both Christendom AND the GB, is in my opinion of Satan. He couldn’t wipe them out so he is trying to “erase” them from the pages of Holy Scripture.

        And yes, I am now a Bible Student as they were before Rutherford.

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  5. andrew says:

    That Gentiles would inherit the kingdom along with faithful Jews was a mystery for some time as Paul notes in Eph. 3:3. These Christian gentiles were grafted on to the olive tree as mentioned in Rom. 11. In effect they became part of Israel. Chap 11 explains that Israel’s rejection was not total, but a remnant was chosen among them. Vs 4,5 of chap 11 of Rom. says “… I have left 7000 men for Myself who have not bowed down to Baal. In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.”

    That faithful remnant pictured by the 7000 were the Israelites who accepted the Messiah such as the apostles and many other Jews. Unfaithful branches were lopped off the olive tree which were the Jews who did not accept the Messiah, other branches were added which proved to be the gentile Christians. These gentiles who accepted Christ were now considered part of Israel. (Rom 9:8)

    Will God show special favor in time to the modern state of Israel? I really don’t know, but my inclination is to say no. However GB you could be right also, I guess will have to see what happens.

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  6. greybeard says:

    Thank you Andrew for your reply.

    I understand the gentiles were grafted into the olive branch and others (natural Jews) were loped off. These are the ones who are circumcised of the heart. These are the one that will rule with Christ in heaven. I believe this to be spiritual Israel. We agree on that point 100%

    What I am trying to convey is Ezekiel 37-39 as well as many other passages is talking about fleshly Israel. Not spiritual Israel and not heavenly jerusalem. In Romans 9:3,4 Paul relates, “For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises…”

    Like the Apostles, Paul knew the promises were still in effect and irrevocable. All the Israelites had the earthly hope, NOT HEAVENLY. Remember, the apostles asked Jesus, “are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” WHY would they ask that if the promises were not still in effect?

    Ezekiel is very clear. Once again God will turn “a heart of stone into a heart of flesh.” Does that sound to you like the gentiles? Who are the dead bones that rise again and go back to their land from all the nations? All this as the nations look on taking notice? The gentiles???

    Ezekiel 38: 18-23 “It will come about on that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” declares the Lord GOD, “that My fury will mount up in My anger. “In My zeal and in My blazing wrath I declare that on that day there will surely be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. “The fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all the creeping things that creep on the earth, and all the men who are on the face of the earth will shake at My presence; the mountains also will be thrown down, the steep pathways will collapse and every wall will fall to the ground. “I will call for a sword against him on all My mountains,” declares the Lord GOD “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. “With pestilence and with blood I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him and on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone. “I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the LORD.”‘

    Where is all of this going to happen? Who are going to watch this event? Who is Jehovah saving here? The gentiles? This prophecy has not taken place yet. However many nations are poised to attack Israel so this could be close. Way over 6,000,000 Jews have already returned as prophesied.

    I see an event happening grander than that of Jehovah freeing Israel from Egypt. I see an event broadcast live on TV for all to see around the world. Jesus return will be like lightning across the sky and all will see it. What is as fast as lightning? What is electrical like lightning? TV is. Of course I am speculating now but is it really that unreasonable?

    These are only my thoughts, this is how I expect things to happen, I know I could be wrong. I just do not see Jehovah ever forgetting anyone. Especially those who hope in him and his promises. To me, these promises are clearly still in effect for the nation of Israel.

    Your brother,
    Greybeard

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  7. jacqueline says:

    Thank you so much for this article. Now I can send witnesses from our site to read it here. Some want to see a site where there are still witnesses attending and their thoughts. This is what I learned in the 50’s as a Bible Student Witness.
    On or site we have coined the phrase “sister sites”.
    My fellow companions in Christ, Love you. Jacqueline

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  8. greybeard says:

    Jeremiah 31:35-37

    35 It is the Lord who provides the sun to light the day
    and the moon and stars to light the night,
    and who stirs the sea into roaring waves.
    His name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    and this is what he says:
    36 “I am as likely to reject my people Israel
    as I am to abolish the laws of nature!”
    37 This is what the Lord says:
    “Just as the heavens cannot be measured
    and the foundations of the earth cannot be explored,
    so I will not consider casting them away
    for the evil they have done.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

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  9. Anonymous says:

    You write brilliantly Greybeard

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  10. humbleman says:

    dear brother grey beard
    this subject also is very close to my heart. Ive been studying it and praying about it for the last few months i went to a bible student gathering last Sunday the subject was on Israel around 300 people from different christian denominations were there. it was very well presented. the more i look into this the more convinced i am that Jehovah will show Israel favor and they will accept Christ Zechariah 12 v 10. this subject is so important because if its true it takes the power a way from religions saying you must come to us to be saved. what it also shows is the whole point of this gospel age is to gather the bride of Christ. there is no need for earthly Christians. that’s for Israel and the nations who survive Armageddon Zechariah 14 v 16. we know Romans 11 v 25 has not been fulfilled yet because Israel are still blinded
    your brother humbleman

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  11. pam says:

    Can you clarify who the 144,000 will be and do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Israel is still God’s chosen people?

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