Israel in prophecy

by William Hendriksen

Copyright 1968 by Baker House Company. Second printing February 1972. Photolithoprinted by Cushing-Malloy, Inc. 1972.

63 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Tim Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author was a professor of New Testament at Calvin Seminary in Michigan. His purpose in writing the book was to dispute two very common views held by Dispensationalists and/or Christian Zionists that 1) the Bible prophesies the return of unbelieving Jews to the land of Israel and therefore Israel's founding in 1948 was momentous or meaningful in Biblical eschatology; 2) God's plan for salvation holds special blessings for the Jews as God's chosen people.

He also addresses what part the Jews play in God's covenant of grace. The book can be read in one afternoon. All of his arguments are grounded in Scripture. He makes an interesting case and in many ways he is persuasive.

[Joonas Laajanen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. "Let us live and think as New Testament people should live and think. Not "Back to Jerusalem!" should be our slogan, but "From Jerusalem into all the world."

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great. Hendriksen is an exegete. He will show you all the reasons for his positions in the text. I appreciated his middle ground view of Romans 11:26. Worth your time.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hendriksen does an excellent job presenting the Scriptural data on the questions he asks concerning the present & future expectation of Israel. He shows that, while many claims are made that prophecy has recently been/is being fulfilled by the modern State of Israel, there is simply no biblical weight to these claims; all prophecy concerning Israel has already been fulfilled with the exception of the final inclusion of "all Israel" into the number of the regenerate. Each of Hendriksen's arguments is carefully backed by and given in consideration of Scripture and, though some specific conclusions are arguably incorrect (e.g. his understanding that the "all Israel" of Rom 11:26 refers only to elect ethnic Jews as opposed to all the elect), his arguments are succinct and valuable.

The one complaint I will make is that the first chapter is simply too "on the nose" to lead off with; though even here Scripture is clearly and frequently brought to bear, many who would otherwise profit from this book will likely never make it past this chapter viewing it as simply too offensive. Had the chapter been placed later, after the author had built up rapport, it would be much more likely to cause careful consideration. Here, it almost certainly will largely lead to shocked dismissal.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short (63 pages) yet very precise narrative on Israel in Prophecy. Hendriksen addresses many of the debated views of the role the nation of Israel has in the grand narrative of God's plan of redemption.

5 Chapters-
1. Who killed Jesus?
2. Are the "restoration of the Jews" prophecies being fulfilled today?
3. Is God finished with the Jews?
4. According to Scripture, What is meant by "Israel"? Is it true that the blessings promised to Israel are for the Jews, not the Church?
5. What should our attitude be towards the Jews?

This is a great resource with plenty of biblical citation and a fair assessment of the differing views of modern prophetic studies.

[Grant Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very concise overview of where the Nation of Israel fits into scripture and with reference to the present day. The book covers topics like:

Who killed Jesus?;
Are "the restoration of the Jews" Prophecies Being fulfilled Today";
Is God finished with the Jews
According to Scripture, What is meant by "Israel"?;
What Should Be our Attitude toward the Jews?

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and concise book. There are some tricky topics raise but they are handled in a readable manner. Even if you don't agree with all of Hendricksens' position, it is still a worthwhile read and made me question some areas where I would hold a different position to him.

[Anthony Lawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written from a Reformed and amillennial perspective.