As we continue to focus on the many different events which will ultimately find their fulfilment in God’s prophetic program, one of the most dramatic changes facing the world is the end of Gentile domination. You see, at this moment, the world is still in a period referred to as “the times of the Gentiles.” However, this period does have an expiration date.
The phrase “the times of the Gentiles” is used by Jesus as recorded in Luke 21:24: “And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
As you can tell, Gentile domination is specifically concerned with the city of Jerusalem, evidenced by the fact that all significant empires have aspired to possess the land of Israel and the Holy City. Although some claim that the times of the Gentiles ended with modern Israel’s declaration of statehood in 1948 or when Israel captured the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in June 1967, this is incorrect.
Understanding the panoramic view of the times of the Gentiles is achieved through two significant revelations in the Book of Daniel. The first was a dream given to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2), and the second was given to Daniel (Daniel 7). In both dreams, we bear witness to four successive Gentile empires, beginning with Babylon and ending with a revived form of the Roman Empire. Therefore, the times of the Gentiles covers the period from when the Babylonians invaded Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled the Jewish people, and will end when Christ physically returns to the earth at the end of the Tribulation Period.
If there is one book in the Bible that evokes glad anticipation in the hearts of believers who cherish that wonderful day when Christ will reign in power and great glory, it is the Book of Isaiah. In particular, chapter 60 of Isaiah provides important details about the Messiah’s earthly Kingdom. Gentile powers may have an interest in Jerusalem, but so does the Messiah! Isaiah 59:20 says: “The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob, says the LORD.”
Jerusalem is not just another city amongst the tens of thousands which exist today. It is the place where God has determined the King’s throne will be located (Psalm 2:6). But in the context of this article, I wish to demonstrate how different the relationship will be in the Millennial Kingdom between Israel and the Gentiles.
Isaiah 60 is a highly interesting chapter from the point of view that when Jesus reigns as King, international relationships will essentially be turned upside down. Instead of Gentile powers trying to tear down the walls of Jerusalem, they will assist in building them up (Isaiah 60:10). Instead of plundering Israel, wealth will be sent to Jerusalem on such a scale that its gates have to remain open day and night to receive it all (Isaiah 60:11). Instead of trying to divide and destroy Jerusalem, the descendants of Israel’s persecutors will revere the Holy City because the Holy One will reign from there!
Isaiah 60:14 reads: “Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you The City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”
What a moment that will be! Not only does verse 14 promise that the descendants of former adversaries will cease their opposition, but they will actively acknowledge Israel’s divinely favoured and elevated status. This vision stands in stark contrast to the political situation today, where the nations wish suffering, exile, and humiliation on the Jewish people. Indeed, God has promised a wonderful hope-filled future for the remnant of Israel where peace, restoration, and justice are fully realised and there is universal recognition of His unique covenant relationship with Israel.
However, although Israel will occupy the foremost position in the world’s political, economic, religious, and social structures, sadly, Isaiah prophesies that not every nation will be glad to be subordinate to Israel in the Millennial Kingdom. Isaiah 60:12 says: “For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, and those nations shall be utterly ruined.” In this verse, we see a powerful declaration regarding the nations and their relationship with Israel. Even though worship of the Lord and thanksgiving for Israel’s mediatory ministry will be voluntary, any nation that does not submit will suffer destruction.
During the past 2,500 years, the Jew has been hounded, hunted, and hated, but God promises that the age to come will be completely different (Zechariah 8:22-23). So, even though the world must first endure the revived form of that final Gentile empire which will sweep the planet with its marauding hordes, seize Israel, and triumph over Jerusalem, we confidently look for that promised fifth eternal kingdom as prophesied in Daniel 7:13-14: “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.”
The times of the Gentiles is coming to a close, and we rejoice to know that through God’s program of redemption and restoration, Israel will hold the preeminent position amongst the nations, exactly as prophesied. But we also rejoice to know that in the future Millennial Kingdom, God will make provision for believing Gentiles to enjoy the rich spiritual and material blessings which will flow from Jerusalem because the King’s throne will be there.
