This book is an extensive review of the prophecies concerning the latter day resurrection of the nation of Israel. It is 160 pages in length and is both easy to read and exceedingly interesting as the authors review events of the last 120 years. The book is very well researched and sources are well documented along with recommended further reading.
The first two chapters briefly review the importance of the promises made to Abraham and their relevance to today, along with the dispersion of the Jews 2000 years ago. The following chapters deal with the early resurgence of the Zionist movement and the timeliness of the Balfour Declaration, along with the personalities of these times. The Middle Eastern battles in the First World War are dealt with in their relation to the “drying up” of the Turkish Empire, opening the way for Israel’s resurgence.
The impact of the Holocaust and the Catholic complicity with Hitler make for chilling but riveting reading. All the while, the authors are not just reviewing the twentieth-century history of the Jewish people, but quote extensively from Scripture and sources relating to these events. The emergence of the Palestinian issue and the rise of Israel as a nation and their challenges, along with quite interesting statistics, are discussed in detail. A very interesting chapter has been included dealing with the relationship between various US Presidents and the State of Israel. Details in respect to Lyndon Johnson and his links to our community are related and make for fascinating reading. An overview of the lack of peace for the city of Jerusalem is included. A summary of the conflicts associated with the city succinctly portrays its turbulent history.
The closing chapters deal with scriptural passages relating to our current times and what we all hope is the very near future, culminating in the return of our Lord. Th e authors very clearly defi ne what they consider to be ‘absolute’ categories of prophecies and those that may be ‘less certain’. The ‘absolute’ list is reassuring and will be of much encouragement to readers. Some readers will, however, be somewhat disappointed with the lack of conclusiveness in respect to some topics such as the identity of the northern invader, Tarshish and Armageddon. The authors present detailed information and sources for the comments they make.
The authors have undoubtedly raised our awareness of the providence of God amongst the nations, both currently and in the past 120 years. They have also peppered their book with reminders of our personal need to be ready for the coming of the Lord and to have our priority centred upon his appearance. Undoubtedly, we have been given “the sign of his coming” in our days.
