Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:10-16
Memory Verse: “‘I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,’ says the Lord your God.” (Amos 9:14-15)
INTRODUCTION:
Much has been said in regard to the reclaiming and regathering of Israel. The dispersion began with the captivity of Israel, and being taken to the East by the Assyrians. Josephus said that Israel was still beyond the Euphrates River in his day, but it is likely, however, that some migrated earlier to other places. The Jews in the time of Christ recognized this dispersion, while James and Peter addressed epistles to the tribes of Israel (supposedly lost). Therefore, it is evident their whereabouts were known at that time, long after Israel was taken captive.
Dispersed Israel (both Judah and Israel) was to be scattered around the world, even “As grain is sifted in a sieve; yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground.” (Amos 9:9). Naturally, should a grain fall on the ground, it would spring up and grow–becoming a full-grown, producing plant. Thus, God taught this comparison, that in the sifting and scattering of Israel, there would not be a springing up of nations–of their seed–in the areas of the earth to which they were dispersed. But they were finally to be reunited into one restored kingdom (Ezekiel 37:21-22), in the land of Israel. No other kingdoms were they to establish.
It is also interesting to note that Israel was to become a “proverb” and a “byword” in the nations (not as nations) where they were scattered. (See 1 Kings 9:7-8; Deuteronomy 28:37.) Apparently, no nation today (except possibly the State of Israel), is “hissed” at or made a “proverb and a byword” because it is, or is recognized as, a nation of the house of Israel. But Israel remains as scattered captives (not as national governments) until returned as “one nation” in their own land, according to Ezekiel 37:21-22; Isaiah 11:12; Jeremiah 32:37-38; 31:8; Amos 9:12, 15.
LESSON QUESTIONS:
- What question was in the minds of certain Jews, as recorded in John 7:35? Whom did they mean by the “Dispersion among the Greeks”?
- To whom did both James and Peter address their epistles? James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1-2. Do these texts indicate that the 10 tribes of Israel were lost? That their whereabouts were not known?
- Show how Amos 9:14-15 is not applicable to the minor return from the 70-years captivity in Babylon. Also see Ezekiel 37:21-22; Isaiah 11:12; Jeremiah 32:27-28; 31:8, in emphasizing the return of Israel now in progress.
- What is meant by the comparison in Amos 9:9, especially this part: “yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground?” Does this indicate that God would not allow Israelite governments and nations to spring up in the world where Israel was scattered?
- How were the children of Israel to be regarded among nations where they were scattered? 1 Kings 9:7-8; Deuteronomy 28:37. Has any nation, claimed by some to be of the literal house of Israel (except the State of Israel) been thus regarded?
- Why did Paul say that some were broken off from the good olive tree? Romans 11:20, 25. What shows they may be restored? Romans 11:23.
- What plea is made in Isaiah 1:18? What eventually will God do for Israel? Isaiah 1:25-27.
- How will Israel respond, as God lays His hand upon them? Jeremiah 50:4-5; 3:18.
- What shows that Israel’s return, both to their own land and to God, will not all be by their voluntary and free action? Ezekiel 36:25-27.
For whose sake has, does, and will God deal with Israel? Ezekiel 36:21-24.