Israel’s 3 Big Untils The word “until” (ἄχρι or ἕως in the below passages) indicates a limited length of time. As Bible readers, we would do well to recognize and consider limited time periods as we read. Just as we recognize that the earth and our bodies are not what they will be one day, so the Bible also teaches that current Israel (both the country & the Jewish people) is not what she will be one day:
Matthew 23:37-39
“For I tell you, you will never see Me again until you say, ‘He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One’!”
Israel’s King Messiah did not leave her forever. Just as the prophets predict, Jesus will return to His people. When will He return? When Israel welcomes Him as the Messiah! (See also Isaiah 52:12-53:13, Zech. 12:10 and Romans 11:26.)
Luke 21:24
“They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
Though Gentile nations have dominated Jerusalem for centuries, these "times" will eventually be “fulfilled.” Jerusalem will not be dominated by hostile enemies when the King of Israel returns to establish His kingdom. After destroying hostile nations (Zech. 14), Jesus will “sit on the throne of His glory” in Zion (Matt. 25:31) and provide “instruction” for the peoples (Isa. 2). He will usher in peace throughout the world and “gather the dispersed of Israel" (Isa. 11:12) He will appoint His 12 disciples to “sit on twelve thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel” (Matt. 19:28.)
Romans 11:25-27
“So that you will not be conceited, brothers, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery: A partial hardening has come to Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
The Liberator will come from •Zion;
He will turn away godlessness from Jacob.
And this will be My covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
Although there is a remnant according to God’s grace (Rom. 11:5), Israel is experiencing a “partial hardening”. Paul, like the prophets before him, teaches us that this hardening is both temporary and partial. One day, God’s Spirit will be poured out (Zech. 12:10) and “all Israel” will be united with God through His Messiah, just as the Hebrew prophets predict (Jer. 31:31-37.)