THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL AND
BIBLICAL PROPHECY
By Salim Khalil Haddad
Clink Street Publishing. 132 pages, £5.99
ISBN 978 1 910 782 200
Many books on the end times are written by Americans who are determined to make biblical prophecies and promises fit with the things that are going on in the Middle East today. Often this is with scant regard for either careful exegesis or the wholly secular nature of the state of Israel. This book is refreshingly different.
It is written by a man from the Middle East, born in Palestine to Syrian parents. He is also a fine biblical theologian who handles the Scripture with care and glories in the saving work of Christ at Golgotha. The result is a brief but comprehensive treatment of the nation of Israel in the purposes of God, from which any Christian who is willing to think carefully about Scripture can benefit greatly.
History of the land
Dr Haddad robustly maintains the view that modern Israel is not the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy, since the primary purpose of God’s choice of Abraham was fulfilled when the Saviour of the world was born in Abraham’s line. The book begins with a helpful thumbnail sketch of Jewish history especially as it relates to the land of Canaan from Abraham’s day to the modern state of Israel. This outline shows a great regard and sympathy for the Jewish people.
Haddad handles key Bible passages with a sure touch. I found particularly helpful his sensible exegesis of Daniel 9, and the closing chapter which deals simply and clearly with the biblical assertion that the land of Canaan is given to Israel as an ‘everlasting possession’. The book is also notable for its passionate desire and expectation that many Jews will yet be converted – if and when the church takes seriously the need to preach the gospel of Christ to Jewish people. Highly recommended.
