What other biblical examples show God's fulfillment of prophetic words? A Chilling Reminder: Jezebel and the Dogs (2 Kings 9:36) “ ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh.’ ” • Spoken by Elijah years earlier (1 Kings 21:23) and fulfilled exactly when Jehu took the throne, proving that no detail slips past God. Jericho’s Rebuilder Pays the Predicted Price • Prophecy — Joshua 6:26: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he shall lay its foundations, at the cost of his youngest he shall set up its gates.” • Fulfillment — 1 Kings 16:34: “In Ahab’s days, Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundations, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Joshua son of Nun.” • The curse stands for centuries, then unfolds with tragic precision. Cyrus Named Long Before Birth • Prophecy — Isaiah 44:28–45:1 calls Cyrus “My shepherd” who will order Jerusalem and the temple rebuilt. • Fulfillment — Ezra 1:1-3 records Cyrus issuing that very decree. • God not only foresees events; He names the key player 150 years early. Seventy Years in Babylon—Right on Schedule • Prophecy — Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10 promise captivity will last seventy years. • Fulfillment — Daniel 9:2 recognizes the time is up; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 and Ezra 1 show Cyrus releasing the exiles in the predicted year. Bethlehem Pin-Pointed, Virgin Conceiving—Messiah’s Arrival • Micah 5:2: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah… from you shall come forth for Me One who will be ruler over Israel.” • Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.” • Fulfillment — Matthew 1:22-23; 2:1 place Jesus’ birth exactly in Bethlehem through a virgin mother, aligning both prophecies with effortless accuracy. The Cross Foretold in Stunning Detail • Psalm 22:16-18 describes pierced hands and feet, soldiers casting lots for garments. • Zechariah 12:10 anticipates Israel looking on “the One they have pierced.” • Fulfillment — John 19:23-24, 34-37 records Roman crucifixion matching every line. Nineveh’s Doom Declared and Delivered • Prophecy — Nahum 1:8; 3:7, 12 warn the Assyrian capital will fall “with an overwhelming flood.” • Fulfillment — History notes Nineveh’s walls breached by the flooding Tigris in 612 BC, erasing the empire exactly as foretold. Babylon Humbled in a Night • Prophecy — Isaiah 13:19; Jeremiah 51:57 promise sudden defeat. • Fulfillment — Daniel 5 chronicles Belshazzar’s feast and the city’s capture by Medo-Persia that same night. Peter’s Three Denials—Minutes After the Prediction • Prophecy — Luke 22:34: “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.” • Fulfillment — Luke 22:60-61: The rooster crows, Peter weeps bitterly, and Jesus’ words stand unshaken. Paul Must Testify in Rome • Prophecy — Acts 23:11: “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.” • Fulfillment — Acts 28:16, 30-31 shows Paul under house arrest in Rome, boldly preaching the gospel. Why These Stories Matter Today • Every fulfilled prophecy, from Jezebel’s gruesome end to Jesus’ triumphant resurrection, underscores a God who speaks with perfect knowledge and brings His word to pass. • Past accuracy fuels present confidence: the promises God has made to His people remain just as certain now as they were then. |
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