Connect Ezekiel 39:22 with Romans 11:26 regarding Israel's recognition of the Lord. Setting the Stage • Ezekiel 38–39 looks ahead to a climactic invasion of Israel and God’s dramatic deliverance. • Romans 9–11 explains Israel’s past election, present unbelief, and future salvation. • Both passages converge on one key outcome: the moment Israel corporately recognizes the LORD. Ezekiel 39:22 — Israel’s Awakening “From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God.” • The phrase “that day” links to the Lord’s decisive victory over the forces of Gog (39:1–20). • Knowing the LORD involves more than military rescue; it signals a national, heart-level return to covenant faithfulness (cf. Ezekiel 36:24-28). • The recognition is lasting—“from that day forward”—indicating permanent spiritual transformation. Romans 11:26 — The Salvation of All Israel “And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove godlessness from Jacob.’” • Paul cites Isaiah 59:20-21, connecting Messiah’s arrival with the removal of sin from Jacob. • “All Israel” points to the nation as a whole, distinguished from the believing remnant of Paul’s day (11:5). • This salvation follows “the fullness of the Gentiles” (11:25), fitting Ezekiel’s timing after worldwide witness to God’s glory (39:21). Tying the Threads Together 1. Divine Initiative • Ezekiel: God “makes His holy name known” through supernatural deliverance (39:7). • Romans: God sends “The Deliverer” to remove ungodliness. • Both emphasize the Lord acting first; Israel responds in recognition. 2. Covenant Fulfillment • Ezekiel’s promise flows from earlier covenants—Abrahamic land promises and the future New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). • Paul views Israel’s future salvation as proof “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). 3. National Scope • Ezekiel describes the entire “house of Israel.” • Paul echoes with “all Israel,” indicating the same comprehensive turning. 4. Permanent Change • Ezekiel: “from that day forward.” • Romans: removal of sin and establishment of a new heart (cf. Zechariah 12:10; 13:1). • The repentance is enduring, not temporary. A Possible Chronological Flow • Present age: Partial hardening of Israel, worldwide gospel witness (Romans 11:25). • End-time assault (Gog/Magog): God intervenes (Ezekiel 38–39). • Visible triumph: Nations witness, Israel spared (39:21). • Spiritual awakening: “From that day” Israel knows the LORD (39:22). • Fulfillment summarized by Paul: “All Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26). • Millennial blessings follow (Ezekiel 40–48; Revelation 20:4-6). Relevant Supporting Passages • Jeremiah 31:33-34 — New Covenant promises of internalized law and forgiven sin. • Zechariah 12:10 — A national mourning when Israel looks on Messiah “whom they pierced.” • Hosea 3:4-5 — Israel returns to seek the LORD and “David their king” in the latter days. • Matthew 23:39 — Jesus foretells Israel’s future recognition: “You will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Takeaways for Today • God’s faithfulness to Israel guarantees His faithfulness to every believer (Romans 11:33-36). • History is moving toward a day when Israel and the nations alike will acknowledge the Lord’s supremacy (Isaiah 2:1-4). • The coming national salvation of Israel is a catalyst for worship, hope, and evangelistic urgency among the Gentiles (Romans 11:11-15). |
    |