What does "Blessed is the coming kingdom" reveal about God's plan for Israel? Setting the scene: Mark 11 : 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Key observations from the crowd’s cry • They identify a specific “kingdom,” not merely a vague spiritual idea. • It is “coming,” pointing to future fulfillment. • It is tied to “our father David,” anchoring it in Israel’s royal line and covenant promises. • The phrase “Blessed is…” echoes Psalm 118 : 25-26, a messianic pilgrimage psalm that anticipated national deliverance. The Davidic covenant recalled • 2 Samuel 7 : 12-16—God promised David an everlasting throne. • Isaiah 9 : 6-7—“He will reign on the throne of David… from that time on and forever.” • Jeremiah 23 : 5-6—A “righteous Branch” will “reign as king” and “Judah will be saved.” These passages promise a literal ruler from David’s line governing a literal Israel. The crowd in Mark 11 recognizes Jesus as that promised king. Prophecy of a literal kingdom for Israel • Ezekiel 37 : 24-28 depicts David’s descendant ruling over a restored, united Israel, with God’s sanctuary in their midst. • Zechariah 14 shows the LORD reigning from Jerusalem after He delivers Israel. • Luke 1 : 32-33—Gabriel tells Mary her Son “will reign over the house of Jacob forever.” Taken together, Scripture points to a real, geopolitical kingdom headquartered in Jerusalem, with Messiah on David’s throne. Jesus affirms future restoration • Matthew 19 : 28—He promises the apostles they will “sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” • Acts 1 : 6-7—After the resurrection, the disciples still expect the kingdom to be restored to Israel; Jesus does not correct the expectation, only its timing. • Matthew 23 : 39—Israel will say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,” linking national repentance to His return. Implications for God’s plan for Israel • The kingdom is both national and spiritual: national in scope (Israel’s restoration) and spiritual in character (Messiah’s righteous rule). • God’s covenants with Abraham and David remain in force; they guarantee land, nationhood, and an eternal throne. • Israel’s future includes repentance (Zechariah 12 : 10) and the reception of Messiah at His second coming. • Gentile believers are grafted in (Romans 11 : 17-27) but do not cancel Israel’s promises; instead, they underscore God’s faithfulness. Application for believers today • Confidence—The same God who keeps His promises to Israel keeps every promise to us (2 Corinthians 1 : 20). • Hope—World events will culminate in Christ’s visible reign; history is moving toward God’s predetermined goal, not random chaos. • Worship—Like the Palm Sunday crowd, we can proclaim, “Hosanna in the highest,” eagerly awaiting the day when Jesus rules from Jerusalem and peace fills the earth (Isaiah 2 : 1-4). |
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