I take, as a representative of moderate dispensational teaching, C.C. Ryrie, in his book The Final Countdown.

Here is a precis of chapter 5 – ‘Israel and her future’.

1. They will return

Isaiah 11:11f speaks of a ‘second’ return from exile:

‘The first captivity was known as the Babylonian captivity, and it lasted 70 years. From it, some Jews returned to Palestine to restore Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. But under the Roman rule, the Jews were dispersed (A.D. 70) to all corners of the earth. The return from this dispersion is “the second time” Isaiah spoke of. This return will bring Jews from all parts of the world—not simply from Babylon, as the first time.’

This will include repossession of Palestine, Jer 16:15; Eze 36:24; Amos 9:14.

It will be accompanied by spiritual renewal, Eze 36:26-28.

2. How Zionism began

At the end of the 19th century, persecution in Russia and anti-Semitism in Germany forced many Jews to consider the possibility of return to Palestine.  This was articulated at the first Zionist Congress in Basle in 1897, under the direction of Theodor Herzl.  This was followed by the Balfour Charter of 1917.

The Jewish population in Palestine has grown from about 24,000 in 1882 to 3,689,000 in 1978.

This influx of Jews ‘did not please’ the resident Arab populace, and this caused the British to turn over the problem to the United Nations.  In 1947 the UN proposed partition, but this was rejected by the Arabs.  On May 15, 1948 a new state of Israel was declared.  The ensuing war between Jews and Arabs end in an uneasy truce the following year, which lasted until the Six-day War of 1967.

The Jewish victory in 1967 resulted in a quadrupling of their territory, plus the capture of Jerusalem.  This led to consideration of the building of a new temple.

3. Jerusalem’s future

‘More and more, Jerusalem will appear in the headlines. Israel is at the confluence of three continents, and Jerusalem is her capital. Militarily and economically, this is a strategic part of the world, and Jerusalem is at the hub of it all.’

The immediate future for Jerusalem is uncertain.  It could change hands again several times.  But after the Rapture, at the beginning of the Tribulation, it will be in Israeli hands. But this will be a period of war and desolation (Dan 9:26).

At the beginning of the Tribulation, another temple will be built in Jerusalem.  At first, Antichrist will permit worship there.  But, in the middle of Tribulation, he himself will sit in the temple, demanding worship for himself (Dan. 9:27; 2 Thes. 2:4; Matt. 24:15).

Other things that will happen during the Tribulation include:

‘The slaying of the two witnesses (Rev. 11:8), the reign of the man of sin (Matt. 24:15), an earthquake that will destroy one-tenth of the city and 7,000 inhabitants (Rev. 11:13), and battles in connection with the war to be fought at the close of the period.’

The campaign (‘battle’) of Armageddon (Rev 16:14) will take place at the end of the Tribulation.  This will involve devastating attacks on Jerusalem (Zech 14:2) and upheavals affecting the topography of the land around Jerusalem (Zech. 14:4–5, 8, 10–11).

Then Christ will come, ushering in the Millennium.  Jerusalem will enjoy a period of unprecedented influence (Isa 2:3), happiness (Zech 8:3-5) and glory (Isa. 52:1–12; 66:10–14; Jer. 3:17).

4. Where will Israel go?

Scripture speaks of the terrible persecution of Israel during the second half of the Tribulation (Rev 12:13-17):

‘The Lord warned of this time in no uncertain terms. He said that when the Jews then living see the man of sin standing in the temple demanding worship, they should flee from Judea to any refuge they can find. He warned them to leave without any delay, not even to linger long enough to pack clothes. He suggested that they pray that this will not happen either in winter (when the weather will hinder travel) or on the Sabbath (when lack of public transportation will slow down their escape).’

The coming of Christ will bring this time of persecution to an end.  Those Jews who have survived the Tribulation will be judged, and those who survive this judgement will enter the Millennial kingdom.  Thus will be fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Israel’s regathering and salvation.

During the Millennium:

‘Israel’s position will be glorious. She will be exalted above the Gentiles.’ (Isa 61:5f)

‘Israel will again be related to God “by marriage”’ (Hos 2:19)

‘Israel will be the means of bringing praise to God’ (Zeph 3:20)

‘Israel will worship the Lord in the most favorable of all climates. Satan will be bound; Christ will be reigning; the Holy Spirit will be working in special ways’ (Isa 32:15; Eze 36:27)

5. A word of warning

There are many indications that the Lord’s return is near (Mt 24:33).  Jewish people are returning to their land every day.  The prospect of believers being caught up to be with their Lord for ever is a delightful one.

But, at present, the Jews are returning to the land in unbelief.  They are as much subject to divine judgement as anyone else.  Those who remain in unbelief face the prospect of a lost eternity.  The Jews remain God’s chosen people, but the only way for individuals to be saved is through faith in Jesus Christ.