10 questions to test your Bible knowledge...

Not only is Israel’s reestablishment as a nation prophesied by Jeremiah and Ezekiel, but by other prophets like Joel and Zechariah as well. G~d foretold events in the Torah (Deuteronomy 28-30) that would happen to the nation of Israel in terms of blessings, curses, and restoration.

2.  Isaiah 66:8 asks, "can a country be born in a day or a nation brought forth in a moment?" Is this passage speaking about Israel?  True or False

Whoever heard of a recognized state being established by a vote of other nations (United Nations)? But this is exactly what occurred on May 14, 1948. The State of Israel was established as a homeland for the Jewish people. A people scattered throughout the world, without a government, without a military, without a currency, without a common language. It was a miracle.

3.  G~d calls Israel the "apple of His eye" in Zechariah 2:8. If this is so, are all forms of anti-Semitism in conflict with the teachings of the Bible?  True or False

Anti-Semitism is the result of a spiritual battle between the G~d of creation and the god of this world - HaSatan. An example of HaSatan’s attack upon man is found in Job. In Exodus 19:5, G~d called Israel to be His treasured possession… a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This call was conditioned upon obedience to G~d. In Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7 a messiah was promised who would bring salvation to Israel and the nations. Satan has attempted to undermine that plan, distorting the identity of the Messiah and thwarting G~d’s restoration of Israel.

4.  The concept and belief in the messiah who will usher in G~d’s kingdom is:  (a) African;  (b) Chinese;  (c) Jewish;  (d) Spanish

The concept of a Messiah is Jewish. The Hebrew Scriptures and the Talmud have hundreds of references to the Messiah. For example: to be the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15); to be of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10); to be of the seed of David (Isaiah 11:10); to be a prophet greater than Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19); to minister to Israel and the nations (Isaiah 49:1-8); to perform miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6); to ascend into heaven (Psalm 68:18); to be a intercessor (Isaiah 59:16).

5.  According to the prophet Micah in chapter 5, the Jewish Messiah would be born in:  (a) Brooklyn,  New York;  (b) Bethlehem, Israel;  (c) Moscow, Russia;   (d) London, England

Israel’s Messiah would be born in Bethlehem according to Micah 5:2 the birthplace of King David. The Talmud calls the Messiah the Son of Joseph and Son of David. Interestingly enough, the New Testament has similar references in Matthew 21:9 –16 and 22:41-45 and Luke 3:23-38.

6.  The prophet Daniel in chapter 9:25-27 wrote that the Messiah would come before:  (a) the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE (AD);  (b) the flood of Noah;  (c) the introduction of klezmer music;  (d) bagels were invented

This is an irrefutable Scripture passage that gives an event and time frame before which the Messiah would appear. It states without qualification that the "anointed one" (Messiah), would be cut off before the destruction of the Temple and City of Jerusalem. This event occurred in 70 CE (AD).

7.  What was the purpose of the sacrificial system in Israel?  (a) to provide heating for the Israelites;  (b) to perform fire drills;  (c) to lower animal herd size;  (d) to provide an atonement for the sins of the people

Right after the sinful fall of Adam and Eve, G~d instituted the ceremony of sacrificial offerings (Genesis 4 and 8) to continually remind people that there is a consequence for sin. The object lesson required sacrifices of an unblemished animal for the sins of the people. However the daily sacrifices were not a permanent solution, and no number of animals could ever become the final sacrifice for sin. G~d provided the ultimate atonement for our iniquities through the Messiah.

8.  During the weekly reading of the Haftarah in the synagogue, Isaiah 53 is skipped. Why?  (a) the Hebrew is too difficult to pronounce;  (b) there are only 52 weeks in a year;  (c) the English translation makes no sense;  (d) it is too controversial - describing the suffering role of the Messiah and His atonement for sin

Isaiah 53 is a powerful messianic chapter that indicates "the Messiah would take up our infirmities and carry our sorrows… he would be pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities… be led like a lamb to the slaughter… be assigned a grave with the wicked… no deceit would be found in his mouth… He would bear the sin of many and make intercession for the transgressors." Some say this passage is talking about Israel rather than an individual. However, a careful examination of the context and the pronouns indicates that Israel’s suffering has not been as a sacrifice for sin and intercession for transgressors. This biblical passage, without any doubt, is  speaking about an individual.

9.  How does Zechariah 9:9, a messianic prophecy, describe the Messiah’s initial appearance?  (a)   running a marathon;  (b) swimming a lake;  (c) exploring the moon;  (d) riding a donkey

"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This messianic proclamation and fulfillment is also found in Matthew 21:4-11. 

10.  Is the prophet Zechariah, in chapter 12:10, speaking about Israel when he writes, "they will look on me, the one they have pierced, and mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a first-born son?"  True or False

The Talmud states, "Messiah son of Joseph was slain, as it is written, "They shall look unto me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him as one mourns for his only son. (Zechariah 12:10 - Sukkot 52a). According to biblical prophecy, there will come a day when the people of Israel will recognize the Messiah who was pierced for our sins, and they will weep.