Joel Rosenberg shares how Israel's rebirth and current conflicts align with biblical prophecy

In a recent Inside the Epicenter Podcast at Dallas Theological Seminary, Joel C. Rosenberg – the founder of The Joshua Fund and editor-in-chief of ALL ISRAEL NEWS, shared his insights on Israel's current upheavals and crises, drawing connections to prophetic words in scripture.

Speaking both as a journalist and a Jewish believer in Jesus, Rosenberg described his unique journey of faith and his role in providing news and perspectives on Israel for Evangelical Christians worldwide.

Recalling the horrific Oct. 7 Hamas massacre, Rosenberg drew parallels between current events and the prophet Amos' writings, specifically Amos 9:9, which speaks of God shaking the house of Israel among the nations.

“Israel, today, is in its darkest hour,” he said, regarding the devastating terror attack last October.

“Starting October 7th, 3,000 Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel, slaughtering 1,200 Jews in one day, killing mothers in front of their children, beheading children in front of their parents, burning entire Israeli Jewish families alive in their homes.”

Rosenberg also shared details about his recent visit to communities affected by last year's massacre, saying he witnessed “blood-soaked floors” and “walls pockmarked with hundreds and hundreds of bullets.”

He tied these experiences to Amos' prophecy, explaining that this “shaking” is both a physical and spiritual reckoning.

“What's the Lord's plan here? Well, one thing He's doing is He's shaking Israel. He's shaking the whole house of Israel to its core,” Rosenberg affirmed, noting this as part of a broader divine purpose that extends beyond Israel’s borders.

He emphasized the importance of compassion for all people in the region.

“God loves Palestinians. He loves them. He may have a very specific and unique plan for Israel and the Jewish people, but that does not mean He does not want Palestinians to get saved.”

Rosenberg encouraged Christians to show compassion toward Palestinians while still supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.

“The heart of the church has to say, ‘How can the people who are living in darkness see a great light?’” he added, “The church has to have a different foreign policy, if you will, than the United States or Israel or anybody else.”

“I talk about the difference between fulfillment and fillment,” Rosenberg explained, referring to the gradual realization of Bible prophecy as “fillment of scripture on the way to fulfillment.”

He cited Israel’s restoration as a sovereign nation in 1948, explaining that God’s promises in Scripture are unfolding step-by-step. “The scriptures are clear – God has given the Jewish people a land and a blessing.”

Rosenberg shared statistics illustrating a spiritual shift in the Jewish community, saying there are about one million Jews worldwide who believe Jesus is the Messiah.

“The veil is coming off, the scales are coming off, the curtain is rising as we get closer to the tribulation, to the Second Coming. More and more Jews are coming to faith in Jesus.”

He recounted his recent visit to Gaza as a journalist, where he had a somber experience in Hamas’ terror tunnels.

“We went into the actual terror tunnels where 12 Israeli hostages have been held. I stepped into those cages,” he shared. After leaving the tunnels, he and fellow CBN journalist Chris Mitchell took communion together and prayed for the hostages still held captive.

“We prayed for the Lord to break the satanic stronghold that is keeping the people of Gaza and the Palestinian people captive…” Rosenberg explained, describing it as a moment of prayer for spiritual breakthroughs alongside political and military efforts.

Directing the podcast audience to Isaiah 61, Rosenberg quoted a passage that Jesus, Himself, read when beginning His ministry, proclaiming liberty to captives and comfort for the brokenhearted.

“Is there another people besides the Israelis and the Palestinians and the Ukrainians that are more brokenhearted right now?” Rosenberg asked, urging believers to pray for all who suffer in the region.

Rosenberg encouraged the audience of seminary students and faculty to consider their own role in God’s work during what he called a “modern prophetic era.”

“You are part of feeding people who are starving to know the Word of God,” he said. “I plead with you, don’t forget Israel and the Palestinians. Don’t forget the Jewish people and the Arab and Muslim world that desperately needs good news in this time.”

Rosenberg’s message underscored his belief in the significance of these times, urging his listeners to consider their own role in God’s unfolding plans for Israel and its neighbors. He encouraged listeners to remain prayerful, engaged, and attuned to the Bible in a world in need of God’s truth, compassion and hope, especially in the Middle East today.