I did a thing...

I asked questions.

I did a thing.

I asked Chat GPT the following question.

“Can you, using Strictly the ESV translation of the Bible, referencing strictly the Major and Minor prophets, Emphasizing Ezekiel, compare the history of the Jews and Israel, the region since 70AD, until now.”

Yes. If we limit ourselves strictly to the ESV text of the Major and Minor Prophets, with special emphasis on Ezekiel, an interesting pattern emerges. However, we need to distinguish carefully between what the prophets explicitly say and later historical events. The prophets speak of future judgment, scattering, preservation, repentance, restoration, and the coming Kingdom of God. They do not describe events by names like “Rome,” “70 AD,” or “the modern State of Israel.” Any comparison is therefore an interpretation rather than a direct prediction.

Here is the comparison.

I. The Prophets Predicted Israel Would Be Scattered

This is one of Ezekiel’s major themes.

Ezekiel 5:10

“...I will execute judgments on you... and scatter to every wind all who remain of you.”

Ezekiel 12:15

“And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them among the countries.”

Ezekiel 22:15

“I will scatter you among the nations and disperse you through the countries...”

The same warning appears repeatedly.

Isaiah:

“The LORD will scatter you...” (Isaiah 11 looks forward to gathering after scattering.)

Jeremiah:

“I will scatter them...” (Jeremiah 9:16)

Zechariah:

“I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations...” (Zechariah 7:14)

Comparison with History

After Jerusalem fell to Rome in 70 AD, and especially after the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 AD), Jewish populations became widely dispersed throughout the Roman Empire and eventually throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

From an ESV perspective, this historical dispersion resembles the prophetic language of scattering among the nations.

II. Yet God Would Preserve Israel

Ezekiel never says Israel would disappear.

Instead,

Ezekiel 6:8

“Yet I will leave some of you alive.”

Likewise,

Ezekiel 11:16

“...yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone.”

Notice something remarkable.

Even while scattered—

God says,

“I have been a sanctuary to them.”

The covenant people remain preserved.

Jeremiah agrees.

Jeremiah 31:35–37

God compares Israel’s continued existence to the permanence of the sun, moon, and stars.

Comparison

Despite nearly two thousand years without a nation, Jewish identity remained remarkably intact.

That historical preservation closely parallels the prophetic theme that Israel would be scattered but not destroyed.

III. The Scattering Was Never Meant To Be Permanent

This is where Ezekiel becomes especially important.

Repeatedly God says,

“I will gather you.”

Examples:

Ezekiel 11:17

“I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries...”

Ezekiel 20:41

“I will gather you...”

Ezekiel 28:25

“When I gather the house of Israel...”

Ezekiel 34:13

“And I will bring them out from the peoples...”

Ezekiel 36:24

“I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries...”

Comparison

Beginning in the late nineteenth century and especially after 1948, millions of Jewish people returned to the land historically associated with Israel.

Whether this fulfills Ezekiel’s gathering prophecies is debated among Christians.

Using only the ESV text, we can simply say:

The prophets foretold a future gathering from many nations.

History records a large-scale return of Jewish people from many nations.

Whether the historical return is the complete fulfillment depends on one’s interpretation.

IV. Ezekiel Says Physical Return Is Not the End

This is often overlooked.

Ezekiel 36 does not stop with returning to the land.

It continues:

Ezekiel 36:25

“I will sprinkle clean water on you...”

Then,

Ezekiel 36:26

“And I will give you a new heart...”

Then,

Ezekiel 36:27

“And I will put my Spirit within you...”

Notice the order.

Gather.

Cleanse.

New heart.

Spirit.

Obedience.

The restoration is ultimately spiritual, not merely geographical.

V. Dry Bones

Perhaps Ezekiel’s most famous prophecy.

Ezekiel 37.

The bones are identified.

Ezekiel 37:11

“These bones are the whole house of Israel.”

The bones first come together.

Then flesh appears.

Then finally—

God breathes life into them.

Again, the climax is not merely national existence.

It is spiritual life given by God.

Comparison

Some interpreters see:

scattered bones = Diaspora

bones assembled = return to the land

breath = future spiritual restoration

Others understand the entire vision symbolically as Israel’s restoration after exile.

The ESV text itself does not identify modern political events.

VI. The Shepherd

After restoration comes the Messiah.

Ezekiel 34:

“My servant David shall be king over them.”

Likewise,

Ezekiel 37:

“My servant David shall be king over them.”

The prophets consistently point beyond national restoration to the reign of the promised Davidic king.

Isaiah agrees.

Jeremiah agrees.

Hosea agrees.

Zechariah agrees.

The restoration always culminates in God’s righteous King ruling His people.

VII. The Nations

The prophets also speak of Jerusalem becoming central among the nations.

Isaiah 2

“All the nations shall flow to it.”

Micah 4 says the same.

Zechariah 14 describes all nations coming to worship the LORD.

Again, these describe an age of universal peace and worship under the LORD’s reign.

VIII. The Final Restoration

Ezekiel ends with a transformed land.

A new Temple.

God dwelling among His people.

Ezekiel 37:27

“My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

That is the goal toward which Ezekiel points.

Looking at the History Since 70 AD

If compared cautiously with the prophetic themes, the broad pattern is:

Historical PeriodProphetic Theme in Ezekiel70 AD destruction of JerusalemJudgment upon JerusalemJewish dispersion among many nationsScattering (Ezek. 5, 12, 22)Preservation of Jewish identityA remnant preserved (Ezek. 6:8; 11:16)Return from many nations (especially 19th–20th centuries)Gathering (Ezek. 11, 20, 34, 36)Continued conflict in the landThe prophets anticipate further purification and future peace before the final restorationFuture spiritual renewalNew heart, new spirit (Ezek. 36)Future reign of the Davidic KingEzek. 34; 37God’s dwelling among His peopleEzek. 37; 40–48

Conclusion

Using only the ESV text of the Major and Minor Prophets, especially Ezekiel, the prophetic pattern is remarkably consistent:

Israel would experience judgment because of covenant unfaithfulness.

The people would be scattered among the nations.

God would preserve a remnant.

God Himself would gather Israel from the nations.

The gathering would ultimately include spiritual cleansing, a new heart, and God’s Spirit.

The restoration would culminate in the reign of the promised Davidic King and the LORD dwelling permanently among His people.

The historical events from 70 AD to the present can be compared to this pattern in significant ways—particularly the dispersion and later return—but the ESV text itself does not explicitly identify modern events or state that any specific twentieth- or twenty-first-century event is the complete fulfillment of these prophecies. The prophetic hope in Ezekiel reaches beyond a return to the land to a comprehensive restoration in which God’s people are spiritually renewed and live under the everlasting reign of His anointed King.”

Then I asked GROK.

“Can you, using Strictly the ESV translation of the Bible, referencing strictly the Major and Minor prophets, and The New Testament, Emphasizing Ezekiel, and Zechariah, compare the history of the Jews and Israel, the region since 70AD, until now.”

Here's what Grok said.

From 70 AD onward, the history of the Jewish people and the land of Israel aligns with biblical themes of judgment, scattering among the nations, preservation, and prophesied restoration, drawn strictly from the Major and Minor Prophets (with emphasis on Ezekiel and Zechariah) and the New Testament in the ESV translation.898fef,66fc00

Biblegateway +1

Dispersion and Long Exile (70 AD and Following Centuries)

The destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 AD by the Romans marked a pivotal scattering. In the New Testament, Jesus foretold this in Luke 21:20-24 (ESV): “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. ... They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”1e9f6c

Biblegateway

This echoes earlier prophetic warnings of exile for covenant unfaithfulness (e.g., in the Major Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, though the query focuses on those plus Zechariah). The Jewish people endured centuries of diaspora, persecution, and minority existence across nations, with Jerusalem under successive Gentile control (Roman/Byzantine, Islamic Caliphates, Crusaders, Ottomans, British Mandate). A small Jewish remnant remained in the land, but the nation as a political entity ceased.f8fc6a

Wikipedia

Prophesied Restoration and Regathering: Emphasis on Ezekiel

Ezekiel, writing during the Babylonian exile, contains powerful promises of future restoration that many see as finding partial fulfillment in the modern return of Jews to the land. In Ezekiel 36:24-28 (ESV): “I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. ... You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”8104d3

Biblegateway

This continues with promises of fruitfulness and repopulation: the desolate land would be tilled, cities rebuilt, and become “like the garden of Eden” (Ezekiel 36:35). Ezekiel 37’s vision of the valley of dry bones dramatizes national resurrection: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ Therefore prophesy... Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. ... I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land” (Ezekiel 37:11-14).b0f1ad

Biblegateway

Later in the same chapter, the two sticks (Judah and Israel/Ephraim) are joined: “I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone... and bring them to their own land. And I will make them one nation in the land... They shall be my people, and I will be their God” (Ezekiel 37:21-23).702102

Biblegateway

Historical parallels include 19th-20th century Zionism, waves of Jewish immigration (aliyah), the Holocaust (a horrific low point of “dry bones”), the 1948 declaration of the State of Israel amid war with Arab neighbors, the ingathering of Jews from around the world (especially post-WWII Europe, Arab countries, and later the Soviet Union), and victories in wars like 1967 (reunification of Jerusalem) and others that expanded control over ancestral lands. The land transformed from largely desolate swamps and desert into a thriving, agriculturally productive nation—echoing Ezekiel’s promises of rebuilding and fruitfulness.126f3f,7600d8

Wikipedia +1

Ongoing Conflict and Future Hope: Emphasis on Zechariah and NT

Zechariah 12–14 (ESV) describes intense end-times pressure on Jerusalem and Judah, with God’s ultimate deliverance. Jerusalem becomes “a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples” and “a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it” (Zechariah 12:2-3). God defends Judah and Jerusalem, making the weakest like David and protecting inhabitants (Zechariah 12:6-8).f87ecb

Biblegateway

Crucially, there is national mourning and spiritual renewal: “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child...” (Zechariah 12:10). A fountain opens for cleansing from sin (Zechariah 13:1), and a remnant is refined (Zechariah 13:8-9). Chapter 14 depicts nations gathered against Jerusalem, the Lord fighting for it (feet standing on the Mount of Olives, which splits), living waters flowing from Jerusalem, and the Lord becoming king over all the earth (Zechariah 14:3-9, 16-21).745e01

Biblegateway

The New Testament builds on this. Jesus in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) speaks of signs, tribulation, the gospel to all nations, and His return, with Jerusalem’s trampling “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24). Romans 11 discusses Israel’s partial hardening until the fullness of the Gentiles, with future salvation for “all Israel.” Revelation echoes themes of tribulation, protection of a remnant, and final victory.

Modern history shows persistent conflict: multiple wars since 1948, intifadas, ongoing tensions, and international pressures—resembling the “heavy stone” and gathered nations. Israel’s survival and technological/military strength amid hostility can be seen as aligning with divine preservation themes, though full spiritual renewal (new heart, looking on the pierced one, cleansing) awaits fulfillment in Zechariah and NT prophecy.ad67c3

Biblegateway

In summary, the long exile post-70 AD fulfills the “trampled by Gentiles” phase, while the 20th-century regathering and statehood strikingly parallel Ezekiel’s dry bones and land restoration. Zechariah and the NT point to intensified future conflict followed by divine intervention, national repentance, and the Lord’s reign from Jerusalem. These texts emphasize God’s faithfulness to His covenants despite judgment, for the sake of His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22-23). Interpretations vary on timing and literal vs. symbolic fulfillment, but the biblical pattern of scattering and promised ingathering provides a framework for understanding this history.

According to the Major and Minor Prophets (emphasizing Ezekiel and Zechariah) and the New Testament in the ESV translation, the future of Israel involves regathering, intense tribulation, national spiritual renewal, divine deliverance, and ultimate restoration under the Messiah’s reign. These prophecies portray a trajectory from physical return to the land toward full covenant blessing.290bcc,941380

Biblegateway +1

1. Continued Physical Regathering and Restoration of the Land

Ezekiel 36–37 foretells a regathering from the nations and revival of the desolate land. God declares: “I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. ... I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. ... You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God” (Ezekiel 36:24-28). The “valley of dry bones” vision symbolizes national resurrection: “These bones are the whole house of Israel. ... I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. ... I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live” (Ezekiel 37:11-14). The divided sticks (Judah and Israel) become one nation under one king in the land (Ezekiel 37:21-23).10da43

Biblegateway

This points to a future where Israel is reestablished, fruitful, and secure in the ancestral land, with waste places rebuilt like the garden of Eden (Ezekiel 36:35).

2. Time of Tribulation and Nations Gathered Against Jerusalem

Zechariah 12–14 describes severe pressure. Jerusalem becomes “a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples” and “a heavy stone for all the peoples,” with “all the nations of the earth” gathered against it (Zechariah 12:2-3). Half the city may face exile and plunder, but God intervenes dramatically: “Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives ... and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two” (Zechariah 14:2-4). A plague strikes the attackers, panic ensues, and living waters flow from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:12-15, 8).90db5f

Biblegateway

The New Testament echoes this in the Olivet Discourse. Jesus warns of “great distress” and signs in the heavens before the Son of Man comes “with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:21, 29-30; Luke 21:25-27). Jerusalem’s desolation continues “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24), followed by redemption drawing near.c14ab3

Biblegateway

3. National Spiritual Renewal and Mourning for the Pierced One

A pivotal turning point is repentance and recognition of the Messiah. Zechariah 12:10 states: “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him.” A fountain opens “to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1), idolatry is cut off, and a remnant is refined like silver/gold: “They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God’” (Zechariah 13:9).d956ee

Biblegateway

This aligns with New Testament themes. Romans 11 describes a partial hardening of Israel “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,” after which “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:25-26), tied to the Deliverer from Zion. Revelation portrays end-times protection for a remnant of Israel (e.g., 144,000 sealed in Revelation 7) amid tribulation, culminating in the return of Christ.

4. Messiah’s Return, Victory, and the Messianic Kingdom

Zechariah 14 culminates in the Lord’s kingship: “The Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one” (Zechariah 14:9). Survivors of the nations worship at Jerusalem, keeping the Feast of Booths, with holiness prevailing (“Holy to the Lord” even on horse bells; Zechariah 14:16-21). Jerusalem dwells securely, elevated and transformed.76963d

Biblegateway

In the New Testament, this corresponds to the visible return of Jesus (the Son of Man), the establishment of His kingdom, resurrection, judgment, and renewal of creation. Passages like Matthew 25 and Revelation 19–22 depict Christ ruling, with Israel central in the fulfilled promises to Abraham, David, and the new covenant.

Overall trajectory: Physical return and national revival (already partially visible in history) lead into a final period of global conflict centered on Israel/Jerusalem. God sovereignly delivers, pours out the Spirit, brings national repentance toward the pierced Messiah (Jesus in NT context), and establishes everlasting peace under His rule. These prophecies emphasize God’s faithfulness to His covenants for the sake of His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22-23), not Israel’s merit alone. Interpretations differ on exact timing, sequence, and degree of literal fulfillment (e.g., premillennial vs. other views), but the texts consistently promise preservation, purification, and glory for Israel amid the nations. Believers are called to watch, endure, and pray for these things (Luke 21:36).

There's some food for thought.