In January 2016, an article appeared with the headline: “French Jews Leaving for Israel in Great Numbers.” It explained that many Jews were leaving France because of growing religious persecution. Indeed, Jewish communities have faced repeated hostility in France. Added to this are the socio-economic challenges Europe faces in dealing with illegal immigration and asylum seekers. In 2021 alone, it was reported that over 1,600 migrants were lost at sea in the Mediterranean.
But is Jewish migration to Israel only the result of persecution? Or is there also an invisible force at work—a force we call prophecy?
Prophecy of Return
The Bible foretold that Israel would dwell for many years outside her land, but that in due time the Jewish people would return to their ancient possession. The rebirth of the nation in 1948 is nothing short of miraculous. The prophet Jeremiah saw it 2,500 years earlier.
Israel ceased to exist as a nation when General Titus destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, forcing Jews to scatter across the world. For 1,878 years, they lived in diaspora. Then, in 1948, Israel was declared a nation once again. This was no coincidence—it was the fulfillment of prophecy.
Scriptures such as Hosea 3:4–5, Ezekiel 20:34, Isaiah 11:11–12, Jeremiah 32:44, Isaiah 43:5–6, Psalm 107:2–3, Ezekiel 36:11, 24, and Matthew 24:32–35 all confirm this divine plan.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
Jesus said:
“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When its branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So likewise, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Truly I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” (Matthew 24:32–35)
Which generation was Jesus speaking about? Clearly, not the people of His time. Nor is He referring to a mere 40-year span. Over 2,000 years have passed since Jesus spoke these words. He was not pointing to a number of years but to a people—a generation that would witness the fig tree budding.
In Scripture, trees often symbolize nations (Luke 21:29), individuals (Mark 8:24), kings (Daniel 4:10), or wisdom (Proverbs 3:1). In this parable, the fig tree represents Israel. When Israel rejected the Messiah, she was cut off (Romans 11:17–25), leading to both spiritual blindness and physical destruction in 70 AD. From then, Israel ceased to exist as a nation—until 1948.
The rebirth of Israel was the budding of the fig tree. Since then, Jews worldwide—including those from France—have been returning to their homeland. Why? To prepare for the coming of the Messiah.
This Generation Shall Not Pass
Some Bible students define a generation as 70 years (Psalm 90:10). Others view it not as a span of years, but as the people who witnessed a specific event. By that measure, those who were alive in 1948 when Israel was reborn constitute the generation Jesus referred to.
Consider this: the youngest of those who witnessed Israel’s rebirth in 1948 would now be in their seventies. Truly, “this generation shall not pass away until all is fulfilled.”
From Desolation to Fruitfulness
Israel’s transformation is not only among its people but also in its land. Barely 70 years ago, the land was barren and desolate. Today, Israel leads the world in agricultural innovation, exports high-quality produce, and has replanted flourishing forests.
This is not merely human achievement but divine providence. God foretold it:
“In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit.” (Isaiah 27:6)
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus.” (Isaiah 35:1–2)
Indeed, what was once wasteland has become one of the wonders of the modern world.
Born in a Day
On May 14, 1948, Israel was declared a sovereign state by the United Nations. Isaiah had spoken of this moment centuries earlier:
“Shall a nation be born in one day? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.” (Isaiah 66:8)
Israel was born in a day—the budding of the fig tree. Every development since then points us closer to the second coming of Christ.
Conclusion
The return of French Jews, and of Jews from all over the world, is not merely about escaping persecution. It is about God fulfilling His Word. The restoration of Israel is living prophecy unfolding before our eyes.
The fig tree has budded. The generation that sees this will not pass away until the Lord returns.
God’s Word never fails.
