Yes. The modern-day State of Israel is following a Biblical timeline that is similar to the one that occurred when the Davidic kingdom was originally set up in the Old Testament, while simultaneously highlighting dates in the Levitical Calendar that are prophetic with respect to the End Times. Israel's Old Testament kingdom started with king Saul, who reigned 40 years (Acts 13.21), followed by the reign of David for 40 years (II Samuel 5.4). However, the first 7½ years of David's 40-year reign was confined to the Tribe of Judah, after which time he began to reign over all of Israel. Similarly, that May 14, 1948 date when the State of Israel first came into existence initiated a (40 + 7½) year timeline that caused the final 7 years of that timeline to begin on a prophetically significant End Times date in (Zechariah 7.1), be counted on the basis of a 360-day prophetic calendar identified by the prophet Daniel for the End Times, and end on another End Times prophetic date, in a Jubilee year. This prophetic nature of the 20th century timeline for the State of Israel can be seen at . The fact that David is the proper Old Testament king to be prototypical of the coming Messianic Kingdom is summarized in a preview of that section of The Prophets Speak on the State of Israel.

The Oslo Peace Accord was based on the concept of trading Land-for-peace, and was first endorsed by the State of Israel on August 30, 1993, when their Cabinet approved a Palestinian take-over of the West Bank within six months from that date. However, following its formal signing at the White House in September, Islamic terrorism increased dramatically. Nonetheless, the Peace Process struggled on until February 25, 1994, when Baruch Goldstein, a Hebron Jewish settler, massacred 30 to 40 Islamic worshippers in Abraham's Mosque. Although this incident, and continuing attacks by Islamic terrorists repeatedly threatened the Peace Accord, about 50% of the Land had been ceded to the Palestinians by the summer of 2000. At that time, a summit was held at Camp David to complete its final provisions, but it failed when no agreement could be reached concerning the final status of Jerusalem. Then following threats by Yassir Arafat to declare an independent Palestinian state apart from the provisions of the Accord, a new more intense intifada broke out on September 30, 2000, thereby spelling the death knell for the Oslo Peace Accord.

The possible prophetic significance of the Oslo Peace Accord becomes apparent when it is observed that the time span from its August 30, 1993 endorsement until the Hebron massacre was precisely 180 days, i.e. six 30-day months measured on the basis of the 360-day End Time prophetic calendar.  However, a more detailed discussion of the prophetic meaning of this time span, along with numerous others associated with the Peace Accord, is found at .

In addition, the concept of the Oslo Peace Accord was based on trading Land-for-peace, causing it to violate a provision in (Joel 3.2) during the End Times, and  allowing it to be related to a specific section of the Revelation within The Prophets Speak. ("Begin your complete End Time study" to access this material.)

This parable of the fig tree was spoken by Jesus during His Olivet Discourse, regarding His Apocalyptic return at the end of the age. Although the reference to the "fig tree" cannot be connected unequivocally to the modern-day State of Israel, that term was used in the Old Testament as a Biblical symbol for ancient Israel, e.g. (Hosea 9.10; Joel 1.7). Jesus also used a like figure in (Luke 13.6), apparently referring to ancient Israel. Therefore, if we maintain that previous association between the "fig tree" and Israel here in (Matthew 24.32), we would understand that a revitalized nation of Israel will be present as we approach the time of the Lord's glorious Apocalypse. Indeed, this would be in-keeping with historic facts, because the State of Israel did come into existence on May 14, 1948, and The Prophets Speak demonstrates that it is this State of Israel, which is fulfilling many Old Testament prophecies that are to occur during the End Times.

The reference in verse 34 to "this generation not passing away till all these things are fulfilled", poses no problem with the State of Israel being the "fig tree", since generation (genea) can mean a "race" or "family". By this meaning, we would understand that the Jewish people as a race will not cease to exist in spite of intense persecution,  but will remain to share the blessings of the Lord's Millennial reign.

The answer to this question is either very simple or incredibly complicated, depending on which of two perspectives an individual adheres.

1. In the simple sense, God has made it very clear that He owns the Land of Israel (Leviticus 25.23; Joel 3.2), and will do with it whatever He pleases. It is also clear that His will is to give that Land to Abraham and his descendants through the line of Isaac (Genesis 17.7, 15-22), for an eternal inheritance, thereby giving its possession to the Jews.
   
   

2. In the complicated sense, the answer is predicated on conflicting religions, history, and diverse cultures. It is based on differing human perspectives.

The Jews base their claim to the Land on,

• Their ancient and continuous residency in the Land.

• The Balfour Declaration following World War I, guaranteeing the Jews a national home in Palestine.

• Their need for a haven from the World War II Holocaust.

• Their appeal to the Abrahamic Covenant, derived from the Bible.

• The Jews' religious attachment to Jerusalem, based on ancient Biblical history.

Contrarily, the Muslims base their claim to the Land on,

• Their long residency in the Land since AD 638.

• The British McMahon-Hussein agreement during World War I that the whole of Palestine would be under Arabic rule.

• Their claim to mini-holocaust reparation, based on their forced refugee status as the result of Israel's 1948 war of independence.

• Their appeal to Abrahamic ancestry, by a religious argument derived from the Koran.

• Arabic claims to Jerusalem as al-Quds, i.e. "The Holy", from which Muhammad ascended to heaven on a horse from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Therefore, it remains for us to decide individually which perspective we will adopt.

The Coming Glory portion of Olive Tree Studies discusses the repetitive nature of Israel's Biblical history. For example, there is a parallel between Moses and Jesus in the respect that (1) both came after a period of 430 years of silence from God , (2) both were "redeemers" in the sense that Moses came to redeem Israel from Egypt while Jesus came to redeem them from sin, and (3) both times of redemption were followed by periods of Israel's unbelief.

Similarly, major events relating to Jews in the 20th century appear to be continuing this repetitive pattern already observed during Biblical times. For example,

• When the Old Testament Hebrews found themselves out of the Promised Land during their Egyptian sojourn, that period ended with a time of attempted genocide by the cruel pharaoh of that nation.
  -----Likewise, when the 20th century Jews found themselves out of the Promised Land and scattered among the nations during the Times of the Gentiles, that period ended with a time of attempted genocide by the cruel dictator of Nazi Germany during World War II.

• At an appointed time, the Lord released those Old Testament Hebrews from their bondage and permitted them to make their exodus out of Egypt back to their promised inheritance.
  -----Likewise, at the conclusion of World War II, 20th century Jews were released from their bondage at the hands of the Nazis, and permitted to make another exodus out of Europe back to their promised inheritance.

• But after becoming a nation at Mt. Sinai, those Old Testament Hebrews continued in unbelief, wandering in the physical wilderness, until another generation of Hebrews finally saw the beginning fulfillment of their promised inheritance after 40 years.
  -----Likewise, after becoming a nation in 1948, these 20th century Jews also continued in unbelief, wandering in a spiritual wilderness, still awaiting their promised Millennial inheritance.

Thus, World War II appeared to initiate a timeline similar to Israel's Old Testament exodus out of Egypt, at least up to 1988. This is summarized in a preview of that section of The Prophets Speak on the Great Tribulation . 

Moreover, a detailed discussion, showing the significance of 1988 to this subject, is found in the "70th Week" section of The Prophets Speak. ("Begin your complete End Time study" to access this material.)

Surely the Holocaust is indelibly imprinted on many Jewish minds as one of most heinous crimes ever committed against human beings in modern times. Nevertheless, Biblical history records that the Jews also suffered major indignities at the hands of Gentile powers on four previous occasions during ancient times, i.e. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Rome. Now with respect to these four times, consider the unique parallels between the Egyptian oppression and the German Holocaust.

• In both cases, the Jews had been out of their Promised Land for long periods of time.

• In both cases, the Jews had become quite accustomed to Gentile ways, with little desire to return to their Covenantal Land, prior to the oppressions.

• In both cases, the oppressions took forms of attempted genocide against the Jewish people.

• In both cases, the Gentile nations who carried out those oppressions were essentially destroyed.

• In both cases, those oppressions were followed by times of "exodus", back to the Promised Land.

The Bible is replete with similar historic patterns that either have already been completed with Israel during ancient times, or are now being fulfilled with the Jews and the State of Israel in modern times . Therefore, the Holocaust, memorable as it is in recent history, should be regarded simply as the completion of yet another historic pattern, which began 3500 years ago with the Egyptian exodus. Indeed, God's ancient Plan to give Israel an Old Testament inheritance in Canaan began with an Egyptian "holocaust", so God's modern Plan to give Israel a Millennial inheritance in Palestine likewise began with a German Holocaust. Perhaps the following poem best describes God's love and involvement for Israel during the Holocaust, to the present time. 

Although students of the Bible are familiar with the fact that events in both the Old and New Testaments  are often referenced to Levitical dates, it is found that the Levitical Calendar is also critical to an understanding of the End Times. The background material in the Coming Glory portion of Olive Tree Studies proposed an approach for the detection of prophetic events based on the occurrence of specific Levitical dates . Examples showing how this Levitically based technique can be used to identify the prophetic nature of major events in recent history can be reviewed at .

This Levitical technique has been extended in The Prophets Speak to examine a period of time now spanning over 65 years, through the fall of 2005. This more comprehensive study shows that the Old Testament feasts dates of, Passover, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles, have already played significant roles in identifying events that have occurred in recent history. Furthermore, it now appears that some of these may also play key roles in certain events still in the future. ("Begin your complete End Time study" to access this material.)

The following Jewish holidays may be associated with Messiah's ministry:

• Messiah was most probably born on the day of Atonement, based on a chronological reckoning given in (Luke 1.5-57).

• Messiah declared Himself to be the "Bread of Life", during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, as recorded in (John 6.4, 48).

• Messiah exclaimed on the final (Great Hosanna Day) of the Feast of Tabernacles, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" (John 7.37).

• Messiah identified Himself as the "Good Shepherd" during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) (John 10.22).

• Messiah became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" on Passover (Forecast in John 2.13-19, and fulfilled in Matthew 27.32-56).

• Messiah was resurrected on First Fruits during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matthew 28.1-2).

• The Spirit of Messiah came 50 days later to in-dwell believers on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2.1-4).

All of the above Feasts and Set Season holidays can be found in the period leading up to His return, with the additions of Rosh Hashanah, Purim, and numerous other prophetic dates given in the Old Testament books of Haggai and Zechariah. ("Begin your complete End Time study" to access this material.)

Yes, there are at least two aspects of 1998 that suggest prophetic links.

1. The Biblical Jubilee Calendar, constructed according to the year when Joshua and the Israelites first began to possess the Land following Moses, identifies 1995 as a Jubilee year related to Daniel's people. However by analogy, 1998 is the first Jubilee year for the sons of Daniel's people, i.e. decendants, after they first began to possess the Land in 1948. Since (Daniel 12.1) distinguishes between these two groups of Israelites, it hints at the possibility that there might also be Biblical prophecies for the End Times related to  modern-day Israelites.

2. The modern-day State of Israel has been following a Biblical timeline similar to the one that occurred when the Davidic kingdom was originally set up in the Old Testament. However, according to that timeline, David's reign began on a Jubilee year, so a complete fulfillment of that Davidic pattern would seem to require that it must also begin on one, thereby again highlighting the potential significance of 1998.

These considerations and their consequences are discussed fully in the last two sections of The Prophets Speak. ("Begin your complete End Time study" to access this material.)

We know from history that the Jews were taken out of the Promised Land on two separate occasions. The first dispersion occurred in two phases, a little over 100 years apart. First, the Assyrians carried away the northern kingdom (Israel) in 723 BC, then later the Babylonians took the southern kingdom (Judah) into exile in 586 BC, at the time of Nebuchadnezzar.  Of course, the second major dispersion occurred when the Roman Empire scattered the Jews among the nations, starting in AD 70. 

Kenneth G. Symes presents an interesting case for the fulfillment of the prophetic "blessings and curses" in Deuteronomy. It appears in the Friends of Israel publication, "Israel My Glory", titled "The Regathering of Israel", April/May, 1991. Symes points out that Deuteronomy clearly earmarks only two distinct dispersions and two subsequent regatherings of the nation of Israel. The first dispersion at the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians is prophesied in (Deuteronomy 28.36-37), whereas the second dispersion by the Romans is prophesied in (Deuteronomy 28.63-67). He notes that, unlike the first dispersion, the second dispersion was not into a single nation, but "among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other" (v 64). 

Indeed, based on this reading of Deuteronomy, both dispersions are now history, the second one ending in 1948, when the Jews reformed as the State of Israel, back in the Promised Land. Therefore, the modern-day State of Israel must be the nation that will receive God's blessings during the Millennial Kingdom. Of course, that can happen only when (Zechariah 12.10) is fulfilled.

They have done nothing worthy to receive the blessing of eternal life in the Millennial Kingdom, but then nothing is called for. 

Temporal "blessings" may accrue from obedience to the Law, but eternal blessings must always be credited solely to the grace of God in response to one's willingness to repent, and receive what God has accomplished in our behalf, i.e. He has sent Messiah to be the Savior of the world, first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. Thus the Lord, by His unmerited favor and sovereign decree, will choose to bless Israel, just as He has chosen by His unmerited favor and sovereign decree to bless the Gentiles, during the Age of Grace. Both of those blessings require a miraculous change in the inner man, i.e. a "new birth", and can be accomplished only by God.

The Apostle Paul refers to Israel's coming salvation in the following way:

At the time of the Exodus out of Egypt, the Lord instructed Moses to declare to Israel that He desired them to become a "holy priesthood" (Exodus 19.6). Although, Israel did not obey that original Covenant when they entered the Land, the promise remained to be fulfilled under a new Covenant appropriate for the Millennial Kingdom (Hebrews 8.8-12). Therefore, Israel's relation to Messiah during the Millennium is to be as a "holy priesthood".

In this regard, it is quite remarkable to take note of actual historic events that occurred in conjunction with certain key Levitical years since their birth as a nation in 1948. 

1. 1948 + 13 years = 1961
   When Israel reached the "Bar Mitzvah" age of 13, they were dutifully awarded recognition by the United Nation with a seat at the U.N. Table of Nations in 1961. 

2. 1948 + 20 years = 1968
   When Israel reached the age of "manhood", they consolidated their victories attained in the 1967 six-day war by renaming the West Bank according to its Biblical names of Judea and Samaria, and declaring Jerusalem to be the eternal and indivisible capital of Israel. 

3. 1948 + 25 years = 1973
   When Israel arrived at the age of 25 years, they potentially become eligible for Levitical service (Numbers 8.24), but unfortunately, had no Temple for sacrifice, and had not accepted their Messiah as their sin Mediator, therefore they themselves had to be sacrificed during the 1973 Yom Kippur war, when their losses exceeded those of all previous conflicts involving 20th century Israel.

4. 1948 + 30 years = 1978
   When Israel arrived at the age of 30 years, they potentially became eligible for Priestly service (Numbers 4.1-3), but unfortunately, remained unredeemed and therefore disqualified to become a "holy priesthood". However, the famous Qumran "Temple Scroll", containing information for the eventual establishment of Temple worship, was first published in 1978.

Incredibility, it is seen how Israel, presently in an unredeemed state, is fulfilling a subliminal  genealogy, which portends their future Millennial role as a "holy priesthood" under God !

People who hold this form of theology must depart in several major ways from the views accepted by a majority of Bible scholars.  

• They must either try to discredit, or conceive some aberrant form of interpretation for Paul's direct statement in (Romans 11.25-26), whose reading seems to leave no doubt that Israel will one day be saved.

• They must redefine the word "Israel" in the Old Testament to mean the "Church", wherever it speaks of a future Millennial promise for that nation. Since the Bible regards those of Israel to be the biological descendants of Abraham, through the line of Isaac and Jacob, and since the Church is made up largely of Gentiles who do not possess that line, this redefinition regards the "sons of Abraham" only in a spiritual sense.

• Such a redefinition of words also breaches the fundamental lexigraphic basis upon which the Bible is interpreted, for if Hebrew words as defined actually mean something else, then we have lost a uniform reference for valid Bible interpretation.

• Finally, if there is no literal fulfillment of those Old Testament promises for Israel, then there is no need for a literal "Millennium", i.e. an economy following the Church Age, in which the promise for Israel would be fulfilled. Indeed, the concept of "Replacement Theology" typically regards the "Millennium" to be concurrent with the Church Age, thereby also requiring that Satan has been chained since the first century (Revelation 20.1-2). Of course, those who hold such a view must try to reconcile that theology with (Ephesians 6.11-12), which clearly indicates that the devil is able to carry out his pernicious attacks against humanity during the Church Age.

The Prophets Speak interprets all Scriptures using the literal lexagraphic definitions of all the words in the Bible, within the constraints of allowing the Bible to interpret itself in those cases where obvious symbology is employed.