What might it look like for the “kingdom” to be “restored to Israel”? The Cross-Shaped Kingdom Many Jews of the period, faced with that question, would have said three things at least. First, Israel must be set free from the domination of pagan overlords. Second, Israel’s God, perhaps through the agency of his Messiah, would become the ruler of the whole world, bringing to birth a new reign of justice and peace. Third, God’s own Presence would come to dwell with his people, enabling them to worship him fully and truly. There might be much more, of course: plenty of prophecies to be explored,
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