The Jewish people, the Almighty, the Torah and Eretz Yisroel (The Land of Israel). For more than 3,300 years we’ve been bound together. Did you ever wonder what the Sages taught us about how special is the Land of Israel? Here is a compilation from The Mitzvah to Live in Eretz Israel:
“There is no love like the love for the Land of Israel” — Bamidbar Rabba 23:7.
“There is no Torah like the Torah of the Land of Israel” — Bereshit Rabba 16,7.
“The air of the Land of Israel makes one wise” — Talmud, Bava Batra 158b.
“There are 10 portions of Torah in the world: 9 in the Land of Israel and 1 in the rest of the world” — Esther Rabba 1.
“If you desire to see the Shechina (Divine Presence) in this world, study Torah in the Land of Israel” — Midrash Tehillim 105.
“Living in the Land of Israel is the equivalent to all the mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah” — Sifrei, Parshat Re’eh, Tosefta Avoda Zara 5).
The Ramban, Nachmanides, writes that “We are commanded to take possession of the Land God gave to our forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’akov (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). We must not leave it to others or in desolation, as God told them, ‘And you will take possession of the land, for I gave the Land to you to possess and you will settle the Land which I promised to your fathers’ (Deut. 17:14, 26:1).”
Israel is far more than just a country or a refuge for the Jewish people — it is an integral part of our spiritual destiny!
-Rabbi Kalman Packouz
Shabbat Shalom Weekly commentary for Torah Portion Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)
Aish.com
It’s quite clear Rabbi Packouz is addressing a Jewish audience. After all, what other people have ever been commanded to take possession of and live in the Land of Israel? Only the Jews, the modern descendants of the ancient Hebrews, the Israelites who wandered the desert for forty years prior to coming into their inheritance.
But I know more than a few non-Jewish Talmidei Yeshua who are envious and also desire the blessings listed above (I only quoted part of Rabbi Packouz’s article, so please click the link I provided above to read the full write-up).
I suppose we should be a little envious. After all there are tremendous blessings accorded the Jewish people for living in Israel that cannot be apprehended by anyone who isn’t Jewish. Further, except for maybe some exceptional cases, in Messianic Days, Israel will be filled with all or most of the world’s Jewish population. Imagine the prophesies finally being fulfilled.
“For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
“Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
And gather you from the west.
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring My sons from afar
And My daughters from the ends of the earth,
Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”–Isaiah 43:3-7 (NASB)
According to Judaism 101:
The mashiach will bring about the political and spiritual redemption of the Jewish people by bringing us back to Israel and restoring Jerusalem (Isaiah 11:11-12; Jeremiah 23:8; 30:3; Hosea 3:4-5). He will establish a government in Israel that will be the center of all world government, both for Jews and gentiles (Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:10; 42:1). He will rebuild the Temple and re-establish its worship (Jeremiah 33:18). He will restore the religious court system of Israel and establish Jewish law as the law of the land (Jeremiah 33:15).
All of this is part of the Jewish argument that Jesus (Yeshua) couldn’t possibly be the Messiah because during his earthly life in the late Second Temple period, he did none of these things and then he died.
Christians believe that he was resurrected, ascended into Heaven, is our High Priest in the Heavenly Court, and in due time, will return.
Most Christians don’t believe Jesus will politically and spiritually redeem the Jewish people upon his return, although they probably would agree that if Jews converted to Christianity, they would receive spiritual redemption (I don’t think the Church would go for the idea of Israel being an actual political entity under Jesus, let alone the Kingdom that would rule all the other nations of the world, even though the Bible states this).
I know a lot of Christians who would vehemently oppose any idea that Jesus would rebuild the Temple and re-establish the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices, let alone restore the Sanhedrin court system.
But if we set aside Christianity’s traditions as they steer the Church’s doctrinal teachings, and if we accept the fact that non-Jews do not have a portion in the Land of Israel, just what do we Goyim have as far as Israel goes?
Thus says the Lord God,
“Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations
And set up My standard to the peoples;
And they will bring your sons in their bosom,
And your daughters will be carried on their shoulders.
“Kings will be your guardians,
And their princesses your nurses.
They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth
And lick the dust of your feet;
And you will know that I am the Lord;
Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame.”–Isaiah 49:22-23
“Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
“For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the Lord will rise upon you
And His glory will appear upon you.
“Nations will come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.
“Lift up your eyes round about and see;
They all gather together, they come to you.
Your sons will come from afar,
And your daughters will be carried in the arms.–Isaiah 60:1-4
It seems our job is to facilitate the return of the Jewish people to Israel, to not just “surrender” them from our lands, but to take an active part in the Messiah’s mission to return each and every Jewish man, woman, and child to the bosom of their nation Israel, for the Jews are the nation of Israel. I’ve tried looking for information regarding what, if any, inheritance Gentiles may expect regarding Israel, but there’s nothing clearcut.
But something called ElijahNet.net suggests that the Gentiles who join themselves to Israel will indeed have a portion:
Will the Gentiles who have joined themselves to the Lord be separate from His people? The God of Israel says, “No. They will be part of My household, My family.” Will the Gentiles who join themselves to the Lord be excluded from the holy place and service of the Lord? God says, “No. They will worship Me in My house, along with those of the dispersed of Israel whom I have gathered. They will be gathered to the remnant of Israel.”
“In the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills: and all the goyim will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths, for the law [Torah] will go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’ And He will judge between the goyim, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares, nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.” (Is. 2:2-3, Mic. 4:1-3)
God gave Ezekiel visions of a time to come when living, healing water would flow out of Jerusalem. (Ezek. 47:1-12) The Lord told Ezekiel that the alien in the midst of Israel will be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. (Ezek. 47:21-23)
I should point out that from a Jewish point of view, Ezekiel 47:21-23 isn’t about giving Gentiles part of the Land of Israel.
A more apparently Christian source has this to say:
Question: Are we as “gentile Christians” part of Israel (Rom 11:17)? Do any of the promises made to Israel as a nation apply to us, for example Deuteronomy 28 (I’ve often heard this one used by prosperity teachers although they never read past the fourteenth verse).
Answer (in part): Regarding your first question, I would say that “no” we are not “part of Israel” as gentile Christians. Both Jewish and Gentile Christians today make up the “Church” the “body of Christ” or “one new man” which Paul discusses in Ephesians 2. We, as Gentiles, were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise (Eph. 2:12), but now we have been brought near through Christ. But notice that we are not said to be “part of Israel” or a “new Israel.” Instead, both Jews and Gentiles are said to be joined into a new spiritual body, the one new man (Eph. 2:15). Another evidence that we are not “part of Israel” is found by carefully examining Paul’s use of the term “Israel” in Romans 9-11, and especially chapter 11. There, it will be found that “Israel” still refers to Jews.
Regarding your second question, “Do any of the promises made to Israel as a nation apply to us, for example Deuteronomy 28 . . .”
While there are principles in Deu. 28 which apply in general (e.g., God will bless a nation which is devoted to Him and follows His will, He will turn away from a nation—such as ours—which forsakes Him), the context of the passage is very clearly specific to the nation Israel. It includes curses which make absolutely no sense when applied to Gentiles (believers or otherwise). For example, the promise of worldwide scattering in judgment of disbelief: yet Gentiles (non-Jews) have always been scattered all over the world.
Whereas all scripture is written for our learning (Rom. 15:4), it is not all written specifically to us—and this is the case in Deuteronomy 28. Both the blessings and curses stated there apply to Israel, as the phrase “wandering Jew” and history abundantly prove.
Concerning the blessings which come to believing Gentiles, this is best understood by studying the relationship between the New Covenant (given to Israel in Jeremiah 31) and the Church.
Of course, there are a seemingly endless collection of Jewish and Christian information sources on the web, so this is only a very tiny sampling.
I couldn’t find anything at AskNoah.org about what sort of connection there could possibly be between a righteous Gentile and the Land of Israel.
I did find something on their view of the New Covenant in Jeremiah 31, as well as whether or not Noahides will worship at the Third Temple. From the latter article:
Gentiles were welcomed to bring their sacrificial offerings for G-d to the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, and they will participate even more at the Third Temple – especially during the festival of Sukkot (Zechariah 14:16).
Also…
In his commentary on the Torah section beginning with Genesis 12:1, Ramban (Nachmanides) wrote:
“Even in the time of Joshua, … the Gentiles knew that this place was the most august of all, that it was at the center of the inhabited world; and [Torah] Tradition had taught them that it corresponds in this world to the celestial Temple where Divine Majesty, called (righteousness), resides.”
And…
When the First Temple was inaugurated by King Solomon, he beseeched G-d with an eloquent prayer that included the following words (Kings I, 8:41-43) (which show that in the past, Gentiles were welcomed to the First and Second Temples, and that they will participate even more in the Third Temple)…
And finally, the article quotes from Isaiah 2:2-3 regarding the participation of Gentiles in the Temple:
“And it will come to pass at the end of days that the mountain of G-d’s House will be firmly established, even higher than the peaks, and all the peoples will flow toward it as a river. And many nations will go and will cry, ‘Let us go up toward the mountain of G-d’s House, to the House of the L-rd of Jacob, and we will learn from His ways and walk in His paths, for out of Zion goes forth Torah and the word of G-d from Jerusalem.’ “
Of course, participation in the Temple rites is not the same as having any portion in the Land. Isaiah 56 aside, I can’t find a legitimate Jewish commentary saying that any Gentiles will have a permanent home in the Land of Israel at all. It seems that we can certainly visit, and if intermarried, the Gentile would probably live in Israel with the Jewish spouse, but that’s about it.
Is that such a bad thing? I know some people who operate in the Hebrew Roots space who most likely would think so. I think some of those non-Jews somehow believe they have “rights” not only to the Land of Israel, but to the Torah mitzvot as well. It’s been a long-standing argument. The relationship between Gentiles and the Land of Israel is probably something like how Jews traditionally accept Gentiles visiting the synagogue:
Non-Jews are always welcome to attend services in a synagogue, so long as they behave as proper guests. Proselytizing and “witnessing” to the congregation are not proper guest behavior.
When going to a synagogue, you should dress as you would for church: nicely, formally, and modestly. A man should wear a yarmulke (skullcap) if Jewish men in the congregation do so; yarmulkes are available at the entrance for those who do not have one. In some synagogues, married women should also wear a head covering. A piece of lace sometimes called a “chapel hat” is generally provided for this purpose in synagogues where this is required. Non-Jews should not, however, wear a tallit (prayer shawl) or tefillin, because these items are signs of our obligation to observe Jewish law.
During services, non-Jews can follow along with the English, which is normally printed side-by-side with the Hebrew in the prayerbook. You may join in with as much or as little of the prayer service as you feel comfortable participating in. You may wish to review Jewish Liturgy before attending the service, to gain a better understanding of what is going on.
Non-Jews should stand whenever the Ark is open and when the Torah is carried to or from the Ark, as a sign of respect for the Torah and for G-d. At any other time where worshippers stand, non-Jews may stand or sit.
When we non-Jews are in Israel, we are guests and we are expected to treat our hosts with proper respect, just as if we were visiting someone else’s house. You wouldn’t go into someone else’s home and act as if you lived there, would you?
In Rabbi Moshe Weiner’s Passover message to all Noahides, he states:
One of the wonders of the future redemption is the revelation of the Divine light that will shine onto the whole world, to all humanity (Isaiah 60:3). From the power of this light, all people will recognize the true existence of the Master of the world, Who fills the whole world, as stated by the prophet Isaiah (52:8-10): “with their own eyes they will see that G-d returns to Zion. Burst out, sing glad song in unison, O ruins of Jerusalem together, for G-d will have comforted His people; He will have redeemed Jerusalem. G-d has bared His holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; all ends of the earth will see the salvation of our G-d.”
Just as Moses our teacher at Mount Sinai began to repair the world, including all the Children of Noah by giving the Seven Commandments that were commanded to them, so too, the Messiah will teach and show the world (but in a more wondrous manner) the same recognition in the truth of the Creator of the universe which began to be revealed by Moses.
It is a great merit for each and every one of us to bring himself and his community to the faith and anticipation of this future freedom for the whole world. This will be freedom from evil and falsehood, and a redemption by which we will merit to go out from darkness to a great and true light.
Certainly it seems, the righteous Gentiles are included in many of the blessings of Messiah and that both Jew and Gentile will “go out from darkness to a great and true light.”
But that’s as far as I can understand it. All of those blessings Rabbi Packouz mentions that are received by those living in the Land of Israel are only received by the Jews living in the Land of Israel. For the Gentiles, not so much.
I can only imagine that Gentiles are still blessed in some manner when they/we visit Israel, but we’re visitors and guests, not residents. We may be associated with Israel as citizens of the vassal nations, subservient to our King, and we may have been brought near to her (see Ephesians 2:13) so that there is to be peace between Israel and we people of the nations (although I suspect that peace won’t be truly realized until the Messiah establishes his reign as King in Israel over the world), but none of that means that we are Israel, nor that we have rights to any of her real estate (at least as far as I can discover).
I guess in the resurrection, just like right now, I’ll have to be satisfied with my own little corner of Idaho.
My (Jewish) wife did surprise me again the other day. Out of a proverbial “clear blue sky,” she asked me if I’d given up on any plans to visit Israel. I didn’t know what to say. One circumstance or the other has gotten in the way and I haven’t even been thinking of it lately. I also am concerned about expenses for a number of complicated (and private) reasons, so thought maybe my long-suffering wife would appreciate it if I didn’t spend thousands of dollars playing tourist in the middle east.
I don’t know.
Blogger Ro Pinto wrote multiple blog posts about her recent trip to Israel including this summary, and it is abundantly obvious that she has a tremendous love of and devotion to the God of Israel, His people, and their Land. Some of her spiritual insights border on spectacular, which is a realm that has always eluded me.
Compared to how she related to Israel during her trip, I can’t imagine achieving anywhere near such experiences and insights. I think a visit to Israel is supposed to be as much about what you bring to the table spiritually as what you expect to receive.
Visiting Israel as a Gentile is not like traveling to any other nation on Earth. Jerusalem is the only city on the planet where God has put His Holy Name. Every time I seriously think of traveling to the Holy Land, I feel humbled and chagrined. Who am I compared the men and women of the Bible who trod that ancient Land, the Prophets, the Kings, the warriors, the scholars?
Every time I read or hear from some non-Jewish person who lays claim to Israel or the Torah, I’m astonished at the “Obama-like” audacity they exhibit. The feeling of being able to do anything you want, regardless of the (in this case Biblical) Law, without so much as a “by your leave”. You can’t bypass the God of Israel with a pen and a phone.
Who among the Gentile Talmidei Yeshua hasn’t felt the call of Israel at one point of another in our lives? Who hasn’t, at some time in our existence, wanted to bathe in the glow of the blessings Rabbi Packouz outlined in his “Shabbat Shalom Weekly” article?
But it’s like being a kid and watching the boy or girl next door receive a shiny new bicycle for their birthday. Just because you want to ride on that bike too, doesn’t mean it belongs to you.
Morning Meditations 
Wow, James! Thank you for the compliment! But it was all God.
If I were a betting woman, I would lay you odds that with your knowledge of the Word and Judaic traditions and understandings, your experience and insights in Israel would far exceed my own.
I think the key is to go on your own (not with a tour company). When I went the first time, the experience was rather flat – too much running from one site to the next. Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely grateful for having gone, but a tour company wants to ensure you get your money’s worth…and we did.
The second trip cost less than the first, was a longer visit, and moved at a much more relaxed pace – allowing God to speak and teach the way he wanted.
Staying in hostels certainly cut the cost way down, and it’s not something I ever thought I would do, but it was nice being around other people from all walks of life. That’s a huge statement coming from me, because typically I’m not a people person.
James, it is your humbleness, evidenced by your statement, “Who am I compared the men and women of the Bible who trod that ancient Land, the Prophets, the Kings, the warriors, the scholars?” along with your care and concern for God’s Chosen that tells me when you do finally go, that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will meet with you, assuring you that you are his much loved child, and will show you the wonders and Spirit of his land.
And when you do go, be sure to meet up with PL at his synagogue. It was a wonderful experience, and his congregation if full of loving and welcoming people.
Don’t sell yourself short, sir. You are full of wisdom and insight that many of us just sit back and marvel at!
Interesting you should put it that way. A few days ago, a friend shared this quote on Facebook:
I’m also reminded of a rather famous Jewish fable referenced at Aish.com:
I’m all for knowledge, study, and education, but when push comes to shove, a person is probably better off illiterate but having a total heart for God then highly educated but with only a modicum of spiritual sensitivity.
As far as when/if I’m going to Israel, that’s in Hashem’s hands at this point.
I’d probably do a tour because A) I don’t speak Hebrew, B) I’m not that adventurous, especially in a totally foreign landscape (and I haven’t traveled abroad in over 15 years), and going alone without anyone to share the experience would feel rather empty (and when my wife suggests I go to Israel, she’s not saying she’ll go with me, probably because she believes I’ll go with a Christian/Messianic tour group).
Then maybe you should ask her to go with you?
There are enough people who speak English, so communication isn’t a challenge.
I’m reading ‘How to Pray As a Jew’ by Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin and told the same basic story about the little boy in the synagogue. His version says the little boy began to recite the aleph bet over and over. And then he said, “O Lord, You know what it is that I want to say. You put the letters together so they make the right words.” 🙂
I think there are a number of variations on the same basic parable, Ro.
Don’t think the missus would want to go to Israel with me for the reason I stated previously, at least she’s never expressed an interest. She’s always gone with our daughter.
“….
“But something called ElijahNet.net suggests that the Gentiles who join themselves to Israel will indeed have a portion:
….
Will the Gentiles who have joined themselves to the Lord be separate from His people? ….
…. The Lord told Ezekiel that the alien in the midst of Israel will be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. (Ezek. 47:21-23)
“I should point out that from a Jewish point of view, Ezekiel 47:21-23 isn’t…”
I’m not sure whether, above, you think you are disagreeing with that “something” called elijahnet.net, but I have to point out that I’m pretty sure the founder of that something, like the founder of “something” called chabad[dot]org, is Jewish. And his point of view is Jewish.
Perhaps you could ask her to show you the Land from her perspective. When I went, my heart was to see all of it – not just the places Yeshua walked. These are His people, and looking through their eyes (as much as we can) is looking through His eyes.
I don’t mean to overstep, so I hope I didn’t offend. You are in a tough position, but one that could also be glorious.
I will continue to pray that you get to go to the Land, hopefully with your family.
@Marleen: I’m not sure what you’re saying. Are you saying that ElijahNet is also Chabad or that Chabad agrees that Gentiles will be given a portion of the Land of Israel?
@Ro: Knowing the situation at home, I doubt your suggestions would be effective. I’ll just have to wait for an opportunity to come along. In the meantime, I still have plenty to keep my busy in my own little corner of Idaho.
Apparently, James, you don’t think a serious Messianic Jew provides “legitimate” Jewish commentary. That is unless (ostensibly) Daniel Gruber is not a Jew… and that not based on him disagreeing with you on this or something else. And I would think you understand grammar; but it appears you’re playing games. I was saying exactly what I said, that both the founder of elijahnet.net and the founder of chabad[dot]org {I’m typing these in differently as I’m not trying to link to them, and one (in my experience) doesn’t provide a link even when the actual dot is used} are Jewish. Of course, looking at a website doesn’t prove to the looker whether the writer at the site is a Jew or not. So they could theoretically both not be actual Jews.
Elijahnet.net pointed out that Ruth was referred to as the Moabitess many years after she had lived amongst Israel (and become a mother there, etc.)… and elijahnet.net was saying Ruth will be included as at home in the Land. She won’t be treated as coveting a bicycle {for anyone who hasn’t read the opening blog post, that’s referring back to James} for only having married a whore’s son (Rachab’s son) amongst the people. Nor will Rachab be shamed for being a woman when women didn’t count or when it wasn’t until the third generation that the line was considered fully integrated as part of Israel (Boaz, second generation). You can disagree that Ruth was/n’t still gentile, but you can’t legitimately decide the writer at elijahnet.net isn’t legitimate.
Additionally, there is this by you in the opening blog post:
“All of this is part of the Jewish argument that Jesus (Yeshua) couldn’t possibly be the Messiah because during his earthly life in the late Second Temple period, he did none of these things and died.
“Christians believe that he was resurrected, ascended into Heaven, is our High Priest in the Heavenly Court, and in due time, will return.”
Yes, it is a Jewish view that he couldn’t be the Messiah. It is also a Jewish view (not only Christian) that he is the Messiah.
http://www.jeanejones.net/2012/10/was-rahab-the-mother-of-boaz/
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2052/jewish/Mother-of-Royalty.htm/mobile/
Certainly, “the New Testament” books or Apostolic Writings, or whatever naming is preferred, can be (and are) questioned as to their Jewishness (and truth or accuracy). But that hasn’t been an ongoing debate at this (James’s) site. And with regard to the specific topic of the two links above, there need not be conflict. But understanding differs.
Plus, there are considerations like this:
http://www.biblehub.com/deuteronomy/23-8.htm
Marleen, I’m not playing games. Sometimes in a text only venue, it’s easy to misunderstand people and apparently I’ve misunderstood you. I apologize for not clearly comprehending your statement or your intent.
As for ElijahNet, I really didn’t know who the author was and I was evaluating the content’s validity based on my understanding of the relevant Biblical passages.
As far as Ruth goes, I don’t know that her situation would necessarily apply to someone like me. She married Boaz and eventually became King David’s great, great grandmother.
But why would her situation entitle a Gentile like me to any portion in the Land of Israel?
As far as Yeshua being considered Messiah by Christians and not Jews, I was expressing the general classic positions, not stating that no Jewish people at all believe Rav Yeshua is Moshiach. Obviously, I knew of Messianic Jews who do have faith in trust in our Rav.
Yes, obviously… but then the seeming rejection of someone {I see, now, you didn’t understand him} who puts a lot of earnest work into his Messianic faith had me wondering if you were going in another direction (one common for a lot of other people). And since new readers may come along at any time, I was concerned that the assumption about Jewish believers in the Messiah Yeshua being “Christian” Jews [or other people’s ideas that one had better, or pretty much has no choice but to, pick institutional this or that] isn’t all there is. As for why Ruth’s situation would entitle you… 🤔 I wasn’t trying to say that; don’t know why it seemed that way. We don’t know that one way or the other at this point (for absolutely certain, though I’d tend to agree with you). I also wasn’t saying all gentiles have (nor… will have) full rights in the Land (certainly not even all gentiles who believe in Yeshua).
Regarding Ezek.47:21-23, since the “ger” who is to receive an allotment in the land is to receive in within one of the tribal allotments within which he settles, we must infer that this “ger” is very intimately associated with people of that tribe, probably intermarried with a Jew or part of an extended family containing intermarried members. The reference may well be limited even only to proselytes who have not yet completed their conversion and integration into the Jewish people. But it is certainly not a wholesale land giveaway to any gentile who comes with a whim to settle in Jewish land just because he may wish to honor the G-d of Israel. Tourists in Israel certainly may honor G-d, as did Na’aman the Syrian, and as will the members of the nations who come up to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot. Honest, we *like* tourists! But we have enough trouble reclaiming Jewish land and gathering Jews to settle it without trying to accommodate gentiles who want to grab a piece of it. Plus we have our own local Arab gentiles still trying to claim large chunks of the land for Islam, to which they have no right nor any ownership documents. Now, maybe if large numbers of Christian God-fearing gentiles can amass enough money and influence to convince these Arabs to sell their claims to them and relocate elsewhere, so as to place the whole land of Israel under allegiance to HaShem (and Jewish administration), then maybe no one will need to argue against settling gentiles in the land of Israel. Wha’d’ya say, folks? Any takers? [:)]
I agree PL that non-Jews will not have widespread claims to various portions of Israel and that Exekiel 47 is likely talking about such non-Jews who have an intimate connection to the Land and people of Israel.