The New Testament consistently affirms and expands the Old Testament prophecies concerning Israel’s restoration, the Messiah’s literal reign on earth, and the participation of the glorified saints in that reign. These passages illuminate the “mystery” Paul refers to — Israel’s temporary blindness followed by national salvation when Christ returns (Romans 11). If you have not already read my earlier post “O.T. Prophecies of Israel’s Messiah ruling the Nations” then I suggest you do as this is the sequel.

Let’s look carefully at the key sections.

1. Jesus’ Teachings

“You who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28

➡️ Promise of Israel’s restoration and the Apostles’ role in governing it.

“You shall not see Me again till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Matthew 23:37–39

➡️ Jesus declares Israel’s national repentance will accompany His return.

Matthew 24–25 (Olivet Discourse)

• Jesus gives the disciples many of the end times signs that precede His second coming.
• Describes the Tribulation and Great Tribulation that precedes the rapture of the Saints and the wrath of God poured out with the Trumpet and Bowl judgements and then His return in glory with the glorified Saints.
• When He comes, He will separate the nations (25:31–34) and rule as King from His throne of glory.

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory… then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him.”Matthew 25:31-31

“The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.” Luke 1:32–33 (Gabriel’s announcement to Mary)

➡️ Explicit connection to the Davidic Covenant and Israel’s national kingdom.

“Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled… then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:24–28

➡️ Prophecy of Israel’s long dispersion and ultimate deliverance.

“I confer on you a kingdom, just as My Father conferred one on Me… you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

“Jesus extends participation in His Kingdom rule to the faithful.”  Luke 22:29–30

“Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? It is not for you to know the times… but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” Acts 1:6–8

➡️ Jesus does not correct their expectation of a restored kingdom to Israel — He only delays it until the Father’s appointed time.

2. The Apostolic Preaching (Acts)

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ… whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets.” Acts 3:19–21

➡️ The “restoration of all things” = exactly the Old Testament vision of a renewed earth under Messiah’s rule.

James quotes Amos 9:11–12:

“After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David… so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord.” Acts 15:14–18

➡️ God will restore Davidic rule through Jesus, bringing Gentiles to share in Israel’s blessings.

3. Paul’s Writings

Romans 11:11–29

• Israel’s rejection is temporary.
• Gentiles are grafted in during Israel’s blindness.
• Israel will be saved when the Deliverer comes.

“And so, all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.‘” Romans 11:26

Romans 8:18–23

“The creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption…” Romans 8:21

➡️ The entire creation awaits the revelation of the glorified saints — this corresponds to the renewed creation in the Millennium.

“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” 1 Corinthians 6:2

➡️ Believers’ participation in Christ’s government over the nations.

“If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.” 2 Timothy 2:12

➡️ Shared authority with Christ in His Millennial Kingdom.

4. The Book of Revelation (The fullest vision)

“You have redeemed us… and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9–10

➡️ Saints (Jew and Gentile) reigning on the earth with Christ.

“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

➡️ Transition from human rule to the Messiah’s Kingdom.

 “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war… And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses… On his robe and on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:11–16

Christ returns to judge and wage war in righteousness, wearing many crowns.
➡️ His return inaugurates the Millennial Kingdom.

“They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” The Millennial reign of Christ with His glorified saints.” Revelation 20:1–6

Revelation 21–22

• Transition from the Millennium into the eternal state — New Heaven and New Earth.
• Yet, even here, Jerusalem remains central as the dwelling of God with His people.

5. Key Thematic Summary

Theme	Old Testament Basis	New Testament Fulfillment
Israel’s scattering and regathering	Deut. 30:1–10; Ezek. 36–37	Luke 21:24; Rom. 11:25–27
Messiah’s Davidic Kingdom	2 Sam. 7; Isa. 9:6–7	Luke 1:32–33; Acts 15:16
Reign over the nations	Ps 2; Isaiah 2	Rev. 11:15; Rev. 19–20
Saints reigning with Messiah	Dan. 7:18, 27	1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:4
The Temple and worship restored	Ezek. 40–48; Zech. 14	Likely Millennial scenario before Rev. 21–22
Final eternal kingdom	Isa. 65–66	Rev. 21–22

6. The Unfolding Pattern

1. Dispersion of Israel (fulfilled historically)
2. Partial blindness and Gentile mission (Romans 11:25)
3. The return of Jesus (Matthew 24; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19)
4. Israel’s national repentance and restoration (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:26)
5. The Millennial Reign of Christ and His saints (Revelation 20:4–6)
6. The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21–22)