What does Jeremiah 31 say would happen if Israel stopped being a nation?
Jeremiah 31 declares that the sun would fall from its place in the heavens and the sun, moon, and stars would cease to shine if Israel ceased to exist as a nation. Therefore Israel must remain there, kept intact by God.
Les explains that Jeremiah 31's warning means Israel cannot cease to be a nation. In the context, God is watching over Israel like a hawk, and He has brought them through even while they are on their own. Les notes that the nation of Israel has to be there in unbelief so God can consummate the seven years of tribulation. If every Jew became a believer and the rapture took place, no one would be left to fulfill prophecy. The 144,000—12,000 from each of the twelve tribes—must come from Israel. Because Jeremiah 31 says the sun would fall out of its place and the sun, moon, and stars would cease to shine if Israel ceases to be, they have to stay there. Les also applies this to believers, who must have concern for the carnal or fleshly needs of the Jew, contrary to rising anti-Semitism.