The Literal Fulfillment of Prophecies

In this essay, we will explore the theme of fulfilled prophecy in the Bible, emphasizing how these prophecies were fulfilled literally. Our goal is to demonstrate that since past prophecies were fulfilled literally, it is logical and wise to expect that future prophecies will also be fulfilled literally. We will structure this discussion into several sections:

The Birth of Christ.
Other Significant Prophecies.
Dual Fulfillment of Prophecy.
Conclusion.

Each section will be supported by scripture references and explanations from renowned scholars to provide a comprehensive and persuasive argument.

Word Count: 3485 / Time to read: 18 minutes

1. The Birth of Christ

The birth of Christ is one of the most significant events in human history, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies. This section will delve into these prophecies and their literal fulfillment.

Key Prophecies and Their Fulfillment

Prophecy: Born of a Virgin

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14 foretells a virgin will conceive and bear a son called Immanuel.
Fulfillment: As described in Matthew 1:20, Mary, a virgin, conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Prophecy: Born in Bethlehem

Scripture: Micah 5:2 predicts the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1 records Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod.

Prophecy: Called Out of Egypt

Scripture: Hosea 11:1 speaks of God’s son being called out of Egypt.
Fulfillment: Matthew 2:14-15 recounts Joseph taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod and returning after Herod’s death.

Prophecy: Herod’s Slaughter of the Innocents

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:15 mentions a voice of mourning in Ramah for children who are no more.
Fulfillment: Matthew 2:16 details Herod’s order to kill all boys in Bethlehem two years old and younger.

Prophecy: Lineage of David

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5 promises a righteous Branch from David’s line will reign as king.
Fulfillment: Matthew 1:1 traces Jesus’ genealogy to David, confirming His royal lineage.

Prophecy: A Messenger to Prepare the Way

Scripture: Malachi 3:1 predicts a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord.
Fulfillment: Matthew 3:1-3 describes John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus.

Prophecy: Ministry in Galilee

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-2 foretells a great light shining in Galilee.
Fulfillment: Matthew 4:13-16 shows Jesus beginning His ministry in Galilee, bringing light to the region.

Prophecy: Healing Ministry

Scripture: Isaiah 53:4 speaks of the Servant bearing our infirmities.
Fulfillment: Matthew 8:16-17 describes Jesus healing many, fulfilling this prophecy.

Prophecy: Teaching in Parables

Scripture: Psalm 78:2 mentions speaking in parables.
Fulfillment: Matthew 13:34-35 shows Jesus teaching the crowds in parables.

Prophecy: Entry into Jerusalem on a Donkey

Scripture: Zechariah 9:9 predicts the king coming on a donkey.
Fulfillment: Matthew 21:1-5 recounts Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.

Prophecy: Betrayed by a Friend

Scripture: Psalm 41:9 speaks of a close friend who betrays.
Fulfillment: John 13:18, 21-30 describes Judas betraying Jesus.

Prophecy: Sold for Thirty Pieces of Silver

Scripture: Zechariah 11:12 predicts the Messiah being sold for thirty pieces of silver.
Fulfillment: Matthew 26:14-15 confirms Judas betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Prophecy: Money Used to Buy Potter’s Field

Scripture: Zechariah 11:13 mentions the silver being thrown into the temple and used to buy a potter’s field.
Fulfillment: Matthew 27:3-10 narrates Judas throwing the money into the temple and the chief priests using it to buy the potter’s field.

Prophecy: Silent Before Accusers

Scripture: Isaiah 53:7 describes the Servant as silent before His accusers.
Fulfillment: Matthew 27:12-14 shows Jesus remaining silent before Pilate.

Prophecy: Crucifixion

Scripture: Psalm 22:16 describes the piercing of hands and feet.
Fulfillment: John 19:17-18 records Jesus being crucified.

Prophecy: Lots Cast for Garments

Scripture: Psalm 22:18 predicts casting lots for clothing.
Fulfillment: John 19:23-24 describes soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ garments.

Prophecy: No Bones Broken

Scripture: Psalm 34:20 states that none of His bones will be broken.
Fulfillment: John 19:33-36 confirms Jesus’ bones were not broken during the crucifixion.

Prophecy: Pierced Side

Scripture: Zechariah 12:10 speaks of looking on the one pierced.
Fulfillment: John 19:34-37 records a soldier piercing Jesus’ side.

Prophecy: Buried in a Rich Man’s Tomb

Scripture: Isaiah 53:9 mentions a grave with the rich.
Fulfillment: Matthew 27:57-60 describes Jesus being buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb.

Prophecy: Resurrection

Scripture: Psalm 16:10 assures that God’s Holy One will not see decay.
Fulfillment: Matthew 28:5-6 narrates Jesus rising from the dead on the third day.

Prophecy: Ascension

Scripture: Psalm 68:18 speaks of ascending on high.
Fulfillment: Acts 1:9 describes Jesus ascending into heaven.

Prophecy: Seated at God’s Right Hand

Scripture: Psalm 110:1 predicts the Messiah sitting at God’s right hand.
Fulfillment: Hebrews 1:3 affirms Jesus sitting at the right hand of God.

2. Other Significant Prophecies

In addition to the birth of Christ, the Bible contains numerous other prophecies that have been fulfilled literally. Below is a list of key prophecies and their literal fulfillment in history.

2.1 Old Testament Prophecies

1. The Destruction of Tyre

Scripture: Ezekiel 26:12 predicts the complete destruction of Tyre, with its ruins thrown into the sea.
Fulfillment: Alexander the Great destroyed Tyre in 332 BC, using the debris to build a causeway.

2. The Fall of Babylon

Scripture: Isaiah 13:19 describes Babylon’s downfall.
Fulfillment: Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians in 539 BC and has never been fully rebuilt.

3. The Rebuilding of Jerusalem

Scripture: Zechariah 8:3 promises the return to Zion and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Fulfillment: Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls in 445 BC.

4. The Plague of Locusts

Scripture: Exodus 10:12 speaks of a plague of locusts devouring the land.
Fulfillment: The plague occurred as part of the ten plagues of Egypt.

5. The Return of the Jews from Exile

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10 promises a return after seventy years of Babylonian captivity.
Fulfillment: In 538 BC, King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

6. The Birth of Isaac

Scripture: Genesis 18:10 predicts Sarah bearing a son.
Fulfillment: Genesis 21:2 recounts Isaac’s birth at the appointed time.

7. The Destruction of Nineveh

Scripture: Nahum 2:13 foretells Nineveh’s destruction.
Fulfillment: Nineveh was destroyed by the Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians in 612 BC.

8. The Death of Josiah

Scripture: 2 Kings 22:16 predicts disaster due to disobedience.
Fulfillment: King Josiah died in battle against Pharaoh Necho II in 609 BC.

9. The Birth of Cyrus

Scripture: Isaiah 45:1 names Cyrus as God’s instrument.
Fulfillment: Cyrus the Great was born around 600 BC and conquered Babylon.

10. The Destruction of the Temple

Scripture: Micah 3:12 predicts the temple’s destruction.
Fulfillment: The temple was destroyed in 586 BC by the Babylonians and again in AD 70 by the Romans.

11. The Exile of the Northern Kingdom

Scripture: 1 Kings 14:15 predicts Israel’s exile beyond the Euphrates.
Fulfillment: Assyria captured and exiled the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC.

12. The Suffering Servant

Scripture: Isaiah 53:5 describes the Servant’s suffering for our sins.
Fulfillment: Jesus’ crucifixion, detailed in the Gospels, matches this prophecy.

13. The Siege of Jerusalem

Scripture: Zechariah 14:2 predicts nations gathering against Jerusalem.
Fulfillment: Multiple sieges, notably by Babylonians (586 BC) and Romans (AD 70).

14. The Return of the Jews in 1948

Scripture: Amos 9:14 promises the restoration of Israel.
Fulfillment: The modern state of Israel was established in 1948.

15. The Spread of the Gospel

Scripture: Mark 13:10 speaks of the gospel reaching all nations.
Fulfillment: Global missionary efforts and modern technology have spread the gospel worldwide.

16. The Destruction of Edom

Scripture: Obadiah 1:18 foretells Edom’s complete destruction.
Fulfillment: Edom was destroyed by the Babylonians and ceased to exist as a nation.

17. The Plague of Darkness

Scripture: Exodus 10:21-23 describes a plague of darkness over Egypt.
Fulfillment: This occurred during the ten plagues of Egypt.

18. The Divided Kingdom

Scripture: 1 Kings 11:11-13 predicts the division of Israel into two kingdoms.
Fulfillment: After Solomon’s reign, Israel split into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms.

19. The Exile of Judah

Scripture: 2 Kings 24:13-14 predicts the exile of Judah to Babylon.
Fulfillment: Judah was exiled to Babylon in 586 BC.

20. The Fall of Samaria

Scripture: Hosea 13:16 predicts Samaria’s fall.
Fulfillment: Assyria captured Samaria and exiled its people in 722 BC.

21. The Judgment on Moab

Scripture: Isaiah 15-16 predicts judgment on Moab.
Fulfillment: Moab was defeated by various invaders and ceased to exist as a nation.

22. The Restoration of Israel

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:24-28 promises the restoration of Israel.
Fulfillment: The establishment of Israel in 1948 is seen as a fulfillment.

23. The Judgment on Egypt

Scripture: Ezekiel 29:8-12 predicts Egypt’s desolation.
Fulfillment: Egypt was conquered by various empires and experienced periods of desolation.

24. The New Covenant

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34 promises a new covenant.
Fulfillment: Jesus’ establishment of the New Covenant through His death and resurrection.

25. The Judgment on Tyre

Scripture: Ezekiel 26:3-21 describes the judgment on Tyre.
Fulfillment: Tyre was destroyed by Alexander the Great and never regained its former glory.

2.2 New Testament Prophecies

26. The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Scripture: Joel 2:28 predicts the outpouring of God’s Spirit.
Fulfillment: Acts 2:1-4 recounts the Holy Spirit descending on Pentecost.

27. The Destruction of Jerusalem

Scripture: Matthew 24:2 predicts the destruction of the temple.
Fulfillment: Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by the Romans in AD 70.

28. Peter’s Denial

Scripture: Matthew 26:34 predicts Peter will deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows.
Fulfillment: Peter denied Jesus three times, as described in Matthew 26:75.

29. The Betrayal of Jesus

Scripture: Psalm 41:9 predicts the betrayal by a close friend.
Fulfillment: Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus, as described in the Gospels.

30. The Resurrection of Jesus

Scripture: Psalm 16:10 promises the Messiah will not see decay.
Fulfillment: Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, as described in the Gospels.

31. The Ascension of Jesus

Scripture: Psalm 68:18 predicts the ascension of the Messiah.
Fulfillment: Acts 1:9 describes Jesus ascending into heaven.

32. The Outpouring of the Spirit on Gentiles

Scripture: Isaiah 60:3 predicts nations coming to the light.
Fulfillment: Acts 10:44-45 describes the Holy Spirit being given to Gentiles.

33. The Persecution of the Church

Scripture: Matthew 24:9 predicts persecution of believers.
Fulfillment: The early church faced severe persecution, as documented in Acts and the epistles.

34. The Fall of Jerusalem

Scripture: Luke 21:24 predicts Jerusalem’s fall and its people taken captive.
Fulfillment: Jerusalem fell to the Romans in AD 70.

35. The Rise of False Prophets

Scripture: Matthew 24:24 predicts the rise of false prophets.
Fulfillment: Throughout history, numerous false prophets have arisen, leading people astray.

36. The Gospel Preached to the World

Scripture: Matthew 24:14 predicts the gospel being preached in the whole world.
Fulfillment: The spread of the gospel through missionary work and modern technology.

37. The Abomination of Desolation

Scripture: Daniel 9:27 predicts an abomination in the temple.
Fulfillment: Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the temple in 168 BC, and a future fulfillment is expected with the Antichrist.

38. The Preservation of Scripture

Scripture: Isaiah 40:8 states the word of God endures forever.
Fulfillment: Despite numerous attempts to destroy the Bible, it remains the most widely distributed book.

39. The Regathering of Israel

Scripture: Isaiah 11:11-12 predicts the regathering of Israel.
Fulfillment: The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 is the beginning of the fulfillment with the complete fulfillment anticipated after the Second Coming of Christ.

40. The Blindness of Israel

Scripture: Isaiah 6:9-10 predicts Israel’s spiritual blindness.
Fulfillment: Romans 11:25 describes a partial hardening until the full number of Gentiles has come in.

41. The Conversion of Gentiles

Scripture: Isaiah 49:6 predicts salvation reaching the Gentiles.
Fulfillment: Acts 13:47 describes Paul and Barnabas turning to the Gentiles.

42. The Rejection of the Messiah

Scripture: Isaiah 53:3 predicts the rejection of the Messiah.
Fulfillment: John 1:11 describes Jesus being rejected by His own people.

43. The Betrayal for Thirty Pieces of Silver

Scripture: Zechariah 11:12 predicts betrayal for thirty pieces of silver.
Fulfillment: Matthew 26:14-16 describes Judas’ betrayal for thirty pieces of silver.

44. The Scattering of the Disciples

Scripture: Zechariah 13:7 predicts the scattering of the shepherd’s sheep.
Fulfillment: Matthew 26:31 describes the disciples scattering after Jesus’ arrest.

45. The Crucifixion with Criminals

Scripture: Isaiah 53:12 predicts the Messiah being numbered with transgressors.
Fulfillment: Mark 15:27 describes Jesus being crucified between two criminals.

46. The Resurrection on the Third Day

Scripture: Hosea 6:2 predicts revival on the third day.
Fulfillment: 1 Corinthians 15:4 describes Jesus rising on the third day.

47. The Exaltation of the Messiah

Scripture: Isaiah 52:13 predicts the exaltation of the servant.
Fulfillment: Philippians 2:9 describes Jesus being exalted to the highest place.

48. The New Covenant

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34 predicts a new covenant.
Fulfillment: Luke 22:20 describes Jesus establishing the new covenant with His blood.

49. The Preservation of the Jewish People

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:35-36 promises the preservation of Israel as a nation.
Fulfillment: Despite numerous attempts to annihilate the Jews, they remain a distinct people.

50. The Rise of Many Nations

Scripture: Genesis 17:4-5 promises Abraham will be the father of many nations.
Fulfillment: Many nations trace their lineage to Abraham, including Israel and the Arab nations.

3. Dual Fulfillment of Prophecy

Dual fulfillment of prophecy is a concept where a single prophetic statement or passage has more than one fulfillment. Typically, the first fulfillment occurs relatively close to the time of the prophecy, while the second fulfillment happens much later, often in an eschatological context. This dual nature underscores the layers of meaning within Scripture and God’s sovereign plan over time.

The principle of dual fulfillment is seen in several key prophecies, especially those relating to the Messiah, Israel, and the end times. Dispensational premillennialism emphasizes the literal fulfillment of both the near-term and far-term aspects of these prophecies.

Examples of Dual Fulfillment

1. The Abomination of Desolation

Prophecy: Daniel 9:27 predicts an abomination that causes desolation in the temple.
First Fulfillment: Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Second Temple in 168 BC.
Second Fulfillment: The Antichrist will commit a similar act in the future temple during the Tribulation (Revelation 13:14-15).

2. The Day of the Lord

Prophecy: Joel 2:31 describes cosmic disturbances before the Day of the Lord.
First Fulfillment: Peter applied this prophecy to the events of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21).
Second Fulfillment: Future end-times events, including the Great Tribulation and Christ’s return (Revelation 6:12-14).

3. The Outpouring of the Spirit

Prophecy: Joel 2:28 predicts God pouring out His Spirit on all people.
First Fulfillment: The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
Second Fulfillment: A broader outpouring of the Spirit in the end times.

4. The Return of the Jews

Prophecy: Isaiah 11:11-12 predicts the regathering of Israel.
First Fulfillment: Return from Babylonian exile.
Second Fulfillment: Modern return to Israel, starting in 1948.

5. The Destruction and Restoration of the Temple

Prophecy: Ezekiel 37:26-28 predicts the sanctuary in their midst forever.
First Fulfillment: The temple rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later by Herod.
Second Fulfillment: The Millennial Temple described in Ezekiel 40-48.

6. The Virgin Birth

Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 speaks of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son.
First Fulfillment: Immediate context likely refers to a child born in Isaiah’s time as a sign.
Second Fulfillment: The birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:22-23).

7. The Exodus and Future Deliverance

Prophecy: Hosea 11:1 states, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
First Fulfillment: Israel’s exodus from Egypt.
Second Fulfillment: Jesus’ early life, being called out of Egypt after fleeing Herod (Matthew 2:15).

8. The Lament for Rachel’s Children

Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15 describes Rachel weeping for her children.
First Fulfillment: Mourning during the Babylonian captivity.
Second Fulfillment: Herod’s massacre of the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:17-18).

9. The Rebuilding of Jerusalem

Prophecy: Daniel 9:25 speaks of the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
First Fulfillment: Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the city.
Second Fulfillment: Future restoration in the Millennial Kingdom.

10. The Judgment on Babylon

Prophecy: Isaiah 13:19-20 foretells Babylon’s destruction.
First Fulfillment: Conquest by the Medes and Persians.
Second Fulfillment: Future eschatological judgment (Revelation 18).

11. The Suffering Servant

Prophecy: Isaiah 53:3-5 describes the suffering of the Servant.
First Fulfillment: Jesus’ crucifixion and atonement for sin.
Second Fulfillment: Ongoing spiritual healing and future recognition by Israel.

12. The Sign of Emmanuel

Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 predicts a sign of a child named Emmanuel.
First Fulfillment: A child born in Isaiah’s time as a sign to King Ahaz.
Second Fulfillment: Jesus Christ, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

13. The Siege of Jerusalem

Prophecy: Zechariah 14:2 predicts nations gathering against Jerusalem.
First Fulfillment: Roman siege in AD 70.
Second Fulfillment: Future siege during the end times.

14. The Coming of Elijah

Prophecy: Malachi 4:5-6 predicts Elijah’s return before the Day of the Lord.
First Fulfillment: John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Matthew 11:14).
Second Fulfillment: Elijah himself (or someone with similar characteristics and abilities) will return during the end times (Revelation 11:3-12).

15. The Rise of Babylon

Prophecy: Isaiah 13:1-22 describes the rise and fall of Babylon.
First Fulfillment: Babylon’s historical rise and subsequent fall to Persia.
Second Fulfillment: Babylon as a symbol of the world system in Revelation 17-18.

16. The New Covenant

Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a new covenant.
First Fulfillment: Inaugurated by Jesus at the Last Supper (Luke 22:20).
Second Fulfillment: Complete fulfillment in the Millennial Kingdom with Israel.

17. The Piercing of the Messiah

Prophecy: Zechariah 12:10 predicts the piercing of the Messiah.
First Fulfillment: Jesus’ crucifixion.
Second Fulfillment: Israel’s future recognition and mourning for the pierced Messiah.

18. The Regathering of Israel

Prophecy: Deuteronomy 30:3-5 promises the regathering of Israel.
First Fulfillment: Return from Babylonian captivity.
Second Fulfillment: Ongoing return to Israel since 1948.

19. The Davidic Covenant

Prophecy: 2 Samuel 7:12-16 promises an everlasting kingdom through David’s line.
First Fulfillment: Solomon’s reign and the continuation of David’s lineage.
Second Fulfillment: Jesus, the ultimate Davidic King, ruling in the Millennial Kingdom.

20. The Destruction of Edom

Prophecy: Obadiah 1:1-21 predicts the destruction of Edom.
First Fulfillment: Historical judgment on Edom by surrounding nations.
Second Fulfillment: Eschatological judgment against all nations opposed to God’s people.

Conclusion of Dual Fulfillment Concept

The dual fulfillment of prophecy underscores the depth and reliability of Scripture. These prophecies, with both near-term and far-term fulfillments, demonstrate God’s sovereign control over history and His intricate plan for humanity. As we have seen, the literal fulfillment of past prophecies gives us confidence in the literal fulfillment of future prophecies. This aligns with the teachings of dispensational premillennialism, which emphasizes the clear distinction between Israel and the Church and the literal interpretation of biblical prophecy.

By examining these examples, we see a pattern of precision in God’s Word. John Walvoord, a renowned scholar, states, “The principle of double reference has been recognized by careful students of prophecy for many years. It is the only principle which gives a satisfactory explanation to many prophecies” (Walvoord, The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook).

The evidence of dual fulfillment in prophecy is a powerful testimony to the reliability of Scripture. As we look forward to future fulfillments, we do so with the assurance that God’s Word is true and trustworthy. This approach not only enhances our understanding of biblical prophecy but also strengthens our faith in the literal fulfillment of future events as promised in God’s unchanging Word.

4. Conclusion

Since the prophecies that have already been fulfilled were fulfilled literally, it is logical and wise to expect that prophecies that have not yet been fulfilled will be fulfilled literally as well.

By examining the fulfilled prophecies and understanding their literal fulfillment, we can have confidence in the future fulfillment of biblical prophecies. This literal approach underscores the reliability and accuracy of God’s Word, affirming our hope and anticipation for the future events foretold in the Bible.

John MacArthur emphasizes, “Every prophecy concerning the first coming of Christ was fulfilled literally. There is no reason to believe that the prophecies concerning His second coming will be fulfilled any differently” (MacArthur, The Second Coming).

This comprehensive examination of fulfilled prophecies not only solidifies our understanding of biblical prophecy but also strengthens our faith in the literal fulfillment of future prophecies, as promised in God’s unchanging Word.

“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable… Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:19-21).

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare… But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:10, 13).
The Apostle Peter

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