Klita: The Divine Calling of the Gentiles in Israel’s Restoration
Howard Flower (ICEJ Aliyah Director)
“He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.” Isaiah 11:12
ICEJ’s Aliyah director for over 18 years, with oversight of ICEJ’s worldwide Aliyah operations, gives a clear Biblical foundation of why the nations have a part of Israel’s restoration.
Introduction:
The concept of Klita (integration) is central to understanding God’s plan for the restoration of Israel and the role of Gentile believers in this divine process. From the Exodus to the prophecies of the end times, Scripture reveals a consistent pattern: Gentiles are called to assist, support, and even participate in the return and re-establishment of the Jewish people in their ancestral homeland. There are a number of biblical foundations for Klita, its historical precedents, and its prophetic fulfillment today, emphasizing the partnership between Jews and Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.
Biblical Foundations of Gentile Involvement
The Exodus:
The Exodus story sets the stage for understanding Klita. Before their departure from Egypt, the Israelites were commanded to ask their Egyptian neighbors for gold, silver, and clothing (Exodus 3:21-22). Remarkably, the Egyptians willingly gave these items, effectively compensating the Israelites for centuries of unpaid labor. This act of divine justice—where the oppressed left with the wealth of their oppressors—was not theft but restitution ordained by God.
Key points:
- Divine Justice: God ensures reparation for suffering (Genesis 15:14).
- Gentile Participation: Even former oppressors can become instruments of blessing.
- Prophetic Pattern: This event foreshadows the end-time wealth transfer to Israel (Isaiah 60:5-11).
Prophetic Blueprints of Gentiles in Israel’s Restoration:
The prophets repeatedly speak of Gentiles playing a supportive role in Israel’s restoration:
- Isaiah 60:10-11: “Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you… Your gates will always stand open, so that people may bring you the wealth of the nations.”
- Isaiah 61:5-6: “Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.”
- Zechariah 8:23: “Ten men from nations will take hold of a Jew’s robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”
These passages depict a future where Gentiles actively contribute to Israel’s physical, agricultural, and spiritual revival.
Historical and Modern-Day Klita
Historical Precedents:
The Bible records instances where Gentiles assisted Israel, foreshadowing modern Klita:
- Cyrus the Great (Isaiah 45:1-4): This Persian king decreed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s Temple, fulfilling prophecy.
- The Magi (Matthew 2:1-12): Gentile wise men honored Jesus, symbolizing nations acknowledging Israel’s Messiah.
The Modern Aliyah Movement:
Today, Gentile believers are fulfilling these prophecies by supporting Aliyah (the return of Jews to Israel). ICEJ with your help facilitates this through:
- Financial Aid: Funding flights, housing, and integration programs.
- Advocacy: Promoting policies that protect Jewish immigration.
- Practical Assistance: Offering agricultural training, medical care, and trauma counseling.
Example:
In 2022 a record year for Aliyah, the ICEJ sponsored over 4,000 Jews making Aliyah from Ukraine, Russia, and other nations, embodying Isaiah 49:22: “They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips.”
The Spiritual Dynamics of Klita
A Divine Partnership:
Gentile involvement in Israel’s restoration is not merely humanitarian; it is a spiritual mandate rooted in covenant promises:
- Romans 11:25-26: Gentile believers are grafted into God’s plan to provoke Israel to jealousy and ultimate salvation.
- Genesis 12:3: Blessing Israel invites divine favor, while opposition invites judgment.
The Heart of Klita
Humility and Service:
Gentiles are called to serve Israel without arrogance or replacement theology (Romans 11:18). This means:
- Rejecting Supersessionism: Acknowledging Israel’s irrevocable calling (Romans 11:29).
- Embracing Servanthood: Following the model of the Magi and Cyrus, who honored God’s people.
The Ultimate Integration, Messiah’s Reign
In the Messianic age, Klita will reach its fullness by:
- Voluntary Submission: Nations will stream to Jerusalem to learn God’s ways (Micah 4:2).
- Shared Worship: Jews and Gentiles will unite as “one flock” under Messiah (John 10:16).
Answering the Call to Klita
The integration of Gentiles into Israel’s restoration is a sacred trust. As we witness the unprecedented return of Jews to their homeland, Gentile believers must respond with:
- Active Support: Financially, politically, and prayerfully backing Aliyah.
- Spiritual Alignment: Recognizing Israel’s central role in God’s plan.
- Eschatological Hope: Anticipating the day when “the wealth of the nations” flows into Jerusalem (Isaiah 60:11).
The story of Klita is still being written. Will you take your place in this divine miracle? You can make a gift here.
To see how ICEJ is bringing the Jewish are brought back to Israel and given assistance once they are in the Land, click here
“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be silent” (Isaiah 62:1).
