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| Is Ezekiel 38 Imminent; SEEMS LIKE EZEKIEL 38 IS HAVING ITS STAGE SET Only God knows how near Gog / Magog war is. | |
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| Topic Started: Jun 20 2010, 02:35 AM (1,476 Views) | |
| LoisFaith2000 | Jun 20 2010, 02:35 AM Post #1 |
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Is Ezekiel 38 Imminent? By Bill Salus ProphecyDepot.com Current Middle East events are definitely stage setting for the final fulfillment of the Israeli War prophecies of Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39. Turkey's recent newsworthy gyrations against Israel has got the “EZEKIEL 38 NOW” advocates rightfully at the edge of their seats. Now, Turkey and Iran, both members of the Ezekiel 38-39 prophecy, share a common enmity toward Israel. Mainstream media has seized the opportunity to make Turkey’s bid to embarrass Israel and Iran’s nuclear aim to destroy Israel front page news. This media blitz has played an instrumental part in creating a significant amount of recent Ezekiel 38 newspaper exegesis. Certainly, there is just cause to consider the Ezekiel 38–39 prophecy in light of recent events, however, what about Hezbollah, Syria, Hamas, and the Palestinians? They also are at odds with Israel and likewise frequently dominate current Mideast headlines. Curiously, Ezekiel 38 describes nine distinct populations by their ancient names including Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Libya but omits the historic name equivalents of Hezbollah, Syria, Hamas, and the Palestinians In light of the fact that these omitted populations are presently among Israel’s most observable enemies, some “EZEKIEL 38 NOW” advocates have attempted to identify them in Ezekiel 38:6 among the "many peoples with thee" of the Ezekiel 38 Magog confederacy. However, there are three potential problems with this line of teaching. 1. Hezbollah, Syria, Hamas and the Palestinians along with Egyptians, Saudis, and Jordanians are identified in a distinctly different Israeli War prophecy described in Psalm 83. The Psalm lists ten entirely separate members not included among the Ezekiel 38:1-6 invaders. Thus it is probable they are not the “many peoples with thee” in Ezekiel 38:6, but are the “many peoples distinct from thee.” 2. The hordes of Ezekiel 38 invaders must cross over much of the land possessed by these Psalm 83 nations and/or territories presently occupied by the terrorist populations in order to invade the nation of Israel. This beckons the question; Why aren't these nations, terrorists, or refugees listed among the Ezekiel 38 invaders? 3. Most importantly, Ezekiel 38 identifies nine specific invading populations but oddly doesn’t mention any of the Psalm 83 Arab confederates among them. This conspicuous omission makes no sense when you consider that Ezekiel references all of the Psalm 83 members numerous times elsewhere throughout his prophetic book. Case in point, Ezekiel lists Tyre 12 times. Tyre is a member of Psalm 83 and likely represents the Hezbollah today. He alludes to Philistia and/or Philistines 4 times. They are probably the Hamas. Edom or the Edomites are referenced 7 times. Asaph, the author of Psalm 83, calls them the tents of Edom and I interpret that as today’s Palestinian refugees. The other Psalm 83 members like, Moab or Moabites, Ammon or Ammonites, Amalakites, Egyptians, Assyrians, Gebal (Lebanon), and the Saudis under the ancient banners of Dedan or the Ishmaelites, are also referenced elsewhere in the book of Ezekiel. In fact, all together the above Psalm 83 confederates are mentioned 89 times by Ezekiel. Not one of those 89 references shows up in Ezekiel 38-39, with the exception of a potential Saudi contingent represented by Dedan in Ezekiel 38:13. But in this instance, Dedan appears to abstain from enjoining with the Ezekiel invaders. This suggests they want no further part in an invasion of Israel. Ezekiel 25:13 declares many in Dedan will be killed in a war, which appears to be the result of the Psalm 83 war. If so, this could be the reason they apparently opt out of the Ezekiel invasion. I believe the glaring omission of the Psalm 83 Arab confederates from the Ezekiel 38 list of invaders suggests they are not part of the Ezekiel 38-39 invasion. It is highly possible that they are defeated either prior to, or in the aftermath of, the Ezekiel 38–39 Israeli War prophecy. Listed below are a few of the reason I believe Psalm 83 precedes Ezekiel 38. Ezekiel 38:8-13 mandates that Israel must be dwelling securely, without walls, bars, or gates, and in the center of the Genesis 15:18 landmass. Additionally, the Jewish State must be in receipt of great spoil. In my estimation, Israel today is not fulfilling these conditions. Israel is unable to dwell securely as a result of their surrounding Psalm 83 hostile Arab neighbors. Walls, bars, and gates exist in Israel today in order to protect them from being terrorized by certain members of the Psalm 83 confederates, like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinians in general. Additionally, the goal of the Ezekiel 38 invaders is to destroy Israel and take plunder and great spoil. Israel doesn’t’ presently appear to possess the great spoil that Russia and their coalition will someday covet. However, in the aftermath of an Israeli Conquest over the Psalm 83 confederates, all of the above requirements could easily be met. A safe dwelling Israel could temporarily emerge. Arab spoils of war could be had, additional territory annexed, and walls, bars, and gates could be swiftly brought down. Another important distinction between the prophecies of Ezekiel 38 and Psalm 83 is found in their differing motives. Psalm 83:12 declares that the Arab confederates want to destroy Israel to take over the Promised Land. Ezekiel 38:12-13 states the Ezekiel invaders seek to destroy the Jewish State and confiscate plunder and great spoil. The Exceedingly Great Army of Ezekiel 37:10 Argument Another important difference between Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 may be understood by identifying the purpose of the “exceedingly great army” of Ezekiel 37:10. The Ezekiel 38 invaders are destroyed divinely, but the Psalm 83 Arab confederates appear to be defeated by the Israeli Defense Forces according to Ezekiel 25:14, and Obadiah 1:18. Interestingly, an exceedingly great army of Israel is mentioned in Ezekiel 37:10. This reference seemingly segues into the Ezekiel 38–39 prophecy. Logically, a reader might assume this army plays an instrumental role in the war of Ezekiel 38. However, Ezekiel 38:18- 39:6 teaches that this army plays little to no part in Ezekiel’s invasion. Upon closer investigation, this army appears to be the tool empowered by God to defeat the Psalm 83 Arab confederacy. If so, the fact that the army of Ezekiel 37:10 is referenced prior to the Ezekiel 38-39 war passages infers that chronologically Psalm 83 precedes Ezekiel 38. Some of today’s expositors teach that Ezekiel 37:10 alludes to a “multitude” rather than an army. However, there are some important interpretive details to consider when deciphering Ezekiel 37:10. The Hebrew word Ezekiel uses in verse 10 for army is, "chayil" and it is used 12 times elsewhere by Ezekiel and over 225 times throughout the Old Testament. All of Ezekiel’s usages and many Old Testament renderings clearly depict it as either an army or riches acquired via the spoils obtained in the aftermath of a war. Nowhere else in the book of Ezekiel can it possibly be translated as a multitude. This establishes precedent that an army rather than a multitude is being described by Ezekiel. Ezekiel’s 12 specific usages of the word “chayil” are as follows; •Ezek. 17:17 Pharaoh’s army •Ezek. 26:12 Babylonian army taking “riches” or spoil from victory over Tyre •Ezek. 27:10-11 armies of Tyre •Ezek. 28:4-5 riches acquired by the ruler of Tyre •Ezek. 29:18-19 Nebuchadnezzar’s army •Ezek. 32:31 Pharaoh’s army •Ezek. 37:10 Israel’s army •Ezek. 38:4, 15 armies of Gog of Magog Further supporting the proper interpretation being an army, the following Bible translations interpret chayil to be an “army”: King James Version, New King James Version, American Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New International Version, New Living Translation, New Century Version, and The Living Bible. Conversely, the Revised Standard Version translates the word as “host”. The New Revised Standard Version calls it a “multitude”. Obviously the reasons to interpret Ezekiel 37:10 as an army far outweigh the arguments for it alluding to a host or multitude. In conclusion, the fulfillment of a Bible prophecy mandates that the episode meets the prophetic description of the event entirely and exactly. There can be no overlooking even the slightest detail given. The growing tendency among eschatologists to recognize that current Mideast events are stage setting for the coming Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 wars is to be commended. However, newspaper exegesis can often cause us to overlook significant prophetic details and should be avoided. Perhaps Ezekiel 38 will come soon and precede Psalm 83, but from the numerous points made above it is a doubtful. There are ten members listed in Psalm 83 not listed in Ezekiel 38. These ten represent Israel’s most observable modern day enemies since becoming a nation in 1948. They should be considered carefully before elevating the Ezekiel 38–39 Gog of Magog invasion to an imminent event. Read more: http://www.bible-prophecy-today.com/2010/06/is-ezekiel-38-imminent.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BibleProphecyToday+%28Bible+Prophecy+Today%29#ixzz0rNKPVZi3 |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Sep 6 2011, 06:05 PM Post #31 |
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Excellent map. In reading Epicenter, Joel Rosenburg includes Tunisia and Algeria in with Libya (Put) and Ethiopia, Sudan and maybe Erietea in with Cush. The one I could never figure out was Gomer and how many prophecy writers identified it with Germany. 
Turkey suspends all trade ties with Israel Cited in part only... Ankara's rhetoric becomes harsher as PM Erdogan warns his country will enforce more sanctions on Israel in wake of Palmer Report. Israel-Turkey crisis escalating: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that more sanctions against Israel could follow the expulsion of Jerusalem's ambassador and the suspension of military ties. Erdogan said that pending the decision on such sanction, Turkey will suspend all of its trade ties with Israel: "Trade ties, military ties regarding defence industry ties, we are completely suspending them. This process will be followed by different measures," Erdogan told reporter in Ankara. Still, the exact extent of trade sanctions was unclear from Erdogan's statement. Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said on Monday that Ankara would do nothing "for now" to change its economic relationship with Israel. Erdogan also noted that Turkey would be stepping up its naval patrols in the Eastern Mediterranean: "The Eastern Mediterranean is not a strange place to us... our ships will be seen much more frequently in those waters." Erdogan said Tuesday that other Israeli diplomats who were expelled form Turkey along with the Israeli ambassador, have until Wednesday to leave the country. The move followed Israel's refusal to apologize for the deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, which left nine pro-Palestinian Turkish activists dead. Erdogan described the raid as "savagery" and accused Israel of acting like "a spoiled boy" in the region. Israel has expressed regret for the loss of lives, but remains adamant that no official apology for the naval operation will be issued. This is getting serious. The seething hostility and animosity Turkey is exercising against Israel is incredible. Sanctions can be received as an act of war. The dominoes continue to rapidly fall in place it seems. Erdogan Halts Trade with Israel, Threatens to Attack Cyprus   head for the hillsThe threat to attack Cyprus, reported by Globes, concerns “Block 12,” where the American-based Noble Energy firm plans to explore for gas. It is located north of the Israeli oil and gas field Leviathan, which Hizbullah has warned belongs to Lebanon. Both gas fields are thought to contain huge gas reserves, with the Leviathan field already having been determined to be the largest natural gas discovery in the world in recent years.
This puts us........   amazing close
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| LoisFaith2000 | Sep 6 2011, 06:20 PM Post #32 |
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Turkey suspends defense trade with Israel http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4118496,00.html Ankara's rhetoric becomes harsher as PM Erdogan warns his country will enforce more sanctions on Israel in wake of Palmer Report News agencies Latest Update: 09.06.11, 16:36 / Israel News share Israel-Turkey crisis escalating: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that more sanctions against Israel could follow the expulsion of Jerusalem's ambassador and the suspension of military ties. Erdogan said that pending the decision on such sanctions, Turkey will suspend its trade ties with Israel: "Trade ties, military ties regarding defence industry ties, we are completely suspending them. This process will be followed by different measures," Erdogan told reporters in Ankara. More on Israeli-Turkish diplomatic crisis: Efforts to restore Israel-Turkey relation in high gear Turkey expels Israeli ambassador No more stopovers in Istanbul? Israel defiant: No apology to Turkey Palmer Report fails main objectives It was later reported by the Wall Street Journal that a spokesman for Erdogan said the prime minister had been referring in his remarks only to trade in defense goods, and not to trade in general. Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said on Monday that Ankara would do nothing "for now" to change its economic relationship with Israel. |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Sep 7 2011, 07:35 AM Post #33 |
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Turkey set to sign military pact with Egypt, after cutting trade ties with Israel http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/turkey-set-to-sign-military-pact-with-egypt-after-cutting-trade-ties-with-israel-1.382955 A military and economic alliance with Egypt is set to be signed by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The deal should be clinched when Erdogan visits Cairo next Monday - the first such visit paid by a Turkish prime minister in 15 years. The alliance is not intended as "revenge" against Israel; Erdogan's intention is to extend Turkey's influence to areas it has not reached in past decades. |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Sep 10 2011, 06:26 AM Post #34 |
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This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report' Syria seems to be the last of the nations thrown into upheaval by the "Arab Spring" that is still "in play." The government of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's increasingly isolated strongman, has not yet fallen, but the protests still rage and most of the Western world has turned against him. As the withering attacks and reprisals by Syria's security forces against the opposition continue, the UN, NATO, and the West find it more difficult to explain why they intervened in Libya, yet are turning a blind eye to the atrocities occurring in Syria. Iran has leapt to Syria's defense, warning the West not to involve itself in Syria's internal affairs. Russia and China have made it known that they will protect Syria against damaging resolutions proposed by the UN's Security Council. Some military and intelligence analysts are worried that Assad may intentionally launch an attack against Israel to force other Arab and Muslim nations to rally around Syria -- and make the West forget their grievances with his regime. Of course, anyone who is familiar with Bible prophecy knows that would be a mistake of monumental proportions. Isaiah's prophecy concerning Damascus, found in chapter 17 of his book, is yet unfulfilled. So we know it's going to happen. We just don't know when. That's why, when these kinds of circumstances arise and these kinds of threats are evident, those of us who believe what the Bible says sit up and take notice. This week I'm going to thoroughly review what the Bible predicts about Syria's future. We know the Syrians already have long-range missiles armed with both chemical and biological warheads aimed directly at Israel. And soon, they may have nuclear warheads, as well. So, as my mother used to say, what does this information have to do with the price of tea in China? Just this: the ancient Hebrew prophet Isaiah predicted that in the last days the Syrian capital of Damascus would be utterly annihilated -- overnight. Considering the fact that Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, and has never been destroyed, that means that Isaiah's prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. And considering the fact that only now -- with the use of nuclear weapons -- is it possible to utterly eradicate such a massive city overnight, I'd think twice before buying property in Damascus. Add to that the fact that we know Syria wants to destroy Israel and is apparently taking steps to prepare for that opportunity, I would also say that Syria (with Iran's urging) will someday get cocky -- or maybe desperate -- and force Israel to retaliate. Here's how Isaiah predicted it would happen, "And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not." Once that happens, I'd say the world is on the fast track to Armageddon. But what about all the other Arab nations and the Persian-Russian confederacy? This week, I'm also going to share my perspective on how all of that may unfold, including some thoughts on the events described in Psalm 83. But don't worry, I'm not going to leave you hanging. I'm also going to discuss with you the believers' "unfailing hope." As I see it, there are four elements to our hope for the future, but the imminent prospect of Christ's return is a cornerstone of that hope. If you're not prepared for the sudden return of Jesus Christ for His bride or if you know someone who isn't, please tune in this week. I'm going to share with you precisely how you can get ready. |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Nov 7 2011, 01:38 PM Post #35 |
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Russia: Israeli threat of strikes on Iran 'a mistake' Military action against Iran would be a "very serious mistake fraught with unpredictable consequences", Russia's foreign minister has warned. Sergei Lavrov said diplomacy, not missile strikes, was the only way to solve the Iranian nuclear problem. His comments come after Israeli President Shimon Peres said an attack on Iran was becoming more likely. The UN's atomic watchdog is expected to say this week that Iran is secretly developing a nuclear arms capability. So the bear is baring its fangs. This may well be the beginnings of the Ezekiel 38 alliance. |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Dec 27 2011, 04:24 AM Post #36 |
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Israeli Jets, Sub 'Strike in Sudan' Israeli fighter jets, helicopters and possibly a submarine were involved in multiple attacks on targets in Sudan last week, according to local news outlets. The reports say that Israeli jets hit targets in the eastern part of the African country, near its border with Egypt, last Thursday. They hit six Land Cruiser jeeps and killed four people. An earlier strike took place last Sunday and reportedly involved Israeli helicopters. A truck was targeted. Some reports say an Israeli submarine was also spotted at the same time. However, the Sudanese army spokesman, Col. Al-Sawarmi Haled Sa'ad, said that the military's air defense array gave no indication that the country's airspace had been breached. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Ne...6#.Tvde2XqwVoY Ezekiel 38? |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Jan 4 2012, 02:07 PM Post #37 |
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Turkey Nearly Downs Israeli UAV Report: Turkish army nearly downs an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) after it is spotted spying on Turkish equipment. By Elad Benari First Publish: 1/4/2012, 3:14 AM The Turkish army nearly downed an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on Tuesday, Turkish daily Today’s Zaman reported. According to the report, which was based on a claim made by another Turkish daily, the Taraf, the Heron was observed spying above the Turkish 14th Hawk B. Brigade Command in Hatay’s Kırıkhan district for four hours. Taraf said the aerial vehicle was hovering over the brigade command post in order to capture pictures of missile batteries and radar equipment. The Israeli drone was reportedly first noticed by a military lieutenant, who saw a white light flashing in the sky. He asked an air defense senior sergeant to verify what he had seen, who confirmed that a drone was hovering over the command post. According to the report, the military personnel then left the post in preparation for a possible attack. Radar followed the Israeli drone as military officials waited for the order to shoot it down. However, the report said, higher ranked military officials did not reply to the radar center’s call before the drone moved out of range, and as such it was not attacked. Meanwhile, Today’s Zaman reported that Turkish and Israeli authorities are expected to meet in the South Korean capital, which is set to host the Nuclear Security Summit on March 26 and 27. South Korean Ambassador Lee Sangkyu told Today’s Zaman the Korean authorities expect to see Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the nuclear summit in Seoul. Lee said Israeli officials have also been invited to the meeting, though it remains unclear who will be representing Israel at the summit. Turkey and Israel have been in a diplomatic row which began shortly after Turkey demanded that Israel apologize for the deaths of nine Turkish nationals onboard the Mavi Marmara in May of 2010. The Turkish citizens were killed when Israeli soldiers who boarded the Gaza-bound ship were forced to open fire after being attacked by the activists on board with clubs and knives. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu refused to apologize for the incident, and Turkey responded by downgrading its diplomatic ties with Israel. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan further deteriorated the tense situation when he chose to verbally attack Israel on several occasions. Turkish president Abdullah Gul recently accused Israel of not taking advantage of the changes in the Middle East to achieve peace with the Palestinian Authority and the entire Arab world. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/151379
What are the odds it was tracking Syrian materials being moved to Turkey? Or Russian resupply of Syria? And with Soviet naval assets docked/close at hand, it is a tense situation indeed. |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Jan 4 2012, 03:00 PM Post #38 |
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China preparing to start WW3 By grumpylarry The signs coming out of China are not good. Only a few days ago they showed off a new missile that was designed as an “aircraft carrier destroyer” The only nation that has any carriers of significance is America, so it is obvious who that is aimed at. Now the defence minister said on Wednesday “China is preparing for conflict in every direction” He also announced that They would be launching their own carrier, a year earlier that expected. One of those directions being India. Tensions have been rising along their disputed border in Kashmir. All this was supposed to have been settled in a treaty signed some years ago but as usual the Chinese are disregarding the parts that they originaly disliked. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8229789/China-preparing-for-armed-conflict-in-every-direction.html |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Jan 5 2012, 02:00 PM Post #39 |
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WW3 seems to be in its final preparation stages... http://www.debka.com/article/21620/ http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-u-s-to-hold-major-missile-defense-exercise-1.405697#.TwXobWP-F2s.facebook The real story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV8R46Xc3Nw&feature=player_embedded ------ 'US deploys troops for Iran war' http://www.presstv.ir/detail/219346.html Don't know how much to believe the media as they love this stuff and the rumors of war with Iran have been going on literally for years. It's becoming almost necessary for someone to step in with a Peace Treaty to avoid war and it just so happens they are "at the table" again. Think the bible indicates Israel will be at relative peace and the invasion of Ezekiel 38 happens somewhat out of the blue and fast. Like a storm i think it says.
I read about this before the other day in an email I received. this is a training exercise with Israel to show Iran that a nuclear Iran will not be tolerated. There is a rumor that this might be the time that Israel goes in and takes out some of the areas where the nuclear material is being made and stored. There is no guarantee that there will be strikes or war, but no one knows what will happen and when, except for God. --------------------------------------------- Iran flexes her muscles by threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz and the US retaliates by flexing our muscles (with Israel) with a military "drill". Man... All this takes is someone to sneeze wrong or accidentally drop a coffee mug for the M.E. to light up! Methinks the US is deliberately provoking Iran to attack so we don't strike first. War is inevitable at this point. It's just a question of when it will start, and if this is THE war Christ will deliver us from. A lot of you guys have mentioned (and I've watched some studies) that say Revelation isn't in chronological order. Could we conclude, then, that neither are the Horsemen? Could the Red Horse of war come before the White Horse of the "peaceful" Conqueror? That seems to make more sense to me, if Israel is going to tear down their walls at the peace treaty, why would they do it when there's an obvious war being raged? I'm thinking if the covenant in Daniel is a 7 year peace treaty, whatever war is coming is going to be fast and furious. Nukes will fly, people will FREAK OUT, and it will be so short because no one wants to return to the Stone Age. Out of fear, they will sign the agreement, which we all know is a false peace, and war will return after 3 1/2 years, even fiercer than before. Then Lord has to make the days shorter because we would extinct ourselves. |
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| LoisFaith2000 | Jan 31 2012, 02:25 AM Post #40 |
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012 Ezekiel 35, the Arab-Israeli War Before Ezekiel 38 By Bill Salus ProphecyDepot.com Many end times experts believe the “Gog of Magog” invasion described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is nearing the time of its prophetic fulfillment. Russia’s seemingly inseparable alliance with Iran, Turkey’s increased disdain toward Israel, and Libya’s uncertain future all suggest that the stage is rapidly setting for the fulfillment of the Magog invasion of Israel. All of these countries along with several more appear to be part of the Russian coalition that mounts this massive attack. Putting the icing on the cake is the fact that Iran’s apocalyptic leadership wants to wipe Israel off the map and is on the verge of producing nuclear weapons. Certainly all the above, coupled with a host of other unmentioned indicators provides just cause to consider that the Ezekiel 38 prophecy could soon occur. But what about the war prophesied in Ezekiel 35? Is it conceivable that the war of Ezekiel 38 could precede the last days Arab–Israeli conflict predicted three chapters earlier? Below are several excerpts about this Arab–Israeli war that have been borrowed from my recently released book called Revelation Road, Hope Beyond the Horizon. An exhaustive biblical commentary of Ezekiel 35 is provided in the section entitled “The Ezekiel 35–Psalm 83 Connection.” Ezekiel 34:13, 36:24, 37:12, 38:8, and 39:27-28 all talk about the Jews being re-gathered out from the nations of the world back into the Holy Land of Israel. By the time one reads through Ezekiel 34-39 they are left with the indelible impression that in the last days, the Jews will be re-gathered into Israel. There is absolutely no way to draw any other conclusion! Therefore, it stands to reason contextually that because Ezekiel 35 is huddled in the midst of the above chapters, it must have some association with the Jews, Israel, and the end times. Pivotally Ezekiel 35:5, which will be displayed below, informs that the Arabs possess an ancient hatred of the Jews that prompts Arabs to shed Jewish blood in the end times. Presuming mankind has been plunged into this final perilous period, a comprehensive study of Ezekiel 35 should underscore the present Arab-Israeli predicament in the Middle East. Below is a verse by verse study of Ezekiel 35. Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir and prophesy against it, and say to it, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O Mount Seir, I am against you; I will stretch out My hand against you, And make you most desolate; I shall lay your cities waste, And you shall be desolate. Then you shall know that I am the LORD (Ezekiel 35:1-4, NKJV; emphasis added). Ezekiel begins with the word “moreover,” which implies a continuation from the previous chapter 34. Ezekiel 34, concluded with an end-times’ depiction of the Jews being re-gathered into Israel, restored as God’s people, and being blessed. From other Scriptures, we recognize that Israel becomes blessed during the messianic kingdom, but before this is re-gathered in a condition of unbelief in preparation for judgment. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum aptly points this out in his excellent book called The Footsteps of the Messiah. He says “The Bible speaks of two distinct worldwide regatherings (of the Jews). First, there is to be a worldwide regathering in unbelief in preparation for judgment; specifically the judgment of the Tribulation. That is to be followed by a second worldwide regathering in faith in preparation for blessing, specifically, the blessing of the Messianic Kingdom.” [1] Presuming his assessment is correct we are to recognize that the re-gathering of Jews into Israel occurs over time, and involves a two-step process. The inference from Ezekiel 35:1-4 is that at some point during the two-step restoration process of the nation Israel, Mount Seir does something to aggravate the Lord. Four times the prophet uses the word against, evidencing the Lord is provoked to anger to act against Mount Seir. Two times he uses the word desolate. Far beyond a divine disciplinary hand-slap, Mount Seir will experience desolation. The severity of punishment points out the seriousness of Mount Seir’s crime. Mount Seir finds a definite historical connection with Esau and his Edomite descendants. However, as this article will later point out, it also represents more Arabs than just the Edomites. Who exactly is the Mount Seir of Ezekiel 35? What are they guilty of? Lastly, at what point in the two-step regathering process does Mount Seir experience desolation? Because you have had an ancient hatred, and have shed the blood of the children of Israel by the power of the sword at the time of their calamity, when their iniquity came to an end (Ezekiel 35:5, NKJV). Fortunately, we don’t have to look farther than verse five to find out what Mount Seir is guilty of. Because of their historical hatred of the Jews, the Arabs spitefully shed Jewish blood. The spilt blood angers the Lord; not just any blood, but Jewish blood. Furthermore, Ezekiel declares the power of the sword is used to shed this blood. This means the Arabs’ war against Israel. This passage also identifies the timing of the Arab war. It occurs during the calamitous end times. Regarding the calamitous end times, the American Standard Version (ASV) translates Ezekiel 35:5 more succinctly as an end times event. The ASV reads as follows: “Because thou hast had a perpetual enmity, and hast given over the children of Israel to the power of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time of the iniquity of the end;” Therefore, as I live,” says the Lord GOD, “I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you; [Arabs] since you have not hated [shedding Jewish] blood, therefore blood shall pursue you” (Ezekiel 35:6, NKJV). Arab blood for Jewish blood is the remedial requirement determined by the Lord. This is the curse-for-curse-in-kind specification in Genesis 12:3. The Arabs severely curse Israel, and in turn will be similarly severely cursed. The Lord preferred the Arabs would have abandoned their ancient hatred of the Jews. The inhumane treatment of the Jews by the Nazis during the Holocaust should have prompted empathy from the Arabs, but verse six informs they still hated the Jewish bloodline. Thus I will make Mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it the one who leaves and the one who returns. And I will fill its mountains with the slain; on your hills and in your valleys and in all your ravines those who are slain by the sword shall fall. I will make you perpetually desolate, and your cities shall be uninhabited; then you shall know that I am the LORD (Ezekiel 35:7-9, NKJV; emphasis added). Again Ezekiel repeats the sentiment of verse three: Mount Seir will be most desolate. The mountains, hills, valleys, and ravines will be filled with the slain and the cities will be abandoned. In the aftermath, the Arabs will realize that the Lord had His hand in the massive slayings. Ezekiel 35:3 declares the outstretched hand of the Lord causes the desolation, but here in verse eight we discover the Lord’s weapon of choice is the sword. Ezekiel 25:14 may hold an important clue as to how the sword in the Lord’s outstretched hand represents the IDF executing judgment upon Edom: “I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel [IDF] that they may do in Edom [Mount Seir] according to My anger and according to My fury; and they shall know My vengeance,” says the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 25:14, NKJV). This passage finds definite association with a military judgment upon the Edomites, who hailed from ancient Mount Seir. Esau’s Edomite descendants will be forced to recognize the Lord’s hand of judgment when the IDF takes vengeance against them. It is important to note that the Edomites are listed first within the Psalm 83 Arab confederacy, as the “tents of Edom.” In my book called Isralestine, in the chapter called "Whodomites, Who are the Edomites Today," I carefully connect the Palestinian refugees, through several historical waves of migration, with the tents of Edom. Today the Edomites have ethnic representation within the Palestinians. It is additionally important to note that the massive slaying of Edomites described in Ezekiel 35:7-9 by the IDF has not occurred yet. After Ezekiel wrote, many Edomites were slaughtered by the Seleucid king Antigonus around 312 BC. However, this episode did not involve the IDF at the time, disqualifying it as a fulfillment of Ezekiel 25:14. Subsequently, around 126 BC, the Jewish high priest John Hyrcanus fought and killed many Edomites. But, his IDF victory did not fill the mountains, hills, valleys, and ravines with the slain and cause the abandonment of the cities. To the contrary, Hyrcanus allowed the surviving Edomites, who were called Idumeans at the time, to remain and repopulate within their cities as long as they converted to Israel’s religion of Judaism. In addition, neither of the Antigonus or Hyrcanus victories occurred in the end time’s fulfillment of Ezekiel 35:5. “‘Because you have said, “These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them,” although the LORD was there, therefore, as I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I will do according to your anger and according to the envy which you showed in your hatred against them; and I will make Myself known among them when I judge you. Then you shall know that I am the LORD. I have heard all your blasphemies which you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, “They are desolate; they are given to us to consume.” Thus with your mouth you have boasted against Me and multiplied your words against Me; I have heard them’” (Ezekiel 35:10-13, NKJV). Ezekiel uses the word because three times in this chapter, and verse ten begins with the second usage. The first because dealt with the ancient hatred in verse five and the second now addresses the Arab motive. The Arabs seek to possess two nations and two countries. Because the Arabs harbor an ancient hatred, they shed Jewish blood. The reason they shed this blood is to destroy the Israelis and possess Israel. Ezekiel 35:10 says, "These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them." At the time Ezekiel wrote, approximately 2,600 years ago, Israel was a divided country. There was the northern kingdom, commonly referred to as Israel or Samaria, and a southern kingdom, called Judah. Prior to Ezekiel’s time, in 722 BC, the northern kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians, and subsequently in 586 BC, the Babylonians conquered Judah. The Hebrew word for nations is goy, and for countries is erets. Goy identifies Gentiles, nations, or peoples; whereas erets deals more specifically with the earth and its lands, territories, or regions. Ezekiel is probably declaring the Arabs seek sovereignty over the Jewish people and their previously divided lands. Being omniscient and omnipresent, the Lord possesses the unique “fly on the wall” advantage of sitting in on all confidential Arab meetings, past, present, and future. Ezekiel summarizes the Anti-Semitic gist of these meetings for us by revealing the Arabs declare blasphemies against the mountains of Israel. Ezekiel notates the Arabs are angry, envious, hateful, and boastful people in their hatred of the Jews and their God Jehovah. They believe Israel’s desolation evidences Israel’s God is weak, and the land (mountains) of Israel belongs to the Arabs. Below are some specific Arab quotes taken from the Bible, regarded with destroying the Jews and possessing the land of Israel; “Because you have said, ‘These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them’” (Ezekiel 35:10). “They [mountains of Israel] are desolate; they are given to us to consume” (Ezekiel 35:12). “Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession!” (Ezekiel 36:2). “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more” (Psalm 83:4). “Let us take for ourselves the pastures of God for a possession” (Psalm 83:12). Jordan, identified by the Psalm 83 members of Moab and Ammon, has also made troubling comments along these lines. Zephaniah 2:8 informs us of the following; I [the Lord] have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the people of Ammon, with which they have reproached My people, and made arrogant threats against their borders. This disposition of Arab hatred and desire to dispossess Israel of their land was prophesied in Psalm 83. The Psalm warns that the Arabs will confederate, form a crafty plan, and attack Israel. Their mandate is to destroy the Jews and erase the name of Israel forever. Psalm 83:12 informs us the goal of the confederacy is possession of the land of Israel. They don’t want a two-state solution, wherein Jews and Arabs co-exist side-by-side in peace; rather, they want one more Arab State of Palestine. Since Ezekiel 35:5 suggests the Arab war occurs in the calamitous end times, it appears that it could occur in the near future. “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘The whole earth will rejoice when I make you desolate. As you rejoiced because the inheritance of the house of Israel was desolate, so I will do to you; you shall be desolate, O Mount Seir, as well as all of Edom—all of it! Then they shall know that I am the LORD’” (Ezekiel 35:14-15, NKJV). These verses, like Ezekiel 35:6 above, come out of the Genesis 12:3 foreign policy. The Arabs rejoiced when the Jews dwelt outside of their homeland in the Diaspora and Israel lay desolate. In turn, mankind will rejoice at the conclusion of the Arab–Israeli conflict. Who is Ezekiel 35 Identifying as Mount Seir? Ezekiel 35:15 says “O Mount Seir, as well as all of Edom,” and then repeats, “all of it,” alluding to the entirety of Edom. This implies that Mount Seir represents more than Edom; something in addition to Edom. Ezekiel 36:1-5 identifies Mount Seir as the surrounding nations encircling Israel including “all Edom.” ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because the enemy [Mount Seir] has said of you, ‘Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession,’”’ “therefore prophesy, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because they made you desolate and swallowed you up on every side, so that you became the possession of the rest of the nations, and you are taken up by the lips of talkers and slandered by the people”—‘therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains, the hills, the rivers, the valleys, the desolate wastes, and the cities that have been forsaken, which became plunder and mockery to the rest of the nations all around—‘therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Surely I have spoken in My burning jealousy against the rest of the nations and against all Edom, who gave My land to themselves as a possession, with wholehearted joy and spiteful minds, in order to plunder its open country”’ (Ezekiel 36:2-5; NKJV emphasis added). Ezekiel specifies, the rest of the nations all around with all Edom, are the slanderous people that seek to make Israel desolate and possess it. The people all around Israel comprise the “inner circle” of Arab states and terrorist populations listed in Psalm 83:6-8. The “inner circle” is a phrase coined in Isralestine to identify the Psalm 83 nations in contrast to the “outer ring,” to identify the Ezekiel 38:1-5 Gog of Magog invaders. The territories located inside the pentagon of the Psalm 83 image represents the rest of the [Mount Seir] nations all around with all Edom. Mount Seir seems to be the representative term for the Arab confederacy of Psalm 83. Although there was a literal Mount Seir that was home to the Edomites, the use of mount, or mountains, in Scripture can also identify rulers, governments, or hierarchies. [2] Conclusion It appears as though Ezekiel 35 finds direct correlation with the war prophesied in Psalm 83. If so, Ezekiel 35 identifies the Arab countries that surround Israel today. They do not appear to be the same countries identified in the coalition described in Ezekiel 38. Therefore, Ezekiel seems to be describing two distinctly different end times wars. The fact that Ezekiel’s chapters 34-39 appear to read chronologically, suggests that the Arab war of Ezekiel 35 precedes the Gog of Magog invasion of Ezekiel 38 and 39. http://www.bibleprophecyblog.com/2012/01 |
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1:01 AM May 21