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  • Woe to the Idol Shepherd

    idol shepherd

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    Woe to the Idol Shepherd

    Rotten, good for nothing, worthless shepherd

    Zechariah 11:16-17

    By Craig C. White

    What is an Idol Shepherd? Well a shepherd is someone who tends to a flock. A shepherd can also tend people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proven that he is a faithful and strong shepherd. Thank God for him. He is diligent to serve his land and people. He is conscientious to beware of Israel’s enemies. He is attentive to the safety and welfare of the Israeli people. Today Israel is blessed with an upright shepherd.

    An Idol Shepherd is a leader who does not care for his people. One day God will raise up a wicked leader in Israel who will hand over his people for profit. Don’t think that I am talking about the Antichrist. I am not. I am talking about a Jewish Israeli leader who will be in office during the great tribulation.

    Zec 11:16 For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

    God himself will raise this shepherd to serve his purpose of judging Israel during the final seven years of indignation spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Dan 9:24). The wicked shepherd will not care for the children who wander the streets having lost their parents. He will not help those whose lives have been broken. The phrase nor feed that that standeth still means he will not support those who are standing for what is right. The shepherd will not do what is right. He will do the opposite. He will greedily consume the wealth of Israel for himself. He will tear apart all those who reach out for help.

    Zec 11:17 Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

    God decrees misfortune upon the Idol Shepherd. The word leaveth means to forsake. The Idol Shepherd forsakes the administration of the health, safety, security and welfare of the Israeli people. God calls him the idol shepherd. Today we would literally say “rotten, good for nothing, worthless shepherd”. In the phrase the sword shall be upon his arm the word sword refers to a drought, also a cutting instrument. The word arm refers to the arm (as stretched out), it signifies force, mighty power, and strength. This verse is declaring God’s judgment upon the unfaithful leader of Israel. This could be applied to his personal judgment or possibly judgment to Israel under his tending. This could mean that the Israeli military will be cut. The idol shepherd will be powerless against Israel’s enemies. The sword will also be upon his right eye. The word right refers to your strong side. The word eye refers to sight. This may mean that his vision to do right will be darkened. Because of the context I think this may mean that a strong leader (the shepherd’s right hand man) will be cut off. Let me suggest that a wicked Israeli president may get rid of his Prime Minister who sees the needs of the people. Of course there may be a different meaning.

    Zechariah further describes the condition of the arm and the eye. The phrase his arm shall be clean dried up again probably means that the Israeli military will be ashamed, confused, confounded, dried up, and withered away to nothing. The phrase his right eye shall be utterly darkened may mean that the shepherd is completely blind to what is right, or that the shepherd’s decent right hand man is completely restrained.

    The idol shepherd is spoken of throughout Zechariah chapters 10 & 11, and recapped in Zechariah 13:7.

    Zec 11:5 Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.

    During “the Great Tribulation” the Israeli people will be bought and sold as slaves.

    Amos 8:6 That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?

    Joel 3:3 And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

    Joel 3:6 The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border.

    Those who own them will kill them. The slave merchants will say, “Blessed be the Hebrew God because I have become rich selling the Israeli people; and their own leaders don’t care about them”.

    Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

    Many prophetic bible verses signify two distinct events, usually separated by time. This is one of them. Here the phrase My fellow tells us that the idol shepherd is a Hebrew. God smites the idol shepherd and the Israeli people are dispersed out of their land.

    In another meaning, this verse also tells us that the shepherd is God’s companion. That is “another of the same kind”. In this application my shepherd and my fellow refer to Jesus Christ. The word man here means valiant man. Zechariah is prophesying the death of Christ and the scattering of his disciples.

    We all wonder how the world is going to impose their “peace plan” on Israel. It seems that Israel will not relent to their un-survivable terms. Well, there is an Israeli leader coming who will not look out for the welfare of his land or his people.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Shimon Peres are faithful shepherds. Both men hold the deepest love for their country. There is a growing global movement to replace the Israeli leaders. This coo extends inside the Israeli government. The opposition wants to install a vain leader who will bow to world dictate, especially concerning creating a Palestinian State inside of Israel. Opposition Leader Ms. Tzipi Livni has rudely blasphemed Netanyahu. She is leading protests against his leadership and is calling for his replacement. The world is greedily clamoring for Israel’s rotten shepherd. All signs point to a soon coming of Jesus Christ to gather his church.

    The idol shepherd is a Jewish Israeli leader.

    Israel's Beacon of Hope

    Read “Woe to the Idol Shepherd” in my book Israel’s Beacon of Hope

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  • Gog is Turkey! Magog is it’s Leader!

    Gog is Turkey! Magog is it’s Leader!

    From my house I can’t see Russia

    By Craig C. White

    Bible prophecy teachers say that Magog in Ezekiel 38 refers to Russia. But from my house I can’t see Russia! That view of Magog came about by transcribing “chief” (or the Hebrew word “rosh”) to mean Russia. Transposing Hebrew words into English phonetic equivalents is not proper Bible prophecy interpretation technique. That technique is not used elsewhere to interpret Bible prophecy. Rosh means first or primary. Magog is a man who settled in the land of modern day Turkey.

    Eze 38:1-3 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

    Verse 2 tells us that Magog is the “chief prince” (or most prominent governor) among his brothers Meshech and Tubal. So Noah had a son named Japheth who had a son named Magog who settled Turkey. Gog is a shortened version of Magog.

    This isn’t the first passage where Magog, Meshech, and Tubal are found. Let’s look at Genesis 10:1-3.

    Gen 10:1-3  Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood.  2  The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.  3  And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah.

    Jeepers, all those weird names are listed in that short passage! Magog, Meshech, and Tubal are people. As a matter of fact they are relatives. Magog, Meshech, and Tubal are brothers. Togarmah is Gomer’s son. They are among the first families to resettle the world after the devastation of Noah’s flood. They all settled together in today’s Turkey. Isn’t Bible prophecy fun!

    Today Turkey has a leader that fits the Magog profile. His name is Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He became Prime Minister of Turkey in 2003. He is a devout Muslim and has an ingrained animosity toward Israel. He also has a volatile disposition. He has been over-zealous in his public hatred and provocation toward Israel. While most Middle Eastern despots are being besieged and exiled, Prime Minister Erdoğan is popular and gaining in popularity.

    Ezekiel 38:5 tells us that Turkey will lead Iran, Libya, and Sudan in an invasion into Israel. All of these armies are fighting in Syria today! Turkey will invade Syria and then lead an invasion into Israel!

    Magog Made Easy! is on YouTube!

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  • Will Gaza fall again soon?

    Will Gaza fall again soon?

    By Craig C. White

    November 12, 2019: Rockets rained down on Israel from Gaza after Islamic Jihad leader was killed. More than 200 rockets were fired into Israel on Tuesday. Israel Defense Forces airstrikes killed Islamic Jihad leader Baha Abu al-Ata in eastern Gaza prompting retaliation by Hamas. Hamas said that more attacks are being planned. Israel retaliated with a series of airstrikes on Islamic Jihad targets inside of Gaza.

    May 1, 2019: Following an Israeli attack on a cyber terrorism site in Gaza, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad fire 700 rockets into Israel.

    November 13,  2018: Violence has once again erupted between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. On Saturday an Israeli officer and seven Palestinians were killed during an Israeli Special Forces Operation. Hamas rocket attacks began on Sunday night and continued on Monday. Some 370 rockets have been fired at Israel at the time of this article. Israel has responded with air strikes on seventy Hamas targets in Gaza. All of this began just days after Israel allowed Qatar to deliver $15 million to Gaza, with the intention of paying salaries for Gaza’s civil servants and easing the humanitarian situation.

    For the past few years the Sunni Muslim terrorist organization Hamas has been firing missiles at Israel from the annexed city of Gaza. Israel has been forced to retaliate on several occasions. On August 8th 2018 Hamas continually fired unguided missiles into southern Israel causing the entire region to take to bomb shelters. Israel has tried to implement a ceasefire but the situation is only getting worse. This leads me to recall two passages in the Bible that predict the destruction of Gaza.

    Here are two passages that prophesy the destruction of Gaza. Both of these passages describe the defeat of the Philistines by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar around 600 BC. But like many Bible prophecies these passages may also apply to an end time destruction of Gaza.

    In the verses below the cities of Gaza, Asdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron are all located on the Mediterranean coast of southern Israel. These cities comprised the nation of the Philistines. Only the city of Gaza is representative of modern day Gaza.

    Amos 1:6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver [them] up to Edom: 7 But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: 8 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.

    Zephaniah 2:4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

    These events have already happened but considering the way that things are going, Gaza could be in for another downfall soon. Hamas controls Gaza. We know for certain that Hamas in Gaza will be defeated when Jesus returns to rule in Jerusalem.

    Amos chapter one seems to also describe the path of vengeance that Jesus Christ will take when he returns at his second coming. Read my commentary titled Revelation Wrath Path 

    Allow me to offer my opinion. Gaza may suffer significant damage in the near future. Perhaps the conflict in Gaza will even ignite a broader war. Turkey is the chief supporter of Hamas. The Turkish Army is poised to attack northern Syria and Turkish President Erdogan has vowed not to leave Syria until he has removed Syrian President Assad from power in Damascus. So a large scale attack on Hamas may provoke Erdogan to continue his conquest of Syria. Don’t forget that Erdogan also called on all of Islam to conquer the Golan Heights of northern Israel and also to conquer Jerusalem. The Golan heights is only thirty miles from Damascus. Who knows, perhaps Erdogan has instructed Hamas to provoke Israel to retaliate as an excuse to make war against Israel. Do I think that Gaza will be destroyed now? No. Zechariah chapter 12 describes the men of Judea as they fight in Gaza after Jesus returns at his second coming. So Hamas will most likely continue to occupy Gaza until Jesus returns. Read my commentary titled Fire of Judea

    Will Gaza fall again soon?

    The book of Nahum says that Jesus is coming in a fiery whirlwind to fight on the Golan Heights. This passage concludes with this inscription “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” I think that Jesus will return to turn back the Turkish Army as they lead the forces that are now fighting in Syria into northern Israel. I think that the Rapture will happen at that time!

    Read my book Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights

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  • Damascus Inventory

    Damascus Inventory

    Damascus Inventory

    Let’s compare recent events in Syria with Bible Prophecy

    By Craig C. White

    DEC 10, 2024: Wow, Turkish supported Al-Qaeda forces have swiftly taken several of Syria’s largest cities including its capital city Damascus.

    Two Bible passages reference the destruction of Damascus. First Isaiah 17:1 says that Damascus will be a ruinous heap.

    Isa 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

    Isaiah 17 mostly describes the Assyrian conquest of Damascus in 732 BC. The Assyrians besiged Damascus and burned many of its outlying suburbs. However Damascus remained an important city. Damascus would be conquered several times again. So Isaiah 17:1 leads us to believe that one day Damascus will be thoroughly destroyed.

    The Bible doesn’t say who will destroy Damascus. However in the past Damascus was conquered by Assyria and again by Babylon. The Antichrist is compared to the Assyrian kings. The Assyrians conquered Damascus and then invaded northern Israel. Since Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist I suspect that Turkey will conquer or perhaps destroy Damascus and then invade northern Israel.

    Isaiah 17 predicts the Assyrian conquest of Damascus.

    Isa 17:2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

    The Assyrians burned the outskirts of Damascus. Today the outskirts of Damascus lay in ruin.

    Isa 17:3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

    The kingdom has been removed from Damascus. Syrian President Assad has been removed. Damascus is in the same condition today as it was after the Assyrian conquest. So perhaps Bible prophecy has already been fulfilled.

    Jeremiah also predicts the destruction of Damascus. Jeremiah’s prophecy was written one hundred years after the Assyrian conquest of Damascus. Jeremiah may be predicting the Babylonian conquest of Damascus in 604 BC. However many of its details mirror the Assyrian seige. For instance, the Assyrians began their attack in northwestern Syria. The Assyrians first marched from Aleppo then southward to Hamah and Homs and then to Damascus. Consequently this is the same path that the Turkish commanded Al-Qaeda forces just took on their way to take Damascus. This is actually particularly interesting because the Antichrist is compared to the Assyrian kings because he will do the same things that the Assyrian kings did. The Assyrian kings first conquered Damascus and then invaded northern Israel. According to 2Thessalonians 2:4 President Erdogan was officially revealed as the Antichrist when he sat on the floor of the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul exalting himself above all that is worshipped.

    In Jeremiah 49:23 two northwestern Syria towns are mentioned. Both Hamath and Arpad were quickly taken by the recent Al-Qaeda advance. Today Arpad is called Tell Rifaat. Tell Rifaat was the last remaining Kurdish held town west of the Euphrates River. The Al-Qaeda rebels drove the Kurds eastwards out of Tell Rifaat.

    Jer 49:23 Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

    Jeremiah 49:24 seems to say that the residents of Damascus will flee. While some people did flee during the recent assault, it doesn’t seem to match the large-scale exodus indicated in this verse. My guess is that there is more drama coming to Damascus.

    Jer 49:24 Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.

    The following verses sound like Damascus will be wiped out and that the Syrian Army will die in the streets. So far that hasn’t happened. This interpretation may come about yet but let me caution you; this passage may contain a different meaning.

    Jer 49:25 How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy! 26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts.

    The word “left” in the passage above can mean relinquish or forsake. This accurately portrays the actions of the Syrian President Assad.

    Next the word “fall” can mean “to die a violent death” but it can also mean to desert or to fall away. The Syrian Army certainly deserted Damascus. Perhaps the Syrian Army will still fight in Damascus. We will have to wait and see.

    Finally the term “cut off” can mean “to be killed” but it can also mean “to be astonished”.

    I think that Jeremiah 49:25 identifies the neighborhood of Old Damascus. Old Damascus is where the capital of Syria sits. Old Damascus may yet be destroyed before Jesus returns but I don’t think that it absolutely must be destroyed in order to fulfill Bible prophecy.

    I expected the Syrian Army to die defending Damascus but they were nowhere to be found. Perhaps that is what Jeremiah is saying? Let’s see what develops in the next days.

    In the next verse to “kindle a fire” means that God will send an army against Damascus. “The palaces of Benhadad” refers to the palaces of the ruler of Syria. The HTS rebels immediately burned and ransacked Syrian President Assad’s palace.

    Jer 49:27 And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.

    Al-Qaeda rebels just overthrew Damascus. They consist of two major groups. Arab supported Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and the Turkey supported Syrian National Army. Both groups want to create an Islamic Caliphate in their own image. HTS wants an Al-Qaeda ruled Islamic empire with deference going to the Arab States such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. The Syrian National Army backs a renewed Turkish ruled Ottoman Empire.

    HTS has claimed dominion over Damascus for now but I am here to tell you that Turkish President Erdogan will not tolerate it if HTS presses their position as head of a new Islamic Caliphate. As a matter of fact I doubt that Erdogan will tolerate HTS’s newfound claim as rulers of Damascus. That’s just my analysis.

    At any rate these groups do not coexist without conflict. My point being that the Turkish Army is likely to step in and pry power away from the Arabian associated rebels. (HTS).

    Honorable mention: Israel may not figure directly into Jeremiah’s prophecy but it may draw Turkey down to Israel’s northern border. Just moments after Damascus fell to the Al-Qaeda rebels, Israel began entering the demilitarized zone of the Golan Heights. I expect another major prophecy to happen after the dust settles on Damascus. According to Ezekiel chapter 38, Turkey will lead Iran, Libya, and Sudan against northern Israel. All of these nations make up the forces that are now fighting in Syria.

    Watch “Syria Inventory” on YouTube

    The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible Prophecy

    For a verse by verse study read Isaiah 17 predicts the destruction of Damascus

    Read my book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible Prophecy

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  • Patterns and Paths map of five end time battles

    Patterns and Paths Map

    Patterns and Paths map of five end time battles

    (click to enlarge map)

    of five end time battles

    By Craig C. White

    God is pretty smart. He wants to teach us about end time events. So God has patterned world history to reflect events that we can now expect to see happen.

    I want to point out five paths that are designated by arrows and dots on the Patterns and Paths map. They represent the five major end time battles that will be fought over Israel.

    First look at the the black dots; they represent the path that the Turkish Army will follow on their way to destroy Damascus and then invade Israel. Turkey will begin their warpath by harassing the northwestern Syria cities of Hamah and Tell Rifaat. The Turkish Army is amassing near Hamah and Tell Rifaat now. Jeremiah 49:23-27 is all about the Turkish Army as they march from northwestern Syria southward to destroy Damascus. In Jeremiah 49:23 below, the city of Tell Rifaat is called Arpad. Read my commentary titled The nations are disquieted over Syria.

    Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

    After Turkey destroys Damascus they will then lead the forces that are now fighting in Syria into the Golan Heights of Israel. Ezekiel chapter 38 describes Turkey as they lead Iran, Sudan, and Libya in an invasion into Israel. In the next verse Persia is called Iran today and the Hebrew word that is translated as “Ethiopia” is really the name Cush. Cush settled in the land south of Egypt. The major nation that is located south of Egypt today is Sudan.

    Ezekiel 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:

    This is known as the battle of Gog and Magog. Ezekiel chapter 39 describes another battle called Gog and Magog. That battle is the same as the battle of Armageddon and happens at the end of the Tribulation. But every nation that is listed in Ezekiel chapter 38 is now fighting in Syria. So we can expect the first battle of Gog and Magog to happen after Turkey destroys Damascus. Read my commentary titled Magog Made Easy!

    The Turkish conquest of Syria and the following invasion into northern Israel follows along the same path as the Assyrian conquest of Syria and subsequent invasion of northern Israel in 734 BC. The Assyrian attack is a model for the Turkish attack that is now forming in Syria!

    Next let’s talk about the path represented by the white dots. After Turkey destroys Damascus then I think that they will lead the forces that are fighting in Syria into the Golan Heights of Israel. The Golan Heights are located just thirty miles south of Damascus.

    Nahum 1:4 describes Jesus Christ as he passes over the Golan Heights. As he passes he will burn the ground with a fiery heat.

    Nahum 1:4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

    The book of Nahum is mostly about the destruction and flooding of ancient Nineveh. Today Nineveh is called Mosul in northern Iraq. Mosul is the hometown and headquarters of ISIS. I think that when the Turkish Army reaches the Golan Heights that then Jesus will return in the air to turn back the armies that Turkey has led into northern Israel. Next Jesus will travel to Mosul to flood the city and judge the ISIS fighters that have gathered there for one last rebellion. Read my commentary titled Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights.

    This is the same path that Jonah took to Nineveh. Jesus promised the religious leaders of his day that he would give them the sign of Jonah (Mat 12:39). So the coming of Jesus in the air and the flooding of Mosul may be the one sign to Israel before their tribulation begins that Jesus is truly their Messiah. As we will see, the Resurrection and Rapture of gentile believers may also be part of the sign of Jonah!

    Nahum also says that Jesus will save those people who trust in him.

    Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

    So Jesus is coming in the air in heat and fury. He will pass over the Golan Heights and then travel to Mosul in northern Iraq. I think that while Jesus dispenses his wrath against Israel’s enemies he will also gather Christians in the Resurrection and Rapture. Yes that’s what I said. The Rapture will happen when the Turkish Army reaches the Golan heights of Israel! They are in Syria now and headed towards Damascus and then on to Israel.

    Now on to the purple path. During the middle of the seven year long Tribulation period the armies of the Antichrist will launch a surprise attack on Jerusalem and Judea. The attack will come from Egypt. Read my commentary titled Before the Great Tribulation – The Antichrist will invade Egypt then Israel.

    In Matthew chapter 24 the residents of Jerusalem and Judea are instructed to watch for the coming invasion and to flee into the desert wilderness east of Jerusalem. If the residents of Judea do not watch then they will be killed or be taken away suddenly just like the wicked inhabitants of the earth were taken away by Noah’s flood. Read my commentary titled Matthew 24.

    Guess what; the mid-Tribulation attack on Jerusalem and Judea is also patterned for us in ancient history. In 167 BC the army of Antiochus Epiphanes suddenly attacked Jerusalem from Egypt. The attack was devastating with many Jews being killed. Antiochus instructed his soldiers to take every other Jew away captive as slaves. In that way one Jew was taken and the other Jew was left in Jerusalem. Matthew chapter 24 tells us that the same thing will happen when the Antichrist invades Jerusalem and Judea beginning three and one half years of Jerusalem’s great tribulation.

    Matthew 24:40-41 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

    Read my commentary titled One shall be taken and the other left.

    Now let’s talk about the path that is represented by the yellow dots on our map. I think that this is the path that Jesus will follow when he returns at his second coming. This is the same path that Israel took when they left Egypt. If you will remember, Israel was led by a pillar of cloud and fire. So God himself determined Israel’s route of travel. This foretold Jesus Christ’s own route when he returns to defeat Israel’s enemies leading up to the battle of Armageddon. Read my commentary titled Revelation Wrath Path.

    I would like to point out that the Psalm 83 war will take place in Jordan at the end of the Tribulation period. This is part of Jesus Christ’s yellow path of vengeance. Jesus will rescue the Jewish refugees living in Jordan before he enters Jerusalem. Psalm 83 is a cry for God’s help by the Jews who have fled from Judea (the region around Jerusalem) when they saw the armies of the Antichrist approaching Jerusalem. The Bible says that the residents of Judea must flee when they see a sign in the temple called the abomination of desolation.

    Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

    The residents of Judea will take refuge in the Moab region of Jordan for three and one half years. At the end of that time Jordan, Lebanon, and northern Iraq will conspire together to finally eliminate the last remaining enclave of Jews. Read my commentary titled Psalm 83 War.

    Finally the Battle of Armageddon is represented by one blue arrow on the Patterns and Paths map. The arrow begins in the valley of Megiddo (that’s what Armageddon means) in northern Israel and ends near the Dead Sea. Revelation says that the blood of Israel’s enemies will flow for this entire length.

    Revelation 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

    You see, at his second coming Jesus will first save the Jewish refugees living in Jordan (spoken of in Psalm 83) and then he will save Jerusalem. Jesus will then travel outside of the city of Jerusalem to trample Israel’s enemies like grapes.

    Here is the prayer of the Jewish refugees living in Jordan during the second half of the Tribulation. They are asking God to defeat Israel’s enemies just like Gideon did long ago. The following verses describe the armies that were destroyed by the Israeli Army while led by Gideon (Judges 4 & 8). The bloodshed of these battles started in the valley of Megiddo and ended in western Jordan near the Dead Sea.

    Psalm 83:9 Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison: 10 Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth. 11 Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna: 12 Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession. 13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind. 14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; 15 So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. 16 Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD. 17 Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: 18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.

    The Psalm 83 refugees are asking God to defeat Israel’s enemies beginning in the valley of Megiddo. Jesus Christ will answer their prayer personally as he tramples out the vintage of the blood of his enemies outside of the city of Jerusalem from Megiddo to the Dead Sea! This passage proves that the Psalm 83 rescue of Judean refugees in Jordan will happen just before the battle of Armageddon.

    Turkey is in position to begin their march to Damascus and then on to the Golan Heights. I think that Jesus will return to cause them to retreat. At that time Jesus will also collect his Church. There is a terrible time coming upon Israel and also upon all the world! Jesus is coming soon!

    Patterns and Paths map of five end time battles

    As you study the Patterns and Paths Map also read my commentaries…

    Psalm 83 War

    Magog Made Easy!

    The nations are disquieted over Syria

    Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights

    The sign of Jonah

    Egypt shall not escape

    Revelation Wrath Path

    WARNING TO JERUSALEM

    Read my BIG Book of Bible Prophecy

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  • Elam does not always refer to Iran in the Bible

    Elam does not always refer to Iran in the Bible

    Elam does not always refer to Iran in the Bible

    Sometimes it refers to the kingdom of Elam before it was absorbed by Persia

    By Craig C. White

    As a Bible prophecy student you may run across these verses in Jeremiah chapter 49. They describe the fate of Elam which often refers to Persia (or today’s Iran) in the Bible. Before you ascribe these verses to the end time fate of Iran please allow me to caution you. These verses don’t apply to Persia as a whole but to the smaller kingdom of ancient Elam.

    Jeremiah 49:34-39  The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,  35  Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.  36  And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.  37  For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:  38  And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD.  39  But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

    Even though the term Elam is now used to describe Persia (or Iran); Elam was originally a separate kingdom located along the Persian Gulf northwest of Persia. Around 600 BC Elam helped Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Jerusalem and Judea.

    Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

    God proclaimed Elam’s punishment in Jeremiah 49:34-39 because Elam had lifted its hand against Judea. God promised that the nations from the four corners of the earth would attack Elam and scatter them all over. That is exactly what happened.

    The Assyrian King Assurbanipal conducted a series of devastating assaults on Elam between 647 and 646 BC. Around 600 BC the Medes conquered an already weakened Elam. In 596 BC Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar attacked Elam. After 539 BC the Persian Empire conquered Elam. King Cyrus made Susa in Elam one of Persia’s capital cities. During these invasions the people of Elam were deported to Assyria, Israel, Media, Babylonia, and Persia.

    Elam as an independent kingdom ceased to exist when it became a part of Persia. Since then the name Elam has been used to describe Persia at large. Jeremiah 49:39 says that in the latter days God will once again bring the people of Elam back into their own land. It seems likely that this will happen after Jesus Christ returns.

    Elam was a separate kingdom from Persia. Elam was then attacked over a period of one hundred years by every neighboring nation. The people of Elam were carried away to every other nation until Elam as a kingdom ceased to exist. Persia finally took control over Elam and converted it into one of their capitals. The term Elam is often used to describe Persia (or Iran) in the Bible. But Jeremiah used it to describe the smaller kingdom of ancient Elam before it was absorbed by Persia. So this passage is not about God’s judgement towards modern day Iran.

    Elam does not always refer to Iran

    Read my BIG BOOK of Bible Prophecy for what you must know about end time Bible prophecy

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  • Erdogan is honoring the God of forces in his palace!

    Erdogan is honoring the God of forces in his palace!

    The Antichrist is a gentile

    Daniel 11:38

    By Craig C. White

    There is a widely held thought that the Bible teaches that the Antichrist will be Jewish. I do not agree at all. The Antichrist will be the ruler of the next world empire. Just like the ruler of every past world empire; he will be from a gentile nation.

    Some say that the Antichrist must be Jewish because only a Jew could get the nation of Israel to follow him as their new messiah. They get that idea by assuming that the term “anti-Christ” means a counterfeit messiah. That is not the meaning that the Bible portrays. The prefix “anti” means against. The Antichrist will stand against the God of Israel. The Antichrist will not come as an imitation Jewish messiah but he will come as the oppressive ruler of the next world empire. Like most rulers of past world empires he will also claim that he is god.

    2Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

    Folks that say that the Antichrist will be Jewish use the following verses to support their view. They say that the phrase “the God of his fathers” refers to the God of Israel. If you ask me, that argument is hardly conclusive. First of all every nation has its own God or Gods. So the God of his fathers could describe a person from any nation. Second, the word translated as God in English is actually the plural form in Hebrew. So the following verse may be better translated as “the gods of his fathers”. That would definitely exclude Israel since they have only one God.

    Daniel 11:37-38 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

    Now let’s look at what else these verses say. In verse 38 it says that in his estate the Antichrist will honor the God of forces. The word translated as “estate“ can mean a base or place of operation.

    *Estate: used as a noun; a stand, that is, pedestal or station: – base, estate, foot, office, place, well.
    The word translated as forces refers to military power.

    *Forces; a fortified place; figuratively a defence: – force, fort (-ress), rock, strength (-en), (X most) strong (hold).

    Reading the rest of Dan 11:38 we see that the Antichrist will honor the God of military power with gold and silver and other luxurious things. Where will the Antichrist display all of this wealth as he attempts to honor his god? The Antichrist may in fact honor the God of military power in his base of operation. Where do the rulers of world empires operate? They operate out of palaces.

    Let me tell you a true story that is happening right now. Newly elected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has built a new 1,000 room, 3.1 million square foot palace for himself that cost the Turkish government $615 million dollars! President Erdogan’s new palace is the most expensive palace in the world today! It is a palace worthy of biblical mention.

    As you might expect Turkish citizens as well as Turkish leaders have protested the costliness of Erdogan’s new palace. Erdogan responded by saying, “No one can prevent the completion of this building. If they are powerful enough, let them come and demolish it.”

    The palace is known as the “White Palace” and sits upon a hilltop overlooking Turkey’s capital city of Ankara. The White Palace is bigger than the Whitehouse. It is bigger than the Kremlin. It is bigger than the palace of Versailles. This is where President Erdogan now lives. Inside his new home President Erdogan often has Turkish soldiers dress in the period correct armor of Ottoman Empire era military. He isn’t honoring his Islamic religion but instead Turkish President Erdogan is honoring the world conquest of the old Ottoman Empire!

    In February 2015 Erdogan announced that he will rename the “White Palace” as the “Presidential Kulliye”. A kulliye is the name of the grounds surrounding a mosque. These grounds typically house support services for the mosque such as kitchens and guest quarters. The new name gives the presidential home religious significance. President Erdogan says that the palace symbolizes a resurgent Turkey. What he means to say is, “The palace is the headquarters of a revived Turkish ruled Ottoman Empire”. He has already publicly declared his intentions to create a new Turkish led Islamic Union.

    Recep Tayyip Erdogan describes himself as a moderate Muslim while he ardently proclaims himself to be a Turk. He served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2014. He was elected as President of Turkey in December 2014. Inside his base of operation he doesn’t honor the gods of his fathers but instead he honors the armies of his countries past. He honors the Turkish conquest of the world. I hope that by now you have guessed that I think that Turkish President Erdogan is the top candidate to be the ruler of the next world empire.

    The Bible tells us that the man we call the Antichrist will be from a gentile nation.

    Throughout Bible prophecy a beast represents a gentile ruled government that is rebellious towards the God of Israel. Gentile simply means nation. A beast is often described as coming out of the sea. The sea represents the gentile nations of the world. These are primarily the nations of the ancient world. In Revelation 13:1 below a beast rises out of the sea. Daniel 7:3 also describes the final gentile world empire as coming out of the sea.

    Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

    Beasts in the Bible usually describe world empires that are ruled over by gentile nations. There have been seven world empires throughout world history. They are in order; the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, Roman, and Turkish Ottoman Empire. There will be one more world empire ruled by the gentile nations. Every ruler of every world empire was a gentile from out of these ancient nations. Not one ruler was Jewish. The ruler of the next world empire that we call the Antichrist will be a gentile out of a gentile nation. The Antichrist will be a gentile. The Antichrist will not be Jewish.

    Turkish President Erdogan is poised to attack Damascus and then to invade Israel. These are things that the Bible tells us that the Antichrist will do! Must I say it again? It is High Time to Awake!

    *Definitions are from the Strong Hebrew Dictionary.

    Turkey invades Israel - Halfway to Armageddon

    Read all about the coming Turkish led invasion into Israel in my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon

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  • I wonder if Israel will ask Turkey for help to fight Syria in the Golan Heights?

    May 22, 2025: Israel and Turkey set up hotline to avoid conflict in Syria. A long time ago Israel asked Assyria for help to stabilize hostilities between Israel and Syria. Assyria was the major power in the Middle East at that time. Today Turkey is that power.

    Read this article in The Times of Israel: Israel, Turkey said to agree to prevent clashes in Syria, establish hotline

    I wonder if Israel will ask Turkey for help to fight Syria in the Golan Heights?

    By Craig C. White

    Things are heating up between Israel and Syrian forces. Several military strikes have been exchanged on the Golan Heights.

    History may be repeating itself concerning Israel. Around 740 BC Syria made war against Israel’s southern kingdom of Judah. Ahaz the king of Judah asked Assyria for help. Assyria attacked Syria and conquered Damascus. A few years latter Assyria attacked northern Israel. All of this is recorded in 2Kings 16-17.

    Here is a list of actors in this historic drama from the northern most kingdom southward. During this time the land of Israel was divided into two kingdoms; Israel to the north and Judah to the south.

    Tiglathpileser king of Assyria
    Rezin king of Syria
    Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel
    Ahaz king of Judah

    2Kings 16:5 Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.

    2Kings 16:7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

    2Kings 16:9 And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.

    Just a few years later Assyria attacked northern Israel. By this time Shalmaneser was king of Assyria.

    2Kings 17:5 Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

    While 2Kings 16-17 are not viewed as prophetic verses, a similar scenario is presenting itself today. Today Syria and Israel are fighting in the Golan Heights. Could it be that Israel will ask another far northern kingdom for help against Syria?

    Jeremiah 49:23-27 describes an end time invasion into Syria coming from the Turkish border. Afterwards Damascus is destroyed.

    Ezekiel chapter 38 describes a Turkish led invasion into Israel that seems to parallel the Assyrian invasion into northern Israel in 734 BC. Every nation that is listed in Ezekiel chapter 38 is now fighting in Syria.

    I wonder if Israel will ask Turkey for help to fight Syria in the Golan Heights? I am already certain that the Turkish Army will invade Syria in force and destroy Damascus. I am also certain that Turkey will lead an invasion into Israel. In the Bible the Antichrist is compared to the ancient Assyrian kings. That’s because the Antichrist will do the same things that the Assyrian kings did. He will invade Syria, conquer Damascus, and then invade northern Israel. That is only the beginning. I am convinced that Turkey President Erdogan is the modern day fulfillment of “the Assyrian”.

    I wonder if Israel will ask Turkey for help to fight Syria in the Golan Heights?

    Read my commentary titled The Assyrian is the Antichrist

    Read my commentary titled The nations are disquieted over Syria

    Read my book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible Prophecy

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  • Daniel 7:6 leopard map

    Daniel 7:6 leopard map

    Daniel 7:6

    By Craig C. White

    Daniel describes the end time formation of an Islamic Union. My Map below shows the four nations that will first form this Union. My map also shows the four other nations that are likely to become secondary members. This Islamic Union will join the European Union plus the new Russian Union to form the next World Empire.

    Daniel 7:6 leopard mapDan 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

    I wrote my commentary titled “The Leopard is Upon Us!” way back in 2011. Since then the identity of the four primary nations of the leopard in Daniel 7:6 has become more apparent. In November 2014 then Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan announced his plans to form a new Islamic Union. I think that the first four nations to be included in this Union will be Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. These are the same four nations that Revelation 9:13-16 identifies as being located along the Euphrates River. During the first half of the seven year Tribulation period these four nations along with four other secondary nations (or perhaps four Terrorist organizations) will conquer most of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Central Asia. Please read my commentary titled World War III.

    Rev 9:13-16 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. 16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

    Now President Erdogan has made his intentions of forming a Turkish ruled revived Ottoman Empire with him as it’s Sultan very clear! The first nation to fall to Erdogan and to the Turkish Army will be Syria. After Damascus is destroyed and Syria is conquered then Erdogan will install Muslim Brotherhood leadership there! Then the leopard (or Islamic Union) will be formed.

    The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist - Daniel 7:6 leopardRead my commentary about Daniel chapter 7 and the formation of the next World Empire titled The Leopard is Upon Us! in my book The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist

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  • The word “Easter”

    The word “Easter”

    Apply the blood of Christ

    By Craig C. White

    As you will soon see, the translators of the King James Bible couldn’t tell the difference between Easter or Passover. Still they weren’t too far from the truth. As it turns out that Easter and Passover have the same application.

    Act 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

    The word “Easter” appears in the King James Bible only once. Now this word is a little misplaced. Easter is a word that the old English speaking “King James Bible” translators chose. For them Easter was a familiar holy-day. But Easter was not what the original Greek text had in mind. The original Greek word is pascha. It means “The Passover”.

    Here is the definition of pascha from the Strong Greek dictionary.

    pascha
    pas’-khah
    Of Chaldee origin; the Passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it): – Easter, Passover.

    Passover celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. God sent a plague of death among the firstborn of the Egyptians. God told Israel to put the blood of a sacrificed lamb on the doorposts of their homes. The applied blood caused the death angel to “pass over” the homes of the Hebrews, sparing the firstborn child of each family.

    According to Leviticus 23:5 Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of Nissan (March or April) and lasts seven days (Leviticus 23:6). The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on Nissan 15.

    Here are the instructions for the first Passover along with its dramatic results.

    Exodus 12:21-30 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. 22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. 23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. 24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. 25 And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. 26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. 28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. 29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

    Without applying the blood of the lamb the first born among the Egyptians died. Only by applying the blood did death pass-over their homes.

    According to 1 Corinthians below, Jesus Christ is our passover (pascha). When we apply his blood, death passes over us. We may die once, but we will one day be raised to everlasting life; and we will be raised in our bodies! Christ defeated the power of sin and death. Just as Jesus could not be held in the grave; death can no longer keep those who are covered by Jesus blood. So in both Easter or Passover you must apply the blood in order to live.

    1Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

    For all believers Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death. Because he rose we can be certain that we will rise likewise (Act 17:31).

    Be certain that you have applied the blood of Jesus Christ on this Passover, or Resurrection Day, or as King James would say “Easter”.

    easter

    Read more about the Resurrection in my book God’s Great Expectations

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