-
Peace Peace
US President Donald Trump presented his Israel and Palestinian peace plan on Tuesday January 28, 2020. It isn’t a deal yet but it’s a compelling sign that we are living in the last days before Jesus returns for his Church and before a terrible time of trouble comes on earth. Daniel 9:27 describes a seven year security treaty that the Antichrist will make regarding Israel. This peace treaty may also involve international powers. No I don’t think that Donald Trump is the Antichrist. Turkish President Erdogan has already fulfilled several Bible prophecies that identify him as the Antichrist.
Turkish President Erdogan condemned the deal saying that Jerusalem is a red line for Islam. Erdogan inferred that Jerusalem should be under Ottoman control. Erdogan even threatened to attack Mecca for Saudi approval of the plan. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says that he will cut ties with Israel and the United States over the proposed deal. Abbas says that it justifies another war against Israel and has given the Palestinian people permission to do whatever they want against Israel.
My guess is that a peace treaty will be made after Turkey leads the forces that are now fighting in Syria into northern Israel (Ezekiel 38). The Turkish Army is in northern Syria threatening to attack the Syrian Army in Hamah. Jeremiah 49:23 says that when Hamah hears evil reports then the residents of Damascus will flee and Damascus will be destroyed. I expect Turkey to attack northwestern Syria soon and then march southwards to destroy Damascus. Afterwards I think that Turkey will lead the forces that are now fighting in Syria into the Golan Heights of northern Israel (Ezekiel chapter 38).
I think that Jesus will return to turn back the Turkish led invasion and to collect his Church. I imagine that the world will be compelled at that time to make an international peace accord regarding Israel. Today’s peace plan is laying the ground work.
Here is an article that I wrote several years ago. It mostly consists of Bible study so it’s message is timeless.
Peace Peace
Will Israel peace treaty mark the beginning of the Tribulation?
By Craig C. White
Just before the people of Israel entered into the land that God prepared for them God had a talk with Moses. God told Moses to tell the people how they ought to behave while they are in the land. God started by giving the people of Israel the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1). Thou shalt not serve idols, remember to keep the Sabbath, thou shalt not kill, and so on. One of the last things that God told the people is that they should not make agreements with the inhabitants of the land. The people of Israel should not make allowances for their gods. They should not make treaties with their enemies that they should live in the land with them. God said that making a treaty with their enemies would be a trap that they would be caught in. God repeated this warning for emphasize (Exodus 34:12)!
Exodus 23:32-33 Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. 33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.
Today Israel is feverishly working to make a treaty with the Palestinian Authority that the Palestinian people should have a place for their god and that they should live in the land with the Israelis. The peace accord aims to create a sovereign Palestinian nation inside of the land of Israel.
Israel has already made allowances for the Palestinians to share their land. About one third of the nation of Israel is occupied and controlled by the Palestinian Authority. The current peace treaty or security agreement will add further territories to Palestinian control and worse it will give all or portions of the old city of east Jerusalem over to the Palestinian Authority. Today the temple mount in east Jerusalem is under the authority of the Islamic Waqf. The Islamic Waqf is a Muslim organization that acquires property to use for charitable causes; all in the name of serving Allah. The Islamic Waqf has severely restricted the Israeli use of the temple mount.
Israel map credit: The World Fact Book http://www.cia.gov
Israel Map: The shaded gray areas show the Palestinian occupied areas. In the south the Negev is a harsh desert and mountainous region. The Negev accounts for almost half of the land mass of the nation of Israel. It has a population of only 200,000.
The land of Israel today does not include the entire portion of land that God gave to Abraham. God gave Israel all of the land from the Nile River to the Euphrates River.
Genesis 15:18 In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
At the same time that God told Moses not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land; God also restricted the geographic area that the Jewish people should first inhabit. The modern day borders of Israel represent that geographic area.
Exodus 23:30-31 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. 31 And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.
Israel is no ordinary nation. Likewise the Israeli-Palestinian peace process is no ordinary peace treaty. As you would imagine there are arbiters on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have the final say in negotiations. Netanyahu has expressed his support for the creation of a Palestinian state but has voiced concerns about insuring the safety of the Jewish people. Netanyahu has appointed veteran lawyer Isaac Molho as his chief negotiator. Another key figure in the negotiations is Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni. Ms. Livni has been a harsh critic of Netanyahu. She is a staunch proponent for creating a Palestinian state in Israel. The exceptional part of these negotiations is that they include international security provisions. In other words Israel will have to agree to rely on US, UN, and perhaps other international military forces to ensure peace in the dual state. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is smack dab in the middle of it all. There seems always to be encumbrances to these negotiations but all parties involved are pushing for a deal within the next two years.
Zechariah 11:16 tells us that God will raise up a rotten ruler in Israel who will not look out for the best interest of his people. He is called the idol shepherd. I think that he will be instrumental in allowing Israel to fall into this trap. Indeed Ezekiel 34:2-8 identifies Israel as having many idol shepherds. Perhaps some of these negotiators are among Israel’s idol shepherds or perhaps we are still looking for Israel’s Idol Shepherd to appear since some of Israel’s leaders still demonstrate concern for their nation. Please read my commentary titled “Woe to the Idol Shepherd” in my book “Israel’s Beacon of Hope”.
At any rate peace and security for Israel is the cry of the day. The problem is that the Bible says that when the rulers of Israel say “peace and security” that is when they are all in big trouble.
1Thessalonians below was written to the church at Thessalonica. So it was written to Christians both Jew and gentile. While it certainly concerns the Jews it was not addressed directly to the nation of Israel. My point is that it is addressed to Christians today.
1Thessalonians 5:1-9 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
The verses above say that Israel will be surprised when the day of God’s judgment comes. They will expect peace but will receive persecution. In fact during the same time that God judges Israel he will also judge the entire world. So the unbelieving world will also be caught unaware of the coming disaster.
Isaiah 28:22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.
1 Thessalonians chapter 5 goes on to say that believers in Jesus Christ will not be surprised but that they will see the disaster coming. Verse 9 states that Christians will not suffer God’s judgment but that they will be saved from it. This brings up the concept of the Rapture of the Church. I only want to say that the Rapture (or the taking away into heaven) of Christians may happen before Israel signs their peace treaty. But there is more to consider.
The Antichrist is a political ruler who will become the head of a coming world empire. I think that he will engage in several military conquests; even invading Israel, and that at some point he will make a peace agreement with Israel. In Daniel 9:27 below, the Antichrist will make a peace treaty with the many for seven years. This marks the seven year Tribulation period of Israel. The many may refer to the majority of citizens of Israel or it may refer to many nations. In either case the agreement obviously concerns Israel. At some point Israel has resumed offering daily animal sacrifice. That means that at some point they have built a new temple. After three and a half years the Antichrist causes the sacrifices to stop. The Antichrist makes the temple to become unclean until the suffering of the nation of Israel ends. This last three and a half year period is called Jerusalem’s “Great Tribulation” (Mat 24:21).
Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Why am I telling you this? I am pointing out that Israel is working on a peace treaty with the Palestinians which also involves world powers. Plus the Antichrist will one day make a treaty with Israel. Are they the same treaty? I don’t know. I am going to give you the short answer. I think that Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan is the Antichrist (read my commentary titled “Erdogan is the Antichrist!” in my book “Turkey Invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon”). If Erdogan or somebody else that meets the criteria of the Antichrist is not involved in the signing of Israel’s Palestinian peace treaty then it does not mark the beginning of the Tribulation period. It is important to remember that the treaty that marks the beginning of the Tribulation requires the participation of the Antichrist. It becomes more urgent since Israel may indeed enter into a peace agreement within the next couple of years. Perhaps Israel will sign a separate peace agreement with the Palestinians. Perhaps the hostilities of the Antichrist will finally push an international security agreement to be finalized in Israel. Perhaps the Church will be taken away before any treaty is signed. Whatever happens we all should know that an agreement to live with Israel’s enemies is a trap!
I expect this treaty to be signed after Turkey destroys Damascus and then leads an invasion into the Golan Heights. The Turkish army is already on the march in Syria. All of the nations that Turkey leads into Israel as identified in Ezekiel chapter 38 are now fighting in the Golan Heights of Syria.That means that Israel’s tribulation is coming soon. That means that Christians are leaving sooner.
Read Erdogan is the Antichrist! in my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
facebook YouTube
-
Before the Great Tribulation
Before the Great Tribulation
The Antichrist will invade Egypt then Israel.
Daniel 11:40-45
By Craig C. White
There is a movement in Northern Africa and the Middle East to bring the region under an Islamist umbrella. Egypt has loosed the bands of the Muslim Brotherhood for now, but ultimately Egypt will not escape. During the first half of the seven year Tribulation period Turkey will conquer Egypt!
Antiochus Epiphanies was the king over one quarter of the Grecian Empire headquartered in Syria. Antiochus Epiphanies is a forerunner and type of the Antichrist. The Antichrist will do many of the same things that Antiochus Epiphanies did.
Ezekiel 39:1 identifies the Prime Minister (chief prince) of Turkey as the future invader of Israel. Ezekiel chapter 39 describes the battle of Armageddon led by the Antichrist. So a Turkish Prime Minister will be the Antichrist. The battle of Armageddon happens at the end of the seven year Tribulation period.
Daniel chapter 11 describes an invasion into Egypt and then into Israel that happened in 167 BC led by Antiochus Epiphanies. I think that Daniel chapter 11 also predicts a future invasion of Egypt and then Israel led by the Antichrist. This isn’t the battle of Armageddon. Instead it is the attack that begins the Great Tribulation (Mat 24:21). This invasion into Egypt and then Israel happens in the middle of the seven year Tribulation period. In Daniel 11 below, the king of the south is Egypt. The king of the north is Turkey in this future invasion into Egypt and then into Israel!
Dan 11:40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. 41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
So Turkey will invade Egypt and even come into Israel (the glorious land). It sounds like Turkey will conquer all of Northern Africa and the Middle East except for Jordan. Edom, Moab, and Ammon all represent today’s Jordan.
Dan 11:42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
The Antichrist (Turkish Prime Minister) will loot Egypt of its treasures. Turkey will be joined in its conquests by Libya and Sudan.
Dan 11:44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
Remember that this account refers to two separate invasions of Egypt and then Israel. In 167 BC Antiochus Epiphanies heard news of a Jewish effort to take control of the temple in Jerusalem. He then invaded Israel to stop it. Turkey will invade Egypt in the future led by the Antichrist. He will probably also hear news from Jerusalem concerning the newly built temple.
Here is a historical account of Antiochus Epiphanies’ attack on Israel in 167 BC. The Turkish Antichrist will attack Israel in much the same way.
2 Maccabees 5:11–14 When these happenings were reported to the king, he thought that Judea was in revolt. Raging like a wild animal, he set out from Egypt and took Jerusalem by storm. He ordered his soldiers to cut down without mercy those whom they met and to slay those who took refuge in their houses. There was a massacre of young and old, a killing of women and children, a slaughter of virgins and infants. In the space of three days, eighty thousand were lost, forty thousand meeting a violent death, and the same number being sold into slavery.
Dan 11:45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
The seas described in this verse are typically thought to be the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. Jerusalem is between the two seas. The glorious holy mountain is thought to be Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. But please allow me to point out that Turkish President Erdogan has already built his massive palace on top of one of Turkey’s holy mountains in Turkey’s capital city of Ankara. Erdogan’s palace is located between the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea.
In 167 BC Antiochus Epiphanies took-over the temple in Jerusalem and declared that he should be worshiped as god. In the future the Antichrist will take-over the temple in Jerusalem and declare that he should be worshiped there. This verse reflects the desecration of the temple spoken of in Dan 12:11 and referenced in Mat 24:15-16. When the Jews around Jerusalem see the Antichrist claiming to be god in the temple at Jerusalem then they are instructed to flee to the hills of Jordan!
In the middle of the Tribulation the Antichrist will attack Israel. This begins Jerusalem’s Great Tribulation (Mat 24:21)! Just before his armies invade Israel they will invade Egypt and carry away their treasures. So when Israel sees Turkey invade Egypt they will have an advanced warning that they will be attacked next!
Today Egypt has seemingly avoided a Muslim Brotherhood takeover but in the end the entire Middle East and northern Africa will be under the control of the Antichrist.
PS: Daniel chapter 11 doesn’t describe the other Turkish led invasion into Israel that is described in Ezekiel chapter 38. Turkey will first invade Syria and destroy Damascus. Then Turkey will lead Iran, Sudan, and Libya into Israel. All of these forces are fighting in Syria today! I think that this invasion could begin in 2017!
Very interesting to read and hard to stop. – Alexandria
Read about Israel’s Great Tribulation in my book Israel’s Beacon of Hope.
facebook YouTube
-
Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait!
Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait!
A book written just for Jerusalem.
This book is written and dedicated to the Jews living in Jerusalem and Judea. There is a surprise ambush coming! When you are living your lives in relative peace an army will sweep in and overtake you.
Matthew 24:15-18 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
For my regular readers, the commentaries in this book are published throughout my other books. These Bible commentaries all concern Jerusalem during their time of Tribulation. There are some excellent Bible studies grouped together in this book. Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait! provides insights into portions of the New Testament that few Christians understand. Perhaps the major message of Jesus Christ’s ministry was to warn Jerusalem and Judea about the coming day of ambush.
Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait!
now available on amazon
kindle matchbook -
Old Damascus neighborhood must be destroyed.
Old Damascus neighborhood must be destroyed
The city of my praise
By Craig C. White
Most Christians are familiar with the Bible verse that says that Damascus will become a ruinous heap. But the Bible defines a specific Damascus neighborhood that must be destroyed.
Isaiah 17:1-2 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
Has Damascus already become a ruinous heap? Some outlying neighborhoods have. But the central core of Damascus remains relatively intact. Does this satisfy Bible prophecy? Not yet. Jeremiah chapter 49 identifies the neighborhood of Old Damascus with its Old buildings and ancient renown.
Jeremiah 49:25 How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!Two different Hebrew words for city are used in the verse above. The city of praise is a fortified city that has been celebrated in song. When God says “how is the city not left” he could be communicating his astonishment that even after a terrible assault on Damascus, the city has still not surrendered. When God calls Damascus “the city of my joy!” he is specifically saying that he delights in the cities old buildings. So we are looking for the destruction of the old part of the city. The neighborhood of Old Damascus is the seat of Syria’s government as well as its center of ancient history. Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. It was founded by the Aramaeans over four thousand years ago, and was inhabited two thousand years before that. Damascus is a living depiction of human history.
Map of Damascus with the neighborhood of old Damascus outlined in red. This is the area of Damascus that the Bible pinpoints!
Video showing the devastation of the al-Dukhania neighborhood east of Damascus
After you view this video you will understand that the Bible does not require Damascus to be destroyed by a nuclear bomb as so many Bible prophecy buffs teach.
Read my commentary titled The nations are disquieted over Syria
For the entire story read my book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible Prophecy
facebook YouTube
-
The Holy Spirit in us is our assurance of salvation
The Holy Spirit in us is our assurance of salvation
and also of resurrection and new life!
By Craig C. White
When we believe and submit ourselves to God then he gives each heart the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit in us is our promise (engagement ring) that we will be raised to everlasting life. The Holy Spirit in us is our assurance that we are saved. The Holy Spirit does a few things while it is in our hearts. It convicts us of sin. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the Bible when we read it or hear it. The Holy Spirit also communicates God’s prayers to us so that we can pray in agreement. I have the Holy Spirit in my heart so I am certain that I am saved!
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
The Bible says that when we are saved God places his seal on us in order to identify us as belonging to him, and also to preserve us so that we are guaranteed to receive future promises.
Here is the definition of the word “sealed” in Ephesians 1:13.
sfrag-id’-zo
From G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication to keep secret, to attest: – (set a, set to) seal up, stop.God’s promise is a pledge to give life more abundantly. When we receive God’s Holy Spirit we do also receive part of God’s gift. But a promise is a promise because God will completely fulfill his promise in the future.
Here is the definition of the word “promise” in Ephesians 1:13.
ep-ang-el-ee’-ah
From G1861; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good): – message, promise.Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Here is the definition of the word “earnest” in Ephesians 1:14.
ar-hrab-ohn’
Of Hebrew origin [H6162]; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest: – earnest.The word that is translated as “earnest” means down payment or security deposit. So the Holy Spirit inside of our hearts is our individual assurance that God will keep his promise to us. In modern Greek the word arrabona means an engagement ring. Remember that each believer receives an engagement ring when they receive the Holy Spirit. If the marriage is called off then you still get to keep the ring! But don’t worry; this engagement ring was purchased at great cost. God has assured us that the Holy Spirit will not be given in vain. The wedding will take place as planned.
God calls you and I “the purchased possession”. Here is the definition of the term “purchased possession” in Ephesians 1:14.
per-ee-poy’-ay-sis
From G4046; acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension preservation: – obtain (-ing), peculiar, purchased, possession, saving.We are purchased possessions because we have been bought with a price (1Corinthians 6:20). Jesus payed the penalty of sin which is death for us by his own death on the cross.
I am certain that I will live forever with Jesus because I have the Holy Spirit in my heart. I know that the Holy Spirit is there because I am ashamed when I sin. I also know that that the Holy Spirit is in my heart because I can understand the Bible when I read it. Believe it or not, sometimes I can even sense what the Holy Spirit is communicating with my spirit. Believe that Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for your sins and be saved. Open your heart to God’s Holy Spirit and receive assurance of everlasting life.
Read more about our intimate relationship with God in my book God’s Great Expectations
-
Temple Template
Temple Template
The temple represents Jesus Christ’s everlasting Kingdom on earth.
verse by verse through Zechariah chapter 4
By Craig C. White
Zechariah chapter 4 is filled with symbolism. It describes the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The rebuilding of the temple began in 535 BC, and was completed nineteen years later in 516 BC. The Jews rebuilt the temple under the direction of the Persian Empire. While the Persian King Cyrus commanded the temple to be rebuilt, many stood in opposition. God told Zechariah the prophet that the temple symbolized Jesus Christ’s everlasting kingdom on earth.
Two people were in charge of managing the rebuilding of the temple; Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest. Ezra the scribe wrote a history of its building.
Zerubbabel laid the stones of the foundation. He also finished the temple some years later by placing the head-stone. The head-stone or corner-stone was the last stone that was placed on the very top of the temple. It was somewhat decorated and was the crowning completion of the temple.
The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was a big deal. The temple was the conduit of Israel’s right relationship with their God. In Ezra 3 below the Jewish people praised God and were moved when the foundation was laid.
Ezr 3:8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
Ezr 3:10-13 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. 11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
God told the prophet Zechariah about the significance of the rebuilding of the temple. God explained that the temple represented God’s everlasting kingdom on earth.
In the verses below the “BRANCH” refers to a descendant of King David who will sit on the throne in Jerusalem forever (Jer 23:5, Isa 11:1). In other words the “BRANCH” refers to Jesus Christ. The stone that God laid before Joshua in verse 9 is the actual head-stone of the rebuilt temple. As we will see, the head-stone also represents Jesus.
Zechariah 3:8-10 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. 9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 10 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.
God is saying that he will bring forth Jesus Christ. God will bring forth Jesus on two occasions. First Jesus will come to earth and be killed for the payment of man’s sin; a human life for human sin. That is God’s life as the payment for all sin of every person for all time. Jesus’ death can be seen as the foundation of the temple, and also as the foundation of God’s everlasting kingdom on earth. The second time that Jesus comes to earth, God will place Jesus on his everlasting throne in Jerusalem to rule the world forever. The placement of the temple’s head-stone symbolizes the coronation of Jesus in Jerusalem at his second coming. This is the completion of the temple as well as the completion of God’s kingdom. At Christ’s second coming, Israel will live in peace.
The seven eyes on the head-stone (Zechariah 3:9), and the seven lamps Zechariah 4:2 & 20) are seven special angels of God who travel about the earth doing God’s work (Zechariah 4:10). I think that they are the same seven angels who are mentioned throughout Revelation as the angels of the churches. These angels represent God’s heavenly throne and authority.
Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Zechariah 4:1-2 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
OK now it’s time to explain some symbolism. The temple represents Jesus Christ’s everlasting Kingdom on earth. The laying of the temple head-stone is symbolic of God’s authority. That is to say that by the Spirit, will, and power of God his earthly kingdom will be founded and then established; not by the might of men. The candlestick of Gold is Jesus Christ the Messiah. He supplies the olive oil which represents the Holy Spirit of God.
Zechariah 4:3-5 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
We will discover that the two olive trees and two branches represent two men who are employed by God in the preparation of his temple and again later in establishing his everlasting kingdom headquartered in Jerusalem.
These two olive branches are God’s two servants on earth. Zerubbabel was the head of the tribe of Judah which represents Israel’s royal line of King David, and Joshua the high priest was from the tribe of Levi. The building of this temple is a foretelling of the establishment of Jesus Christ’s everlasting kingdom on earth. Just as Zerubbabel and Joshua were employed by God in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, two other servants will fulfill these roles when Jesus returns and finally takes his place on his throne in Jerusalem. Revelation 11 explains.
Rev 11:3-4 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
We know that one of these witnesses will be the prophet Elijah. Elijah never died, but was taken up into heaven by God (2Kings 2:11). Elijah will return to earth to prepare the way before Jesus Christ at his second coming.
Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
The prophet Elijah is one of the witnesses. Most people suppose that the other witness may be Moses. Revelation 11:16 below describes several miracles that these two witness will perform.
Rev 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
Most people think that Moses will be the second witness because he performed several of these miracles when the Jews were exiting Egypt. Moses and Elijah also appeared together during the Transfiguration of Jesus (Mat 17:1-4).
Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
Mountains in Bible prophecy represent world empires. In verse 7 above the great mountain represents two world empires. First it represents the Persian Empire that stood against the rebuilding of the temple in Zerubbabel’s day. Second, the great mountain represents the final gentile world empire that will be in place at Jesus’ second coming. In both cases God is showing his higher authority over world powers. In both cases God will establish his earthly kingdom! The great mountain, or empire of men will become a plain. In other words, the Empires of men will be leveled flat!
In Zechariah 4:7 God is declaring that his temple and his earthly kingdom will be completed! Zerubbabel will finish the building by placing the head-stone on the pinnacle of the temple. At the end of verse 7 God declares that there will be praise at the placing of the head-stone. The Jews will shout Grace, grace unto it. The placing of the head-stone represents the coronation of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem at his second coming.
The Jews had some support for rebuilding the temple from the Persian Empire. Cyrus the king of the Persian Empire decreed that the Jews should rebuild the temple.
Ezra 1:2-4 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. 4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was a long hard process. The Jews had an order from Cyrus to rebuild the temple but they also had a lot of resistance.
Ezra 4:1-5 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. 4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Zechariah 4:8-10a Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10 For who hath despised the day of small things?
Small things are the same as humble beginnings. The temple ground lay bare. Things looked bad for the Jews and for their God. Even though things looked bad, God declared that the temple would be finished by Zerubbabel.
Remember that the foundation of God’s everlasting kingdom on earth is the crucifixion of Jesus. Things also looked bad on that day. But because Christ died and rose again, all people have hope for reconciliation with God and life everlasting! Do not despise the day of small things!
Zechariah 4:10b for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
The verse above describes Zerubbabel with a plummet in his hand. A plummet is a stone mason’s tool. Zerubbabel is seen rebuilding the temple. The seven eyes are carved into the head-stone. This verse describes God’s servant Zerrubbabel as he completes the building of the temple by placing the head-stone on its pinnacle!
Zechariah 4:11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? 12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? 13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Remember that the two anointed ones are two men who assist in the building of the temple; namely Joshua the high priest and Zerrubbabel the governor. They are also two witnesses who usher in Jesus Christ’s everlasting earthly kingdom in Jerusalem at Jesus’ second coming (Rev 11:3-4). In verse 14 above the words “stand by” doesn’t mean that these two are standing in heaven, but that they are servants or employed by God on earth.
The laying of the temple foundation and Jesus’ crucifixion represent the beginning of God’s everlasting kingdom on earth. The placing of the head-stone and Jesus’ coronation represents the completion of God’s kingdom. Just as Zerubbabel began and finished the building of the temple in Jerusalem, God by his own power will begin and finish building his kingdom on earth. Jesus Christ will be King of kings and Lord of lords on earth!
Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Very interesting to read and hard to stop. – Alexandria
Read about Israel during the Tribulation period and the second coming of Jesus in my book Israel’s Beacon of Hope
facebook YouTube
-
Nobody can know!!! Nobody can know!!! Nobody can know!!! Yes we can know!!!
Nobody can know!!! Nobody can know!!! Nobody can know!!!
Yes we can know!!!
By Craig C. White
OK folks, here is a typical response that I receive from Christians when I tell them that Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. They generally tell me that “nobody can know”. Know what? It seems that Christians believe that nobody can know anything, but that doesn’t stop them from instructing you when you say that you do know.
Well my Bible says that only The Father knows the time of the second coming.
Many Christians say that nobody can know the time of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. First of all, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ has nothing at all to do with the revealing of the Antichrist. Christians are not looking for the Second Coming. We are looking for the day of the Rapture. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ happens at the end of the Tribulation period when Jesus returns to rescue the nation of Israel from the many nations that have gathered against it. But is that statement even true? Of which day and hour does nobody know?
A lot of Christians point to the following verse and conclude that nobody can know the day of Jesus Christ’s Second coming, or that nobody can know the day that Jesus Christ will return to rapture his Church.
Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
But which “day” is Jesus referring to? Jesus is not referring to his Second Coming. Jesus is not even referring to the Rapture. Jesus is telling the Jews living around Jerusalem to watch for the Antichrist approaching. The Antichrist along with his armies will enter Jerusalem and capture or kill the Jews living there. This day begins Jerusalem’s great tribulation. The Great Tribulation is a three and one half year period that happens during the second half of the seven year long Tribulation period predicted in Daniel 9:27.
Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Jesus warned of great danger in Jerusalem and Judea at a time when its citizens were living their daily lives as usual. He said that it would be like the days of Noah just before the flood. It would be a surprise. He said that life would be going on normally just like in Sodom before God rained fire upon the city. The following verses do not pertain to Church age believers. They are not describing an abundance of sin on earth. They are not describing the days before the Rapture. They do not even refer to Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. These verses apply to the region around Jerusalem. It will be life as usual just before the Antichrist makes a surprise attack on Jerusalem and Judea during the middle of the seven year long tribulation period. This begins Jerusalem’s Great Tribulation (Mat 24:21).
Luke 17:26-29 And as it was in the days of Noe (Noah), so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
So nobody knows the day and time that the Antichrist will attack Jerusalem. Nobody knows because it will be a surprise attack. Jesus instructs the residents of Judea to WATCH!!!
The Bible instructs us to know and to watch so don’t allow the idea that “nobody can know” to spoil your viewpoint.
We as Christians are not now looking for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. We are expecting Jesus to return to rescue believers from a terrible time of trouble on earth. The Apostle Paul told us that two events must happen before the Church is rescued (or raptured). Those two things are the falling of Satan from heaven to earth and the revealing of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Well my friends I am telling you that Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist and that the Resurrection and Rapture, and the Tribulation are near. Yes we can know!!!
Read my commentary titled Erdogan is the Antichrist
Read my commentary titled Matthew 24
Read my commentary titled The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
Read my book The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
facebook YouTube
-
The Assyrian is the Antichrist!
The Assyrian is the Antichrist!
Halfway to Armageddon
Verse by verse through Isaiah 10
By Craig C. White
Assyria was a world empire. Its capital city was Nineveh, located in the same place as the modern day city of Mosul in northern Iraq. The ruins of Nineveh can still be seen today across the Tigris River from Mosul.
In 734 BC Assyria conquered Syria and then turned southward into northern Israel. Assyria took captives from both Syria and Israel.
Assyria invaded Israel a second time in 701 BC. This time the Assyrian army made it all the way into southern Israel just outside the city limits of Jerusalem.
Two Assyrian kings led these invasions. The first invasion in 734 BC went into Syria and northern Israel and was led by the Assyrian King Tiglath-pileser. The second invasion in 701 BC went into southern Israel and was led by the Assyrian King Sennacherib. In Bible prophecy these two kings are often referred to as “the Assyrian”. The Assyrian is also a term that applies to the Antichrist because he will do the same things that the original Assyrian kings did.
God used the Assyrian to judge the disobedient nation of Israel. God will again call on a northern invader to judge Israel.
Isaiah chapter 10 predicts the wickedness of the ancient Israeli leadership, the overthrow of the nation of Israel by the Assyrian King Sennacherib and finally God’s restoration of Israel.
But there is a catch! Immediately after the Assyrian invades Israel in Isaiah chapter 10 we are introduced to the Messiah on earth! That is to say, Jesus Christ sets up his everlasting throne in Jerusalem. In other words this passage also predicts a future event. The Assyrian will once again invade Israel, and then Jesus Christ will come back to earth to defeat the Assyrian and to rule forever!
OK now listen up; the future invader of Israel called the Assyrian in Isaiah 10 is the same person that is commonly known as the Antichrist! The Antichrist will persecute Israel during the coming seven year Tribulation period just as the Assyrian persecuted Israel long ago.
But wait there is more! I think that Ezekiel chapter 38 and 39 tell us that the primary ruler of Turkey will lead an invasion into Israel in the end time just like Assyria did long ago. As a matter of fact, I think that Ezekiel predicts two separate invasions, both led by the primary ruler of Turkey. Also like the Assyrian invasions of old, the future invasions of Israel will happen in two similar but separate battles.
So the Assyrian is the Antichrist! Also the Assyrian is the primary leader of Turkey! Therefore the primary leader of Turkey is the Antichrist! Is this too much for you?
Today the President and ex-Prime Minister of Turkey is Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He hates Israel and has declared that Jerusalem belongs to Islam and not to Israel! Today the Turkish army is on the Syrian border. If President Erdogan leads Turkey into Syria and then turns south into Israel then the end time “Assyrian” invasions have begun!
God called the future invader of Israel the Assyrian because he will persecute Israel in much the same way as the Assyrian kings did in 734 BC and again in 701 BC. Remember that there were two separate Assyrian kings that led two separate invasions into Israel. There may very well also be two separate Turkish leaders who will lead two separate invasions into Israel in the future! The Turkish leader who leads the second invasion is the Antichrist!
What I am saying is that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may in fact be the Antichrist or there may be another Turkish prime minister following him that will certainly be the Antichrist! But I am becoming more and more certain that Erdogan definitely is the Antichrist. He has claimed to be god, healed the sick, and built his palace between the seas. These are all things that the Bible says that the Antichrist will do.
The ancient Assyrian invasions may give us a clue to future events. There may be two end time Assyrians or there may only be one. We will know as events unfold. Here is one reason why I think that there may be two different primary rulers of Turkey.
Like I said before Ezekiel 38 predicts one future battle and Ezekiel 39 predicts another similar battle. I think that the battle described in Ezekiel 38 will be led by the primary governor of Turkey and may begin shortly. In this case Turkish President Erdogan would fulfill the role of the Assyrian. In Ezekiel 38 he is also known as Magog. The battle that is described in Ezekiel 39 will also be led by the primary governor of Turkey and is the same as the battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:12 – 21 and Rev 19:17-18). The battle of Armageddon happens at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. Turkish President Erdogan may again fulfill the role of the Assyrian during the battle of Armageddon or there may be another prime minister of Turkey in his place.
In Ezekiel 38 God asks “Are you the person that I have predicted would attack Israel?” So God is asking us the question.
Ezekiel 38:17 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them?
In Ezekiel 39 God tells us that “Yes this is the attack that I predicted!” So God affirms that this is the battle of the end time. Remember that Ezekiel chapter 39 describes another similar but latter battle than does Ezekiel chapter 38.
Ezekiel 39:8 Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken.
Now just so that we all have a better understanding of who the Assyrian is in Bible prophecy let’s look at Isaiah chapter 10. Remember that these verses apply to an ancient Assyrian invasion into Israel as well as another still future invasion. It is important to note that these verses apply to the Assyrian invasion of 701 BC led by the Assyrian king named Sennacherib. These verses also apply to the battle of Armageddon which happens at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. Both of these battles are the second battle of their day that is led by the Assyrian.
Isaiah 10:1 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;2To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
The verses above describe the Israeli leadership of the day. In the future a wicked Israeli leader will come to power. He is called “The Idol Shepherd” in Zechariah 11:16-17. I know that most people think that the Idol shepherd is the same as the Antichrist but he isn’t. The Idol shepherd will be an Israeli leader who will not take care of his people. Read my commentary titled “Woe to the Idol Shepherd” in my eBook “Israel’s Beacon of Hope”.
Isaiah 10:3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
The wicked leadership of Israel will be overrun by the armies of its enemies. They have despised God’s authority and will have nowhere to turn during the time of their terrible distress. Just a note: there will be several secondary idol shepherds ruling in Israel during the Tribulation (Eze 34:2-8). Please read my commentary titled “Who is a Shepherd” in my eBook “Israel’s Beacon of Hope”.
Isaiah 10:4 Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. 5O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
Israel’s rulers will be killed in the invasion. Notice that prisoners will also be taken. Israel will hope that the invasion will fall short but the armies of Israel’s enemies will persist. God will again use the Assyrian as a tool to judge the nation of Israel.
Isaiah 10:6I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
The hypocritical nation described in the passage above is Israel. At that time Israel will be again practicing temple sacrifice but their hearts will be far from God. Their leaders will oppress the poor.
Isaiah 10:7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few. 8 For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings? 9 Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus? 10 As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria; 11 Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?
Assyrian King Sennacherib is speaking here. So is the future invader of Israel. He is recalling previous victories over Syria and northern Israel. The city of Calno is near Aleppo, Syria’s largest city. Carchemish is on the northeastern Syrian border. Hamath is between Aleppo and Damascus. Arpad is just north of Aleppo. As you know Damascus is the capital city of Syria and is located near Syria’s southern border near Israel. Samaria is in the northern half of Israel. All of these cities still exist today. All of these cities were conquered by the Assyrian King Tiglath-pileser in 734 BC. All of these cities will be conquered by the Assyrian that is still to come. So if Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan leads an invasion into Syria, destroys Damascus, and then invades Israel we are half way to Armageddon. Perhaps then you can get your pastor to read this commentary!
Please notice in verse 11 that this invader has yet to conquer Jerusalem. But he is boasting that he is about to overthrow Jerusalem.
Isaiah 10:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.
God will complete his judgment of Israel. God allowed Assyrian King Sennacherib to get just outside of Jerusalem but didn’t allow Sennacherib to destroy the city (Isa 37:36). In the future, the same scenario will take place. Just as it looks like all is lost for the last remaining Jews in Jerusalem Jesus Christ himself will return with great vengeance on Israel’s enemies! In the end God will punish the invader of Israel. Please read my eBook “Israel’s Beacon of Hope”.
Isaiah 10:13 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: 14 And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.
The Assyrian will say that he has conquered Israel by his own hand. God will remind him that he was successful only as an instrument in God’s hand.
Isaiah 10:15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.
Shall a man say that he is greater than God? God uses men to do as he wishes.
Isaiah 10:16 Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. 17 And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day; 18 And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth. 19 And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.
In the verses above, Jesus Christ will destroy the kingdom of the Assyrian (aka the Antichrist) at his second coming. The fire of Israel is Jesus Christ’s everlasting rule on earth. Christ’s earthly kingdom centered in Jerusalem will consume the final gentile world empire like a fire. Earthly kingdoms will now all come under the authority of God.
Isaiah 10:20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
At last the Jews will be free from world oppression and persecution and will finally be faithful to their God!
Isaiah 10:21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. 22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
The Jews will return to Israel. During the Tribulation period many Jews will take refuge in Jordan and many others will also be taken captive into different countries. After Jesus destroys the Assyrian at his coming the surviving Jews will return to Israel along with all faithful Old Testament Jews (including Isaiah) who will be resurrected from the dead at that time (Dan 12:13)! Please read “Aliyah Israel Arise Return” in my eBook “Israel’s Beacon of Hope”.
God has determined to apply a certain amount of judgment upon Israel (Dan 9:24). It will one day be completed and then replaced with righteousness and justice. God’s predetermined judgment is called the consumption here in Isaiah.
The Tribulation period is not only designated for Israel’s judgment. But there is a terrible time of God’s judgment coming upon the entire world as well!
Isa 28:22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.
Isaiah 10:23 For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land. 24 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt. 25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
God will allow Israel’s time of trouble to last only for a short time.
Isaiah 10:26 And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt. 27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
Just as God delivered the Jews from the Egyptians during the Exodus, God will deliver Israel from the Assyrian.
Isaiah 10:28 He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages: 29 They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled. 30 Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth. 31 Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee.
The passage above maps out the route that the Assyrian will take on his way to attack Jerusalem. All of these towns are north of Jerusalem. The Assyrian is approaching Jerusalem from the north. He is moving closer and closer town by town. Assyrian King Sennacherib took this route on his way to destroy Jerusalem in 701 BC. In the future invasion of Israel the Antichrist may very well take this same route.
Isaiah 10:32 As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.
Nob is north of the Mount of Olives just outside the city limits of Jerusalem. Assyrian King Sennacherib camped out there with his armies the night before he was to attack Jerusalem. Overnight, God wiped out his army while they slept (Isaiah 37:36). I suspect that a very similar scenario will occur when Jesus returns to defend Israel.
Psa 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Isaiah 10:33 Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled. 34 And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.
In Bible prophecy a tree with over spreading boughs is often used to describe a large kingdom or empire. Lebanon was known for its large cedar trees. So the actual country of Lebanon isn’t pictured here, but instead the final gentile world empire that will exist during the time of the Tribulation period. Jesus will return and cut down the final gentile world empire!
That is the end of Isaiah chapter 10 but please notice the first verse of Isaiah chapter 11 below.
Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
A rod is the scepter of a ruling king. Jesse was King David’s father. A branch is a descendant. So a descendant of King David will rule on earth. Isaiah is proclaiming that after the time of Israel’s trouble Jesus Christ will come to earth to rule forever.
So the Assyrian is the Antichrist. The ruler of Turkey will invade Syria and then Israel just like the Assyrian of old did. Therefore an end time ruler of Turkey is the Antichrist!
The Turkish army is amassed along the Syrian border today. If Turkey attacks Syria it may then turn south to invade Israel. If these things happen then we are all half way to Armageddon.
It is High Time to Awake!
Read about the coming Turkish led invasion into Israel in my book Turkey invades Israel Halfway to Armageddon
facebook YouTube
-
Turkey dedicates Ottoman Empire center on temple mount
Turkey dedicates Ottoman Empire center on temple mount
By Craig C.White
This week Turkey opened a Muslim Brotherhood activity center dedicated to the Ottoman Empire on the temple mount in Jerusalem. Turkey raised the Turkish flag on the temple mount. The center features pictures of Turkish President Recep Erdogan and Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II. The center showcases a movie of Turkish President Erdogan saying how wrong it is that the Jews occupy Jerusalem. That’s funny, an image that can talk blaspheming God’s chosen people and temple and extolling the virtues of a world empire that would rule Jerusalem. That sounds like it fits the description of the image of the beast.
Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
Just another day in the end time timeline. With evidence like this Christians should no longer be reluctant to identify Turkey as the end time oppressor of Israel.
Read my commentary titled Image of the beast
Read this article on World Israel News: Turkey creeps toward Temple Mount, inaugurates new center in Jerusalem
Read my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
facebook YouTube
-
Battle for Idlib Syria map
Battle for Idlib Syria map
click map to enlarge
By Craig C. White
One month ago the Syrian Army in Hamah was about to attack the Al-Qaeda held province of Idlib in northwestern Syria. That attack was thwarted due to a deal that Turkey made with Russia. Turkey promised to pull back Al-Qaeda’s heavy weaponry and troops from Syrian held regions. Under the agreement the Al-Qaeda forces were required to move a few miles away from the Syrian held borders of the Hamah and Aleppo provinces creating a 15-20 kilometer demilitarized zone. Turkey says that their mission has been accomplished ahead of the October 15th deadline. There are several Al-Qaeda rebel groups fighting in Idlib. These rebel groups are typically not Syrian but consist of foreign jihadists from all over the Middle East. Most of the Al-Qaeda factions in Idlib have cooperated but the Syrian Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra group is still holding their ground near the northern Hamah border.
Turkey has supported all of these Sunni Al-Qaeda factions throughout the Syrian war and had already established a chain of command between the Turkish Army and the varying Al-Qaeda factions. During this de-escalation exercise Turkey has been able to strengthen their chain of command as well as inventory troops and heavy weapons inside of Idlib. Turkey has also strengthened their military positions located along the Hamah and Allepo borders in Idlib. There are only 30,000 Syrian troops in Hamah and they are strained by seven years of constant fighting. Turkey now commands 70,000 Al-Qaeda troops inside of Idlib. Turkey also commands 50,000 Free Syrian Army troops in Idlib. The Free Syrian Army is yet another Al-Qaeda branch consisting of Sunni jihadists from northern Africa, mostly Libya and Sudan (Eze 38:5). Turkish President Erdogan has vowed to remove Syrian President Assad from power in Damascus. A Turkish led attack on Hamah is a real possibility.
The Prophet Jeremiah predicts the destruction of Damascus. Jeremiah says that Hamah and Arpad will first hear evil reports and be terrified.
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.
We can see that a Turkish led attack on Hamah could easily happen. Jeremiah also identifies Arpad. Arpad is called Tell Rifaat today. Tell Rifaat is the last remaining Kurdish held city in the Afrin region. The Turkish Army gained control over most of Afrin during their “Operation Olive Branch” campaign earlier this year. The Turkish Army is also amassed to the north and west of Tell Rifaat.
Take a look at the “Battle for Idlib, Syria” map. We can see where all of these forces are arrayed. But most of all read Jeremiah 49:23. Before Damascus is destroyed the northwestern Syria cities of Hamah and Tell Rifaat will hear evil reports. It is likely that these evil reports are that Turkey is leading Al-Qaeda against them.
Read my commentary The nations are disquieted over Syria
Read my book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible prophecyfacebook YouTube
High Time to Awake 