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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!
Get my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
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Patterns and Paths map of five end time battles
Patterns and Paths Map
(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!
As you study the Patterns and Paths Map also read my commentaries…
The nations are disquieted over Syria
Jesus will fight on the Golan Heights
Read my BIG Book of Bible Prophecy
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The GREAT “Believers in Grace Fellowship” Bible prophecy conference videos
The GREAT “Believers in Grace Fellowship” Bible prophecy conference videos
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
By Craig C. White
Blessings everybody. Last weekend I had the great pleasure to speak at the “Believers in Grace Fellowship” Bible prophecy conference in Marion, Iowa. Pastor Bill Randles was kind enough to invite me. Now let me tell you about the Christians in Iowa. They are the salt of the earth. I have never before encountered such a great gathering of Bible literate, and spirit filled Christians. The tender grace of the God of Israel and of his son Jesus Christ was evident throughout the three day event. I was supercharged by the love and edification from everybody. I think that I can speak for everybody who attended, that we were all walking about three feet off of the ground all weekend. As a matter of fact I haven’t touched the ground since.
“Believers in Grace Fellowship” is most blessed to have Pastor Bill Randles and his wife Kristin. Bill Randles is a wonderful Bible and prophecy teacher who truly cares about the welfare of the Christian Church at large. Bill Randles is also a prolific author writing several Christian books including “A Sword on the Land – The Muslim World in Bible Prophecy”.
Pastor Bill Randles has an international speaking ministry as well as a significant online presence. I will provide links at the end of this article. Pastor Bill Randles is a world traveled Christian who is doing his day to day work in the Iowa heartland.
Bill’s wife Kristin impressed me more than any other women that I have met. “Kris’ is continually in a state of praise and prayer. Every word and utterance is fitly spoken to the edification of all.
Well Pastor Bill Randles managed to gather the most wonderful collection of speakers for the conference. The keynote speaker was Philip Haney author of the bestselling book “See Something Say Nothing: A Homeland Security Officer Exposes the Government’s Submission to Jihad”. You may have seen Mr. Haney on the Sean Hannity show recently. Philip Haney was a founding member of Homeland Security under U.S. President George W. Bush. However, Mr. Haney is so much more. Philip Haney is a delightful mix of government operative, canonized saint, lyricist, Warner Brothers cartoon character, and friend. Philip Haney led the way to bless every soul who attended the conference. He certainly blessed me.
I found another new friend in Jim Fletcher. Jim Fletcher is an informed and articulate writer and speaker specializing in Bible prophecy, Christian apologetics, and advocacy for Israel. Jim Fletcher is the author of several wonderful Israel and Bible prophecy books including “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine): How to stop worrying and learn to love these End Times”.
Jim Fletcher is a columnist for the Jerusalem Post, Breaking Israel News, as well as WorldNetDaily. On top of that Jim is a member of the executive committee for the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI), as well as director of Prophecy Matters and more. Needless to say Jim Fletcher is a busy guy. I was very fortunate to spend three days with Jim. On a personal note; Jim Fletcher is someone who loves the God of Israel with all of his heart and deeply cares about the health and strength of the Christian Church. Jim was so kind and supportive of my efforts to convey the prophetic events that are now unfolding around us.
Craig C. White (that’s me) was the third speaker at the conference. Craig C. White is a Bible prophecy author and speaker. Craig C. White is the founder of “High Time to Awake” Bible prophecy ministry and the hightimetoawake.com website. My bold reporting of Bible prophecy events can be alarming. But that’s why my ministry is called “High Time to Awake”.
I told everybody about the unfolding Turkish conquest of Syria that was developing even as I was speaking. The Bible tells us that just like the ancient Assyrian kings conquered Syria and then invaded northern Israel; an end time ruler of Turkey will do the same. The Bible tells us that the conqueror of Syria is the Antichrist. That’s right. I told them that Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. I also told everybody about the events that will lead us to the soon return of Jesus Christ; namely the Turkish attack on Hamah and Tell Rifaat in northern Syria, the destruction of Damascus, and the Turkish led invasion into the Golan Heights of northern Israel. Jesus Christ will return to turn back the Turkish led invaders and to also collect his Church in the Resurrection and Rapture.
That’s a lot to take in over the course of one weekend. I am certain that I afflicted the comfortable as well as comforted the afflicted. But like I said earlier; the members of “Believers in Grace Fellowship” received my message with all grace, biblical knowledge, and wisdom. I was personally uplifted by their deep understanding and eagerness to consider the validity of my report. Many who attended were thrilled to discovery the biblically substantiated reasons why we can expect the near time return of Jesus Christ. You could hope for nothing better from a Bible conference.
Pastor Bill Randles on YouTube
Bill Randles author’s page
Pastor Bill Randles Blog
Bill Randles book A Sword on the Land
Believers in Grace Fellowship
Philip Haney’s book on amazon See Something Say Nothing: A Homeland Security Officer Exposes the Government’s Submission to Jihad
Watch Philip Haney on insider Fox News with Sean Hannity
Jim Fletcher at Breaking Israel News
Jim Fletcher’s book It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine): How to stop worrying and learn to love these End Times
Jim Fletcher at the Jerusalem Post
Craig C. White books on amazon
High Time to Awake – Bible Prophecy with Craig C. White
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WARNING TO JERUSALEM
WARNING TO JERUSALEM
Flee! Erdogan is coming!
By Craig C. White
Do you remember when Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem and destroyed the temple? He also took away Jewish captives. Do you remember when Grecian King Antiochus Epiphanes invaded Jerusalem and took one half of the people away? In both instances many Jews were killed. Well there is another invader on his way to Jerusalem. He is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. President Erdogan is the Antichrist. He will be worse than any other invader before him.
Erdogan will attack Jerusalem and Judea. His army will break into your homes. He will take one half of the people captive. He will kill anybody trying to leave Jerusalem. If you are caught inside of Jerusalem when Erdogan arrives then the only way to escape is to wait on Mt. Zion. The Bible warns the inhabitants of Judea to watch for this invasion and to flee to Moab of Jordan. Today we can see this invasion approaching.
Allow me to tell you what to watch for. Turkey will enter Syria from its northwestern border near Hamah. The Turkish army will fight against the Syrian National Guard and the Syrian Army in Damascus. Turkey will besiege Damascus until the last Syrian soldier is killed. The old city of Damascus will be left in ruins. Its inhabitants will flee to Kerak in Jordan. They will become refugees there.
Note: ISIS in Mosul may be flooded before Erdogan attacks Damascus. These things are likely to happen this year (2016).
From Damascus Erdogan will lead Al-Qaeda from Libya, Hezbollah from Iran, and Hezbollah trained rebels from Sudan into northern Israel. All of these armies are fighting in Syria today! God will fight against these armies with a tremendous rainstorm, debilitating disease, and infighting. Perhaps after this invasion a seven year peace treaty will be signed between Erdogan and Israel. Erdogan will break this treaty in the middle of its term. This isn’t the invasion that I am warning you about. This invasion takes place about three and one half years before the invasion into Jerusalem.
After Damascus is overthrown Erdogan will install new Muslim Brotherhood leadership in Syria. Once that is accomplished Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran will form a confederacy along with four other nations or terrorist groups. This confederacy or Union will be represented by a leopard. This new Islamic Union will wage war on the rest of the Middle East, central Asia, and northern Africa. In northern Africa Al-Qaeda from Libya and Hezbollah trained fighters from Sudan will join the Turkish army. These will be the deadliest wars in history with about 400,000,000 killed. At first only Israel and Jordan will be spared. But then Erdogan will come away from conquering northern Africa including Egypt and enter into Jerusalem. The Bible compares the coming Antichrist to Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus Epiphanes attacked Egypt more than once. Erdogan may also enter Egypt on more than one occasion. So don’t let your guard down if Erdogan doesn’t attack Jerusalem after his first visit into Egypt.
Attention inhabitants of Judea! This verse was written to YOU!
Mat 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
All inhabitants of Judea please listen! You must watch.
Mat 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.
You must flee to the Jordanian mountains when you see this invasion approaching. You will be taken care of in Jordan just like so many Syrian refugees are being cared for today. You will remain there for three and one half years. At the end Jordan, Lebanon, and northern Iraq will send armies to destroy you but your Messiah will return to fight against them.
When Erdogan invades Jerusalem it is the beginning of three and one half years of terrible persecution. At the end of this three and one half year time period the Messiah of Israel will return! After your Messiah rescues the Judean refugees in Jordan then he will deliver the few remaining Jews in Jerusalem.
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.
This is the time of Jacob’s trouble.
Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
Turkish President Erdogan will come from invading northern Africa when he enters Jerusalem. The Judean residents are instructed to flee to the Jordanian wilderness. Anybody left in Jerusalem must remain on Mount Zion if they want to escape their enemies. Jerusalem, Judea, and all of Israel will suffer for three and one half years but at the end Jesus Christ will rescue them.
Very interesting to read and hard to stop. – Alexandria
Read my commentary titled Before the Great Tribulation
Read about the great tribulation and the second coming in my book Israel’s Beacon of Hope
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Do you know what happened in 734 BC?
Do you know what happened in 734 BC?
Well it’s about to happen again.
By Craig C. White
If we understand Bible prophecy and Bible history then we should expect things to heat up along Israel’s northern border. Today Israel has a new jihadi government ruling Syria to Israel’s north. Iran and Turkey are also threatening to attack Israel.
In 734 BC Israel was also having trouble with Syria. Israel asked Assyria for help fighting against Syria. After Assyria conquered Damascus then they attacked northern Israel. This is a model for end time events that are unfolding now.
So if Iran and Syria attack Israel on their northern border then that isn’t the big news. The bigger news is that Turkey will destroy Damascus in the guise of helping Israel BUT after Turkey destroys Damascus then they will lead the forces that are now fighting in Syria into northern Israel.
I expect hysterics from Christians when Israel and Syria and Iran begin fighting. They will say “World War III has begun!” Nobody will understand what truly is coming. Turkey will destroy Damascus and then lead an invasion into Israel. When they do I think that Jesus Christ will return to cause them to retreat. At that time Jesus will also collect you and me. Don’t wait for your pastor to tell you about theses things. The Church age is almost over. It’s High Time to Awake!
Read my commentary titled The Assyrian is the Antichrist
Read my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
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Question: What do these Bible verses have in common?
Question: What do these Bible verses have in common?
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man” and “one shall be taken, and the other left”
Answer: They have nothing at all to do with the Rapture.
By Craig C. White
Did you know that not a single one of these verses pertains to Church age Christians? I’ll bet that you didn’t. Every one of these Bible verses are from Matthew chapter 24. Matthew chapter 24 was written directly to the Jews living in and around Jerusalem during the time of their great tribulation. Matthew chapter 24 has nothing at all to do with the Church. Earthquakes are not a sign of the Rapture. The Church is not being warned to be on the lookout for false prophets. God’s elect are not Church age believers. A generation should not be counted from the date that Israel became a nation until the time of the Rapture. The phrase “But of that day and hour knoweth no man” does not refer to the day of the Rapture! The days of Noah do not describe conditions on earth before the Rapture. At the Rapture one shall not be taken, and the other left. The Christians that I talk with don’t understand any of these verses. It is High Time that Christians properly understood their Bibles.
In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus is addressing his Jewish disciples. The Gentile Church is still a mystery. Jesus is telling his disciples about the trials that Jerusalem and Judea will endure during their great tribulation.
Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Jerusalem’s great tribulation will begin during the middle of the seven year long Tribulation period. One day unexpectedly the armies of the Antichrist will attack Jerusalem and Judea and take half of the people as prisoners. This begins Jerusalem’s great tribulation. Some bad things will happen before the Antichrist invades Jerusalem. Jesus warns the Jews living around Jerusalem to be on the lookout for false teachers and also for great wars and natural disasters.
Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Almost every Christian is tracking earthquakes as a sign of the approaching Rapture. That is a big mistake. Earthquakes, famines, and disease outbreaks are signs to Israel that their day of trouble is near! Earthquakes are not a sign of the Rapture.
Matthew 24:6-8 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Almost every Christian sees the Church represented in the following verse. Not so. This verse is talking about the day that the Antichrist invades Jerusalem and captures or kills its inhabitants. From that day the nations will oppress Israel for three and one half years.
Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
In the next verse; these false prophets will deceive Israel during their time of trouble. These false prophets are not sent to the Church.
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
When Matthew chapter 24 mentions the elect it is not talking about Christians but it is talking about Israel, God’s chosen people. The Jewish people must beware of false Christ’s as well as false prophets. It seems that Matthew is saying that the false Christs will arise once the great tribulation begins.
Matthew 24:23-24 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
I know that the following verse sounds like it is describing the Rapture but it isn’t. The elect identifies Israel, God’s chosen people not the Church. After the Tribulation Jesus Christ will collect all of the faithful Jews who have been dispersed throughout the world from the time of Abraham. They won’t be taken up into heaven. They will be resurrected and travel back to Israel. God will dry up the Red Sea, and the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers so that the Old Testament Jews can cross over them on their way back to Israel. Please notice that there is no mention of the Jews ascending into the sky.
Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
I have heard so many Christians trying to reconcile the length of a generation in order to establish the timeframe of the Rapture. Wow that is another big mistake. The generation who sees the beginning of the Tribulation will also see the end of the Tribulation, and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Try as I may, I can not correct the thinking of modern day Christians.
Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Here is a BIG one. Boy how many times have I been rebuked by Christians using this verse? These Christians do not understand their Bibles. The day and hour that Jesus identifies is not the day of the Rapture. It isn’t even the day of Jesus Christ’s second coming. Jesus is WARNING the Jews living around Jerusalem to WATCH for the armies of the Antichrist as they approach Jerusalem. On that day they are instructed to flee to the mountainous wilderness east of Jerusalem. That day begins Jerusalem’s great tribulation. The faithful Jews who heed Jesus’ warning will take refuge in Jordan during the great tribulation.
Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Here is another one. The days of Noah do not describe the poor spiritual condition on earth today. The days of Noah don’t even describe the poor spiritual condition on earth before the great tribulation begins. The days of Noah describe the sudden destruction that will come upon Jerusalem and Judea when the armies of the Antichrist attack! The point is that this invasion will be a BIG SURPRISE. On a day when everybody in Jerusalem is living their lives as usual then sudden destruction will come upon them just like the flood took Noah’s generation by surprise!
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
I hate to burst your fuzzy brain bubble but the next verse does not describe the Rapture of the Church. Matthew is still chronicling the events of the day of Jerusalem’s trouble. When the Antichrist invades Jerusalem, his armies will take one Jew as prisoner and leave the next. In that way one half of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will be taken away captive. This is the same thing that Antiochous Epiphanies did when his armies invaded Jerusalem in 167 BC.
Matthew 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
When the Antichrist invades Jerusalem then half of its residents will be taken captive. Zechariah tells us all about it.
Zechariah 14:1-3 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
In the next verse the term “Son of man” does not describe Jesus at his second coming nor does it describe Jesus when he comes for the Church at the Resurrection and Rapture. Believe it or not the term “Son of man” refers to the Antichrist as he approaches Jerusalem.
Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
This is the same day that is described in Luke 17:30-31.
Luke 17:30-31 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.
On the day that the armies of the Antichrist attack Jerusalem and Judea its residents are instructed to WATCH and to run for their lives. They must not return home for anything because the Antichrist’s armies will be going house to house capturing every other Jew. They must flee into the Judean wilderness in order to escape being captured or killed. It would be nice if Christians finally understood this. I think that the residents of Judea might be interested in knowing.
Read my commentary titled One shall be taken and the other left
If you really want to understand Matthew 24 then read my book Judea Flee! Jerusalem Wait! It was written to the Jews just like Matthew 24.
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A Soul is like a Seed
Almonds photo credit Vassilis http://www.flickr.com/A Soul is like a Seed
It must open in order to produce new life.
By Craig C. White
A soul is like a seed. Or perhaps I should say that a seed is like a soul. I think that God created seeds to illustrate how life renews itself and how our own souls live and also all too often die. God gave the first living thing a seed!
Genesis 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
A seed is designed to produce new life. It has a hard outer shell and a center that is capable of becoming a whole new plant. Our souls are similar. Our hearts house and protect our spirit. Our spirits are capable of growing into something greater. Regrettably, most souls never yield new life. Jesus compared a person’s soul to a wheat seed.
John 12:24-25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
In order for a seed to grow it needs to open its outer shell. If it doesn’t open its shell then it cannot become anything more than a seed and it dies. In the same way, our hearts must open to God’s spirit in order to renew our life. If our hearts remain closed then our spirits cannot be renewed by the Holy Spirit of God.
Did you know that a seed opens from the inside? When conditions are right the embryo swells and breaks open the outer shell. Our hearts must also open from the inside. The Spirit of God is always outside of our hard hearts beckoning us. When we hear him we must push our shell apart in order to let him in.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
When you sow seeds into the ground you have expectations that they will grow back up out of the ground and produce new life and fruit. The seed will be gone but a new plant will grow in its place. If a seed represents a soul then the fleshy fruit represents our body. In the same way that a seed becomes a plant, our bodies will become something greater. If our bodies are sown into the ground they will be raised up again but they will be changed. Our bodies will be raised in much better condition. They will endure forever!
1Corinthians 15:42-44 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
A seed doesn’t just become another seed, but it becomes something much more. If our souls are germinated by God’s Spirit then we will also become something greater.
1John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Because of sin our spirits cannot regenerate our bodies alone. We need God’s everlasting Spirit. Without God’s spirit our souls and bodies will wither and die. If our souls hold the Spirit of God, then even though our bodies die they will be made alive again!
Romans 8:10-11 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Jesus’ own resurrection is proof that if we receive God’s Spirit in our souls then our bodies will also be made whole. Our body may wither and die but because our soul has been made alive by God’s everlasting Spirit, our body will also one day be renewed.
1Peter 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
If a person never receives the Spirit of God then he will never be renewed. He will be dead forever. As you can imagine, being dead forever is really bad. Unfortunately it’s even worse than that. When a plant is dead it is used for firewood to be burned. When a person is dead God also tosses him into the fire.
John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Just like the rain falls on every seed, God’s Spirit is offered to every heart. If a person hardens their heart to God’s Spirit, then their soul and body are cast into hell to be burned.
Hebrews 6:7-8 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
If the soul of a man resembles a seed, and man was also made in God’s image (Gen 1:26), then perhaps God is like a seed. Does that sound farfetched?
Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
In the verse below, the apostle John calls Jesus the Word. The Word was with God. The English word with is translated from the Greek word pros. Pros means to be facing or toward. Pros can be translated literally as being face to face. So the Word (Jesus) was face to face with God.
John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
If you have ever cracked open an almond you have noticed that the nut has two halves. Just as the two halves of a seed are face to face; Jesus was face to face with God. Jesus was very near to God. Jesus was God. You know, you might even say that God was a nut! But you probably shouldn’t say that in church!
A soul is the spiritual seed of a man. It can grow into something new or it can wither and die.
God has Great Expectations that he would know you!
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Creation the universal language
Creation the universal language
Everybody understands that there is a God
By Craig C. White
The sky proclaims that a glorious God has made it. Its message requires no translation. Every language understands.
Psalm 19:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Every person understands that God exists even if they don’t acknowledge him. The overwhelming proof of creation leaves no room for an excuse not to worship God.
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
God created the heavens and the earth and all things in them.
Psalm 33:6-9 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
Jesus is God. Jesus existed before he was born as a man. Jesus created all things.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Jesus Christ is God. He came into the world that he created. God came into the world as a man. The world rejected their creator. But to all who receive him he will give friendship and eternal life.
John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
The people in the world that God made killed Jesus. But God raised Jesus alive from the dead. Death has been overcome by Jesus own death. Even after death, God has the power to give life. Jesus has the power to give you everlasting life.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
You already understand that God created the heavens and the earth. It’s time to acknowledge him. Believe that Jesus is God and be saved.
Jesus is returning to the earth to see you! Before he does read my book God’s Great Expectations
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Who were the Merchants of Tarshish?
Who were the Merchants of Tarshish?
Tyre’s island fortress
Ezekiel 38:13
By Craig C. White
According to Ezekiel 38:5 Turkey will lead Libya, Iran, and Sudan in an invasion into Israel. All of these nations are fighting in Syria today. I think that Turkey will invade Syria, destroy Damascus, and then lead these nations in an invasion into Israel! Three other nations are also mentioned in Ezekiel 38:13. Two are easy to identify. One is not so easy. They are Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish. Sheba and Dedan are easily identified as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia; but who are the merchants of Tarshish?
There has been a long debate over the identity of the merchants of Tarshish in Ezekiel 38. The fact that they are called merchants leads us to think that they were a major shipping power in ancient days. Some say that the merchants of Tarshish refer to Spain because Tartessos was the name of a harbor city in ancient Spain. Some say that the merchants of Tarshish extend to all of Europe and the United States because Ezekiel 38:13 says that Tarshish is accompanied by its young lions. I don’t know if that is correct. All of the other nations that are listed in Ezekiel 38 are located in the Middle East. Perhaps Tarshish is also located in the Middle East.
Ezekiel 38:13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
In the verse above, the merchants of Tarshish are accompanied by all of their young lions. Most Bible prophecy teachers equate young lions with nations. I think that is a mistake. The Hebrew word Kephiyr translated as young lions primarily means village. So it is much more reasonable to equate the term young lions to mean the regional area of a country such as a county or province. It may be a mistake then to equate the term young lions to refer to several entire countries.
The merchants of Tarshish are mentioned alongside of Sheba and Dedan in Ezekiel 38:13 above. They seem to be excusing themselves from participating in the invasion into Israel. They use a flimsy argument that will excuse them from participating in the invasion but at the same time cheer on its success. They all ask the Turkish led invaders of Israel “Are you going into Israel to rob them?”
The merchants of Tarshish are listed with Saudi Arabia. Perhaps when it comes to the invasion into Israel the merchants of Tarshish have something in common with Saudi Arabia. I would like to point out that all of the rest of the above mentioned nations are also currently fighting in Syria. Perhaps the merchants of Tarshish also have something in common with Saudi Arabia as it is fighting in Syria. Saudi Arabia is the latest entry into the battle for Syria. The Saudi government is supporting Al-Qaeda terrorists from Saudi Arabia as they fight against Syrian President Assad. The main Al-Qaeda force fighting in Syria today is from Libya. There is one other Al-Qaeda faction that has significant representation in Syria; and that has also not yet been identified in Ezekiel chapter 38. That is Al-Qaeda from Iraq! Could Iraq represent the merchants of Tarshish? It is a possibility. Was the region around Iraq a major shipping power in ancient days? Yes it was one of the biggest, and it still is today. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were and are both major shipping channels. Today Iraq’s capital city of Baghdad lies on the Tigris River. The ancient Assyrian capital city of Nineveh still lies on the Tigris River in far northern Iraq across the river from the modern city of Mosul. Al-Qaeda in Iraq is headquartered in Mosul in the Nineveh Province.
Is there any biblical evidence of a person or region named Tarshish in ancient Iraq? I think that there is. In Esther chapter 1 below, King Ahasuerus calls a conference together with the seven princes of the Persian Empire. The Persian Empire was actually a dual empire headed by Persia which is today’s Iran, and Media which was located in today’s northern Iraq. One of the princes of the Persia and Media regions was named Tarshish. If Prince Tarshish ruled over a province in Media (or northern Iraq) then he just may be the Tarshish that Ezekiel recognizes. Perhaps Prince Tarshish ruled over the Nineveh Province!
Esther 1:14 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
Princes are set over provinces. So Prince Tarshish was the first ruler in his province of ancient Persia or Media, which is today’s Iran and Northern Iraq.
We know from Ezekiel 38:5 that Iran will participate in the Turkish led invasion into Israel. Tarshish accompanies Saudi Arabia in Ezekiel 38:13. They both cheer on the plundering of Israel. Both Saudi Arabia and Iraq play secondary roles in Syria today. It is possible that Saudi Arabia and Iraq are represented in Ezekiel 38:13. It may be that after the fighting in Syria ends then Al-Qaeda from Saudi Arabia and Iraq will both excuse themselves from invading Israel. It is possible that the merchants of Tarshish represent today’s northern Iraq!
I do see some problems with this view. Like I said before we don’t know which Province Prince Tarshish ruled over. Most importantly the merchants of Tarshish are called merchants! Assyria was a shipping destination. But Nineveh was the end of the line. In fact the Tigris River gets very shallow that far north so shipping is limited. There is another town that is almost always referred to as merchant; both in the Bible and also in world history. No, I don’t think that the merchants of Tarshish represent northern Iraq.
Here we go again. This time I think that we really may have gotten it right! There is also biblical evidence that Tarshish was in today’s Lebanon.
Tarshish was the son of Javan. Javan was the brother of Magog. Magog settled in today’s Turkey. Tarshish may have settled nearby in today’s Lebanon.
Gen 10:2 The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.
Gen 10:4-5 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
In Isaiah chapter 23 the city of Tyre (or Tyrus) is prophesied to be destroyed. Tarshish is mentioned several times in this chapter. Tyre was a very busy and wealthy seaport city located in today’s Lebanon. Tyre consisted of a large mainland town plus an impressive fortress just 1000 yards off its shore. The walls of the fortress were said to have been 150’ high! Shipments would be protected by the island fortress of Tyre and warehoused on the mainland. The mainland city of Tyre was besieged by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar in 585 BC. The siege lasted thirteen years.
There is still a city at Tyre in Lebanon today. Today Tyre is called Sur or Sour meaning rock. It is on Lebanon’s southern Mediterranean coast. Just 1000 yards off of its shore rests the ruins of the ancient island fortress of Tyre. The island fortress was attacked by Alexander the great in 332 BC and wiped flat.
Isa 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
In Isaiah 23:6 below there is an invasion coming upon the mainland city of Tyre! The residents of Tyre are instructed to pass over into Tarshish. They are fleeing to the safety of the island fortress. We know from history that the citizens of the mainland city of Tyre did in fact flee to the island fortress. Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar besieged the mainland city of Tyre from the land. Tyre’s residents sought refuge in Tyre’s island fortress. It is very possible that Tarshish was the island fortress of ancient Tyre.
Isa 23:6 Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle.
Isaiah 23:14 below illustrates the economic and most importantly the security reliance that the merchants of Tarshish had on the island fortress of Tyre. Tyre’s island fortress protected the shipping industry. So the merchants of Tarshish sailed in and out of port under its protection.
Isa 23:14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.
The merchants of Tarshish play a role in Ezekiel 38’s Turkish led invasion into Israel. They ask the Turkish forces “Have you come to rob Israel?” (Eze 38:13). If Turkey invades Israel from Syria’s southern border then they would pass right by Lebanon. It seems very likely then that the merchants of Tarshish could in fact represent today’s Lebanon.
Eze 38:13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
In the book of Jonah, Jonah tries to escape from God by hightailing it out of the land of Israel. Jonah got on a ship at Joppa to sail his way to Tarshish. Joppa is a city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast just south of Tel Aviv. Tyre or Tarshish in southern Lebanon would have been the ships first stop outside of the land of Israel.
Jon 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
We don’t know exactly when Jonah headed for Tarshish but it was sometime around 800 BC. There was probably already a fortress at Tyre. Jonah may have thought that he would be safe from God there. King Hiram of Tyre sent building materials to King David for his palace around 965 BC.
2Sa 5:11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
Jonah wanted to make haste for the first city outside of Israel. He may have also sought the protection of the island fortress of Tarshish. This argument seems simple and straight forward to me. I think that it makes more sense to identify the merchants of Tarshish as seagoing merchants from the nation we call Lebanon today. Lebanon will one day ask Turkey and its invading forces from Libya, Iran, and Sudan, “Have you come to rob Israel?”
I recommend reading my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon.
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“North quarters” refers to the northern provinces of Turkey
“North quarters” refers to the northern provinces of Turkey
Gog and Magog is Turkey not Russia!
Ezekiel 38:6
By Craig C. White
Almost every modern day Bible prophecy teacher says that Gog and Magog in Ezekiel chapter 38 refers to Russia. Ezekiel chapter 38 describes an end time invasion into Israel. They say that Russia will lead Iran, Sudan, and Libya into Israel. Very unfortunately these Bible prophecy buffs are wrong. They use the following verse to conclude that the term “north quarters” identifies the nation that is located furthest to the north of Israel. But hold on just a minute. The term “north quarters” is used elsewhere in the Bible. It always refers to the northern part of a region. It does not refer to a far north nation that is outside of a particular region.
Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
For decades Bible prophecy teachers have exercised exegetical gymnastics to equate the name Togarmah to mean Russia. That is because they are trying to fit the text to their preconceived interpretations. When identifying nations and places the Bible is typically much more straightforward. Togarmah isn’t a nation to the far north of Israel. Instead Togarmah is a northern province inside of the borders of Turkey. Most Bible maps identify Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Togarmah as provinces located inside of the land that we call Turkey. All of these names are mentioned in Ezekiel chapter 38. Just for your information, the highest population density in Turkey is around Istanbul in the far northwestern region of Turkey. Ezekiel is saying that the people of northern Turkey will participate in this invasion into Israel.
The term “north quarters” is comprised of two Hebrew words. Tsaphon meaning northward or northern side and yerekah meaning to the rear of the border. These definitions are from the Strong Hebrew dictionary.
tsâphôn tsâphôn
tsaw-fone’, tsaw-fone’
properly hidden, that is, dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown): – north (-ern, side, -ward, wind).yerêkâh
yer-ay-kaw’
properly the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess: – border, coast, part, quarter, side.Outside of the book of Ezekiel the words tsaphon and yerekah are used together only twice more in the Bible. In Psalm 48:2 and also in Isaiah 14:13 tsaphon and yerekah refer to the north side of Mount Zion. In Psalm 48:2 the phrase “the sides of the north” are the same two Hebrew words that are translated as “north quarters” in Ezekiel 38:6. In Psalm 48:2 below “the sides of the north” identify the north side of Mount Zion in Jerusalem. From there you can view all of the city of Old Jerusalem.
Psalm 48:2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
The north quarters of Mount Zion are within the boundaries of Mount Zion. They are not identifying a far distant northern land. The phrase “the sides of the north” is used in the same way in Isaiah 14:13.
Here is a side note. The two words Hebrew words tsaphon and yerekah are also used in Jeremiah 6:22 but they are not used together. Jeremiah 6:22 does describe a north country. The Hebrew word erets is translated as country in Jeremiah 6:22. The Hebrew word erets very specially means land, or nation, or country. For example, the official Hebrew name for the nation of Israel is Eretz Yisrael meaning the land of Israel. So you can see that the Hebrew language could have very specifically identified Togarmah in Ezekiel 38:6 as a nation but it did not!
Jeremiah 6:22 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.
Jeremiah chapter 6 describes the same invasion into Jerusalem and Judea as does Matthew chapter 24. This is the time of Jerusalem’s great tribulation (Matthew 24:21). I won’t take the time to prove it here but Turkey is the northern nation that attacks Jerusalem and Judea to begin their terrible time of trouble.
So the “north quarters” in Ezekiel 38:6 refer to the northern provinces inside of the borders of Turkey. The term “north quarters” never refers to Russia. Turkey is the nation that will lead Iran, Sudan, and Libya into Israel. By the way all of these nations are fighting inside of Syria today! After Turkey conquers Syria and destroys Damascus then Turkey will lead the armies that are fighting in Syria into Israel. Ezekiel chapter 39 describes another Turkish led invasion into Israel. It is the same as the battle of Armageddon. The ancient Assyrian invasions into northern Israel in 734 BC and the separate invasion into southern Israel in 701 BC are models for these two Turkish led end time invasions. It is very likely that after Turkey destroys Damascus that then they will lead an invasion into the Golan Heights. In the news lately there has been a world wide effort to take the Golan Heights away from Israel. Over the past couple of years Israel has already been forced to defend the Golan Heights from Iran and Libya in southern Syria.
In Ezekiel 38:6 “north quarters” refers to the northern provinces of Turkey. In the Bible “north quarters” never once refers to a far northern nation beyond the borders of the previously identified nation.
Read all about the first Turkish led invasion into Israel in my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
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High Time to Awake 