-
Turkey makes military alliance with Iran
Turkey makes military alliance with Iran
Christians should not be surprised.
By Craig C. White
I am not surprised by Turkey’s recent military alliance with Iran even though Turkey is predominantly Sunni and Iran is Shiite. Turkey and Iran have been getting cozy for years. Probably three years ago the Iranian Hezbollah leader announced that Hezbollah (Shiite from Iran and Lebanon) and Al-Qaeda (Sunni from Libya, Sudan and elsewhere) were planning a joint attack on Israel. He said that they were going into the Galilee region. That would mean an invasion launched from southern Syria into the Golan Heights. All of these forces have been fighting in Syria for the past six years. Ezekiel 38:5 says that Turkey will lead Iran, Libya, and Sudan into Israel. If any Christian is surprised that the Ezekiel chapter 38 Turkish led invasion into Israel is about to happen then they haven’t been paying attention for a long time.
Yes I think that Turkey will attack Hamah and Tell Rifaat in northwestern Syria and then destroy Damascus very soon (Jeremiah 49:23-27). The Turkish Army is already amassed in Azaz, Syria located just to the north of Tell Riffat. Their stated goal is the conquest of Kurdish held Tell Rifaat. Tell Rifaat is called Arpad in Jeremiah 49:23. Jeremiah says that after Hamah and Tell Rifaat hear about a coming invasion then the residents of Damascus will flee and then Damascus will be destroyed. Turkish President Erdogan also admitted that the sole reason why the Turkish Army has entered Syria is to remove Syrian President Assad from power in Damascus.
After Turkey along with the Free Syrian Army destroy Damascus then I think that Turkey will lead the Iranian Army, Hezbollah from Iran, and also lead the Free Syrian Army (Al-Qaeda from Libya, Sudan and elsewhere) into Israel. God will cause these invaders to retreat by using the forces of nature against them (Ezekiel 38). I think that Israeli Rabbis will interpret this invasion as being the battle of Armageddon. According to the Bible, lasting peace for Israel follows after the battle of Armageddon. So Israel will make their peace treaty with Turkey and with Turkish President Erdogan (the Antichrist). The cry of the day will be peace and safety.
I think that somewhere in the midst of these events that the Church will be resurrected and taken away into heaven. So we are close.
Read this article on Shoebat.com The Military Alliance Between Turkey And Iran Has Just Been Established And Ezekiel 38 Is Getting Closer To Be Fulfilled
Read my verse by verse commentary through Ezekiel chapter 38 titled Magog Made Easy!
Read my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
facebook YouTube
-
Satan has fallen
Satan has fallen
But he has not yet been cast out of heaven!
By Craig C. White
Many Christians read 2Thessalonians 2:3 and conclude that the Holy Spirit or the Church must be removed from the earth before the Antichrist can be revealed or the Tribulation can begin. But I say that the “falling away” in 2Tessalonians 2:3 describes the casting out of Satan from heaven to the earth.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
The Holy Spirit will be active on earth during the Tribulation. Many people will be saved during the Tribulation. The Holy Spirit can not be taken away as long as there are people who are trusting God.
Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Satan has certainly fallen from his previous glorious estate but Satan has not yet been completely banned from heaven. The following verse is written about the Tribulation period. Satan has been in Heaven accusing believers in front of God. So around the time of the Tribulation period Satan will be cast down from heaven to earth.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Satan is the one who prevents the Antichrist from being revealed with false signs. Because Satan must fall from Heaven to Earth in order to empower the man called the Antichrist.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
A “falling away” is the fall of Satan not the removal of the Holy Spirit. Satan must be cast out of Heaven to the Earth before the Antichrist is empowered. Jesus said that he saw Satan fall as lighting. I think that this statement is prophetic. This event may even be visible from earth. By the way, I think that Satan will finally be cast out of heaven any day now.
Read my commentary titled The Fall of Satan and Rise of the AntichristRead my book The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
facebook YouTube
-
Will the mark of the beast be worldwide?
Will the mark of the beast be worldwide?
Microchips are best served with a grain of salt.
By Craig C. White
Revelation 13:16 says that during the Tribulation all people must receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads in order to buy or sell. This is called “the mark of the beast”. This beast represents the next world empire. So the mark of the beast identifies you as a faithful follower of the next world empire. This leads me to ask, “Will the next world empire really cover the entire world?” “Does the word “all” really mean all people in the entire world?” The Bible sheds light on these questions.
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
A fanciful idea has sprung up and has also taken root in Christian circles; the idea that every person in the entire world will be faced with the decision of receiving a microchip identification implant in their right hand or in their forehead. If you accept this microchip then you are going to hell! This keeps Christians up at night. They are awaiting the announcement, “The world is instituting a mandatory microchip ID program!” The Bible does say that a mark will be worn. But it doesn’t specifically define a microchip. The Bible doesn’t specifically say that all of the world will be subject to the mark of the next world empire. I can prove it.
Bible scholars say that one of the ancient world empires will be revived during the Tribulation period. Many identify this world empire as being a revived Roman Empire (which is a mistake). Others identify this end time empire as being a revived Turkish ruled Ottoman Empire (which is correct). Either way, everybody agrees that a previous world empire will be reestablished. Now we must ask ourselves, “Did any past world empire cover the entire geographic area of the world?” The answer is absolutely not. So the next world empire cannot cover the entire geographic area of the world. Otherwise it would not be an old world empire that has been revived but it would have to be categorized as some new kind of world empire altogether. Like every past world empire I would expect that the next world empire will cover roughly the geographic area between Europe and India including northern Africa. This by and large identifies the Islamic world today.
Then who will be asked to wear the mark of the next world empire? Well it follows that the people who live in the region of the next world empire will be required to wear the identifying mark of the next world empire. Today all Muslims living in the region of the former Turkish ruled Ottoman Empire already wear the identifying mark of Islam. They all wear the “bismillah” on their right arms or on their foreheads. The bismillah is an armband or headband with the Arabic words saying “In the name of Allah” written on them. The bismillah is worn by every Islamic sect from Morocco to India. Now allow me to tell you something even more astonishing. The three Greek letters that spell “six hundred sixty six” are the same Arabic characters that spell “In the name of Allah”. It seems that the mark of Islam will be the mark of the next world empire. There are no microchips needed.
When Bible prophecy is written about world events it is typically about how these events affect Israel. So I would expect that the mark of the next world empire will also be applied in Israel. This would certainly cause hardship for Israeli Jews who honor the God of their fathers; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Although let me point out that during talks with Turkish religious leaders regarding building a new Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, several top Israeli rabbis have already agreed that Israel and Islam serve the same God. It is conceivable that these rabbis would be willing to wear the Islamic armband for the sake of peace; the chief among these rabbis being temple activist and Israeli Parliament member Rabbi Yehuda Glick.
Turkish President Erdogan intends to unite the Islamic world under Turkish rule. Erdogan intends to recreate the Turkish ruled Ottoman Empire. Islam promises an empire that will rule the world. Many Islamic nations are already on-board with Erdogan as their promised Mahdi. Syria isn’t. That is why Turkey will conquer Syria and destroy Damascus. But I digress.
The Micro-chipping of every world citizen has become an indisputable doctrine in the Christian Church. But that is mere fantasy. The mark of the beast identifies you as a faithful follower of the next world empire. The next world empire will not include the entire world. The next world empire will cover the same geographic area of a past world empire. When it comes to microchips they are best served with a grain of salt. Oh and with guacamole of course!
Read my commentary titled 666 – no microchip needed
One day you will realize that life is no longer normal. Strange and terrible things are happening that make you wonder if God is behind them. You will run TO & FRO looking for answers. Read all about it in my latest book TO & FRO.
facebook YouTube
-
How can I be saved? – Focus our love, with Nick Williams
How can I be saved?
Focus our love, with Nick Williams
From Believers in Grace Fellowship – Marion, Iowa
My good friend Nick Williams presents a great message about being saved and knowing God. We must yield our souls to God. Amen. I have rarely heard such a complete, concise, and impassioned explanation about making peace with God._ -
The falling away of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
© 2014 Craig C. WhiteThe falling away of Satan
2Thesalonians 2:1-17
By Craig C. White
It turns out that 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 is not about the apostasy of the Church or the removal of the Holy Spirit from the earth during the Tribulation period. It is about looking to the Old Testament prophets in order to recognize end time events!
Throughout history Israel has suffered at the hands of every ancient world empire. Israel will once again suffer at the hands of the next world empire. There is a terrible time of persecution coming upon Israel and most terribly upon Jerusalem. During this seven year period God will also pour out his wrath upon the entire world. This is called the Tribulation period. The Apostle Paul has promised Church age believers that they would escape this terrible time of God’s wrath on earth by being taken up into heaven. This event is called the Rapture.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ever since Jesus’ resurrection, believers in Christ have been saved from the penalty of sin which is death and hell. Christians will also be saved from the coming period of God’s wrath on earth.
Rom 5:7-10 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Early Church members in the Grecian city of Thessalonica saw the persecution of Jews and Christians under the Roman Empire and wondered if this terrible time of trouble was coming upon them? They thought that the Tribulation was beginning and wondered why the Rapture hadn’t happened yet. Paul told the Thessalonians that the Tribulation was not about to happen because two old testament prophecies had not yet been fulfilled! Paul told them that Satan must fall from heaven to earth and that the Antichrist must be revealed before the Tribulation period on earth began.
2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
The verse above describes the Resurrection of Christians and the Rapture of the Church.
The verse below describes the day of Christ. The day of Christ is the terrible period of Tribulation on earth.
2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Evidently there were some rumors circulating around the Thessalonian believers that the Tribulation was beginning. The Rapture was designed to save Christians from a terrible time of trouble on earth. So it follows that the Rapture must happen before the Tribulation begins. The Thessalonians were wondering why the Rapture had not yet happened. The Apostle Paul identifies two old testament prophetic events that help us to recognize the the arrival of the Tribulation. They are the falling of Satan from heaven to earth and the revealing of the Antichrist as he sits in the temple at Jerusalem.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.
Paul is not revealing new prophetic information here. He is reminding us about the prophecies of Isaiah (Isa 14:12) and Daniel (Dan 9:27). In verse 3 above, what is a falling away? Some teach that this references a worldwide “apostasy”; in other words “a turning away from God”. While there will be a major corrupting of world religion during the end time, I don’t think that it is referenced here. First the Bible teaches that none seek after God (Psa 14:1-3, Psa 53:2, Rom 3:10-18), and that no nation follows after him. So the world is already “fallen away” from God. However I do admit that things will get worse.
Second let’s take a look at the word and in the phrase “and that man of sin be revealed”. The word and usually means even, so, or then and sometimes means also or too. In our case and means then. So, a falling away and that man of sin be revealed are not two accumulative events. Instead, the second event relies on the first. The second event can only happen because the first event happened. A falling away happens then the man of sin is revealed.
God’s wrath won’t be poured out on earth until the man of sin is revealed. The man of sin can only be revealed because something or someone first falls away.
It is the same case in the phrase “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him” in 2Thessalonians 2:1. In this case “and” also means “then”.
Jesus Christ comes; then because Jesus Christ came the Church will be gathered together to him. Jesus is able to gather us together only because first he comes to earth. The second event can only happen because the first event happened.
We still haven’t defined a falling away. Let’s look at the surrounding statements. Verses 3 & 4 are jam-packed with descriptions of the man of sin.
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Obviously verses 3 & 4 are describing the Antichrist. The Antichrist is a wicked man that is empowered by Satan. The Antichrist will invade Israel and sit in the temple at Jerusalem. He will then preside over the persecution of Israel during the Great Tribulation period.
So the Antichrist will sit in the temple before the day of God’s wrath on earth or at least before Israel’s great tribulation. Early Church members could recognize that this event hadn’t happened yet. So the time of great tribulation in Jerusalem had not yet come.
I don’t think that the Church will see the Antichrist as he sits in the temple but I am certain that the Church will see the Antichrist. The Antichrist will do many other identifiable things before he sits in the temple in Jerusalem.
In Matthew 24:43 the inhabitants of Judea are instructed to look for the Antichrist as he approaches. So the Antichrist will be identifiable before he sits in the temple at Jerusalem. I tell you that the Antichrist is already identifiable today! He is Turkish President Erdogan.
2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
I am certain that Paul had previously taught the church members in Thessalonica about the prophecies in Isaiah (Isa 14:12) and Daniel (Dan 9:27) that help to identify the Tribulation period. Jesus also explained these events in the gospels (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17&21).
2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
The word withholdeth means to hold fast or stay. To stay means to prevent, to come first, or to delay.
Seeing the Antichrist sitting in the temple is the event that comes before or delays the Great Tribulation. But the term “a falling away” is describing the event that is delaying the revealing of the Antichrist. So the stay (or delay) of a falling away is preventing the Antichrist from being revealed. Satan’s fall precedes the revealing of the Antichrist!
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
The mystery of iniquity is simply the working of wickedness in the world. Specifically it is the working of Satan’s plan to make himself God of this world. Every past world empire has been configured by Satan. There is one more world empire coming. World empires are Satan’s attempt to make himself the god of this world. Things will get much worse when the Antichrist is revealed. The identity of the word he is in question here. Whoever he is, prevents (or delays) the Antichrist from being revealed until he is taken out of the way. Most Christians read this verse and immediately think that the word he refers to the Holy Spirit taken away in the raptured Church. I don’t think so. The word he is still referring to someone who has yet to have a falling away! The words letteth and let are the same word as withholdeth in verse 6. The word taken can also be translated as “fall”. So he prevents the Antichrist from being revealed until he falls!!! The Holy Spirit is not taken out of the way before the Antichrist can be revealed. The Holy Spirit is not taken out of the way at all. People are saved during the Tribulation period (Rev 7:9-14), and their spirits are in heaven! Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is active in the salvation of a person. So the Holy Spirit is active on earth during the Tribulation period.
John 3:5 “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
So after he falls, the Antichrist will be revealed. Jesus will kill the Antichrist when he returns to the earth at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. This is not to be confused with Jesus’ coming in the air to gather his Church before or perhaps early during the Tribulation period (which is described in verse 1 at the top of our study).
2Th 2:9-10 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
This verse is still talking about the Antichrist. However another person is mentioned. That is Satan. BINGO! We finally have the last piece of our puzzle! The identity of he is Satan. The phrase “a falling away” in 2Th 2:3 is describing Satan’s fall out of heaven. So Satan will fall from heaven then the Antichrist will be revealed on earth!
In 2Th 2:3 the original Greek word for “falling away” is “apostasia”. Apostasia means to divorce, or to move something away in order to disassociate from it. In our case Satan is moved away from heaven because he has no place there anymore. The Antichrist is a man who is empowered by Satan after Satan falls to earth. Did you know that there will be a war in heaven and God will throw Satan out?
Rev 12:7-12 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
When the devil is cast out of heaven he will empower the Antichrist to do false miracles and deceive all who have rejected God.
Do you mean that Satan can enter heaven? Yep he can now, but soon he will be thrown out for good. He will be thrown to earth. That’s why we need to be warned to look out for the man that Satan will empower! Today Satan travels between heaven and earth. He also accuses believers of committing sin. Job chapter 2 illustrates Satan’s travels between heaven and earth.
Job 2:1-2 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
There are two events that must happen before Jerusalem is overrun by its enemies. These two events are the fall of Satan from heaven to earth and the Antichrist sitting in the temple at Jerusalem.
The revealing of the Antichrist on earth is the sign of the Tribulation. I think that there is already definite evidence of who the Antichrist is and present day circumstances exist that will allow his rise to infamy.
Church age believers in Jesus Christ will not suffer through the Tribulation period on earth. As Christians we are looking forward to Jesus Christ coming in the air to raise the dead and catch up the living into heaven! Alleluia!!!
2Th 2:11-12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Because people have rejected God’s love for them, and have rejected God’s son sent to die for them (Joh 3:16), God will send them strong delusion. The word delusion means “a straying from orthodoxy or piety”. All people who have rejected the truth of salvation by Jesus’ blood will be persuaded of their own righteousness by another way. This of course is true of all false religions; but it reminds me of the Emerging Church and also of the Unity movement being spearheaded by the Pope. The Emerging Church is an all-inclusive so called “Christian” movement that contains eastern philosophy and ritual; including yoga, meditation, and contemplative prayer as a means to personal holiness. It denounces Bible teaching, and is being promoted by some of your favorite “Christian” leaders. Even without the influence of the miracle working Antichrist, most people I know are eagerly awaiting this kind of religion (including most pastors). The fact that the Emerging Church and the Unity movement are on the move persuades me to think that Satan’s fall and the exposing of the Antichrist is imminent. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived!
2Th 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope you believe the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ’s blood shed for you.
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
2Th 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
In verse 15 above, the Apostle Paul instructs the believers in Thessalonica to “hold the traditions which ye have been taught”. Paul is referencing the writings of the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Daniel to help identify two events that happen during the Tribulation. The fall of Satan from heaven and the revealing of the Antichrist as he sits in the temple in Jerusalem. The first day of Jerusalem’s Great Tribulation will be marked by the Antichrist sitting in the temple in Jerusalem (Mat 24:21).
Most Bible teachers think that the Great Tribulation begins three and one half years into the seven year long Tribulation period. Christians living during the Church age can be assured that they will not suffer through the time of the God’s wrath on earth. Most Bible teachers also say that the seven year Tribulation period begins with the signing of a seven year term security agreement between the Antichrist, Israel, and perhaps other world powers (Dan 9:27). Will Church age believers be on earth to see the signing of this treaty during the first days of the seven year Tribulation period? I don’t know.
The world is prepared for the Antichrist. Christians should be prepared for the day of Christ. We must look to the Old Testament prophets in order to recognize prophetic end time events that are increasingly happening today. Each one of us must make certain that we possess a sure and steadfast faith in the salvation of soul and body that Jesus has wrought. We must also be prepared so that we are not deceived by the offer of an unorthodox way to reconciliation with God that a false religion will soon tender (2Th 2:11-12).
Mat 24:24 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.
The following verses were written to Jewish believers. They also apply to all believers in Jesus Christ especially those living in present day.
Heb 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Now let me see if I have this straight. Jesus will return in the air then Church age believers will be resurrected from the dead and taken into heaven. Satan will be thrown out of heaven and fall to earth then the Antichrist will be revealed. Israel should know that the Great Tribulation will not begin until the man of sin (or the Antichrist) sits in the temple in Jerusalem. Wow, I probably should have said that in the first place. Amen.
Read my book The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist is on YouTube!
For more about Satan’s fall read The Devil’s fall brings Euphoria or Grief
facebook YouTube
-
Who are the young men in Jeremiah 49:26?
Who are the young men in Jeremiah 49:26?
Guide to who’s fighting who in Syria?
By Craig C. White
Who is fighting who in Syria? Let’s make this easy; Al-Qaeda is fighting against Syrian President Assad and the Syrian Army. Hezbollah is fighting for Assad. Al-Qaeda is from Libya, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Hezbollah is from Iran. All of these nations are listed in Ezekiel chapter 38. Ezekiel chapter 38 describes Turkey as it leads Libya, Iran, and Sudan in an invasion into Israel as Saudi Arabia and Iraq look on. Read my commentary titled “Magog Made Easy!”.
Lately Syrian citizens have joined Assad and the Syrian army to help defend their country. The Syrian National Defense Force is a newly formed civilian guard.
According to Jeremiah chapter 49 Damascus will be attacked and its defenders will be killed. Compare the Syrian National Defense Force to Jeremiah 49:26 below.
Jeremiah 49:26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts.
In this verse the young men are contrasted to the men of war. The men of war obviously represent the Syrian Army. I think that the Syrian National Defense Force are in fact represented by the young men in this verse. The Syrian Army and Syrian National Defense Force will be killed defending Syria’s capital city of Damascus. Read my commentary titled “The nations are disquieted over Syria“.
Read this great article on Haaretz
Guide: Who’s fighting who in Syria?
For a verse by verse study read Isaiah 17 predicts the destruction of Damascus
Read my new book The complete guide to Syria in end time Bible Prophecy
facebook YouTube
-
Antichrist checklist
Antichrist checklist
Check out Turkish President Erdogan
By Craig C. White
https://www.spreaker.com/embed/player/standard?episode_id=8245559&autoplay=false
The world has gone haywire! Folks are beginning to conclude that we are all entering the end times spoken of in the Bible. The end times are marked by terrible wars and natural disasters, by the oppression of Israel, and by the rise of a world empire. The ruler of this world empire is known as the Antichrist. Now more than ever folks are expecting to identify the Antichrist. They have several candidates but only one world leader is fulfilling the criteria that the Bible lays out.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the Antichrist. Here is a checklist that shows which Bible prophecies he has already fulfilled.
The Antichrist will claim that he is god.2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Lately Turkish President Erdogan has been claiming to be god! There is now a public campaign in Turkey claiming that Erdogan is god. They even rewrote the Turkish national anthem adding the line, “Erdogan always gets his power from Allah”. Billboards in Istanbul invite the people to Erdogan’s “holy” birthday celebration.
The Antichrist will perform false miracles.2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
Erdogan is now performing healings. During an outdoor pre-election rally in May 2015 Erdogan addressed tens of thousands of his supporters. During his speech a woman fainted in the front row. The woman was carried to Erdogan where he touched her. The woman instantly revived and began praising Allah.
The Antichrist will invade Syria and then northern Israel.Isaiah 10:5-6 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. 6 I 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 Antichrist is called “the Assyrian” in Isaiah because he will do the same things that the Assyrian kings did! The Assyrian Kings led two separate invasions into Israel. First they invaded Syria plus northern Israel in 734 BC. The second invasion was into southern Israel in 701 BC.
Turkish President Erdogan vowed that he will remove Syrian President Bashar Assad from power in Damascus. He also called for Islam to conquer Jerusalem. Read The Assyrian is the Antichrist!
The end time invader of Israel is the primary governor of 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.
According to Ezekiel chapter 38 a man called “Magog” will lead an invasion into Israel. Ezekiel calls the end time invader of Israel the “chief prince” amongst his brothers. The Hebrew words translated as “chief prince” mean “primary governor”. Magog’s brothers settled Turkey and were set over provinces. Most Bible prophecy teachers place them there. Magog was also set over a province in Turkey. He was the most prominent prince amongst his brothers. So the end time invader of Israel is the “primary governor” of Turkey. I feel comfortable in calling him the Prime Minister of Turkey don’t you!? Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the Prime Minister of Turkey from 2012 until December 2014. Read Princes of Turkey!
The Antichrist is also called a “prince” and “a little horn”.Dan 7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Magog is called the “chief prince” of Turkey in Ezekiel. He is also called a “little horn”. If a big horn is a king, then a little horn is a prince! A Prime Minister is a “chief prince”! Erdogan was Prime Minister of Turkey for 12 years. Read the little horn is a big pain
The Antichrist will build his palace between the seas on top of a holy mountain.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
Erdogan has built the largest palace in the world for himself in Turkey’s capital city of Ankara. It is called the “White Palace”. It sits on top of the highest hill overlooking Ankara. The White Palace is built in a preserved area of land that was dedicated to Suleyman Shah the grandfather of the founder of the Ottoman Empire. It is illegal to build on the preserve but Erdogan built there anyway. Erdogan’s presidential palace is built between the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea.
The Antichrist will honor the god of military power in his palace.Daniel 11:37-38 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
Turkish President Erdogan is honoring the military might of the Turkish led Ottoman Empire in his new palace. Erdogan has dedicated his palace to the resurgence of Turkey as a world power as he proudly displays soldiers dressed in Ottoman era armor. By the way President Erdogan has publicly announced his intention to reestablish a Turkish led Islamic Empire! Read Erdogan is honoring the God of forces in the Erdogan Palace
Check out my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
facebook YouTube
-
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
-
Look for an Islamic Union represented by a leopard!
Look for an Islamic Union represented by a leopard!
The new Ottoman Empire!
By Craig C. White
Today we live in a very evil time. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his plans for the formation of a new Islamic Union covering North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Erdogan wants to reconstitute the Turkish ruled Ottoman Empire. This Union is most certainly the leopard that is described in Daniel 7:6. According to Daniel chapter 7 this Islamic Union (or leopard) will unite together with the European Union, and the newly formed Russian Union to comprise the next World Empire. Like I said Russia has already begun the formation of its end time Union. This Russian Union is described as a bear in Daniel 7:5.
In Daniel chapter seven the new Union that will be represented by a leopard has four heads and also four wings. I have been expecting to see the formation of an eight nation confederacy but this new Union may instead be composed of eight tribal regions. The leadership of this new Union may even be composed of Islamic terrorist organizations. Turkey has been in league with Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and Hezbollah leadership. In Daniel chapter 7 this new Union will even be given legitimate political status on the world stage.
Daniel 7:6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
Once this Islamic Union is formed and certainly signified as a leopard then we are only a treaty away from the creation of the end time World Empire that will oppress Israel and then be destroyed at Jesus Christ’s second coming! Throughout world history the nation of Israel has suffered terribly under the rule of every past World Empire. Israel will suffer its greatest tribulation under the next World Empire.
Erdogan has already shunned Saudi Arabia; singling the nation out as the enemy of the new Turkish led Islamic Union. This makes perfect biblical sense. As I read the bible it indicates that during the Tribulation Iran and the Kurds will destroy an Arabic city known as “Mystery Babylon” in Revelation 17:5. I think that city is Dubai. Saudi Arabia is Iran’s most reviled enemy.
I wrote my commentary titled “The Leopard is Upon Us!” way back in 2011. Since then the identity of the four primary nations of the leopard in Daniel 7:6 has become more apparent. In November 2014 then Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan announced his plans to form a new Islamic Union. I think that the first four nations to be included in this Union will be Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. These are the same four nations that Revelation 9:13-16 identifies as being located along the Euphrates River. During the first half of the seven year Tribulation period these four nations along with four other secondary nations (or perhaps four Terrorist organizations) will conquer most of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Central Asia. Please read my commentary titled World War III.
Rev 9:13-16 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. 16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
Now President Erdogan has made his intentions of forming a Turkish ruled revived Ottoman Empire with him a it’s Sultan very clear! The first nation to fall to Erdogan and to the Turkish Army will be Syria. After Damascus is destroyed and Syria is conquered then Erdogan will install Muslim Brotherhood leadership there! Then the leopard (or Islamic Union) will be formed.
Some bible teachers are looking for a ten nation or ten king confederacy ruling over this new Islamic Union. But the bible doesn’t describe a ten king Islamic Union (or leopard). Instead it describes a ten king World Empire. When the EU, Russia, and the new Islamic Union combine then they will be ruled over by ten kings!
The sun has been shining since Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The light of the gospel has shined throughout the world. But now we can see the sun sinking low in the sky. It has been High Time to Awake but soon the sun will set when no man can work!
Read this article by Walid Soebat titled The Muslim Antichrist Has Just Given The Most Important And Shocking Speech Of The Century
Read my commentary about Daniel chapter 7 and the formation of the next World Empire titled The Leopard is Upon Us!
Now more than ever before you should read all of my bible prophecy books but start with this one! The Fall of Satan and Rise of the Antichrist
facebook YouTube
-
Magog Made Easier!
Magog Made Easier!
Ezekiel chapter 38 is a prelude to Ezekiel chapter 39
By Craig White
This is my second commentary covering the battle of Gog and Magog. In my first commentary I identify the people and places involved in the battle of Gog and Magog. For more information please first read my commentary titled “Magog Made Easy!”. This commentary titled “Magog Made Easier!” looks at the differences between Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 and explores the near time possibility of the battle of Gog and Magog.
Gog is the land of modern Turkey. Magog is its leader. Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 both describe a Turkish led invasion into Israel. My view is that the events of Ezekiel chapter 38 will happen before the events described in Ezekiel chapter 39.
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:
Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 begin in similar ways. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy against the land of Gog (or today’s Turkey). However, Magog the ruler of Gog is named at the beginning of Ezekiel chapter 38. Magog is the ruler of Gog. Magog is not mentioned at the beginning of Ezekiel chapter 39. So Ezekiel chapter 39 is directed more towards the nation of Gog than it is towards its ruler personally. I think that Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 have separate applications because God divides them into two separate proclamations. It may be that the battle of Ezekiel chapter 38 happens before Israel’s Great Tribulation and the battle of Ezekiel chapter 39 happens a few years later at the end of the Great Tribulation period. I will say more about that when we get to Ezekiel chapter 39.
Eze 38:4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
In Ezekiel 38:4, when Gog attacks Israel then God will turn the Turkish army around like an animal being led with a bit in its mouth (put hooks into thy jaw). A lot of Bible teachers say that this means that the Turkish Army will be turned towards Israel but it actually means that God will cause the Turkish Army to retreat. The term to “put hooks into thy jaws” is used elsewhere in the Bible. Just like God caused the Assyrian Army to retreat in 734 BC God will also cause the Turkish Army to retreat. Read my commentary titled Hooks into thy jaws.
The Ezekiel chapter 38 invasion into Israel may begin soon. The Turkish army is now amassed on the Syrian border; both in Turkey and now inside of Syria. Turkish President Erdogan has proclaimed that the sole reason that Turkey has entered Syria is to remove Syrian President Assad from power in Damascus. The Turkish Army may destroy Damascus (Isaiah 17:1 and Jeremiah 49:24-27) and then march a few miles southward into Israel.
Eze 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
I explain the identities of these people in my commentary “Magog Made Easy”. Persia, Ethiopia (Cush), and Libya are today’s Iran, Sudan, and Libya. They are all fighting in Syria today.
Eze 38:6-7 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. 7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
Magog, Meshech, Tubal, and Gomer were brothers. Togarmah is Gomer’s son. They were among the first families to resettle the world after the devastation of Noah’s flood. They all settled together in today’s Turkey. The north quarters literally describes the northern quadrant of Turkey, not a northern country. Today the largest population center in Turkey is located around Istanbul in far northwestern Turkey. So Turkey will lead an invasion into Israel joined by Iran, Sudan, and Libya.
Eze 38:8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
This prophecy will take place a long time after it was given to Ezekiel. It will take place in the latter years meaning last or end. The latter years are the years before Jesus Christ’s return to Earth to judge the nations and rule on Earth. Turkey will be visited by a person with intentions of mustering troops to invade Israel. This may be referring to Magog himself, the Turkish leader who will instigate the battle. Today it is easy to see that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is eager to start a war with Israel (read my commentary titled “Mr. Magog”).
The land brought back from the sword is the land of Israel again inhabited by the Jewish people. The phrases out of many people and out of the nations are the same Hebrew words meaning “out of every tribe”. So Israel will be inhabiting the land in peace and prosperity before this invasion, just as they are today.
Eze 38:9 Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. 10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: 11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, 12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land. 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?
Please notice that the armies are gathered but have not yet invaded the land of Israel. Sheba and Dedan refer to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Tarshish refers to Lebanon. Tarshish was the name of the rock island fortress that once sat off of the coast of Tyre in southern Lebanon. Ezekiel doesn’t say that Saudi Arabia is joined in the battle, but that they ask the Turkish led army if it is about to invade Israel in order to acquire wealth.
Eze 38:14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? 15 And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: 16 And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
In verse 14 above, the phrase “shalt thou not know it?” means that Turkey will be able to see that Israel is dwelling in peace. In verse 15 above, the phrase “north parts” again means northern quadrant. I think that this is again referring to northern Turkey. Today the Turkish Army is gathered on the northwestern Syrian border. Turkish President Erdogan wants Syrian President Assad to be removed from power. If Turkey attacks the Syrian capital of Damascus, then they would be in position to invade Israel from the north. In verse 16 above, the heathen are nations. The nations will recognize and observe God as he deals with the invading armed forces.
Eze 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?
This is a trick question. The answer is yes. This is the army that Jesus will defeat in the battle of Armageddon. But this is not yet the battle of Armageddon. The battle of Armageddon is most certainly described in Ezekiel chapter 39. Not all prophecy regarding the end time invasion into Israel will be fulfilled during the Ezekiel chapter 38 battle. Ezekiel chapter 38 is a preview and a prelude to Ezekiel chapter 39. I think that the events that are described in Ezekiel chapter 39 are the events that have been prophesied to happen at the end of the Tribulation period when Jesus returns to defeat the invading armies. The Ezekiel chapter 38 forces will again invade Israel and Jesus Christ himself will trample them like grapes (Isa 63:3, Jer 25:30, Rev 14:20). In Ezekiel 39:8 God tells us that Ezekiel chapter 39 describes the day of the Lord.
Eze 39:8 Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken.
Eze 38:18 And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. 19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; 20 So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. 21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.
You get the picture. In verse 21 above, the invading forces battle among themselves. In verse 22 below, the word plead means to Judge. The word “bands” refers to military troops.
Eze 38:22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
It is important to note that God uses the forces of nature against the invading armies. God sends an enormous earthquake, pestilence (destruction) and blood (bloodshed), and overflowing rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
Again, the nations will recognize and observe God as he deals with the invading armed forces. This doesn’t mean that the nations will reverence God but they will recognize his handiwork.
Now let’s look at Ezekiel chapter 39. This is the second proclamation against the nation of Gog, or today’s nation of Turkey.
Eze 39:1 Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
Ezekiel chapter 39 begins much the same as chapter 38. God proclaims for the second time that he is against the nation of Gog (or Turkey). However, the other nations of Iran, Ethiopia (Sudan), or Libya are not mentioned. In Ezekiel chapter 38 the nations observe God’s hand at work while defending Israel. In Ezekiel chapter 39 Israel finally trusts in their God. We will discover that the battle described in Ezekiel chapter 39 is conclusive. God will no longer allow the nations to invade Israel. So the events described in Ezekiel chapter 39 must take place at the end of the Tribulation period when Jesus Christ returns to defeat Israel’s enemies and to rule in Jerusalem. Only then will Israel be forever at peace. Only then will all Jewish people be faithful towards their God.
Eze 39:2 And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:
Again God will cause the Armies led by the nation of Gog to retreat. It seems that God will wipe out all but one sixth of the soldiers but the phrase “leave but the sixth part of thee” may actually mean to annihilate. God will bring the Armies of Gog upon the mountains of Israel. At the end of the Tribulation period Israel will be attacked from several fronts (read my commentary titled “Revelation Wrath Path”). We know that God will gather some of the armies of Israel’s enemies at the valley of Megiddo in the northern mountainous part of Israel. It seems that Ezekiel 39 is describing the battle of Armageddon.
Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Eze 39:3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
In verse 3 above, God disarms the invading armies.
Eze 39:4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.
Verse 4 above, describes the day of the Lord, which is the time of Jesus Christ’s vengeance on all of Israel’s enemies. The day of God’s vengeance lasts through the seven year Tribulation period, culminating with Jesus’ second coming at the end of the Great Tribulation. This same day is described in Revelation chapter 19 below.
Rev 19:17-18 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
Eze 39:5 Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. 6 And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
In verse 5 above, to send a fire means that God will send an army to destroy the land of Israel’s enemies. This same expression is used in Hos 8:14, and several times in Amos 1 & 2, it is also used in Jdg 20:48, 2Ki 8:12, Psa 74:7, and Lam 1:13.
Eze 39:7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
In verse 7 above, the heathen or nations will no longer profane the God of Israel. This war can only take place at the end of the Great Tribulation. After Jesus judges Israel’s enemies then he will set his throne in Jerusalem to rule on Earth forever.
In verse 8 below, God tells us clearly that this is the day of the Lords vengeance that the prophets have foretold. In the previous chapter of Ezekiel, God asks the question “is the Turkish leader (Magog) the invader whom the prophets foretold?” He was that person. But I think that the events of Ezekiel chapter 38 are a preview of the main battle of Gog and Magog. The events of Ezekiel chapter 39 fulfill the major prophecies about the day of the Lord. I wonder if a false interpretation of the soon coming Turkish led invasion into Israel will entice Israel to make a peace treaty with Turkish President Erdogan.
Eze 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?
Eze 39:8 Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken.
The verses below describe the 7 month burial period for the armies of Gog. Hamongog means the “multitude of Gog”. Hamonah means simply “multitude”. Remember that Gog identifies the nation and Magog identifies its ruler. Turkey’s ruler isn’t being buried here but the Turkish Army is.
Eze 39:9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years: 10 So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD. 11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog. 12 And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land. 13 Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD. 14 And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search. 15 And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man’s bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamongog. 16 And also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land.
The verses below, describe the supper of the great God. Israel’s enemies will die on the battle ground and be eaten by birds and beasts. No thanks, I have reservations to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Rev 19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
The supper of the great God is not to be confused with the marriage supper of the lamb. The marriage supper of the lamb is a very nice banquet where all Church age believers are presented to all faithful Old Testament Jews. All of whom have been resurrected from the dead, and will be very hungry. The marriage supper of the lamb happens on earth after the Great Tribulation. This is where I will eat steak with Ezekiel.
Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Eze 39:17 And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood. 18 Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan. 19 And ye shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. 20 Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.
The nations of Israel’s enemies will see that God has judged against them. Jesus will set his throne in Jerusalem. The nations will see God’s faithfulness towards Israel.
Eze 39:21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. 23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them.
After Israel’s Great Tribulation, the people of Israel will at last believe in their God. In verse 25 below, God will gather the Jewish people from every nation. God will raise every believing Jew from the dead and return them to the land of Israel from the nations where they were held captive (read my commentary titled “Aliyah Israel Arise Return”).
Eze 39:25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; 26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid. 27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; 28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. 29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Israel will never again be in unbelief toward their God.
I think that Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 are describing two separate battles. Their events have similarities but they happen at slightly different times. It is certain that both chapters describe events that happen near the time of the second coming of Jesus Christ. We can easily watch for a Turkish led Invasion into Israel. We can easily identify the participating nations of Iran, Sudan, and Libya. We can recognize that these nations today are likely to join forces against Israel. We can easily identify the Turkish leader that has the propensity to make war with Israel. We can recognize God’s works in the last days before Christ’s return.
Today the world is poised for a Turkish led invasion into the Golan Heights of Israel. We should all be aware of Ezekiel’s prophecy and be watchful. It is High Time to Awake!
Read my book Turkey invades Israel – Halfway to Armageddon
facebook YouTube
High Time to Awake 