This is ‘re-tweeted’ with permission from Emmaus Group. 16 October 2023. Sub-headers and minor edits by Christian Comment.
Introduction
Dear friends, with events in the Middle East evolving rapidly and prophetic signs being fulfilled by the day, we have adjusted our original plan for this Autumn series. We felt unctioned in the summer to write about the signs of the times. Little did we know then that such great signs were about to unfold!
This last week [ October 2023, Ed ] we have witnessed the most astonishing, and shocking, developments in Israel, much of which was written about by the prophets thousands of years ago. There is so much we could write a book! In this letter we can just give you some thoughts to ponder. Those who have a heart for Israel and the Jewish people have been praying frantically for the Lord to intervene and protect the land and people, and drive back the enemy. However, there is something many are overlooking, perhaps because doing so will challenge their theology?
To understand what’s really going on we must look at these unfolding events through the lens of prophecy, not the media, nor people’s emotions or opinions, social media, politicians or the plethora of Youtube experts. In these days where lies and deception reign, the only trustworthy source of information is God’s word. As we have said before, now is the time to dust off your old paper bibles and wean yourselves off digital bibles which are vulnerable to editing by hacking.
What is happening today in and around Israel was prophesied long ago. There is nothing new under the sun. God knows the beginning from the end. He is in complete and total control. Man thinks he is in control and for sure, Satan is using mankind to do his dirty work, but behind it all, the still small voice of calm is the true controller of events.
The Prophecies
Let us examine just a few of the many prophecies for this time and reflect on what is, and is about, to happen.
Zephaniah. Please read the book of Zephaniah. Chapter one has titles; the Coming Judgment on Judah and the Day of the Lord is near. It also speaks in chapter 2 of God’s judgment on Israel’s enemies and mentions by name Gaza, Ashdod and Ashkelon. Notably, it says Gaza shall be deserted. Currently, an estimated 2.2 million Palestinians live in Gaza, yet God says it will be deserted. We know from multiple military sources that the imminent operation in Gaza is intended to ‘wipe Hamas off the face of the earth’, something that could provoke a global Islamic jihad. Zephaniah also writes that Ashdod and Ashkelon, both Israeli cities, will be desolate and the people driven out at noon. Historically, Ashdod and Ashkelon were Philistine cities. Today they are Israeli, but they will become desolate.
When you see the name Philistine, it is simply the English translation of the Arabic ‘filisteen’ which means Palestine. One could argue that the Philistines in the old testament are like the Palestinians of today. Remember how Jacob’s shepherds fought over access to the water wells with the early Philistines who claimed; “the land is ours and the water is ours” in Genesis 26. Nothing much has changed!
Ancient cities
Zephaniah also wrote of Ekron being uprooted, another historic old testament Philistine city, which today lies well inside Israeli territory about half way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It will be uprooted. In chapter 2:5 God says he will destroy the Philistines/Palestinians in those cities until no inhabitant is left. The destruction will be severe. Watch and see what unfolds in the next few days.
In verse 8, God says I have heard the taunts of Moab and the revilings of the Ammonites, how they have taunted My people and made boasts against their territory. Moab today is in Syria and Jordan; the Ammonites from Ammon, today we know as Amman, the capital of Jordan. Look up what happened in Amman this last week, the massive uprisings against Israel with Jordanian military keeping Jordanians back from invading Israel on the border.
Syria has entered the fray, backed by Russia and Iran. The capital of Syria is Damascus. Its ‘king’ prophetically speaking today is Bashir Al-Assad, who lives, prophetically speaking, in the palaces of Ben Hadad. (Ben Hadad being a title to refer to the king/ruler of Damascus/Syria in the Bible.)
‘Concerning Damascus, Hamath and Arpad are confounded for they have heard the bad news; they melt in fear, they are troubled like the sea that cannot be quiet. Damascus has become feeble, she turned to flee and panic seized her, anguish and sorrow have taken hold of her as a woman in labour…….and I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben Hadad.’ – Jeremiah 49
Israel has begun strategic strikes on targets in Damascus. When you see Damascus destroyed know the end is near. It is a definitive sign.
Present day implications
Jeremiah also writes of judgment of Elam, (Persia / Iran) in verses 34 through to 39. We can also cross reference the destruction of Elam (Iran) with the prophecy of Daniel in Daniel chapter 8. Daniel sees a vision involving a ram and a goat. The ram is identified as the prince of Persia. The goat is identified as the prince of Greece. These are strong powerful spiritual principalities. Greece has influenced western culture, being the birthplace of democracy. Greece, the goat, symbolically represents ‘the West’ today. The ram represents Iran and, by extension, the Islamic world. The angel Gabriel explains to Daniel, that it is something that will happen at the end of time.
‘Behold, I will make known to you what shall be at the latter end of indignation, for it refers to the appointed time of the end’ Daniel 8:19. Please read Daniel 8.
As we write, a massive military force from the West is massing, against a massive force from the east. (West v East / Goat v Ram / Prince of Greece v Prince of Persia – Daniel’s vision). The US has sent forces to the eastern Mediterranean, accompanied by the British, Greeks and French. Meanwhile, Iran, supported by Russia, is vowing to wipe Israel of the face of the earth if Israel wipes out Gaza, which it will because it is written in the prophecy of Zephaniah.
Never in Israel’s history have we seen such massive forces gather and such support given from a previously anti-Israel Europe. Never has the Israeli flag been projected onto government buildings as a sign of solidarity such as in Berlin where it was projected onto the Brandenburg Gate, something unthinkable only a generation ago!
Gathering of nations
Never have all the pieces on the geopolitical chessboard matched so closely the circumstances required to fulfil prophecy. Let us watch and see.
Zechariah tells us in chapters 12 through 14 that God is behind this. Are we witnessing judgment beginning, at the house of God – 1 Peter 4:17.
Isaiah tells us through chapters 23 and 24 that before judgment on the whole earth, will come the destruction of Tyre and Sidon. Today Tyre and Sidon are in Lebanon, hosts to Hezbollah and the recently arrived senior commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. If we witness destruction in Lebanon in the days and weeks ahead it is another sign.
The Law of Unintended ConsequencesWhen man decides to go his own way, he doesn’t always think through what we call ‘the law of unintended consequences’. This emerging war in Israel could ignite reactions which people in the West have not considered. We have observed in recent weeks a global response to what is happening and in particular, noted the global response of the Islamic world, calling for the killing of all Jews everywhere. Never forget the Islamic mantra: “first the Saturday people then the Sunday people”. First, death to the Jews, and then the Christians. Hamas have demonstrated demonic fuelled behaviour that defies belief. The spirit of antichrist is everywhere. Followers of Christ must brace themselves for jihad (uprising) in the UK, and Europe. If this occurs, the violence witnessed in Israel may be replicated on the streets of the UK, Europe and the US. France had three attempted terror attacks in one day this weekend. The West is rebellious. The UK is rebellious. The US is rebellious. All have turned away from God and rejected His paths of righteousness. Thus, judgment must come because God is a God of justice and He will use Islam to bring judgment upon the West. [ and upon those institutions that call themselves ‘church’? – Ed ] SummaryIn the days ahead, we may to witness the biggest existential war Israel has ever faced. It will be vicious, brutal, and with ‘rules of war’ going out of the window. Hamas has already demonstrated behaviour beyond description. The ‘West’ seems to have given Israel political support to strike as it wishes*. Western government representatives have been shown what Hamas has done to ensure no-one ever forgets the atrocities and to justify what is about to happen. [ * Ed note: the West after three weeks of fighting seems to be moving towards aa more phileo-Palestinian position. Support for Israel may wane ]. Whatever happens in the coming days, please do not be drawn into the mass of debate, opinion and speculation. Simply read and know the prophecies that pertain to this moment in history. Pray that God’s will, will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Nothing that has, is, or will happen, will be without His divine permission or orchestration. Jesus warned us of a time coming on earth worse than that of any other time in human history, worse than WW1, WW2, the Holocaust, anything. This time may now be near? After our previous letter, someone responded by saying Jesus’ words in Luke 21 referred to the destruction of the temple in AD70. This was true, the gentiles (Romans) did destroy the temple. But if you read Luke 21 in its fullness and see what Jesus talks about immediately afterwards, you get the context, as well as by cross-referencing with Matthew 24. He was talking about the end. It is a prophecy with multiple fulfillments. In Luke 21 Jesus speaks of the whole city being surrounded, not just the temple. Food for Thought!Let us remain sober and vigilant, watching these rapidly unfolding events through the eyes of scripture, not through the various opinions coming from left, right and center. Test everything and use scripture as your plumb line for truth. We are entering dark days. We must hold on and stand firm in our faith no matter how bad it gets, and prepare for the arrival of our King! Genesis 6:11 – now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and filled with violence. The Hebrew word for violence in this verse is ??????? = ??-m?s. |
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