Part One - by Bill SalusRumors of war between Israel and Iran suggest the Middle East is on the verge of going apocalyptic. Rapidly deteriorating relationships between the Obama administration and the Netanyahu led government recently caused U.S. Mideast peace envoy George Mitchell to threaten freezing future American aid to Israel.
Meanwhile, many world political and military leaders fear Israel is about to go toe to toe with Iran and its proxies, Syria, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Consider some of the recent headlines validating their concerns:
1. Hezbollah boasts it can destroy one-half of Israel’s army – Sept. 2009.
2. Iran successfully simulates detonation of nuclear weapon – Dec. 2009.
3. War pacts were signed by Iran and its proxies – Dec. 2009.
4. Syria calls up its reserves – Jan. 2010.
5. Israeli troops train for a new Gaza War Jan. 2010
6. Iran trains five Hezbollah brigades to seize Galilee towns – Feb. 2010.
7. Israel is passing out gas masks nationwide – Feb. 2010.
8. Iran announces "nuclear statehood" Feb. 11, 2010
These are just a few telling and troubling events signaling that the “Mother of all Mideast Wars” may be on the horizon. What has caused hostilities in the holy land to seemingly escalate out of control to a DEFCON 1 level?
It’s the existential threat posed to Israel by Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
Certainly many other turbulent geopolitical circumstances complicate Mideast matters; however, Iran’s Islamically driven intentions to “wipe Israel off of the map” stand at the core of the matter. This genocidal threat has provoked Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to plead with the international community to implement “crippling” sanctions upon Iran immediately.
However, “immediately” may be too late as the international community appears to have run out of both time and options. For over six decades Mideast peace has eluded humanity’s resume. It appears as though the time has come for the G-d of Israel to take matters into His own hands. Before stating the prophetic prediction let’s play out the potential political options.
INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN
In order for sanctions to work against Iran they must be stiff and strictly adhered to by the influential members of the International Community. What is the likelihood of this occurring considering mankind lives in an oil dependent world and Iran presently ranks as the number two member of the OPEC oil cartel? OPEC possesses two-thirds of the world’s oil reserves and produces one-third of the world’s oil supply. Iran's number two position within OPEC and number four position worldwide, gives them a trump card over political sanctions.
Take China as an example. China, ranked second worldwide in oil consumption, has already adamantly declared it will not support sanctions against Iran. Then consider Russia, who has significant nuclear energy and weapons export contracts with Iran, they have offered only lip service in favor of sanctions against Iran.
Russia is bidding for superpower status once again and is in desperate need of Iran’s oil wealth. Wealth achieved through weapons exports was one of the primary reasons the former Soviet Union, spearheaded by Russia, achieved superpower status in the past. The Russians appear to be up to their old antics evidenced by the existence of multiple weapons export contracts, with Iran, Turkey, Greece, Cypress, Libya, Syria, Algeria, Sudan, and many others.
Russia’s advanced weapons technologies coupled with Iran’s oil wealth is a marriage made from Hades. These two nations have become inseparable allies, and asking Russia to support sanctions against Iran would be asking it to shoot itself in the foot. Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton was quoted recently on Fox news saying “we will see Russian support for sanctions when we see it”, implying don’t hold your breath.
In fact Russia’s outstanding contracts to sell the S-300 and S-400 missile defense systems to Iran complicate the Middle East predicament. These systems are state of the art, supposedly surpassing even the U.S. Patriot missile defense system. Israel views the implementation of these systems as a serious deterrent to their ability to preempt a strategic strike against Iran’s nuclear sites. Thus, this fast forwards the potential Israeli attack clock. It infers that Israel might have to move against Iran before these systems are officially up and running inside of Iran.
REGIME CHANGE IN IRANThe neutralization of Iran will likely not come from regime change either. Many political optimists believe that the opposition “Green Movement” inside Iran, which is primarily comprised of unarmed youthful protesters, might evolve into a regime change. They claim that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Mullah backed “Alliance of Builders” political party stole the June 2009 Iranian election.
For a few weeks mainstream media sources broadcast their street protests. However, many of these protesters are either, in hiding, imprisoned, or assassinated at this point. They have learned the hard way that it will take more than large crowds waiving green flags and wearing green wrist bands to uproot the ruthless Iranian regime, which has been in place for over three decades now.
ENGAGEMENT, THE OBAMA PLANDuring their Washington meeting in May of 2009, President Obama informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his Middle East foreign policy of “Engagement.” Obama suggested that he might just have enough presidential charisma to talk the Iranian president Ahmadinejad, who has vowed to wipe Israel off of the map, into halting his nuclear development program.
This naïve Rodney King style of “can we all just get along” foreign policy was doomed from the start. Evidencing Obama’s lack of Mideast insight and experience, Ahmadinejad declared in December of 2009 that there is not a “damn thing”, Israel and its western backers can do to stop Iran’s nuclear work. Obama’s weak policy of engagement has further facilitated Iran’s freedom to develop their nuclear program. Iran has officially declared that it is capable of producing weapons grade uranium (Iranium). Many analysts believe Iran will have a nuclear weapon by the end of 2010.
In conclusion of part one, any hopes that Iran will change its disposition from a radical regime to a more moderate government via sanctions, protests, or engagements are all but out the window. It appears all political options have exhausted themselves and the time has arrived for Israel, their G-d Jehovah, and / or any concerned nation to implement military measures in order to halt Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
In preparation for part two of this article, which describes the prophet Ezekiel’s predictions to bury Iranians and burn Iranium; it is paramount to read my previous article published at World Net Daily linked here entitled. Bible predicts: Israel to nab Russian, Iranian nukes
19 comments:
Yes, I believe we are seeing the
set up of (Ezekiel 38, PS 83,
preparing thier armies for WAR!
Jesus Christ is coming SOON!
You seem to forget that the Ashkenazi converts to Judaism who seized the Holy Land in 1948 ARE from the area of Gog and Magog. Therefore your interpretations on prophecy need to be re-evaluated. Gog and Magog took over the Holy Land when its cities had no walls around them in 1948. Now the area is divided into walled-in Bantustans. Please recheck your prophecies, for you may be unsuspectingly peddling falsehoods...
All the threats from Syria and Lieberman's threat back, I think will result in the destruction of Damascus (Isiah 17:1)
Unfortunately, any military action against Iran to neutralize their nuclear weapons facilities will in all likelihood end in failure. Iran has done much to protect their manufacturing against air attack. A ground invasion is simply out of the question as no country with enough force is willing to engage Iran. Additionally, antagonist countries have lost their fear of the West, especially the United States, as the West attempts appeasement, even going so far as to remove a military option.
It is not believed by most (but not all) sources that Iran does not yet have nuclear weapons capability. However, there is no question that they are attempting to achieve such.
Given the above, the DEFCON Warning System strongly urges governments to proceed as if Iran has nuclear capable weapons and to prepare their forces and population for such conflict, we we see as ultimately inevitable.
What lies ahead? According to the Scriptures, what lies ahead is both bad news and good news.
The bad news is the Tribulation, the worst time since man has existed, is coming soon–Mt 24:21.
The good news is that the Rapture of true born again Christians is also near–Lk 21:28,36; 1 Thes 4:16,17. But this is bad news for so-called Christians that do not obey the Gospel and follow Jesus as it is written–2 Thes 1:8. This is because they will be left behind, and their time to repent is running out. The number of true followers of God will become more and more like the days of Noah, Lot, Sodom and Gomorrah, as the pressure is turned up–Lk 17:28; Mt 24:27.
The news is that alternate life styles will continue to increase. Alternate life styles can be expected to prosper and become more and more accepted as in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah–Lk 17:28–30. More laws to protect them and give them special rights may also be enacted.
Many freedoms that the U.S. and some other countries have enjoyed can be expected to erode. Since there will be a world dictator coming on the scene soon, this means certain freedoms we enjoy must be done away with–Dan 7:25. More controls (through new laws and programs) must be implemented to manage and control the people and the education of the children. Any news-media (of any kind) that is not inline with this and what needs to be done in order to control the people and usher in a world dictator must be suppressed by all means possible by powers in high places–Eph 6:12.
Little by little, the Bible, the name of Christ, or Jesus Christ, the name of Christmas, and other such references must be suppressed and discredited–Acts 4:18.
Bible scholars, teachers and pastors that expound sound doctrine and prophecy need to be eliminated or discredited, or controlled by all means possible through trumped up charges, new laws or misuse of existing laws. Those that teach a "feel good" Gospel and "what sinful man's ears want to hear" may prosper–2Tim 4:3.
It is already difficult to find a church anymore that teaches as Jesus and the apostles did. Indeed, the day is coming when there will be a famine of hearing God's Word–Amos 8:11.
http://www.amazingbible.org
Magnus Publius < you are the one that seems to be mistaken Gog Magog hasnt happend yet since the israel has not had a war or an attack from all the nations listed in Ezekiel 38 ,39 . also be sure to read ezekiel 37 first then read 38 and 39 this will show you that Israel ( the Jewish people ) would be gathered back <~ into the land after a war and then they would rebuild the place and have lots of economic growth , also a land without walls could imply a land dwelling safe and secure as the hebrew word implies and also if the gog magog war happened before then where is the massive grave site of gog and his hordes ? and I mean up to 85% of the militaries of those nations would be destroyed and it would take 7 years to bury there bodies when did this happen ? and when did God throw massive hail stones on the invaders ? and one last thing I dont believe its recorded anywhere that birds from all around the world ever gathered and ate the flesh of the armies I mean think about how many birds that would have to be amazing really so please research alittle more thank you and peace be unto you .
Rasul
"...the land of unwalled villages."
Notice the word "VILLAGES." Jerusalem is not a village. Tel Viv is not a village. Who will burn fuel or weapons for seven years after Gog's War? It will be the villagers from northern parts of Israel, not city folks. Gog's war strategy must start somewhere when deploying their coalition troops. And that war strategy to invade the land where the villagers reside before moving southward if the invaders are coming from the north station.
You see, if Israel destroys Arab nations in Psalm 83 war, will they tear down the walls if Persia is still Israel's enemy? NO. Israel will not tear down the walls if Persia remains as their threat. Those walls were NOT built to keep out foreign invaders because missiles and rockets can easily knock down those walls like scattered cardboard. Those walls were primarily built to keep out in-land strife from local terrorists or suicide bombers. How can Israel remove those walls if Persia is still a threat for the Ezekiel 38 WAR?
Israel appears to be living securely due to their confidence upon IDF forces.
Those villagers who reside at northern part of Israel have endured Lebanon Wars, rockets, missiles, etc. Today, those villagers are still living in their villages. Those villages do not have walls. "A land of unwalled villages." The key word is VILLAGES. Gog will not invade cities in his war strategy. He will attempt to invade those villages first. Is this a common sense war strategy if ground troops are deployed "many troops."
After Israel won the Psalm 83 WAR, will the people surely feel confidence in their IDF military force? Possible. But Persia isn't going away and that threat is still there.
Notice that Daniel 11:43 mentioned about Ethiopia and Libya in his steps (Anti-Christ control) and Ezekiel also mentioned those same nations during Gog's War. And this tells me that Gog's War will occur before Anti-Christ comes to power.
Keep in mind, those unwalled villages may not apply to the entire state of Israel, but those villagers at northern parts of Israel who have no walls.
Another interesting fact from Ezekiel 38-39--We read about birds feeding upon the dead troops, and the location of largest mass graves for dead troops as well. It also pointed out about the battle to take place at the mountains of Israel. These are battlefield locations and all of them will take place at northern parts of Israel and that means "UNWALLED VILLAGES" is also within the context of this war because they appear to be victims or war casualties, but they will be victorious and burn fuel or weapons for seven years. Far away from Jerusalem folks who will flee from the abomination of desolation during Anti-Christ's power or invasion during the middle of seven years of peace treaty. Those villagers will remain at their northern parts of Israel to burn fuel or weapons from Gog's war machine and it will be their survival. I do not see where it says, "The land of unwalled cities." "Villages" is the key.
Ezekiel 38:10-11
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: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,
Notice what is say's..... IT SHALL ALSO COME TO PASS.... that at THE SAME TIME... same time as what Lord??? the SAME TIME as they (Gog)are moving south against Israel they will GO UP.... UP to the land of unwalled villages.... UP across the poles to US... are we not part of 'spiritual Israel' ???
When Gog moves against Israel they are going to strike Babylon/USA... it's us folks... we are Babylon the Great Verses 10-14 are a simultaneous attack on USA/Babylon. In my opinion that is at the midpoint and starts the wrath/Great tribulation 1 Peter 4:17
To Sreedy:
In the next verse 12, Gog explains his real reason for invasion:
"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."
This verse was speaking about the Jews were regathered out of the nations and returned to the desolate places and they have inhabited the land and cultivated it with many agriculture blessings. If the land is desolate, then the birds will NOT come. Since Israel's rebirth, God has blessed them with increased rainfalls and the land is blooming with better irrigation. Therefore, the birds will come and emigrate as well. The above verse 12 is speaking about the land of Israel. Gog will target this land for invasion. It was desolate and deserted and now is inhabited. By whom? The Jews.
Gog's statement is not God's statement. God did not say that land is full of unwalled villages. Ezekiel penned those words by what GOD said about Gog's thought and his evil scheme. It's Gog's interpretation of what he thinks about the land. Gog will attempt to attack the villages, not cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Remember, Persia is still a threat and as long as Persia is Israel's biggest enemy and threat, they will NOT tear down the walls. I believe Ezekiel was not talking about existing walls near the cities because those walls have nothing to do with foreign powers or invaders. It has to do with suicide bombers and keep them from harming Israeli citizens.
To A.M. Ragan
Thanks for your thoughts. I believe verse 12 is talking about the United States NOT National Israel. All those statements made in verses 11-12 are true of America as well. I believe vs. 10-14 describe an attack on the United States couched in the middle of the attack on National Israel. America is a land of unwalled villages... America is at rest....America dwells safely... America has neither bars nor gates....America also was desolate but now inhabited... America was also gathered out of many nations....America has gotten cattle and good and is rich.... we dwell in the midst of the(our) land.
You lost me on the birds... they are not even mentioned in vs. 10-14.
"Gog's statement was not God's statement"... sorry, lost me again there.
In verse 10 is say's "Thus saith the Lord".... It's clear who is speaking to me. The Lord say's..." It shall ALSO come to pass (At the same time Gog is moving against National, literal Israel from the north). They ALSO go UP ... where is UP from Gog???... look at a globe.
Almost all scholars look within national Israel for the conditions described in vs. 10-14 and those conditions I believe, are not talking about National, Physical, Israel, I believe it is describing a two pronged attack. One to the south against National Israel, and one to the north against Spiritual Israel..... Babylon/USA.
Just my take.... other wise the passage(10-14) makes no sense. It is describing Gog's move south in verses 1-9 and then "They think an evil thought" and then ALSO and AT THE SAME TIME ... move south again against Israel??? This redundancy and verbiage do not fit if there is only a single military attack and not two.
Just ask yourself.... If your going to attack Israel... what powerful Nation is sworn to defend them???... and would you not have to do something about them also if your going to strike Israel knowing they would jump in to their aid???
To sreedy:
Thanks for your message.
Regarding the birds...Ezekiel spoke about birds to feed on corpses for a great feast or food. If the land is desolate or deserted, then there will not be many birds. If the land is blooming and inhabited (by people who can do a better irrigation or agriculture), then many birds will come. God has blessed the land since Israel's rebirth. Many birds have flocked to Israel.
Regarding Gog's statement: "I will go up to the land of unwalled villages." The pronoun of I is Gog's statement. It is true that those villagers who reside at northern parts of Israel do not have walls. They endured few wars including First and Second Lebanon War and they did not flee their villages. They feel secure because they have the uttermost confidence in IDF force. Remember, since Israel's rebirth, they will always have ongoing conflict. Jesus told the Jewish religious leaders that their HOUSE is left desolate and peace has been removed from their eyes until they call upon the name of the LORD. That is true because Jewish people were without a homeland for 2000 years and Israel has at least five regional wars. Israel will never have peace until the Prince of peace returns. Peace will always be their concern. They feel secure via strong military force (IDF). That's the difference between peace and secure.
Iran or Persia cannot destroy Israel alone. That's why they need Russia or another strong miltary force. Israel won Six Day War against Arab nations. Persia cannot fight this battle alone. She needs Russia. There will be NO UN military resolution in this Gog War because Russia has a veto power. That's why it will be a Islamic-Arab coalition. Remember, Ezekiel 37 was a direct fulfillment because God said that those bones are the WHOLE HOUSE OF ISRAEL. Then the following chapter of 38, God spoke about the coming invaders. You see, without Israel's existence, then Persia has no enemy and she would not have attacked Israel if the nation was not born. God said after "many days"...this tells me about young Israel which is over 60 years old. After "many days" Persia and their coalition will go to war against Israel. Today, Persia is Israel's biggest enemy and threat. I believe Ezekiel 38 was referring to the nation of Israel. And the largest mass graves of dead soldiers from Gog's War will be buried in Israel, not United States.
To A.M. Ragan
I whole hearly agree with your summary and analysis of Ezekiel 38-39 as mainly directed at National Israel.... no problems here with anything you have said. Trust me, I understand where they fit and this war is directed primarily against them. I know the birds are mentioned further on and feast in that area, but how do you resolve the conflicts I have raised in 10-14???
Gog & company come from the North, against Israel correct?? When and to where are they moving UP from??? If your position is correct it should read "I will go DOWN to the land of unwalled villages" It don't say that :)
How about the comment "ALSO... and ...At the same time"??? Same time as what Lord???
I suspect your missing the points I am trying to make in verses 10-14.
These verses in 10-14 are talking about a two pronged attack.
Babylon/USA, when we finaly get it in the neck, it will be from the North. Start moving straight north on a gloabe from the USA and where do you arrive??? Who else has the ability to take us out???
Jeremiah 50:9
"For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the NORTH country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain."
After Israel the second biggest key to the whole prophetic puzzle is identiying correctly who is Babylon the Great. 99% of the prophetic "scholars", for whatever reason, can't see us yet. I hope they wake up soon for should the Lord delay his return, they will be all over us before the majority of Christians even realise what is really going on propheticaly and just how America truly fits into the end time events.
Me again :)
Just so I make myself clear. Ezekiel 38-39, I agree, is dealing with Gog & companys attack against Israel except for verses 10-14 and possibly Ezek 39:6.
There will be plenty dead in America/Babylon as well when the dust settles. For the passages pertaining to us, you need to go to Isaiah 13,14,18,47
Jeremiah 50&51. Habbakuk 2
Revelation 17&18
To sreedy:
14Therefore, 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?
15And 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:
16And 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.
Notice that those verses above are God's response to Gog's thought on his war strategies. The key is what GOD said to Gog's thoughts & intention for war against certain enemy or state and location of war.
In those verses from God's response to Gog, God mentioned "MY people of Israel" twice. He also mentioned about "MY LAND." "MY LAND" is Israel. God WILLED the land to the Jewish people. United States is not to be called as "MY LAND."
I don't believe that "I will go UP" means that Gog's army is moving upward because Gog, the prince of Rosh, is coming from the far north. The word ALSO or at the same time simply means that Gog has a few military goals such as to invade and plunder. Just my opinion only.
To Sreedy:
5And 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:
16And 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,
Notice the words: "...thou shalt come UP against MY PEOPLE OF ISRAEL." Who will come to "MY LAND." The answer: "Thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts." God said that Gog's army will come from the NORTH and even though God said that GOG will come UP against His people of Israel. In Ezekiel 38-39, God said that the world will know that "I AM the LORD their God...the Holy One in Israel." Notice this pronoun "THEIR." Why? God's name will be glorified that He is the God of Israel. Why is this so important? In Psalm 83, it mentions the name of JEHOVAH. We will see possible pre-victory military parades from Arab-Muslim nations because they will shouting for Allah or jihad war. Gog's War is really about JEHOVAH vs. Allah. God's name will be glorified because He is telling the world that He is the God of Israel, not the God of USA.
To A.M. Ragan
Thanks for your thoughts. I'll take one more stab at this.....
You keep jumping outside of verses 10-14 to try to prove your position.:) You can't do that. There is a unique specific, transition contained in 10-14 that must be addressed.
Christians are grafted into and are 'Spiritual Israel' are we not?? (See Romans 9-10)
America WAS a Christian Nation at it's inception (See Deut 28) but not longer is. Therefore, "My people Israel" In verses 14 could very well be speaking of the USA. Christians are part of 'Spiritual Israel.'
You do NOT find "MY LAND" mentioned anywhere in verses 10-14. In fact, it says "THE land of unwalled villages" NOT "MY land of unwalled villages". Your right, the United States is not MY land, it is THE land of unwalled villages.
"Their land" and "They" is not mentioned either in 10-14. You keep refering to verses outside 10-14 which I agree, as I have said, cover the attack against National Israel. The Lord will be glorified in the destruction of Gog, no question. That is the purpose. Also, "so they do do profane His Holy name any longer"
You said; "I don't believe that "I will go UP" means that Gog's army is moving upward."
"Go UP" means "Go UP" to me :)
Where is UP going to???
"Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof (Saudi Arabia, & Great Brittan, Europe, Canada, Australia,) get real nervous when they see Gog move against America AT THE SAME TIME as National Israel and wonder if they are next in the statement...
"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?"
You, and others, will figure this section out(10-14) when you hear the civil defense sirens going off in our country when Gog moves against Israel if we are still here to see this unfold. :)
Stan
To Sreedy:
I did include verse 14 because God mentioned "MY people of Israel." It's what God said about Gog's intention.
When Gog said, "I will go UP to the land of unwalled villages, " that is Gog's own statement because THE land is not his land. He's from the North. Verses 14-16 is God's response to Gog's intention or evil scheme. God said nothing about USA or any other nations when He responded about Gog's evil scheme. Israel or MY LAND is the theme. I do not believe there is "spiritual Israel" God has both plans for the Church and Israel. That's why there are seven feasts of the LORD and every major Church event goes with parallel with the Jewish Feasts. For example, Christ died on Passover, Holy Spirit arrived on another Jewish Feast called Pentecost, etc. I believe there is a physical restoration of Israel and Church. There will be a national conversion when Christ said that the Jews will NOT see Him and peace has been hidden from their eyes UNTIL they call upon Him and said, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the LORD."
Back to the point, Gog said, "I will go up to the land of unwalled villages." Gog does not own any land in Israel. God does and He has that right to say, "MY LAND." What God is saying, "Gog, you are coming up here to mess up My land and people, eh?"
I believe according to Dr. Thomas Ice who said that it's typical for folks in those days to say that when visiting the land or Jerusalem, they would say, "I will go up to Jerusalem...." Remember, in verses 14-16 which is the God's response to Gog from verses 10-13, God also told Gog that he will come UP to His land. Why would God said UP if Gog is from the far north? I agree with Dr. Thomas Ice.
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