Category Archives: Atheism

March 17, 2024 · 10:00

The Land Belongs to Israel

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. (Joshua 1:2)

Reading through the Pentateuch, one soon finds God’s unconditional promise to the patriarch Abraham giving him and his descendants the land of Canaan. When God cut the deal with Abraham, He took all of the responsibility for its fulfillment on Himself. “In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18). Before sealing the deal, God told Abraham what would become of his descendants. “And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years” (Genesis 15:13, emphasis mine).

After 400 years of captivity, they came out of Egypt and entered the Promised Land. God instructed the children of Israel to wipe out all of the people living in the land. This God-sanctioned genocide was not without purpose. God also told Abraham the purpose of their 400-year captivity. “But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full” (Genesis 15:16, emphasis mine). It seems that God was giving the inhabitants of Canaan enough time to repent of their wickedness, but that never happened. As we learn later, God’s genocidal instructions came with the warning that if the Israelites failed to complete the destruction, the inhabitants of the land would lead them into idolatry – which they did eventually.

 Interestingly, Israel never possessed all the land promised to Abraham, not even during the reign of King Solomon. The “conquest” of the land recorded by Joshua, details their failures. “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day” (Joshua 15:63, emphasis mine). “And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute” (Joshua 16:10, emphasis mine). “Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land” (Joshua 17:12, emphasis mine).

While they did not complete the land’s conquest, they remained faithful to God for a while. “And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel. (Joshua 24:31, emphasis mine). The second chapter of the Book of Judges echoes the same message. “And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel” (Judges 2:7, emphasis mine). But then, “And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10, emphasis mine). That did not take long! Only one generation and Israel never fully recovered.

Although Israel constantly fell into idolatry, God always remained faithful to His side of the deal with Abraham. God’s assessment of Abraham’s descendants came not long after they left Egypt. “And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people” (Exodus 32:9). “Stiff-necked” basically means “inflexible, stubborn, and obstinate.” It conjures up the image of a driven animal – ox or mule – that refuses to turn when its master tugs to the left or to the right, but continues down its own chosen way. That is Israel – a stiff-necked people. No matter how many times God applied corrective measures, they persisted in their idolatrous ways. Yet, God remains faithful.

Today, the majority of Israel remains secular. Many claim atheism and others practice Judaism out of tradition only – like Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof). While a growing population of Christian Jews exists, still the majority of Jews in Israel are lost. That, however, does not negate God’s promise to Abraham. The land to which they have returned, as prophesied, belongs to them. The so-called Palestinians, who have no “history” except for that which was initiated long after Israel became a nation in 1948, and who are ethnically Arabs, have no legitimate claim to the land. The land belongs to Israel. The turmoil taking place there now will not be resolved until the world recognizes that fact. However, Scripture tells us that will not happen until Christ returns and settles the question permanently. That event draws nearer daily. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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May 30, 2021 · 10:00

Memorial

memorial-day-wallpaper

And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. (Exodus 3:15)

In the United States, we set aside (consecrate, sanctify, make holy) Memorial Day to commemorate those who paid the ultimate price in the defense and preservation of our freedom. As is common with all “holy” days, the significance of the day wanes after one or two generations lost in habitual and meaningless traditions and mechanical ceremony. True, one will find gatherings here and there in honor of our fallen heroes, but the crowds are usually small and composed mostly of those whose loved ones are entombed beneath the sacred ground. But for the majority of Americans today, Memorial Day is just another excuse for a three-day weekend.

Few veterans of the Second World War survive today, and many veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars are quickly fading away. Our children scarcely remember Desert Storm, nor can they explain the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. One may debate the legitimacy of our involvement in the wars since World War II, but the blood spilt and the lives sacrificed in those conflicts remain precious to their Creator and to us. They died, rightly or wrongly, for their country and for our freedom, and it is fitting that we sanctify a day for their memorial.

As our nation rapidly declines in the whirling vortex of moral decay (I can almost hear the sucking sound!), holy days lose their virtue and give way to debauchery. Just this week I read in the online Washington Times that a small display of crosses set up especially for this occasion was taken down after one person found the crosses offensive and complained.[1] Ultimately, things like this result from the nation’s rejection of and enmity with God.

It is interesting that the first time the word “memorial” appears in the Bible, it is in the context of God revealing Himself to Moses. God confronted Moses through the burning bush and commissioned him to liberate His people from Egyptian bondage. After a series of excuses as to why he was not up to the task, “Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exodus 3:13-14, emphasis mine). The name, יehâyâh (I AM), means “to exist.” God was proclaiming Himself to be the “Self-existing One,” the One Who Is, the eternal One. God specified, “this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations” (v. 15, emphasis mine).

“All generations” means ALL generations. That includes our generation, and our nation, but our nation – our generation – has rejected God. All that God opposes, our nation has embraced and even promoted. Therefore what used to be precious is now held in contempt. What used to be contemptible is now admired. What was shameful now is something for which to be proud. What was kept in secret is now flaunted. Therefore God says:

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah 5:20-25, emphasis mine)

Having forgotten our Memorial – the I AM – nothing is sacred, and Memorial Day simply becomes just another three-day weekend because those who gave their lives for “one nation under God” died for something that is now forgotten, or held in contempt. Yet God always has His remnant. He still has those “who have not bowed the knee to Baal” (1 Kings 19:18; Romans 11:4), and He does not forget His own. For those who remain, Memorial Day retains its sanctity as we remember those who selflessly offered up all that they could give that we might live free, if only for a little while longer. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The God who spoke those words gave His life that we might live. He also promised, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

So, if my musings seem a little cynical (I am not), it is because I cannot obscure the putrid decay I plainly see taking place in our nation. Yet, the same gives me hope because I know what the future holds, and I know the One who holds the future. Jesus is coming back bringing the tree of life “for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2). Men seek the Utopian state, but that will only come when the King of Kings and Lord of Lords reigns supreme upon the earth. That hope turns my cynicism into confidence for what my Memorial has in store. Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Notes:

[1]  The Washington Times online: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/may/24/memorial-day-crosses-for-fallen-soldiers-removed-a/ (accessed 05/25/2016).

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June 7, 2020 · 10:00

Looking for Antichrist

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. (Revelation 13:18)

For longer than I have studied end-times prophecy (and I by no way count myself as an expert), prophecy watchers have sought to determine the identity of the end-times Antichrist. Our starting verse above suggests that someone with “wisdom” can know the name of the “the beast,” the Antichrist, by calculating the “number of his name” – 666. By assigning numerical values to the letters of the alphabet, some in the past (perhaps even now) have used this “clue” to determine the name of the Antichrist. However, these overlook the fact that the Revelation was written in Koine Greek, and they apply this method to the English alphabet. Hence, several candidates have come and gone: Napoleon, Hitler, and several U.S. Presidents among others.

Personally, I believe that the identity of the Antichrist should be of no concern for Christians for reasons I will discuss later. When the Antichrist arrives on the scene, how will the world recognize him?

The Antichrist appears first in the Book of Daniel where the prophet characterizes him as a “little horn”[1] that rises out of a ten-nation confederacy. Without going into a lengthy explanation, a “horn” symbolizes a “kingdom” or a “king.” That the horn is “little” suggests perhaps a political leader having little authority at first, but then rises to power. Adolf Hitler is a good example of how this can happen. In my opinion, the “little horn” is alive and politically active right not, but because of his “little” position, he does not occupy the limelight. However, according to Daniel, he will arise and assume great power.

The Antichrist next appears in the Book of Daniel where the prophet characterizes him as a “prince.”[2] The Hebrew word translated “prince” is nâgı̂yd, which means “commander” (civil, military, or religious). “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate” (Daniel 9:27, emphasis mine). The “one week” is a translation of the Hebrew “one seven;” in other words, a group of seven years. This is the final seven years of Daniel’s 70 “weeks” of years determined for Daniel’s people, the Jews[3] that we know as the Tribulation.

According to the prophet, the “prince” will “confirm the covenant” for seven years (one week). This suggests that a covenant (treaty or agreement) already exists that has not been ratified. He does not “make” the covenant, but he makes the covenant effective.

Unless you live under a rock, you should be aware of all the problems with Israel and its Arab neighbors. So persistent are the “wars and rumors of wars”[4] in Israel that the media does not even bother to report on it unless they can somehow vilify Israel. President Donald Trump with the help of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has devised the “deal of the century” to bring peace to the Middle East particularly as it involves Israel and the “Palestinians.” However, the plan finds strong resistance from the Palestinians and other Muslim nations.

Could this be the “covenant” that Antichrist will confirm? Who will rise to make the covenant effective? As noted above, the “little horn” will not be known until he comes to power and confirms the covenant with Israel for seven years. If you are around when that happens, you are in for a long, hard seven years, but even then there is hope.

Daniel foretells that Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel after 3½ years by desecrating the Temple. Right now, there is not a Temple in Jerusalem, but the Temple Faithful[5] have everything needed to rebuild the Temple. The original Ark of the Covenant is hidden for now, though they claim to know its location. In order for Antichrist to desecrate the Temple, a Temple must exist. Jesus said, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation [i.e. the Antichrist], spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains” (Matthew 24:15-16). Perhaps rebuilding the Temple is part of Trump’s Deal of the Century!

The Apostle Paul refers to Antichrist as “that man of sin” and “the son of perdition.”[6] This is the one “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” (2 Thessalonians 2:4, emphasis mine). Antichrist is an atheist. He opposes everything pertaining to God and even exalts himself above God. Daniel also makes this point. “And the king [i.e. the “little horn”] shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done” (Daniel 11:36, emphasis mine). Worse than being an atheist, Antichrist will actually worship Satan. “But in his estate shall he honour the [g]od of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things” (Daniel 11:38). The “god of forces” is Satan, who controls the powers and principalities who are the demonic realm.

This “spirit of antichrist” prevails in our world today. Humans reject God, and in effect, make themselves gods. The Apostle John, author of the Book of Revelation makes this point: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22). That applies to many today. “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1 John 4:3, emphasis mine). “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” (1 John 2:18, emphasis mine). However, the Antichrist will top them all.

In the Book of Revelation, John describes the Antichrist as a “beast” rising “up out of the sea.”[7] Symbolically, the “sea” refers to the masses of humanity. He receives his power from “the dragon,”[8] i.e., Satan. Apparently, sometime in the first half of the Tribulation[9] he receives a deadly head wound from which he revives.[10] This “miracle” imitates Christ’s resurrection from the dead so that the people of the world “worshipped the dragon that gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast” (Revelation 13:4). After this, he gains power for the remaining 3½ years of the Tribulation. This seems to be the time when he desecrates the Temple. Perhaps after “rising from the dead,” he convinces himself that he is god. “And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven” (Revelation 13:6, emphasis mine). “Tabernacle” and “Temple” are synonymous. Further along in the chapter, a “second beast” is described. Prophecy students understand this beast to be the “false prophet” imitating the Holy Spirit. He erects an image of Antichrist and forces all people of the world to worship the image. Some think that the false prophet erects the image in the Temple, which is actually what desecrates the Temple. Note the counterfeit trinity: Satan in the place of God, the Beast in the place of Christ, and the False Prophet (the second beast) in the place of the Holy Spirit.

In brief, this is how Antichrist will be recognized. I do not believe that Christians will be around when Antichrist makes the scene. Paul assures us that the Rapture of the Church will take place before the Antichrist is revealed. He says, “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; (2 Thessalonians 2:3, emphasis mine). That “falling away” is apostasia in the Greek, which refers to a defection or turning away from “the faith.” We see that happing all around us, as churches and denominations reject the teachings of the Bible and substitute entertainment for true worship. I wonder if churches closing out of fear of the Wuhan bug demonstrates a lack of faith for God’s protection and His admonition to “Not forsak[e] 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” (Hebrews 10:25, emphasis mine).

The “falling away” continues. Paul goes on to say that Antichrist will not show up until the “restrainer” is taken out of the way. “And now ye know what withholdeth that he [the Antichrist] might be revealed in his time” (2 Thessalonians 2:6, emphasis mine). “Withhold” is the Greek word katechō, which means to “hold down fast.” Paul admits that iniquity exists even now, but its full power is restrained until “he who now [katechō] will [restrain], until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed” (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8). That “Restrainer” is the Holy Spirit who resides within every true believer that makes up the Church, the Bride of Christ. When the Holy Spirit departs, the Church departs because Jesus promised, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18). He said, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter [i.e., the Holy Spirit], that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).

So, don’t waste a lot of time and effort trying to figure out who the Antichrist is. Rather, study the signs of the last days given in the Bible. Pay attention to what is going on in the world around you. Especially, look at what is going on in Israel. The time is very near. And if you are unsure of your position with God, Read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  Daniel 7:8

[2]  Daniel 9:26

[3]  Daniel 9:24

[4]  Matthew 24:6

[5]  The Temple Faithful – http://templemountfaithful.org/

[6]  2 Thessalonians 2:3

[7]  Revelation 13:1

[8]  Revelation 13:2

[9]  The Tribulation is detailed in Revelation 6-19

[10]  Revelation 13:3

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March 31, 2019 · 10:00

April Fools’ Day

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)

We recognize the first day of April as April Fools’ Day. It “is an annual (primarily) Western celebration commemorated on April 1 by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes. The jokes and their victims are called April fools. People playing April Fool jokes often expose their prank by shouting ‘April fool(s)’ at the unfortunate victim(s). Some newspapers, magazines and other published media report fake stories, which are usually explained the next day or below the news section in smaller letters. Although popular since the 19th century, the day is not a public holiday in every country. Little is known about the origins of this tradition.”[1]

Victims of harmless pranks can hardly be called “fools.” Anyone is susceptible to deception at the hands of someone they trust. If that is a fool, then we all qualify.

The Bible has a much harsher view of a fool. The epithet is so severe that Jesus said, “whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matthew 5:22, emphasis mine). The word “Raca” is of Chaldean origin and it means, “empty or worthless one.” A fool, on the other hand, is one who is “impious”[2] or “godless.” Strong’s defines such a one as “dull, stupid or heedless.” The Greek word is mōros, from which we get our word “moron.” It is interesting that Jesus should offer such a severe condemnation as “hell fire” for the offense of calling someone a fool.

Jesus’ prohibition of the application of that word against another person comes at the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount. In the same sermon, He later said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Matthew 7:1-2). This verse gets misquoted and misunderstood often as meaning that we are never to exercise rational discernment about someone’s actions. However, that is not at all what Jesus was saying as subsequent verses reveal. The Greek words translated as “judge” and “judgment” are krinō and krima respectively. Both have to do with making a judgment that results in condemnation and punishment. We get our English words “crime” and “criminal” from these Greek words. The kind of judgment Jesus is describing is reserved for God alone. Therefore, if judging someone as “fool” condemns the one judging to “hell fire,” then the punishment for being a “fool” must also be “hell fire.” We deduce this from Jesus’ words, “with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” In other words, because the punishment for being a fool is “hell fire,” then the one judging the fool will receive the same judgment because only God can make that judgment.

The English word “fool” appears often in the Bible translating other Greek or Hebrew words, but the strong word Jesus used, mōros, appears only a few times and always in the context of strong condemnation. For example, in Matthew 7:26 Jesus uses it to describe the “foolish man” who built his house on a foundation of sand. Jesus likens those hear His Word and ignore it to the fool who builds his house on sand. In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Virgins and He calls the five unprepared virgins “foolish” because they were not ready to meet the bridegroom. The condemnation is they are not allowed into the wedding. Paul warns his young protégés, Timothy and Titus to avoid “foolish” (moronic) questions because they are unprofitable and vain and they only lead to strife.[3]

Our lead verse appears again in Psalm 53:1, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.” The Hebrew word translated “fool” is nâbâl, and like mōros, it means stupid, wicked, (especially impious). Someone who does not believe in God, or rejects God is a fool. God condemns such a person to “hell fire,” which is why Jesus admonishes us not to make that judgment.

Paul describes how one sinks to that condition:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:18-22, emphasis mine).

By examining this passage more closely, we see that “the wrath of God” – His anger, i.e., “hell fire” – is revealed “against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,” i.e., “foolishness.” It is doubtful that “true” atheists exist because here we see that God reveals Himself through His creation. The “invisible things,” like viruses, bacteria, atoms, quarks, etc., clearly testify to the greatness of God. Every human being on earth can see the magnificence of God’s creation so that no one has an excuse for not acknowledging God. Everyone, even the atheist, knows that God exists, but they reject Him and refuse to glorify Him choosing rather to follow their own unintelligent (i.e., foolish) imaginations. As a result, their heart is darkened. This progressive condition results in a “reprobate mind,”[4] i.e., a mind that has lost its ability to properly reason. They think they are wise when in fact they have become fools.

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). And “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts” (Proverbs 21:2). We are all fools at some time in our lives. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God” (Romans 3:10-11, emphasis mine). We may all start out as fools, but we do not need to remain in that condition. If you do not know the Lord, please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.” Don’t be an April Fool!

Notes:

[1] Wikipedia, “April Fool’s Day” – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools%27_Day

[2]  “not pious or religious; lacking reverence for God, religious practices, etc.; irreligious; ungodly” Dictionary.Com definition – https://www.dictionary.com/browse/impious?s=t

[3]  2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9

[4]  Romans 1:28

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March 17, 2019 · 10:00

God’s War

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. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 39:4-5)

After Ezekiel saw the valley of the dry bones[1] signifying the regathering of the nation of Israel from among all the nations of the earth, and the two sticks[2] signifying the reunification of the divided kingdom,[3] God gave Ezekiel another preview into the future.[4]

The Gog-Magog War, as it has come to be known, is a hot topic in prophecy circles especially due to current events taking place in the Middle East (more on that later). However, to call it the Gog-Magog War is a bit of a misnomer. The vision described by Ezekiel is an invasion of (modern) Israel by a confederation of nations, not just one.

In order to understand the vision, we must go back to Genesis 10 to identify the nations listed in Ezekiel 38-39 and see how they comport with the current world map.

Map 1: Dispersion of Nations After the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)

 The first nation mentioned in the vision is Magog. “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, (Ezekiel 38:2, emphasis mine). “Gog” is a person, not a nation. He is called the “chief prince” making him the leader in command of this invasion. Looking at the map above, we see that Magog, following the dispersion at the Tower of Babel, settled north of the Caspian Sea. Another nation listed by Ezekiel is Gomer[5] which settled north of the Black Sea. By looking at a modern map (below), we see that the people groups or “nations” listed as Magog and Gomer are part of modern-day Russia. Arguably, Meshech, modern-day Georgia, could be included as part of Russia.

Map 2: Modern Map of the Middle East

The next nation listed is Tubal. Looking at Map 1, we note that Tubal occupies the northeast are on the southern coast of the Black Sea in what is now modern Turkey. Along with Tubal, is Togarmah.[6] Both Tubal and Togarmah reside near the northwest border of modern-day Iran. Again we see that Gomer also settled in what is now central Turkey. When we think of Gomer, we can think of both Russia and Turkey, since Gomer settled in both places.

Persia is modern Iran. Ethiopia, a.k.a. Cush[7] (see Map 1), is modern-day Sudan, not the Ethiopia we recognize today (see Map 2). Libya remains Libya today.[8] This confederation of nations consisting of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, and Libya will unite and come against Israel sometime after Israel becomes a nation.

Mentioned in opposition to the invasion are Sheba, Dedan, and “the merchants of Tarshish with all the young lions thereof.”[9] Comparing Map 1 with Map 2, we see that Sheba and Dedan are in the modern nation of Saudi Arabia. Tarshish (not shown on Map 2) is in Spain. The “merchants of Tarshish” would be nations that trade with Spain and may refer to the European Union. Since the United States and Great Britain are not specifically mentioned in prophecy, some prophecy teachers suggest that the “young lions thereof” refers to Great Britain and the United States, since the lion is the symbol of the U.K., which gave birth to the United States. Although that is speculative, it nonetheless makes good sense. These protest the invasion of Israel, but apparently, are helpless to do anything about it. “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?” (Ezekiel 38:13).

I titled this article “God’s War” because, throughout the chapters that encompass this vision, God is clearly in control including the instigation of the war.

Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of [Russia], the chief prince of [Russia] and [Turkey], and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of [Russia] and [Turkey]: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army: … [Iran], [Sudan], and Libya with them; … [Russia/Turkey], and all his bands; the house of [Turkey] of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee. Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. 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. 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. (Ezekiel 38:2-9, emphasis mine).[10]

We see in this passage that God orchestrates these events so that they take place “in the latter years.” Israel, at that time, will have been “brought back from the sword” and “gathered out of many people. They will reside in “the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste.” Historically, we know that before Israel was reborn on May 14, 1948, the land of Israel was a barren wasteland. The image of God putting “hooks into [the] jaws” of Gog, the “chief prince” leading the coalition, implies that God forces the issue; He is in complete control.

Gog sees Israel as “easy pickings,” which serves as the lure to “turn [him] back.”

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, 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. (Ezekiel 38:10-12, emphasis mine)

Some prophecy teachers delay the timing of this event because they point out that Israel does indeed have extensive border walls, and they are not “at rest” nor “dwell[ing] safely, all of them dwelling without walls.” To them, this event is not yet imminent. However, to prophecy teachers currently residing in Israel, like Amir Tsarfati,[11] residents of Israel are by and large “at rest” and dwelling in relative safety. As for the walls, these are erected on the national borders, not around individual villages or cities. In modern times, such walls would be useless against aerial attack by enemy aircraft or missiles. Residents of Israel place their confidence in the military capabilities of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), not necessarily on God. Therefore, Amir Tsarfati sees this coming invasion as imminent, but more on that later.

Russia and its coalition of Turkey, Iran, Sudan, and Libya will come against Israel, and Saudi Arabia, the European Union, Great Britain, and the United States will protest the invasion but will do no more than protest for whatever reason. Israel will be left to face the invaders all alone.

Why will God allow this to come upon Israel after all through which He has brought them? This passage often repeats phrases like: “that the heathen (Hebrew: gôyim, meaning “nations” or “people”) may know me” (38:16), “I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD” (38:23), “they shall know that I am the LORD” (39:6, 28), “So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God” (39:22), “the heathen shall know” (39:24). God will be known. Atheism will cease. All excuses will stop.

How will God make Himself known to Israel and all the nations of the earth? Israel will be alone and defenseless when the Russian coalition invades. They will fully expect to win the war against Israel and take the spoil. What spoil? Israelis recently discovered oil and gas reserves in the land enabling them to be energy self-sufficient and an exporter to the E.U. That prospect cuts into Russia’s market so it is easy to see how that could become an incentive to get “spoil.” Besides, Israelis have made great technological advances in many areas including agriculture. Israel has made the desert bloom. With this “hook” in the jaw of Gog, God will draw Russia and its friends into Israel, and there God, not the IDF, will make short work of the invading armies.

And I [the LORD] will turn thee [Gog] 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: And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. 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. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell [confidently] in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD. (Ezekiel 39:2-6, emphasis mine)

God will destroy the 5/6 of the armies of Gog on “the mountains of Israel.” This is probably referring to the Golan Heights that border northern Israel with Syria. The reference to the bow and arrows means that God will disarm Gog or otherwise render his weapons useless. The carnage will be so great that scavenger birds will feast on the flesh of the dead. The armaments that they bring will serve Israel for fuel for seven years.[12] God will even punish Russia, the land of Gog, and the islands that lend naval support. Gog himself will end up dead along with his troops, and the stench of the dead “shall stop the noses of the passengers,”[13] i.e., anyone passing by. The cleanup of the dead bodies will take seven months.[14]

Russia and its allies will be completely destroyed by God, not by the IDF. This is God’s War. “So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. 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” (Ezekiel 39:22-23, emphasis mine). No one on earth will doubt that the hand of God delivered the devastating blow. However, recognizing the existence of God and His power does not equate to recognizing His authority and the need to submit to Him. Three times in the Book of the Apocalypse we are told of men blaspheming God rather than repenting even though they recognize that God is the One sending the plagues.[15] Notwithstanding, “The Lord is … not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

When will all of this take place? There is no way we can pinpoint a date, but we can be sure that the time is not too distant. Consider Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones and the uniting of the two sticks. That prophecy was fulfilled when Israel became a nation on May 14, 1948. Jesus said of that time, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree [i.e., Israel]; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:32-34, emphasis mine). It has been 70 years, almost 71, since Israel became a nation once more. We are living in “this generation.”

Is Gog alive today? Many prophecy teachers suggest that it may be Vladamir Putin. He is certainly a good candidate for the job. Already he is positioning his armies in Syria, north of Israel. He has made alliances with Turkey, Iran, and Sudan. I am not certain about Libya’s current relationship with Russia, but they have been “friends” in the past. The potential for an invasion of Israel is there. The United States presence in Syria is the only obstacle, but that will soon change when the U.S. withdraws troops from Syria as President Trump intends to do, much to the chagrin of Israel. Once the U.S. is out, all bets are off!

Some prophecy teachers suggest this invasion cannot take place until a prior invasion by Israel’s Arab neighbors as described in Psalm 83. However, according to Amir Tsarfati, this prophecy was fulfilled in 1967 in the Six-Day War. It was “Fought between Israel and Arab neighbors Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The nations of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Algeria, and others also contributed troops and arms to the Arab forces.”[16] I tend to agree with Tsarfati. Not only does he have first-hand knowledge, but some of those nations, specifically Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt are “allies” of Israel. Besides that, they have great respect for the IDF.

The puzzle pieces are in place for God’s War. Will we see it? Perhaps, but I personally do not think so. I believe the Rapture[17] of the Church will take place first. The greatest number of Christians in the world reside in the United States; many hold high offices in government. Some have suggested that Donald Trump has become a born-again believer. I hope that is true. Our Vice-president, Mike Pence, is a strong Christian as are many on President Trump’s staff. It may be difficult to believe, but there are many in Congress that are strong Christians, and many of high rank in our military. Imagine the chaos when all of these suddenly disappear! Perhaps this is why all the U.S. can do is protest Gog’s invasion of Israel.

That may set the stage for Antichrist to “confirm” (not make) a seven-year covenant or treaty with Israel ensuring their “peace and safety.”[18] This covenant may already be in the works as Jared Kushner hammers out President Trump’s deal of the century. President Trump will have the deal in place, but it will be Antichrist that enforces it.

All of these things are falling into place right now. The seven years following the Rapture will be the most horrible the world has ever experienced. I rejoice that I will not be around to witness it. How about you? Are you ready? If you are not sure, please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  “Dry Bones” – https://erniecarrasco.com/2019/02/24/dry-bones/

[2]  “Two Sticks” – https://erniecarrasco.com/2019/03/03/two-sticks/

[3]  Ezekiel 37

[4]  Ezekiel 38-39

[5]  Ezekiel 38:6

[6]  Ibid.

[7]  Isaiah 11:11

[8]  Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are listed in Ezekiel 38:5

[9]  Ezekiel 38:13

[10] The appropriate modern names have been substituted within brackets ([ ]) for the biblical names in the passage. Also, details about the implements of war have been removed to avoid distraction.

[11]  Behold Israel Ministry – https://beholdisrael.org/

[12]  Ezekiel 39:9-10

[13]  Ezekiel 39:11

[14]  Ezekiel 39:12, 14

[15]  Revelation 16:9, 11, 21

[16]  “List of wars involving Israel” – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_Israel

[17]  1 Corinthians 15:50-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

[18]  Daniel 9:27

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