FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

It’s that time of the year for Jews to celebrate the festive holiday of Purim, one of the delightful memories in Jewish history which makes the Jewish month of Adar (Feb/March) perhaps the happiest month of the year. They rejoice by reading the book of Esther, and playfully dressing up to disguise themselves, just as Queen Esther (at first) concealed her identity as a Jew from her husband, the Persian King Xerxes.

The festival of Purim will be held tomorrow, just ten days after Israeli commandos intercepted the Klos C cargo ship sailing under the flag of Panama on its way to the Gaza Strip. The Israelis escorted the ship to the southern Israel city port of Eilat, where the Israeli Defense Forces unloaded the cargo, followed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s inspection of the shipment. There for the whole world to see was an imposing arsenal consisting of hundreds of thousands of rounds of AK-47 ammunition, dozens of mortars, and the most imposing of all—forty long-range missiles capable of striking Tel Aviv, Jerusalem … and other cities deep into the heart of Israel. And, if these missiles could have or would have (in the future) been tipped with a nuclear warhead—even a tactical one—the tiny state of Israel would be transported to the state of oblivion.

From where did this destructive payload originate! Too easy of a question, right? None other than Iran, formerly known as the Persian Empire. It’s not enough that Iran supplies and sponsors and exports terrorism to Lebanon. Wasn’t it just two weeks ago or so that Israel took out some long-range missiles in Lebanon that had been transferred by Iran to its intended destination … the terrorist organization, Hezbollah.

Now, Iran is adding (aiding) another terrorist group, Hamas, to Iran’s import/export trade partners in crime. Just this past Tuesday Hamas renewed diplomatic relations with Iran and again boasted that Hamas would strike the “heart of the Zionist entity.” Hamas bragged that future clashes with Israel would result in missiles raining down on cities all over Israel. It only took two days to make good on their threat. Day before yesterday, the militant group Islamic Jihad launched some 60 rockets into Israel from the Gaza Strip. Fortunately (miraculously) no one was killed or even injured. Either the projectiles were deficient or the terrorist’s aim was bad, or angels diverted the rockets, or all of the above!

Although Islamic Jihad is a separate terrorist cell from Hamas, Israel holds Hamas responsible (rightfully so) for all terrorist attacks that originate from Gaza. Rightfully so because Hamas claims to be the only legitimate, duly elected, government for Gaza. If they’re going to assert that right, then they must bear the responsibility of controlling all extremist groups operating from the Gaza Strip

At the press conference that followed the viewing of the confiscated weapons in Eilat, Benjamin Netanyahu reminded the world (he had just articulated this during his meeting with US President Obama a few days earlier) of the malicious intentions and ominous threat Iran poses to Israel, but not just Israel … also to the United States. Said, Prime Minister Netanyahu about Iran: (this) “…brutal regime has not abandoned its deep involvement in terrorism, its systematic efforts to undermine peace and security throughout the Middle East and its ambition to destroy the state of Israel … Those engaged in self-deception must awaken from their slumber; we cannot allow Iran to continue building nuclear weapons.”

(Photo depicts M-302 missiles intercepted by Israeli commandos)

If anyone doubts Iran’s hateful objectives regarding Israel, it’s only necessary to wait a few days to hear yet another Iranian leader threaten Israel. For example, Iranian Brigadier General Hussein Salami recently affirmed that Iran’s military leaders are determined to destroy, “the Zionist regime of Israel.” Although Salami has threatened Israel before, his recent tirade seemed particularly hostile in an imminent sort of way. He went on to say, “Islam has given us this wish, capacity, and power to destroy the Zionist regime so that our hands will remain on the trigger from 1,400km away for the day when such an incident (confrontation with Israel) takes place.”

These intimidations were made the day after Benjamin Netanyahu’s held his press conference in Eilat with video exposure of the weapons captured from the Klos C ship. This time, Salami was referring to conventional weaponry … essentially boasting that Iran could take down Israel without nuclear capability, when they chose to do so. Notice, that he said, when such an incident takes place; rather than if it would occur. He went on to say, “Today we can destroy every spot which is under the Zionist regime’s control with any volume of fire power (that we want) right from here.” Meaning directly from Iran via remote control technology.

Moreover, Salami’s menacing threats echoed the innuendoes made a few weeks ago by Iranian Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, Major General Ali Jafari. Boasted Jafari, “We have recently acquired the capability to mount guided and precision-targeting missiles with pinpointing capabilities and bombs on drones, which is actually among branches of advanced hi-tech in this field.” This announcement followed Iran’s disclosure last November of a new drone called Fotros, which has a flying time of 30 hours, a range of 2000 kilometers, and an altitude of 25,000 feet. Furthermore, Fotros can be armed with air-to-surface rockets. Another drone labeled Karrar has similar flying capability plus a large explosive payload that could inflict massive damage and casualties within Israel.

Why must Netanyahu keep harping (that’s how he is perceived by Barack Obama and John Kerry) on the catastrophic danger that a nuclear-armed Iran or even a non-nuclear Iran poses to the entire world? It’s really pretty simple: The President of the United States and our State Department doesn’t get it, or isn’t listening, or isn’t that concerned. Or the worst scenario of all: Our government fully understands the potential threat of a nuclear Iran but is prepared to accept the risk. This in keeping with our President’s tacit recognition of the “peaceful” Muslim religion the world over, especially Muslim nations that are predominately Arab, which Iran is not … but it’s still embraces Islam.

The Meaning of Purim

Indeed, contemporary Iran is ruled by modern-day Haman(s)—the Persian megalomaniac that wanted to exterminate all the Jews—instead of a nostalgic return to the days of their ancient kings and their compassion for and benevolence toward the Jews. Before the wicked official Haman rose to power, it was Persia’s king Cyrus who released the Jews from captivity, and allowed them to return to Israel and rebuild their Temple. Thus, how ironic it is: While Israeli Jews and Jews still living in Gentile nations reminisce and celebrate the decree issued by Mordecai, the prominent Jewish leader and advisor to King Xerxes the Great of ancient Persia, the Iranian leaders of today’s Persia are once again threatening to wipe Israel from the face of the earth. These leaders would do well to remember the fate of Haman and those who followed him!

Purim means “lots” (pur equals lot, with the Hebrew suffix im making it plural) as in the casting of lots originally ordered by Haman, to set aside a date on which all Jews were to be slaughtered. The date selected a year in advance was March 7th, 473 B.C. When Queen Esther bravely told King Xerxes about this diabolical plot, the king ordered Haman to be executed instead of the Jews. The Jews then killed those Persians complicit with Haman in the plot against them. Then, in another twist of irony, this same date plus March 8th were chosen by the Jews to celebrate the miraculous deliverance of the Jews from certain extinction. Let’s read the Biblical passage:

“Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to the Jews near and far, throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, calling on them to celebrate an annual festival on these two days. He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy. So the Jews accepted Mordecai’s proposal and adopted this annual custom” (Esther 9: 20-23).

Were it not for Mordecai’s counsel and Esther’s courage, Haman might have fulfilled his warped dream of genocide, just as Hitler almost did … no different from what the Ayatollah of Iran would do if he had just one nuclear weapon at his disposal. What makes Iran’s malevolent ambitions even more insanely criminal is that they couldn’t care less that hundreds of thousands of Arabs (most of whom are fellow Muslims) would also be incinerated alongside of the Jews in a nuclear strike against Israel. Or, thousands killed in a conventional attack on Israel.

“Who knows,” Mordecai said to Esther, “if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Does Anyone Care?

Anyone and everyone who gives a hoot about this once great nation called the United States of America and who harbors at least a tiny bit of sympathy toward Israel should realize that today—right now as we speak—it is such a time as this. We need a Secretary of State who will stop chasing the elusive dream of pacifying modern Persian rulers who make vague and devious promises never to develop uranium or plutonium for a nuclear bomb; if the West would only lighten up on the sanctions that brought the Iranians to their economic knees. For such a time as this, we need a President who will look the Persian King (Iran’s President) in the eye and order him to stand down or face the consequences … not of tougher sanctions, but of US launched missiles raining down on nuclear reactors and the like. Tomorrow it may be too late. Today we need a Katie-bar-the-door Congress who takes Iran seriously and Israel even more seriously, when both of these nations know full well that Iran is not bluffing.

We the people must insist on a President and a Cabinet and a Congress who support Israel, not just with superficial words, but with meaningful actions such as (at least) equal criticism of the Palestinian Authority’s (led by Mahmoud Abbas) stubborn unwillingness to even acknowledge Israel as a Jewish State. I say equal, because President Obama has already accused Israel of jeopardizing the future of their own security and the so-called peace process by not halting all construction of new settlements in the West Bank. Some call that a self-fulfilling prophecy; meaning that any overt or covert hostility against Israel, will have been caused by Israel herself. And for what reason? Just because Israel is Jewish … no other reason is needed. Just because Israel is there … that’s excuse enough for Iran and Muslims everywhere to obliterate the Jewish State if they could.

Wake up America! That means you and me. Sit up and take notice Europe. There will be plenty of time to doze and slumber when we die! Of course, I say that facetiously (because I firmly believe in life after death) but I say it to get your attention. Are we, as suggested by Benjamin Netanyahu, “engaged in self-deception?” Do we really think that Iran is bluffing? They certainly didn’t bluff in 1979 when they stormed the US Embassy in Tehran and took dozens of Americans hostage, and kept them hostage for well over a year. Is their shipment of heavy armaments and ammunition to Hezbollah and Hamas just playing war games, or sabre rattling, or a show of bravado? Or would those weapons have been put to use? If you choose the latter of these options, you will have chosen correctly.

What is Different about today’s Iran?

What makes Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s recent threats against Israel different from those just a few years ago? Two things come to mind: (1) Iran’s imams including the supreme Ayatollah are now convinced that the 12th Imam Mahdi (their version of a Messiah) will not appear until or unless Muslims have launched a massive Jihad (holy war) against the infidels. In general, the infidels are all Christians and Jews. Specifically, these two groups are identified and represented by the United States and Israel, respectively. So, it behooves Iran and other militant Islamic nations/groups to initiate an intifada against their hated rival Israel. (2) Iran’s leaders realize that the United States along with other members of the G5 + 1 group (England, Germany, France, Russia, and China) have painted the former red line yellow. That the entire world, therefore, will do little or nothing to keep Iran from going nuclear. That America’s red-line commitments (to keep Iran non-nuclear) are empty and meaningless. That our President is essentially an isolationist and has retreated from any and all confrontations with Islamic nations.

Like Haman, some 2500 years ago, Iran’s leaders are tired of waiting. They are on the verge of casting lots and of throwing caution to the wind. They are on the precipice of date setting, just as Haman did when he enticed the Persians of his day to cast lots for a date, and then annihilate all Jews when that time arrived. (See Esther, Chapter 3). They seem anxious to “test the waters” of Western resolve. So, too, is Iran’s primary ally and supporter, Russia, flexing her military muscles, as is China … another tacit ally of Iran. Then, there’s the rogue nation of North Korea that continues to belligerently flaunt their inter-continental ballistic missile program, all the while challenging the United States and EU to do something about it.

Never before have we seen and heard so many “rumors of war” predicted by Jesus as recorded in Matthew Chapter 24. Jesus said there would be wars and threats of war that would be part of the end-times activities. I believe that this order or sequence of words was not random or arbitrary. Meaning that wars engulfing the whole world came first (the massive 20th century conflagrations of World War I and World War II), followed by an incessant and mounting crescendo of saber-rattling in this 21st century, unprecedented since the birth of Messiah.

What Can We Do?

We all wonder, even sometimes to the point of despair or at least resignation to the destiny of it all: How can I make a difference? My own thought is that we can start by being fully aware of what is happening in the world, especially the Middle East and Israel. Then study the Scriptures like never before, particularly prophecies of the last days. Then lend our support to Israel, especially Messianic Ministries. Or determine to support Israel with our thoughts, words, and prayers. As Israel goes, so goes the entire world. All of God’s end-time plans and actions are focused on and around Israel. Those who are antagonistic toward Israel, will experience God’s hostility toward them … individually and as a nation. Those who truly care about Israel and the Jews will be blessed by God himself.

Most of all pray, as prayer can accomplish incredible things. It can unleash the awesome power of the true and living God against the forces of evil. It can lead to God’s protection of all that is good in this world, including the apple of his eye, Israel. It can hasten the return of our great and glorious Savior, Messiah Jesus; to set up his kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace. He will make all things new, and right, and eternal.

“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper” (Psalms 122:6). In Hebrew the first part of this verse reads, “Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim.”

Whose Side Are We On?

The end of the story found in the book of Esther goes like this: “Then Queen Esther … wrote another letter putting the queen’s full authority behind Mordecai’s letter to establish the Festival of Purim … an annual celebration of these days at the appointed time…” (Esther 9:29-31).

Then the last verse in the book of Esther: “Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants” (Esther 10:3).

Be an Esther and a Mordecai in your family, circle of friends, church, community, and nation. Speak up for Esther’s and Mordecai’s descendants, the Jews. Stand up for Israel … be counted with them. Thank the Most High God for restoring Israel’s people to their land. Honor him for all the amazing things he has done for Israel and for his church, those who belong to Christ. Praise him for who he is and what he has done, and will do.

Whose side are you on? As for me, I prefer to be on the winning side. God the Father and God the Son will have the final say in this matter. For those individuals and nations who would dare oppose God’s chosen people and promised land, here is what they can expect at the hands of Messiah when he returns, “I crushed the nations in my anger and made them stagger and fall to the ground, spilling their blood upon the earth” (Isaiah 63:6).

For those who have been redeemed by Israel’s Messiah, who love and support the people and land of Israel, there are hundreds of wonderful promises found in the pages of the Bible for our welfare and eternal destiny with the Lord, the Holy One of Israel (as He is frequently referred to by the prophet Isaiah).

“For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” (Isaiah 64:4). Imagine … we wait upon the Lord and he works for us!

But while we wait upon the Holy One of Israel, we also say and do what Isaiah said: “Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch” (Isaiah 62:1).

For Such a Time as This

JERUSALEM AND ROME … Friends or Foes?

Other than the 20th century Holocaust during World War II, secular historians and Biblical scholars agree that the darkest hour of Israel’s history took place in 70 AD, culminating with the destruction of the Jewish temple on the 9th of Av (Hebrew month equivalent to the Roman calendar month of August).

Even the weakest student of history has probably heard of this disaster in which the legions of Roman generals Vespasian and his son Titus invaded Israel, conquered Jerusalem, and destroyed the Temple. In fact, the prophet Daniel predicted this would happen some 650 years earlier. Not only was the holiest site of Judaism dismantled and put to the torch, but a massive flood followed, a flood of exiled dispersion for the Jewish people to many nations of the earth; one that would last until 1948. Several past articles in our Eye of Prophecy blog site have mentioned this catastrophic event, with varying points of reference and purpose for citing this ancient, but still relevant milestone of Jewish history.

I bring it up yet again because of another significant event that occurred exactly three months ago. What is it that happened to affirm my premise that the Roman conquest of Israel in the first century continues to influence contemporary events of today’s world?

During the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit the candles for the 5th night of Hanukkah (Sunday, December 1, 2013). Unusual for the Prime Minister to light Hanukkah candles? Perhaps not. Unless that is: He lit them at the Great Synagogue in Rome! And, for good measure, the Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta attended the solemn event! There’s more: The following day, Netanyahu travelled to the Vatican where he met with Pope Francis; additional pleasantries were exchanged between these two leaders!

What is so special about two heads of state (make that three heads of state, as the Pope is head of the Vatican, which is recognized as a sovereign state within a state) meeting in such a fashion, you might ask? What the Romans did to Israel happened so long ago. What, then, is so strange about a 21st century meeting between the Prime Ministers of Italy and Israel?

In answer to these questions: The sheer magnitude of Rome’s brutal first century conquest resulted in Israel ceasing to exist as a nation. Not only did the Romans slaughter hundreds of thousands of Jews, but they drove the vast majority of survivors out of Israel, where they would live under the heel of Gentile nations for nearly 1900 years. To drive this dagger of national death even deeper into the heart of Israel, a subsequent Roman emperor changed the name of Israel to Palestine, a derivative and derogatory name that resembled Philistia, Israel’s ancient enemy (Philistines).

During the Diaspora, the Jews would be further oppressed, suppressed, persecuted, deprived, and killed en mass. Does anyone remember the Crusades in which tens of thousands of Jews were murdered by so-called Christian knights and defenders of the Holy Land? Or the Spanish Inquisition with its gruesome torture and killing of Jews that refused to convert to the universal church? Or the pogroms of Russia and parts of Europe that sought to dispossess the Jews of their liberty, property, livelihood, and life itself. All leading to the most horrible of all: The Final Solution to the “Jewish problem” instigated by a demoniacal depraved Adolf Hitler and the equally degenerate thugs of the Third Reich. And don’t forget that Italy (Rome) was an ally of Germany during World War II. Although Italy didn’t directly participate in the evil genocide that took place in the concentration camps of Germany and Poland, Mussolini and many Italian citizens turned a deaf ear and blind eye to what was happening. And some actually participated in the round-up and internment of Jews throughout Italy.

So you see: It’s not just an ancient event that contemporary heads of state could otherwise overlook … letting bygones be bygones. Rather, it was a diabolical effort initiated by the ancient Roman Empire and continued by the Holy Roman Empire to rid the earth of God’s chosen people and to prevent them from their God ordained destiny to live and thrive in Israel. To further confirm my premise of relevancy between 1st and 21st century Rome and Jerusalem, let’s listen to the words of Prime Minister Netanyahu during his meeting with Italy’s Prime Minister Letta.

“There is a special relationship between Jerusalem and Rome. No two other cities have such a deep meaning in the history of our people and our shared culture. On this evening, on Hanukkah in particular, this trip to Rome is significant. Here, the Arch of Titus is engraved with the image of a menorah that was looted from the Temple and arrived in a victory parade in Rome. Two thousand years have passed since the destruction of the Temple. The State of Israel is strong and vibrant. And its symbol is the same exact menorah engraved on the Arch of Titus. The (seven-branched) menorah and the Hanukkah (the eight-branched menorah lit on Hanukkah) embody the great spirit that beats within our people.”

Regarding the modern-day relationship between Israel and Italy, Prime Minister Netanyahu said to Prime Minister Letta, “Your commitment to the welfare and security of Israel is clear.” Letta responded by saying that the Jewish community in Italy is Italy’s “moral compass.”

(Photo depicts Prime Ministers Letta and Netanyahu)

Jerusalem & Berlin (another unlikely alliance)

Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of several meetings conducted between the two leaders in the recent past. Said, Ms. Merkel: (there is), “a very strong friendship, which ties our two countries together and a friendship that we want to continue to develop further.” She further affirmed her recognition of Israel as a sovereign Jewish State, to reinforce the diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel that began fifty years ago.

According to Prime Minister Netanyahu there existed between the two countries a, “unique bond forged of tragedy and hope.” He further stated: “Chancellor Merkel is a friend of Israel.” He thanked her for taking a stance against boycotts that threaten Israel. In fact, Israel will purchase a multi-million defense system from Germany to guard the natural gas rigs along the Israeli coastline. And Germans continue to buy Israeli goods.

What makes these recent Israeli meetings with Italy and Germany so historically relevant and prophetically pertinent in today’s world? How is it that these two nations, that have caused Israel more grief and misery than virtually all other nations combined, have extended olive branches to the Jews, whom they endeavored to utterly destroy in the first century (Rome) and the 20th century (Berlin)? Let’s examine another Old Testament prophecy about Israel to see the association. And in doing so, we again marvel at the dozens of prophecies that are unfolding in our generation, before our very eyes.

(That’s what Eye of Prophecy is all about. To provide a clear witness for Jesus, which is the theme of the blog site. But also to link historical dots of incidents long past, with the current events of today’s world in a way that many people might not otherwise connect).

Here’s what God promises to/for Israel: “And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to my former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed. On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction, among all the nations of the earth, as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. I, the Lord, have spoken” (Zephaniah 3: 19-20, italics for emphasis).

Reasons for Ancient & Modern Enemies to Befriend Modern-Day Israel

From these last two verses of the book of Zephaniah and from several other similar passages in the Old Testament, we can find two basic reasons why Italy and Germany have gone out of their way to support Israel, despite the politically correct pressure from the majority of countries in the United Nations, including all Muslim nations, to alienate and disenfranchise the state of Israel.

(1) Out of Guilt and Remorse: This has been clearly evident for several decades, but no more so than the past couple of years. For example, President Merkel of Germany has promised a monthly stipend for an estimated 20,000 Holocaust survivors, some $275.00 per month. The last three Popes have essentially apologized for the Roman Catholic Church’s persecution of Jews taking place over centuries of time. Both countries have criticized the BDS movement against Israel, and have pledged support for the existence and welfare of the State of Israel. All this because of the horrendous behavior toward the Jews at the hands of past (ancient and recent) Italian and German dictators/governments.

And, I’m sure both Italy and Germany have made a remorseful connection between past treatment of the Jews and the subsequent demise of their respective empires, both of which went down in flames, never to rise again. Meaning the once mighty indestructible Roman Empire and the more recent imperishable, everlasting Third Reich (one that would last a thousand years!) In fact, it lasted for only twelve years! Whether their leaders understood this correlation based on Biblical principles and precedents that God would bless those who support Israel and curse those who would dare to harm her, is essentially irrelevant. The fact is: God’s Word is true, it will always come to pass no matter what anyone thinks of it. If, however, any of Germany’s and Italy’s leaders made this connection, so much the better for them. Perhaps they will think twice about causing future harm to God’s people. Sadly, however, they won’t, as we soon shall see.

(2) Out of Respect: This is more than just token esteem or appreciation or admiration for a people who have risen from the ashes of utter defeat to the beauty of a vibrant and strong nation, using Netanyahu’s words—although the rebirth of Israel as a nation and the restoration of the Jews as the people of that nation is, in fact, a source of wonder to most of the civilized world, especially the European Union. Rather, this is the kind of respect that is generated by a country that is a formidable rival to any nation on the face of the earth. No matter that the entire population of Israel is less than many major cities of the earth; Israel boasts an economy and a military that (for its size) is the envy of the contemporary world.

Today’s Israel could easily hold her own against either Germany or Italy or both. But she won’t have to, at least not yet. Because, for now, both of these nations have nothing but the utmost respect for Israel’s accomplishments as well as the ability to defend herself through the army, navy, and air force of Israeli Defense Force that boasts state of the art technology and equipment, as well as some of the bravest and finest soldiers any nation could ever want. Indeed, modern Israel bears a name and reputation of distinction, just as the prophet Zephaniah predicted it would.

Another Reason for Solidarity between Israel and Germany/Italy

There’s another reason, one that will ensure Israel’s safety and prominence in the world until their final confrontation with the Gog/Magog coalition of nations described in Ezekiel 38 & 39; then the ruthless assault by the Antichrist and his alliance, during the first half and second half of the Great Tribulation, respectively. This is the time designated as Jacob’s Trouble, the time that will precede and usher in the glorious appearance of Israel’s Messiah to save the Jews from extinction.

This third reason is a foregone conclusion that must come to pass. Why? Because, God says it will happen. It will be in the form of a long overdue peace agreement that continues to elude the Middle East in spite of relentless political efforts by the United States and the European Union to solve the unsolvable dilemma of a Palestinian State alongside of the State of Israel. The only such treaty specified in Scripture is found in the book of Daniel, and it will be accomplished by none other than the Antichrist. Which, of course, makes it a deceitfully false treaty.

“The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of sevens, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this ruler is finally poured out on him” (Daniel 9:27).

The harshest or severest segment of the Great Tribulation takes place during the last half (3 ½ years) of this treaty, but the important link to make for purpose of this article is that the ruler (Antichrist) will somehow orchestrate a seven-year treaty with Israel … meaning between Israel and her enemies … the Arab world. And this deal could very well include the construction of the Third Temple on Temple Mount alongside of or even in place of the Dome of the Rock. How will that be possible? Today, as we speak, it’s not possible; not without an all-out attack by virtually every Muslim nation against Israel including non-Muslim nations aligned with these Arab countries. In short, it would mean World War III, because western nations, including America could not stand by while Israel is mercilessly attacked.

But until the Rapture takes place, followed by the stunning return of the man of lawlessness from the Abyss and his seven-year pact with Israel and the Arab nations, we are witnessing God’s sovereignty in the preparation of certain powerful nation’s remarkable reversal of their historical animosity toward Israel. After the Rapture (which could happen any day), these nations and others will pledge their allegiance to the Antichrist; then follow his lead when he breaks the treaty with Israel at the half-way point.

For the first time in history, we see two very prominent European Nations—Germany and Italy—ostensibly courting Israel as an economic and political partner. Though there are many dissidents within both countries as well as the EU in general that despise Israel (not the least of which are the neo-Nazis), the governments of these two nations are currently empathetic toward Israel. So, too, has France jumped on the bandwagon to support Israel as evidenced by recent visits between France and Israel’s leaders. As Germany, France, and Italy go, so goes the European Union.

Summary

What does all this mean? It means that if the Rapture occurred today, or next year, or five years from now, the beast of Revelation (Antichrist) will have a much easier task of reaching a treaty with Israel than at any other time in history. And, for those who have read my book, Out of the Abyss… can the number of the beast be solved, 666; or for those who have read the Eye of Prophecy articles under the category of Antichrist, you know about the Biblical and historical evidence that documents the identity of the Antichrist.

In next week’s article, we’re going to examine the wicked ruler of Daniel Chapter 9 in more detail. We’re going to once again see how Daniel Chapter 9 supports the premise that Nero is the ruler who ordered the conquest of Israel in 66 AD, which resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. This same man will reappear from the abyss as the beast of Revelation 13 & 17, as the little horn of Daniel 7, and as the ruler in Daniel 9 who successfully arranges a seven-year treaty with Israel. And this will be, in large part, possible because at least some of the ten kings or regional heads who give him their allegiance will undoubtedly be from the European Union.

Right now as we speak, I firmly believe that a “risen” Nero would have no problem in convincing a people (Jews) who were destroyed and exiled by Nero’s generals that he means them no harm, that he has only their best interest at heart. After all, isn’t that what the current leaders of Germany and Italy and France are telling (selling) Israel? It’s more than just an impression or a theory. It’s what is actually happening in today’s world between Israel and some prominent leaders of Europe. Even our United States President has promised total support of Israel, despite his misunderstanding of Jewish and Arab history that compels him to harshly criticize new Jewish settlements and Israeli reluctance to give up east Jerusalem to exclusive Arab control.

Concerning the prominent influence and role of the Antichrist when he reappears, how could Israel (or any nation) argue with a Roman Emperor who has returned from the dead!? Plus, the condition of a world that has just experienced the loss of hundreds of millions of people will be ripe for conciliation, healing, direction, and peace. Stay tuned next week while we revisit the first century fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy, more specifically the inseparable link between the armies who destroyed the Temple and the supreme commander of those armies.

Things to Ponder
– One previous Eye of Prophecy article dealt with the subject of BDS against Israel by many nations of the world. According to Genesis 12:3, in the context of BDS, a nation better think twice about hurting Israel. The last thing an individual or a nation wants is to be boycotted, divested, and sanctioned by God, himself. We only need to take a historical look at those nations who have done Israel great harm, to see how they imploded from within and/or were demolished from without. We have already seen what happened to the eternal Roman Empire and the immortal Third Reich. Those empires are gone forever. Israel is back and here to stay forever!
– Conversely, Genesis 12:3 is equally clear that God blesses those who favor Israel. For that reason alone I’m confident that The Lord has, for one example, shown some favor on the nation of Brazil. Jews have lived and thrived in Brazil for several centuries and currently the 120,000+ Jews in Brazil constitute the 9th largest Jewish community of all the 244 nations on earth. It’s estimated that around 17 million Brazilians have Sephardic Jewish ancestry. Moreover, Brazil strictly condemns Anti-Semitism, to the extent that there are Anti-Semitic laws in place, with penalties for violation of those laws.
– Good for Brazil!!