For the benefit of those who haven’t read the first Eye of Prophecy article in this two-part series, here’s an excerpt from the very beginning of the previous post (in italics):

What on earth is the Shroud of Turin?

What do you know about it?

(1) Nothing at all. (2) A little. (3) More than a little. (4) A lot.

Turin is a place: A city in Italy.

Definitions of shroud that pertain to the Shroud of Turin: “…to cover for protection … to dress for burial” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

I then cited part of the introduction to a You Tube video of the 2017 National Geographic program entitled: Is It Real? The Shroud of Turin. As follows (in italics):

“The 53-square-foot rectangle of linen known as the Shroud of Turin is one of the most sacred religious icons on Earth, venerated by millions of Christians as the actual burial garment of Jesus Christ. It is also among the most fiercely debated subjects in contemporary science, an extraordinary mystery that has defied every effort at solution.

“The sum result is a standoff, with researchers unable to dismiss the shroud entirely as a forgery or prove that it is authentic. ‘It is unlikely science will provide a full solution to the many riddles posed by the shroud,’ Italian physicist Paolo Di Lazzaro, a leading expert on the phenomenon, told National Geographic. ‘A leap of faith over questions without clear answers is necessary—either the faith of skeptics or the faith of believers.’”

Followed by my observation:

This is a startling statement from a scientist (physicist). Especially his concession that science itself is not sufficient to solve the status of the Shroud of Turin….

I then presented the threefold purpose (mission) for that article and today’s Eye of Prophecy post:

(1) Challenge the Conventional World View of Faith with a Biblical View

(2) Resulting in a Decisive Answer from the Most Reliable Source of All, Whether the Shroud of Turin is the Burial Cloth of Jesus Christ

(3) Leading To a Special Substitution for the Shroud with a Far More Significant Subject of Eternal Value

Some of the key arguments for and against the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin were pinpointed in that article, preceded by a somewhat daring statement as contained in the next two paragraphs. With the first paragraph (especially the words in bold) pertaining primarily to Point (2). With the 2^nd paragraph applying to Point (3).

My current view regarding the excessive emphasis on this continuing debate is that both sides of the cloth coin haven’t relied on or even adequately consulted the original source and highest authority. This authoritative source provides an indisputable resolution to the disputed evidence or testing or interpretation of that evidence—be it physical (physics), forensic medical, photographic image analysis, biological, chemical, material (of the shroud itself), or rules of handling the evidence.

…Neither side has been granted victory in terms of positively proving their arguments. Today’s Eye of Prophecy article will set the stage; the next article (Part II) will then offer a final finding that should eliminate the debate over the Shroud of Turin. And, in so doing, a much bigger picture and a more superior subject will justifiably lower the Shroud’s status to a more appropriate level.

(Carbon 14 tests on a small Shroud fragment dated it from 1260 to 1390 A.D. Which was the main argument against the Shroud’s authenticity)

After identifying the pros and cons in the prior article, I made a straightforward statement regarding the ongoing debate over the Shroud’s legitimacy. As follows (in italics):

Yet, the primary reason for the still raging controversy is that there are conflicting interpretations of the evidence. What is factual to one side is not necessarily so to the opposing side….

Is there, then, any supreme source—scientific, historical, archeological, textual, and/or biographical—that could render a definitive decision, reliable resolution, and supreme settlement to the still pending mystery of and debate over the Shroud of Turin?

I’m convinced that the answer to that question is a resounding, YES.

Next is a brief review of Point/Purpose #1 from the prior article. Then the remainder of today’s post will provide compelling confirmation to support the “Yes” answer.

(1) Challenge the Conventional World View of Faith with a Biblical View

Beginning with an excerpt from the last article regarding the rationale for this challenge (contrast):

In the context of the Shroud of Turin, this examination of faith stems from the … quote by physicist Paolo Di Lazzaro… “A leap of faith over questions without clear answers is necessary—either the faith of skeptics or the faith of believers.”

In general terms, leap of faith is or can be synonymous with blind faith.

However, I don’t believe that a Biblical view (faith of believers) in general or the Biblical view on any given subject requires a leap of faith, nor is it blind faith.

After relating the more traditional things that people place their faith (trust, belief, loyalty) in, such as religions and political systems, I identified the more contemporary non-traditional mindset of many people, especially the younger generation. As follows:

Everyone believes in something and/or someone, even if it’s themselves—which is rapidly becoming the norm in our post-modern world. Included in the spurning of anything religious and relying on one’s feelings to arbitrarily set their own standards of truth, morality, and all things existential is the belief that, “what is true for you may not be true for me.” In fact, many have sadly reached the conclusion that there is no such thing as absolute truth or anything absolute.

…In summary of the prevailing worldview, there is an increasing reliance on feelings more than faith, or faith in those feelings. Just “have faith.” Faith in what? Their answer: “That’s up to the individual.” Which God certainly allows for every person who has ever lived … free choice. But as the Bible clearly states in several passages: the ultimate destiny-determining choices are between truth and lies, good and evil, eternal life and eternal death … heaven or hell.

I also expressed emphatically that true Christianity is not a religion:

…Reason: The Christian faith is completely based on and in a Person; not some religious system, or central organized church, or ecclesiastical hierarchy. It is the only creed that has a Savior. Trusting this Savior for who he is and what he has done for humanity that we could not do for ourselves—a substitutionary sacrificial death for our ugly sins.

And then the Bible’s dynamic description of faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV).

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Followed by: Neither in the definition of faith (verse 1) nor in the personal trust in a Personal God (verse 6) does it declare or infer that this faith is a blind faith that requires a “leap of faith” because allegedly there is little or no proof scientifically or objectively that God exists.

To the contrary it’s quite easy to believe in the existence of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—because of the extraordinary existential evidence above, below, and all around us.

After providing a few examples of our heroes of faith in Hebrews Chapter 11 (Hall of Faith), the previous article states: Notice how each of these passages connect faith with God … trust in the Lord which leads to agreement with and obedience to God’s Word and Way.

Under the Old Covenant, trust in God the Father was crucial to righteousness being credited to that person by God himself. That and expectant belief in the coming Messiah, whom King David recognized as the very Son of God (Psalm 2 & Psalm 110).

Under the New Covenant:

I then ended the sub-heading portion of the previous article (The Christian Faith is Not a Blind Faith) by stating:

With the New Covenant promised by God through the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:33-34), implemented by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord’s new Way for the Jews and then to the Gentiles is faith in His Son—Jesus. The innocent for the guilty, the just for the unjust, the righteous for the unrighteous!

In that article under the Things to Ponder section that concludes every Eye of Prophecy article, I wrote:

The next Eye of Prophecy article (Part II) will present what I believe to be a final resolution to the intriguing issue and ongoing debate: whether the Shroud of Turin is the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. However, in that article as in today’s post, the (by far) bigger picture of the crucified and risen Christ (Messiah) remains the pivotal point, instead of the burial cloth or clothes that covered him. And for only three days at that!

This review of Biblical faith (in God and the Son of God) provides a helpful transition to Point/Purpose #2 of today’s post.

(2) Resulting in a Decisive Answer from the Most Reliable Source of All, Whether the Shroud of Turin is the Burial Cloth of Jesus Christ

To repeat the challenging question: Is there, then, any supreme source—scientific, historical, archeological, textual, and/or biographical—that could render a definitive decision, reliable resolution, and supreme settlement to the still pending mystery of and debate over the Shroud of Turin?

Stay tuned and decide for yourself.

A few weeks ago, I was tuned into a Smithsonian Channel documentary on the Shroud of Turin. For the most-part that show was like past programs, with exception of placing more emphasis on treating the Shroud of Turin as a 13^th or 14^th century possible work of art. To replicate and venerate the original Shroud of Jesus Christ … instead of a deliberate forgery.

As with other Shroud documentaries before, I watched with a moderate degree of interest; still uncertain if the evidence favored the ayes or nays.

Then, near the end of the show, it hit me. Hard.

Hard enough that I couldn’t imagine it hadn’t occurred to me long before. Going all the way back to the first televised program on the Shroud of Turin—1978.

It was one of those eureka moments. More like an epiphany.

Not in the “divine appearance” meaning of epiphany.

Rather: “sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something; an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event), simple and striking; an illuminating discovery … a revealing scene or moment” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

I blurted out to my wife who was watching the show with me and who knew more than just a little about the Shroud, “Honey, the Shroud of Turin is NOT the burial cloth of Christ.”

It had been there all along. How could I have missed it or not matched it up by now.

It was a matter of not seeing the forest (the source or sphere of the solution) for the trees (one tree of facts after another, after another) that spiked my interest but also shrouded the obvious and decisive answer.

I knew what Scripture said but needed to read the passage as a reminder; to confirm the conclusion once and for all. I couldn’t get to my Bible fast enough.

Here it is … the tiebreaker!

“Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, ‘They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’

“Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed—for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead” (John 20:1-9, italics for strong emphasis; underlined to emphasize that in addition to the head cloth there were other “wrappings”—plural).

[*Note: Not only didn’t the disciples understand (retain, remember) the Old Testament prophecies concerning the crucifixion death of Jesus and his spectacular resurrection (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, and other passages). They had also forgotten and or dismissed out of hand Jesus himself telling them on at least three occasions that he would be (falsely) arrested, (illegally) tried, (unjustly) convicted, (savagely) beaten, and (ruthlessly) crucified. But after three days he would rise from the dead!]

Solving the Puzzle

Back to the Shroud of Turin. Have you got it yet? If not, that’s okay, although the italicized phrase in the above passage contains a strong clue. As an avid reader/student/teacher of the Scriptures, I should have solved the perplexing puzzle of the Shroud long ago.

As quoted earlier in today’s article: “The 53-square-foot rectangle of linen known as the Shroud of Turin is one of the most sacred religious icons on Earth, venerated by millions of Christians as the actual burial garment of Jesus Christ….

As found in the online site Wikipedia: “The shroud is rectangular, measuring approximately 4.4 by 1.1 meters (14 ft 5 in x 3 ft 7 in).” Which approximates the 53-square-foot overall size of the Shroud.

However, the most fateful fact of all is that the Shroud of Turin is a rectangular solid piece of linen which bears the imprint of a man from head to foot! In addition to a photograph in the previous article, here is another photograph of the Shroud to verify that it is a one-piece unit of linen.

Yet, John in his Gospel account of Jesus’s miraculous resurrection states explicitly what he (the other disciple) and Peter saw. Not one continuous burial cloth from head to foot. Rather, the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings.

In the televised and online videos of the Shroud of Turin that I had viewed over the years, not once do I recall anyone (for or against the Shroud’s authenticity) cite the Bible, i.e., John’s description of what he and Peter witnessed in the empty tomb early that Sunday morning.

Followed later that day by Jesus’s stunning appearance to the disciples.

To be sure, I might have missed it during one of the many interviews or during the narrator’s descriptions. However, at the very least, the account in John’s Gospel should have been mentioned on several occasions during the Shroud documentaries.

Frankly, there’s only one explanation—with two different sources and motives—why scholars, scientists, theologians, technicians and other professionals participating in the Shroud of Turin research and media programs rarely (or not at all, not even the Vatican) point out the Biblical account of the burial garments: Few, if any, are willing to defer to the Bible as the most reliable and authoritative source to deliver the decisive answer (resolution) to the question of the Shroud.

First Source: The primary reason/motive for the secular (non-Christian) position is that science should be the sole source of solution; (certainly) not the Biblical account. Ironically, dissenters to the Shroud’s legitimacy have referred to the Gospel’s lack of information that the burial cloths displayed a (supernatural) imprint of the body of the risen Lord. This is typical of unbelievers and even some Christians (in name only): In cafeteria style, they selectively pick and choose what historical chronicles and supernatural events in the Bible to believe or not to believe.

Second Source: Sadly, believers who support the supposition that the Shroud of Turin was the burial cloth of Christ have infrequently or not at all deferred to John’s Gospel, apparently because they could not or would not summon the courage to credit or even consider Scripture as the final authority. Or, perhaps they had forgotten (like me for a while) or didn’t even know that John’s Gospel provides more specific evidence concerning the burial wrappings than do the other three Gospels.

There is one notable person who relied on John’s Gospel exclusively (as I am now doing) to decisively declare that the Turin shroud could not be Jesus’s burial garments: the 16^th century theologian John Calvin.

Referring to Wikipedia’s excerpt from Calvin’s book of 1543 entitled Treatise on Relics, his reasoning was historically and biblically documented and had to do with the way in which Jews enshrouded their dead. Quoting John Calvin:

“What that manner was may be learned, not only from the Jews, by whom it is still observed, but also from their books, which explain what the ancient practice was. It was this: The body was wrapped up by itself as far as the shoulders, and then the head by itself was bound round with a napkin, tied by the four corners, into a knot. And this is expressed by the Evangelist, when he says that Peter saw the linen clothes in which the body had been wrapped lying in one place, and the napkin which had been wrapped about the head lying in another. The term napkin may mean either a handkerchief employed to wipe the face, or it may mean a shawl, but never means a large piece of linen in which the whole body may be wrapped….”

(Portrait/Painting of John Calvin, Born July 1509 … Died May 1564)

The Apostle John also wrote: “Following Jewish burial custom, they (Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus) wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth” (John 19:40, parenthesis mine). Not only was the head covering (John 20:7) a separate piece of cloth, the body covering came in sheets (plural) of linen … not one continuous shroud.

Therefore, based (partially) on the documented burial practice of Jews long before, during, and after Jesus lived, died, and rose again, but fully (exclusively) on the power and authority of God’s Word, the Bible, I can and will declare decisively that Scripture is the most reliable source of all to determine that the Shroud of Turin is NOT the burial garment of Jesus Christ.

In fact, this source has done and will continue to do far more than deciding the disputes over a relic. The Bible consistently counsels, clarifies, correlates, and corrects (when necessary) matters of morality, the origin/purpose of life, and our destiny. A source of the highest authority that has established absolute universal laws (both physical and spiritual) that define and then distinguish between morality and immorality, truth and lies, fact and fiction, good and evil.

Three Primary Proofs of Scripture’s Incomparable Accuracy & Authority

(A) The Amazing (Meticulous) Details of People, Places, and Events: Unmatched in any other so-called sacred writings. Numerous biographies which are considered the most accurate source of historical records. Including the greatest autobiography: that of God Himself, who spoke countless times to people in the first person. Many archeological finds have proven the accuracy, authenticity, and, therefore, authority of Biblical accounts. Not one archeological find has disproved Scripture.

(B) Hundreds of Marvelous Miracles Performed by the Triune God … Father, Son, Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments: Using just two examples in each Testament, both involving water. Old Testament: God parting the Red Sea, “standing the water up like walls” for the Jews to cross on dry land. Abruptly stopping the Jordan River (at flood stage) to allow Joshua and the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land. New Testament: Jesus turning water into wine, then walking on water (Sea of Galilee). Man-made religions have virtually no miracles of any kind, let alone the magnificent miracles found in the Bible.

(C) Hundreds of Fulfilled Prophecies—100 % Accuracy: This is a fact that is both absolute and astounding. With some prophecies fulfilled just a few hours, days, or weeks after the prediction. Others a few months or years. And some decades or centuries or millennia later. The two most numerous prophecies (fulfilled) are those involving the First Advent of Messiah (birth, life, death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ). And even more (yet unfulfilled) predictions of Messiah’s Second Coming. Also, the remarkable rebirth of the State of Israel accompanied by the (foretold) stunning return of Jews from the four corners of the earth.

I have positively no reservation whatsoever in placing my entire faith in Scripture. Thereby, entrusting my irreversible salvation and guaranteed eternal destiny in the inerrant accuracy and authority of the Bible and in the Triune God of the Bible.

With due respect to those who have spent a considerable amount of time and effort (research, media interviews, writings) to either defend or challenge the authenticity of the Shroud as the burial cloth of Jesus, isn’t it time to defer to and depend on the most reliable source and the highest authority—the Bible?

I, for one, am going to lay the Shroud of Turin to rest by resting completely on the accuracy and authority of God’s Word.

(3) Leading To a Special Substitution for the Shroud with a Far More Significant Subject of Eternal Value

As indicated, too much emphasis has been placed on the Shroud itself which has diminished and even obscured what should be the real focus—the Person of Jesus Christ. To recognize, revere, and remember the resurrection of the Person instead of the burial cloth. I should say: burial cloths (plural).

We’ve already looked at a portion of John’s Gospel; now let’s read more fascinating facts of the resurrection presented by Luke in his Gospel account. That’s the beneficial beauty of the biography of the Son of God recorded by four different authors. Although several of the chronicled events in the life of Christ are harmonious (especially in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke—Synoptic gospels), there are differences or additions … particularly in John’s Gospel. Which in no way even implies that one or more of the Gospels are inaccurate or that they conflict one with another.

It’s no different than four journalists reporting on the same person, place, episode, or sequence of events. Although there would be similarities in their narratives, there would almost always be noticeable variations. Why? Because each reporter would emphasize certain highlights of what was seen and/or heard. But that doesn’t mean that any of the reports were untrue, either deliberately or inadvertently.

“But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood their puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

“The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground.

“Then the men asked, ‘Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD!’” (Luke 24:1-6a, italics and upper-case letters for strong emphasis).

During his 3 ½ years of ministry throughout the Promised Land of Israel, Jesus of Nazareth performed many miracles, including raising some (like Lazarus) from the dead. At which time he told Lazarus’ sister Martha, “…I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25).

However, Jesus’ resurrection was the greatest of all because his (unwrapped) new glorified body would from then on be ETERNAL. He has always been from everlasting to everlasting, but not in human form until his birth, life, death, burial, and stupendous resurrection from the dead.

The Apostle John begins his Gospel with this magnificent introduction of the LIVING WORD OF GOD:

“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him” (John 1:1-3, italics for emphasis that Jesus is not only the Son of God, but also is God the Son).

The bodily resurrection of Messiah Jesus proved that he is who he said he is. Neither the tomb nor the stone rolled in place, nor the Roman soldiers could contain him.

The blood-stained linen cloths and the separate napkin-like cloth were left behind as further proof that he had risen.

Near the end of his Gospel, John summarizes the epic record of Jesus’s life with this remarkable reflection:

“The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you many continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name” (John 20:30-31).

And the final verse in John’s Gospel: “Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).

Read with me this glorious beginning to the terrific transitional (Old Covenant to New Covenant) book of Hebrews written through inspiration of the Holy Spirit by a 1^st century Jewish believer in Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior.

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names” (Hebrews 1:1-4).

It summarizes Point/Purpose #3: What/who is infinitely more significant and eternally of more value than a burial garment; or any other relic … like the so-called “Holy Grail” of the Last Supper. What matters forever is that Jesus (Son of God) has “cleansed us from our sins” by his death, burial, and resurrection and is sitting “in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.”

Things to Ponder

Speaking of the Son of God and of angels, Christmas is drawing near. Let’s rejoice in the astonishing announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to Mary:

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!

“Mary asked the angel, ‘But how can this happen? I am a virgin.’

“The angel replied, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God’” (Luke 1:31-35).

Which triumphantly confirms the powerful and precious promise given by the Lord to/through the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years earlier:

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Then later an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and said, “…do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).

And may we never forget the amazing angelic announcement to shepherds at the birth of Jesus:

“…I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! … Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased’” (Luke 2:10-11 &13-14).

Do you want to be among those with whom God is pleased?

Then trust the Word of God and the God of the Word: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Under the New Covenant, our faith is not only that God the Father exists but that he will reward us with the greatest gift of all—salvation and eternal life through God’s beloved Son, Jesus.

So great a salvation is a gift: it is not earned by anything we do.

Rather: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved… For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:9-10 & 13, verse 13 citing Joel 2:32).

In all circumstances believers in Messiah Jesus need to:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB).

What on earth is the Shroud of Turin?

What do you know about it?

(1) Nothing at all. (2) A little. (3) More than a little. (4) A lot.

Shroud and Turin are nouns. You remember, nouns come in three forms: person, place, or thing.

Turin is a place: A city in Italy.

Shroud is a thing. It is also a verb but more commonly used as a noun.

Definitions of shroud that pertain to the Shroud of Turin: “…to cover for protection … to dress for burial” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

The Shroud is not just any burial cloth. It supposedly shows the imprint image of the most well-known Person who has ever walked the earth … Jesus of Nazareth.

Multiple television documentaries on the Shroud of Turin have been aired. Beginning with the 1978 hour-long program summarizing the investigative results of the Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP).

Ironically one of the (lead) team researchers was a Jewish professional photographer, Barrie Schwortz. Ironic because, with exception of Messianic Jews, neither religious nor secular Jews accept the New Testament record that Jesus is God’s Son—the Jewish Messiah Savior. Mr. Schwortz remains an ardent enthusiast concerning the Shroud of Turin’s (potential) authenticity.

(Photo of Barrie Schwortz on the televised show, Shroud of Turin, 1978)

I have seen most of the televised or online Shroud of Turin programs, including the 2017 National Geographic special entitled: Is It Real? The Shroud of Turin. The following is an introduction to that You Tube video:

“The 53-spuare-foot rectangle of linen known as the Shroud of Turin is one of the most sacred religious icons on Earth, venerated by millions of Christians as the actual burial garment of Jesus Christ.

“It is also among the most fiercely debated subjects in contemporary science, an extraordinary mystery that has defied every effort at solution.

“Over the 117 years since a photographic negative of the linen unexpectantly revealed the image of a tortured body, ranks of physicists and chemists have weighed in on the fabric’s age and the image’s composition. Forensic pathologists, microbiologists, and botanists have analyzed its bloodstains, along with specks of dirt and pollen on its surface. Statisticians have combed through mountains of data.”

The final paragraph of introduction to the Nat Geo program condenses the long-standing dilemma of this enigmatic relic:

“The sum result is a standoff, with researchers unable to dismiss the shroud entirely as a forgery or prove that it is authentic. ‘It is unlikely science will provide a full solution to the many riddles posed by the shroud,’ Italian physicist Paolo Di Lazzaro, a leading expert on the phenomenon, told National Geographic. ‘A leap of faith over questions without clear answers is necessary—either the faith of skeptics or the faith of believers.’”

This is a startling statement from a scientist (physicist). Especially his concession that science itself is not sufficient to solve the status of the Shroud of Turin. Most secular scientists are reluctant, some rigidly so, to admit that science can’t always determine (agree to) the final answer to any given material matter. At the minimum, they will often hold tight to a theoretical explanation. For skeptics of the Shroud, their hypothesis is that it is either a counterfeit relic or (generously giving the benefit of the doubt) perhaps a 13^th or 14^th century work of art to replicate and venerate the original shroud of Christ.

Paolo Di Lazzaro’s reference to the faith of skeptics could mean either those skeptical about the Shroud of Turin itself or a broader application. Meaning, those who do not believe or at least strongly doubt the very resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. Or anything else concerning the birth, life (including dozens of miracles performed by Jeus), death, burial and, therefore, burial shroud of Christ.

Likewise, the faith of believers could apply jointly to both Christian and non-Christian supporters of the Shroud’s authenticity. With many believers in Christ persuaded that the shroud is the burial cloth of Jesus himself because they want passionately for the shroud to be just that.

Media Handling of the Shroud of Turin

On a Personal Note: It’s good to be back after 8 months and 2 weeks of … well, I’ll call it a sabbatical from writing and posting Eye of Prophecy articles! The Lord willing, there will be a few more articles before I leave this earth, preferably still alive via the Rapture! If it’s my destiny to die before the Rapture, then so be it.

With the Apostle Paul, I confidently and gratefully say:

My purpose (mission) in this Eye of Prophecy article is threefold:

(1) Challenge the Conventional World View of Faith with a Biblical View

(2) Resulting in a Decisive Answer from the Most Reliable Source of All, Whether the Shroud of Turin is the Burial Cloth of Jesus Christ

(3) Leading To a Special Substitution for the Shroud with a Far More Significant Subject of Eternal Value

Today’s article will concentrate on Purpose Number 1. Points/Purposes 2 & 3 will be presented in the next article … Part II

But first: To further demonstrate the ongoing interest in the Shroud of Turin, you only need to check the multiple websites covering this controversial artifact. Additionally, there have been numerous articles, books, commentaries, and T.V. / Online (YouTube) programs.

For example: Because the Shroud of Turin essentially belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, a package of four television films on one DVD can be ordered through The Catholic Company via their website. Simply entitled The Shroud of Turin, it is the New Expanded Edition by Producer David Rolfe. The following are excerpts from the promotional introduction of that DVD:

“This is the definitive most up to date collection of 4 films on the Shroud of Turin … of award-winning filmmaking on the Shroud by acclaimed British film producer and director David Rolfe. All four films use the latest scientific, historical, medical, and archaeological research on the Shroud to reveal all the evidence for the authenticity of it as the burial cloth of Christ….”

The prelude goes on to summarize the four films:

“The Silent Witness … This film broke box office records when it opened in London in 1978. Kenneth More narrates what became the most successful film ever made on the subject…. This film greatly expanded interest in the Shroud worldwide.

“Shroud of Turin … Commissioned by the BBC in 2008, twenty years after the C14 test that cast a shadow over Shroud research, this film looks at how that test stands up against the weight of other evidence from history, archaeology, forensic medicine, art, and 3D analysis….”

*Note: That film was rebroadcast in April 2021. Also, to mention that I’ve seen all these programs plus others not produced by David Rolfe, including National Geographic T.V. documentary aired in June 2017 and a History Channel program released in September 2018. These films on the Shroud of Turin seemed to focus more on interviews and evidence suggesting or stating that the Shroud was not the real thing … at the worst a forgery and at the best only a “work of art.”

Yet it was a half-hour television show that I recently watched on the Smithsonian Channel which presented a highly condensed but, nevertheless, effective review of the pros and cons of this controversial cloth that, in part, led to this Eye of Prophecy article. Specifically, an astounding detail that came to me … and a handful of others as I subsequently discovered.

More on this dramatic and decisive disclosure in the next article (Part II). One that will clarify once and for all if the Shroud of Turin is genuine. Before that discernment, I had been an interested but neutral bystander regarding the legitimacy of the Shroud.

Continuing with the 3^rd and 4^th films in this 4-film package:

“Shroud … The official film for the 2010 Exposition of the Shroud. Written by Ian Wilson, it tells the story of the Shroud for our modern age of high technology to show the image of the Man on the Shroud as never before seen. This film does not shrink from examining the religious significance of what has become the single most studied article in history.”

The other film, Grave Injustice, attempts to provide more confirmation of the Shroud’s authenticity, “…telling how a recent carbon dating test of the Shroud that purportedly shows it to be a medieval fake was seriously flawed, and a more accurate test has yet to be made.”

The Shroud of Turin is so named because it has been kept since 1578 in Turin, Italy, inside the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Pope Francis not long after his elective promotion as the current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church referred to the Shroud of Turin as an “icon of a man scourged and crucified.” Yet, he stopped short of dogmatically declaring it to be the burial cloth of Christ. In the 14^th century a Catholic bishop asserted that the shroud (initially discovered or presented in 1354) was a fake which was officially approved by Pope Clement VII in 1390. Then later overturned by Pope Julius II (1506) who declared the Shroud to be real and authorized public reverence of it. However, the paradox to this day: The Vatican has not adopted an official position regarding the Shroud of Turin as the actual burial cloth of Jesus.

(Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy)

Disputed Data Surrounding the Shroud … Highly Reduced Summary

Although in some respects still captivating, there has been an overabundance of research, interviews, programs, and literature on the Shroud of Turin. Others would disagree with this opinion especially those who unequivocally support the Shroud as being the original cloth wrapped around the body of Jesus after he died and was taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea.

My current view regarding the excessive emphasis on this continuing debate is that both sides of the cloth coin haven’t relied on or even adequately consulted the original source and highest authority. This authoritative source provides an indisputable resolution to the disputed evidence or testing or interpretation of that evidence—be it physical (physics), forensic medical, photographic image analysis, biological, chemical, material (of the shroud itself), or rules of handling the evidence.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Because of the redundant research and the large volume of literature and media documentaries presenting divergent views of the “facts”, I’m going to provide just a few of the crucial points highlighting why both sides of the authenticity issue are adamant that their position is correct. With, however, acknowledgment that there are those (both religious and secular) who have assumed a more neutral stance, as did I until recently.

Neither side has been granted victory in terms of positively proving their arguments. Today’s Eye of Prophecy article will set the stage; the next article (Part II) will then offer a final finding that should eliminate the debate over the Shroud of Turin. And, in so doing, a much bigger picture and a more superior subject will justifiably lower the Shroud’s status to a more appropriate level.

Though there are others, the following pros and cons represent the selected highlights of the differences:

Those Who Say the Shroud of Turin Is the Actual Burial Cloth of Christ

• The physical imprint on the cloth is clearly the outline of a man, head to foot
• The cloth reveals wounds/scars/stains virtually identical to a man beaten, crowned with thorns, stabbed (spear), and crucified (nailed to a cross) precisely as Jesus was killed
• The imprint was like a photographic negative on the cloth, but it could not have been a photograph or painting; thus, it was the forensic result of the dynamics of the resurrection

Those Who Say the Shroud of Turin Is Not the Burial Cloth of Christ or (Some Say) A Burial Cloth at All

• In 1988 a tiny strip of the cloth was removed and sent to 3 separate laboratories (University of Oxford, University of Arizona, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) for Carbon 14 testing. Results: All three dated the strip from A.D. 1260 to 1390—over a Millenium since Jesus was on this earth. Plus, the dating matches the time frame when the Shroud first emerged. Not just for the secular scientists, but also for many others the debate was over. (*Note: Advocates of the Shroud’s legitimacy contend that the strip of cloth used for C14 dating was probably a repair fragment from medieval times and/or the cloth section contained residue from pollen or plants that distorted the C14 testing)
• The cloth is of a herringbone weave; however, the fabric weaves of the 1^st century were plain (one or two-way weave), not the complex herringbone twill of the Turin Shroud. Thus, the Shroud could not have originated during the time or place of Jesus—First Century Israel
• Both religious and secular dissenters use (referring to but not necessarily deferring to) the Bible to counter proponents of the Shroud’s authenticity with the observation that none of the Gospels say anything at all about the linen cloths of Christ’s burial bearing an imprint of his body

In summary fashion, the preponderance (quantity and quality) of research would tend to favor the skeptics, but not entirely. Which is why there are still some well-meaning, intelligent, and persuasive professionals and lay people who ardently support the supposition that the Shroud is assuredly that of a man’s burial cloth, as opposed to a medieval work of art or a fabricated misrepresentation of Jesus’s burial cloths. With some still asserting that it is the actual Shroud of Christ Jesus.

(Images of the Shroud of Turin)

An Example/Representative of the Shroud’s Proponents

Perhaps the most devoted advocate for the continued research and analysis of the Shroud of Turin is Barrie M. Schwortz … introduced in the beginning of this article. So much so that he has established the most prominent websites for the Shroud of Turin.

As earlier indicated, Barrie Schwortz is Jewish (anyone who has read just a handful of my Eye of Prophecy knows of my love for Israel and the Jewish people … and why). Which is somewhat of a paradox; albeit he was part of the original research team in his professional capacity of photography.

Here is an excerpt from one online biographical resume (the first two paragraphs):

“Barrie Schwortz was the Official Documenting Photographer for the Shroud of Turin Research Project, the team that conducted the first in-depth scientific examination of the Shroud in 1978. Today, he plays an influential role in Shroud research and education as the editor and founder of the internationally recognized Shroud of Turin Website (www.shroud.com), the oldest, largest, and most extensive Shroud resource on the Internet, with more than ten million visitors from over 160 countries….

“Mr. Schwortz has conducted Shroud lectures around the world. He has appeared in programs and documentaries on every major broadcast and cable television network, including the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, the Learning Channel, the National Geographic Channel, CNN, PBS, the BBC, Fox News, Channel 1 Russia, the Coast to Coast AM radio show, Catholic Answers radio and Vatican Radio. His photographs have appeared in hundreds of books and publications including Life Magazine, National Geographic, Time Magazine, and Newsweek and in countless television documentaries. He has written many Shroud articles…. He continues to participate in Shroud research with experts around the world and co-authored a book with Ian Wilson titled, “The Turin Shroud: The Illustrated Evidence” published in August 2000….”

The remainder of Mr. Schwortz’s bio lists other professional positions and activities.

Barrie Schwortz’s primary online source is entitled: Shroud of Turin Website. When I logged into this website on 11-28-2022—as part of my recent research on the Shroud—the following introduction stood out (I’ve placed the narrative text in italics; the bold and underline words are part of the website; the parenthesis are mine):

Welcome to the Shroud of Turin Website

Pulse aqui para version en espanol de esta pagina (font in blue color)

Summer/Fall Update! August 31, 2022 (this was in large blue probably size 20 font)

You are visitor 12,484,233 to view this page

The Shroud of Turin is a centuries old linen cloth that bears the image of a crucified man. A man that millions believe to be Jesus of Nazareth. Is it really the cloth that wrapped his crucified body, or is it simply a medieval forgery, a hoax perpetrated by some clever artist? Modern science has completed hundreds of thousands of hours of detailed study and intense research on the Shroud. It is, in fact, the single most studied artifact in human history, and we know more about it today than we ever have before. And yet, the controversy still rages. This web site will keep you abreast of current research, provide you with accurate data from the previous research and let you interact with the researchers themselves. We believe that if you have access to the facts, you can make up your own mind about the Shroud. Make sure you visit the page where you can Examine the Shroud of Turin yourself. We hope you enjoy your visit. Barrie M. Schwortz, Editor.

Some observations: I respect Mr. Schwortz’s professionalism and persistence in his ongoing research, commentaries, and general support of “the facts.” Yet, the primary reason for the still raging controversy is that there are conflicting interpretations of the evidence. What is factual to one side is not necessarily so to the opposing side. And there are some (not all) on both sides whose underlying belief system influences—to the point of manipulation or prejudiced persuasion—an otherwise objective analysis of and opinion on ALL the evidence.

(More recent photograph of Mr. Schwortz)

Is there, then, any supreme source—scientific, historical, archeological, textual, and/or biographical—that could render a definitive decision, reliable resolution, and supreme settlement to the still pending mystery of and debate over the Shroud of Turin?

As previously indicated: I’m convinced that the answer to that question is a resounding, YES.

Which leads to the three stated objectives of this article, beginning with:

(1) Challenge the Conventional World View of Faith with a Biblical View

In the context of the Shroud of Turin, this examination of faith stems from the following excerpt of the quote by physicist Paolo Di Lazzaro cited in the early part of today’s article:

“A leap of faith over questions without clear answers is necessary—either the faith of skeptics or the faith of believers.”

In general terms, leap of faith is or can be synonymous with blind faith.

However, I don’t believe that a Biblical view (faith of believers) in general or the Biblical view on any given subject requires a leap of faith, nor is it blind faith.

Faith is defined in Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary as: “allegiance to duty or a person … belief and trust in and loyalty to God. Belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion… firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Complete trust… something that is believed esp. with strong conviction … a system of religious beliefs….” (Underlined emphasis mine to identify the synonyms)

Other synonyms (nouns): confidence, devotion, reliance, commitment, dedication.

Verb form: Believe, trust.

Traditional beliefs still prevalent the world over include but are not limited to trusting in:

State Systems And/or Dictators Running the State: Such as Fascism, Communism, Socialism, Totalitarianism

National Forms of Democracy: Parliamentary or Congressional representation in which most people (through voting) place their trusted support in or give their loyalty to a particular Party and/or the leader of that party.

World Religions and Cults (Including Mormonism and Catholicism): All possessing one common denominator—a sophisticated system (virtually impossible to follow) of rules and regulations that must be kept earning whatever rewards the religion designs. Plus, enough good deeds outweighing the bad behavior to hopefully merit whatever version of heaven or eternal life or Nirvana (Buddhism) that may be awaiting them.

*Note: I’m not including Christianity (Biblical Christian faith) as a religion. Reason: The Christian faith is completely based on and in a Person; not some religious system, or central organized church, or ecclesiastical hierarchy. It is the only creed that has a Savior. Trusting this Savior for who he is and what he has done for humanity that we could not do for ourselves—a substitutionary sacrificial death for our ugly sins.

Everyone believes in something and/or someone, even if it’s themselves—which is rapidly becoming the norm in our post-modern world. Included in the spurning of anything religious and relying on one’s feelings to arbitrarily set their own standards of truth, morality, and all things existential is the belief that, “what is true for you may not be true for me.” In fact, many have sadly reached the conclusion that there is no such thing as absolute truth or anything absolute.

Everything is relative to and depends on what a person thinks and how a person feels about the subject or situation at hand. Regarding the abundance of religious systems, the mantra of some says, “there are many paths to God or gods.” Regarding faith: No matter what the event, problem, or decision to make, “just have faith and everything will turn out okay.” Or if you “believe in yourself” practically anything is possible in life.

As opposed to:

The fallacy with this kind of reasoning is that each one of these belief systems and assertions is an absolute statement of its’ own. That, and the hard-knock realities of life prove that this kind of shaky, vague, feel-good faith often fails. Plus, every religion claims that it is the either the only way or at the very least, the best way to…. You fill in the blanks.

Whereas the true Christian faith is in a Person who lovingly but unequivocally said: “…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

In summary of the prevailing worldview, there is an increasing reliance on feelings more than faith, or faith in those feelings. Just “have faith.” Faith in what? Their answer: “That’s up to the individual.” Which God certainly allows for every person who has ever lived … free choice. But as the Bible clearly states in several passages: the ultimate destiny-determining choices are between truth and lies, good and evil, eternal life and eternal death … heaven or hell.

The Biblical View of Faith

I firmly believe that the Triune God of the Bible IS (the only) GOD. That the Bible is the very Word of God; therefore, containing precise facts and absolute truth. Objective evidence will be provided in the next article (Part II) to further support that assertion.

Let’s look at the Bible’s dynamic description of faith. *Note: When Scripture is quoted in Eye of Prophecy articles, it comes from the New Living Translation (NLT), unless otherwise noted.

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1).

In another translation: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (New American Standard Bible).

And though I don’t refer that often to the King James Version, that translation is still my favorite for Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews Chapter 11 (known as the faith chapter) and other Biblical passages on faith tell us that faith thrives when it is exercised (placed) in the Lord. Under the Old Covenant (Testament) it was real-time trust in Father God and expectant belief in the coming Messiah who would be the once and for all supreme sacrifice (Isaiah 53) to replace the repeated animal sacrifices for sin required by the Law of Moses. Under the New Covenant (Testament) redeeming faith is in that Messiah—Jesus, the Son of God.

The very foundation of Biblical faith is belief that the Lord is Creator of all things.

“By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen” (Hebrews 11:3, emphasis added).

Did you catch the profound proposal of the italicized words? Though no person has ever seen God (the Father) nor ever will this side of heaven, it is by faith (trust, belief) that we understand (comprehend, realize, appreciate, know, recognize, grasp, fathom) that the universe (everything including all life) was formed by God’s verbal command.

Reading further: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Neither in the definition of faith (verse 1) nor in the personal trust in a Personal God (verse 6) does it declare or infer that this faith is a blind faith that requires a “leap of faith” because allegedly there is little or no proof scientifically or objectively that God exists.

To the contrary it’s quite easy to believe in the existence of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—because of the extraordinary existential evidence above, below, and all around us.

Faith is not only for the future; it is for the past (original creation) and present. Not only in the more general revelation of God through His creation, but also in the special revelation of the Lord through his Word, the Bible. Which is replete with historical events, biographies, and direct communications by/from God and later the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Also, divine inspiration from the Third Person of the Triune God—the Holy Spirit—given to the authors of the Old Testament and New Testament books.

Regarding the general revelation of God and his creation, the relevance of a commonly used analogy is so very appropriate: “Every watch has a watchmaker.”

As complicated as a watch or clock is, the universe and its physical laws (such as gravity) and the stunning complexity and variety of species within the even more dramatic differences between the families of living creatures—insects, fish, birds, animals of all kinds, and of course human beings—is infinitely greater in comparison to a watch and its maker. Especially when telescopes and microscopes show us the magnificent macro and marvelous micro features of our world. And not to forget the astounding assortment of plant life on this planet.

Macro Example: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:1-3).

“The heavens proclaim the glory (very essence) of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world….” (Psalm 19:1-4, parenthesis mine).

“Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun. You set the boundaries of the earth, and you made both summer and winter” (Psalm 74:16-17).

“…O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty. You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens… (we now know the universe is virtually endless and is constantly expanding)” (Psalm 104:1-2, parenthesis mine).

*Footnote Commentary: Evolution … Seriously! As some have said: It takes far more faith to believe in evolution than in the Creator. Belief in evolution is indeed a blind leap of faith!

Micro Example: “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born…” (Psalm 139:13-16a, italics & bold for emphasis).

*Footnote Commentary: Abortion … Please, don’t do it. Nine times personal pronouns are used of I, me, or my in this passage from King David which indisputably confirms that a human being is created at the moment of conception. In the “I” of the 3^rd sentence, David is not referring directly to his existence in the womb.

Macro & Micro Addendum: “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).

“…This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one” (Genesis 2:24).

*Footnote Commentary: LGBTQ relationships & Same Sex Marriage … Don’t go there. It is a direct denial of and disobedience to God’s decree and purpose that reproduction for humanity is only possible between a man and a woman. Which also is to be the only source for sexual pleasure.

The Christian Faith is Not a Blind Faith

To further validate that Biblical faith is not blind, rather it’s directed to and placed in a Person, let’s return briefly to Hebrews Chapter 11 which provides a list of individual examples. Such as:

“It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did…” (Hebrews 11:4a).

It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—he disappeared, because God took him. For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith…” (Hebrews 11:5-6a).

“It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before … and he received the righteousness that comes by faith” (Verse 7).

“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith… And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise” (Hebrews 11:8-9).

“And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous (right standing with God) because of his faith” (Genesis 15:6, parenthesis mine).

Notice how each of these passages connect faith with God … trust in the Lord which leads to agreement with and obedience to God’s Word and Way.

Through inspiration from the Holy Spirit, Israel’s King David understood that one of his descendants would one day rule and reign from Jerusalem over the entire earth. This King of all kings would also be The High Priest. David fully grasped (believed) that this eternal King and Priest (who was and is and is to come) is none other than the Son of God (see Psalm 2)

This is David’s astonishing disclosure: “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’ The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies. The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek’” (Psalm 110:1-2 & 4; emphasis added; The capitalized LORD in Scripture is a substitution for God’s name YHWH, Yahweh; my Lord is Adonai in Hebrew meaning master, superior, sir—referring to the coming Messiah who is you in this passage).

(See Eye of Prophecy article, Melchizedek … A Man of Mystery! Published 3-3-2018).

With the New Covenant promised by God through the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:33-34), implemented by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord’s new Way for the Jews and then to the Gentiles is faith in His Son—Jesus. The innocent for the guilty, the just for the unjust, the righteous for the unrighteous!

Things to Ponder

The next Eye of Prophecy article (Part II) will present what I believe to be a final resolution to the intriguing issue and ongoing debate: whether the Shroud of Turin is the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. However, in that article as in today’s post, the (by far) bigger picture of the crucified and risen Christ (Messiah) remains the pivotal point, instead of the burial cloth or clothes that covered him. And for only three days at that!

The 2^nd and 3^rd points/purposes mentioned earlier and covered in the next article:

(2) Resulting in a Decisive Answer from the Most Reliable Source of All, Whether the Shroud of Turin is the Burial Cloth of Jesus Christ

(3) Leading To a Special Substitution for the Shroud with a Far More Significant Subject of Eternal Value

Jesus is not only the spectacular subject, but also the overwhelming object of our faith.

What Jesus told the Jewish religious leader Nicodemus was/is intended for the whole world:

Pardon of our sins and eternal life cannot be earned. Rather, they are gifts from the Lord. The only thing required of every person is to believe and receive Messiah Jesus as Savior and Lord.

A large crown searching for Jesus, “…found him on the other side of the lake and asked, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’

“Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.’

“They replied, ‘We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?’

“Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent’” (John 6:25-29, emphasis added).

Russia’s appalling attack on Ukraine began 24 days ago (February 24^th, 2022).

Global media coverage has been incessant.

Heads of states, geopolitical analysts, op-ed writers, journalists, military experts, religious leaders, and common folk have voiced strong opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inexcusable strikes against Ukraine.

Except for rogue nations like North Korea and Venezuela, the world has seldom seen such a universal condemnation of one nation’s unacceptable intrusion into another (innocent) country.

Opinions abound: Why did Putin order this unprovoked offensive against Ukraine? What will it take for Russia to withdraw or even to deescalate? As expected, most viewpoints or impressions are secular in origin and nature. However, Christians (teachers and students alike, particularly those interested in Bible prophecies) are also weighing in on these ominous developments.

Those who are familiar with this Eye of Prophecy blogsite know that all articles in the five categories (Current Events; Prophecy in General; Devotional / Miscellaneous; Antichrist; The Rapture) convey—to some extent or another—Biblical explanations and/or perspectives. To provide a clear witness for Messiah Jesus who is the very essence of prophecy (Revelation 19:10); to defend and confirm the truth of the gospel (Philippians 1:7); and to clarify, correlate, and even correct some mainstream prophecy views … if/when necessary (Habakkuk 2:2).

Thus, to begin with, one thing is certain: Russia’s venture into Ukraine is not, as some have suggested, a direct fulfillment of the well-known last days Gog/Magog prophecy vividly depicted in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel Chapters 38 & 39.

On the other hand, as proposed in today’s Eye of Prophecy article: it very well could be (I believe it is) a preparation portrayal of the Gog/Magog event.

There are two main reasons why the conquest prophesied in Ezekiel is not (yet) happening: First, the Gog/Magog coalition is just that … an enormous alliance of three powerful nations/armies (Russia, Iran, Turkey) and several smaller countries, such as Libya, whose diabolical objective is to conquer Israel … not Ukraine.

Secondly, as I’ve stated in some of the previous Eye of Prophecy articles written about the Gog/Magog end times campaign against Israel, it won’t take place until (shortly) after the Rapture. With reasons provided for that timeframe.

Accordingly, I’ll begin with this premise: Although Russia’s audacious attack against Ukraine is not specifically found in Scripture, it is (or in the process of becoming) a dress rehearsal. A prelude to the far greater and the not-so-distant future Gog/Magog crusade against Israel.

Whether Vladimir Putin will turn out to be the leader Gog is, of course, not known for sure. If not Putin, then most likely his successor who could be even more cruel and careless (foolish). A probable scenario is that Putin or a successor will not contemplate an attack on Israel until he realizes that the Ukraine campaign was at least partly successful (according to Putin’s criteria).

Meanwhile we will wait to see if (when) Putin withdraws from the Ukraine.

Probably in the form of a “strategic retreat,” having proven whatever points or achieved whatever gains he wants to make. This dress rehearsal (expanded meaning of the term) for a much bigger accomplishment (conquest of Israel) was either hatched in Putin’s devious mind/plan before he invaded Ukraine; or it will occur to him during the war with Ukraine or afterwards, to include correction of mistakes and presumptions made during this trial run.

Says God through Ezekiel to Gog: “You and all your allies—a vast and awesome army—will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud” (Ezekiel 38:9).

Significant Sets of Twos in the Bible

This heading is the title of an Eye of Prophecy article posted 3-30-2019. The following is an excerpt from the early portion of that post (in italics):

Before we examine the ten most prominent pairs in Scripture, let’s briefly look at the one attribute of God (he has many) that is identified in twosomes. This dual dynamic is ascribed both to God and His Son, Messiah Jesus.

First and Last / Beginning and End / Alpha & Omega

Beginning with God the Father: “This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: ‘I am the First and the Last; there is no other God’” (Isaiah 44:6).

In the final revelation of himself, Jesus said to John: “…I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:17-18).

First and Last and Beginning and End are two terms with the same meaning but articulated in different words for both emphasis and better understanding. First and Last express the everlasting existence of the Triune God—Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Which intriguingly conveys the concept that God is without beginning and without end. It is a statement of the Lord’s essence as found in his very name, Yahweh—I AM. Beginning and End reflect God’s eternal omnipotence in action, i.e., beginning all things and all things yielding (ending) to a New Beginning

…Let’s look at the most significant pairs of people or events found in the two Testaments that comprise the awesome Word of God—the Bible.

The article goes on to list ten sets of twos which are not all sets found in Scripture … just some of the most prominent.

Seven of those ten sets:

First & Second Creation of the Heavens and Earth

The First Adam & The Second Adam (The First Man & The Last Man) *Adam & Jesus

Birth and Rebirth of Israel

Old Covenant (Law) & New Covenant (Grace)

First Advent & Second Advent of Messiah (*Note: Several other articles have been written about the two-part return of Messiah Jesus … The Rapture & Physical touchdown on earth seven years later). Such as: The Rapture / Before or After the Great Tribulation? Posted 9-7-2019.

Israel—Two Exiles & Two Returns

Christ & His Antithesis, Antichrist

Then, in the final part of that article:

These striking sets of twos encapsulate God’s panoramic plans for humanity, plus his providential power, persistence, and patience to accomplish those plans.

In these pairs, we find one or more of the following: contrast, correlation, clarification, combination, correction, and culmination.

We’ll examine and apply the phenomenal prophecy of Gog/Magog to what’s happening with the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine (dual connections … sets of twos). First, let’s identify some of the proposed reasons why Vladimir Putin has resorted to warfare.

Suggested Motives for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s War Against Ukraine

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, the headlines of the Arizona Republic newspaper read: “Russia attacks Ukraine.” This was a typical headline the world over. As was the case the following day … February 25^th.

This time the Arizona Republic headlines were in a much larger upper-case font and in the form of a quote: ‘BRUTAL ACT OF WAR’.

The statement was attributed directly to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s description of Russia’s unprovoked attack on its neighbor, Ukraine. Which was exact or similar language broadcast by other national leaders. Such as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who called the assault, “hideous and barbaric.”

Hideous, barbaric, brutal, heinous, reprehensible, and other synonyms certainly fit. The heavy Russian armament (tanks, ballistic, cruise and surface-to-air-missiles, medium and heavy airplane bombers, mortars) have targeted Ukrainian military, industrial, and civilian targets alike. Such as the shameful bombing of hospitals, schools, and apartments. Ukrainian released casualty statistics indicate that more civilians have been killed than soldiers.

(One of many Ukranian civilian areas targeted by Russia)

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (also spelled in media accounts as Zelensky) said shortly afterward: “Russia treacherously attacked our state in the morning, as Nazi Germany did in World War II. As of today, our countries are on different sides of world history. Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself and won’t give up its freedom no matter what Moscow thinks.”

Though he is under constant threat of assassination, President Zelensky has made several other statements since the war began. Such as: “We are on our land. We don’t fear anything or anyone. We don’t owe anything to anyone. And we won’t give anything up … to further Russian aggression.”

The world is wondering: How far will Vladimir Putin go to achieve his stated objectives as well as his hidden agenda?

According to Putin’s warped ideology and rationale, the incursion into Ukraine is not a war nor even an invasion. Rather it is a “peacekeeping … special military operation.” Why? Because he has said several times over many years that, Ukraine is not a sovereign state or even a country. He claims that it and 13 nearby countries such as Georgia and Belarus still belong to Russia … once part of the vast Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991.

To that end he has declared that two eastern regions of the Ukraine (Donetsk & Lugansk) will officially be independent “peoples republics.”

(Over 2 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to other countries)

Short-Term Reasons for Russia’s Invasion

For sake of time/space in this article, it will be condensed into demands made by the Russian president himself. Beginning with Putin’s condition that if Ukraine (and by default, NATO) does not comply with his terms, then “…circumstances require us to take decisive and immediate action (to remove Ukraine’s leaders) for committing numerous crimes.” The demands include but are not limited to the following:

• For Kyiv (capital of Ukraine) to recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea (more on that later), the Black Sea peninsula that Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014
• Cease and desist from any plans/effort to become a member of NATO
• For Ukraine to become “neutral”; don’t side with NATO or the EU against Russia
• Partially demilitarize, i.e., Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms and go home
• Acknowledge the independence of the eastern separatist regions (Donetsk & Lugansk), effectively allying these regions to Russia

Long-Term Motives for Russia’s Invasion / Cited by Political, Academic, Military Analysts

This list is also not exhaustive.

• To restore domain (land) and dominance (world influence) that Russia lost after the disintegration of the Soviet Union
• Even further … to recreate in some fashion the once mighty Russian Empire under the Czars
• To assume direct or at least indirect control of Ukraine’s vast reserve of natural gas (2^nd largest in Europe to Russia), with these gas fields predominantly in or near the Crimean Peninsula and eastern Ukraine … Donetsk and Kharkiv (Ukraine’s 2^nd largest city)
• Subjugate Ukraine to the extent that its leaders/people will agree, voluntarily or involuntary, to yield Ukraine’s sovereignty (a puppet government/state) once again to Russia
• In typical fashion of tyrants who care more about themselves than their own people: to become a ruler in the blended mold of Russian Czars and Soviet Dictators, e.g., Joseph Stalin

People who personally know Vladimir Putin and/or have studied his service in the KGB and subsequent political career have noticed that he is (becoming) fearful of losing his power image in Russia … also globally.

In an article written by Soeren Kern posted 3-14-2022 in the on-line source Gatestone Institute, he quotes several reliable sources regarding Putin’s mindset and disposition. Including former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen who said:

“Mr. Putin has changed over the years. My first meeting took place in 2002…and he was very positive regarding cooperation between Russia and the West. Then, gradually he changed his mind…. And in 2008, he attacked Georgia… In 2014, he took Crimea, and now we have seen a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. So, he has really changed over the years.

“…I think he suffers from paranoia. And he thought that after the revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine, that the aim (of the West) was to initiate a regime change in the Kremlin—in Moscow—as well. And that’s why he turned against the West.”

Other observations of his personal and political persona have spanned the gamut from cold, cruel, and conniving to confident, congenial, and cheerful.

Some are questioning his sanity.

(Russian President Vladimir Putin … a sinister smile?)

From a Biblical perspective, I’m persuaded that the reasons for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine are not as significant as what he learns (takes away) from this hellish attack in which he is oblivious to how many people suffer and die—Ukrainian or Russian. Whether his immediate goals are realized or not, he—or his successor—will shrewdly gage global reactions. This to determine if it’s feasible to launch another invasion on a far greater scale, with an even more devious plan.

Just as depicted in Scripture:

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: At that time evil thoughts will come to your mind, and you will devise a wicked scheme. You will say, ‘Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages! I will march against her and destroy these people who live in such confidence!’” (Ezekiel 38:10-11).

The Gog/Magog campaign is part of two different sets.

One set involves the past and future: The decisive victory over the Assyrian army during the reign of Israel’s King Hezekiah; Then the devastating defeat of the Gog/Magog armies not long after the Rapture to come. And as alluded, the other set is the correlation between the present Russian foray into Ukraine and that same Gog/Magog episode in what is most likely the (fairly) near future.

Before we look more closely at these sets of twos involving Gog/Magog, let’s go back to Russia’s 2014 incursion into Crimea, which was (at that time) part of Ukraine.

Beware of the Bear!

That heading is the title of Eye of Prophecy article posted 3-22-2014 (nearly 8 years ago this month) dealing with Putin’s capture of the Crimean Peninsula (February 2014, almost 8 years to the day before he invaded Ukraine). Here is an excerpt from that article (in italics):

Moreover, by the time President Reagan completed his second term as President, he had been instrumental in achieving what no one thought possible … the dissolution of the mighty Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (Though the Soviet Union wasn’t dismantled until 1991, this was simply the aftermath of Reagan’s efforts during the 1980s to stand tall against the Soviet regime).

Some of you may remember: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”

The Russian President complied, resulting in the reunification of East and West Berlin; also, the end of Soviet dominance of East Germany, which had become like a vassal state to Russia. Soon to follow was the break-up of the Soviet Union, in which most of the 14 satellite states that comprised the Russian Sphere declared their independence from the mother land. By the end of 1991, the Soviet Union was no more….

The American eagle flew proudly over the Russian bear and spread her wings to protect and defend the nations that embraced democracy. The United States regained her status as the world’s only superpower…. Many politicians, social scientists, economists, religious leaders, and even evangelicals believed the once mighty Russian bear was dead.

Students of prophecy shook their heads in disbelief, questioning whether their analysis of the Ezekiel 38 & 39 Gog, Magog attack on Israel could possibly be accurate. Many students of the Bible reexamined the Scriptures to determine if, “the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal” (Ezekiel 38:2) and “Gog” ruler of the land of Magog would, in fact, be the ruler of the nation that comes against Israel, “from the distant north” (Ezekiel 39:1). Had they been wrong all this time? Russia couldn’t even lead itself, let alone a great multi-national army as Ezekiel so graphically portrays….  

We see, now, that the Bear was not dead, but in a state of prolonged hibernation. Due mostly to the leadership of one man, Vladmir Putin, the people from the mother land of “the distant north” once again proudly wave the Russian flag. Recently, Mr. Putin voiced his opinion that the greatest calamity of the 20^th century—indeed of modern history—was the disintegration of the Soviet Union. In no uncertain terms, he was implying that this catastrophe even exceeded the monumental disasters of World War II, including the unthinkable, unimaginable tragedy of the Holocaust. But then, with autocrats such as Putin, we must consider the source. For many, it is crystal clear what Putin intends to do: Whatever the cost, he means to rebuild the once mighty Russian empire and reestablish its preeminence among the global family of nations.

Then later in that article:

… Putin had no problem ignoring United States and the European Union’s threats of political and economic sanctions against Russia if they annexed Crimea back to the Russian Federation, which is exactly what happened just a few days ago.

…In response to Russia’s takeover of the Crimea and corresponding fear of former Russian satellite nations (such as Lithuania) that Russia will seek to return them to Russian territory, US Vice President Biden assured them that the United States is, “absolutely committed” to defending any aggression against its allies, i.e., NATO alliance nations or those who are in partnership with NATO.

Yet, many are skeptical of any U.S. or EU backing of these countries vulnerable to Russia invasion and annexation. Such as Israeli columnist and Editor Boaz Bismuth who wrote in Israel Hayom, “The Russian bear has already swallowed the (Crimean) peninsula as if it were a jar of honey.” Thus, Crimea no longer belongs to the Ukraine, even though former Russian President Nikita Khrushchev had allowed the Crimea to be part of the independent Ukraine state in the 1950s. Bismuth concluded his article by saying that Putin will, (continue to) “exploit the West’s blubbering and Washington’s lack of leadership.”

*Note: How ironic that this “lack of leadership” is once again on display, this time with Joe Biden as President, instead of Vice President.

I then discussed Russia’s expedition into and annexation of Crimea in the context of the Gog/Magog scenario. Beginning with a question:

What About Ezekiel’s Gog, Magog Prophecy?

International developments within the past few years shows that Ezekiel’s prophecy of Gog and Magog is alive and well after all! Right? Of course, right. Why is that? Because it’s found in the Bible, the very Word of God! What God says will happen, happens! Always has, always will! It parallels other Biblical prophecies that were considered to be impossible or inaccurate or non-applicable to the generation of that time, only to be proven correct by means of gradual or even sudden changes in world conditions. Israel’s miraculous born-in-a-day arrival on the world scene in 1948 is a good example.

(Caption upper left corner reads: “Russia’s Preferred Eastern European Buffer States”)

Contrasts/Comparisons of Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine & Gog’s Future Attack on Israel

Contrasts, comparisons, correlations, and combinations are components of sets of twos. And sets of twos are prominent in Scripture.

Comparisons:

Including but not limited to (for sake of time/space):

1a) Gog continues his boasts against Israel: “I will go to those formerly desolate cities that are now filled with people who have returned from exile in many nations. I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now. They think the whole world revolves around them!” (Ezekiel 38:12).

1b) In that same vein, Putin has made several conceited and derogatory comments about the Ukraine and its leaders. Calling Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky a, “drug-addled Nazi,” and asserting that Ukraine is not an “independent sovereign country.”

2a) “I will capture vast amounts of plunder…” (Verse 12). Please refer to Eye of Prophecy article, Gog, Magog, and Leviathan, posted 1-3-2015; regarding Israel’s natural gas reserves and pumping platform called Leviathan in the Mediterranean Sea off Israel’s coast.

2b) One item on Vladimir Putin’s bucket wish list is to take over (directly or indirectly) the natural gas reserves in Ukraine in addition to the ones in Crimea. Some experts believe that he is already the richest man in the world via all sorts of legal and illegal enterprises. Those that have much usually want more. If Putin turns out to be Gog of Ezekiel 38 & 39, one of the main motives for invading Israel is to increase the wealth of the Russian empire, while lining his personal pockets even more. The Bible says, “For the love of money is… (finish the sentence).

3a) Listen to the reaction of some nations to the Gog/Magog alliance: “But Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish will ask, ‘Do you really think the armies you have gathered can rob them of silver and gold? Do you think you can drive away their livestock and seize their goods and carry off plunder?’” (Ezekiel 38:13). Effectively, the warnings of other nations to Gog/Magog are nothing more than ineffective talk … no action.

When the Lord springs into action against Gog/Magog, among other graphic forewarnings: “And I will, rain down fire on Magog (various nations) and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 39:6). This will undoubtedly include some of those nations who stand by and do little or nothing to stop the Gog/Magog coalition. The coasts certainly could and probably will include western nations, e.g., United States, British Isles, western European countries, etc.

3b) Although most countries of the world have presented a unified response of denouncing Russia and Putin for this detestable attack on Ukraine, for all intents and purposes, it is mostly rhetoric. Which is nearly identical to the world’s response when Gog launches his invasion of Israel. Though sanctions have and will continue to weaken Russia’s economy, they will not be enough to stop Russia’s occupation of Ukraine. That will happen for other reasons, including Putin’s assessment that he has realized enough of his objectives—one of which is to calculate the nature/extent of global reaction (tough or tame)—for “future use.”

Contrasts: Two main differences.

First: Russia will initiate and spearhead the Gog/Magog campaign against Israel. But this time Putin or his successor will allow (welcome) other nations to join it. Though much smaller in population than Ukraine, Israel’s military is stronger—especially the Israeli Air Force.

God gave this message through Ezekiel: “…Gog, I am your enemy! I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws to lead you out with your whole army…. Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons. Gomer (Turkey) and all its armies will also join you…and many others” (Ezekiel 38:3-6, parenthesis mine).

I’m sure Putin would have liked one or two other nations (such as Lithuania and Belarus) to actively participate with Russia by also sending troops into Ukraine. Nevertheless, he confidently and has thus far correctly calculated that none of the 30 NATO countries, including the United States, would engage in battle with Russia because Ukraine is not a NATO member.

(Since the invasion of Ukraine, Sweeden and Finland are seriously considering application for NATO membership)

Second: The outcome of the current Russia/Ukraine conflict will be considerably different than the fatal failure of the Gog/Magog fiasco. Vladimir Putin will realize some measure of success (real and/or perceived) before he disengages from Ukraine. Since his last name begins with a “P”, I’ll present the following observation:

Putin’s track record shows that he is punitive—sometimes prefers to punish those weaker (individuals and entire nations) who differ with him, and pound them into submission. He is also pragmatic and can be persuaded to make concessions to maintain his (self-perceived) personal prestige and political power.

Which leads us to the other set of twos (past and future) confirming the dress rehearsal premise of correlating (Russia vs Ukraine) to Putin or his successor as Gog/Russia.

God Exclusively & Unilaterally Fights for Israel

Here, I will defer to an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy post, Stand Still & Watch God Fight for Israel! Published 7-30-2016. It covers the Old Testament (II Kings 19) account of Assyria’s invasion of Israel. The article then likens the outcome of Assyria’s unsuccessful conquest of Israel with Gog/Magog’s total failure to conquer Israel. The excerpt begins with the first part of that article:

With exception of three extraordinary events, there is no record, Biblical or secular, of God (alone through direct intrusion) supernaturally defeating an enemy of Gentile nations involved in a righteous justified war, without the necessary fighting and dying of those whom God helped to accomplish their worthy cause and God’s ultimate plan. Each of these three exceptions involve Israel. All three validate the Lord’s ultimate authority and power over nations.

In the year 701 BC, during the reign of one of Judah’s greatest and most godly kings, Hezekiah, God on a massive scale once again delivered his people from national destruction; and did so without any fighting on the part of Judah’s army.

As a backdrop, the powerful nation of Assyria had already conquered the ten northern kingdoms of Israel in 722 BC; this according to God’s warning of what would happen if Israel continued to abandon and disobey their God who created the nation of Israel (through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and protected and prospered her for hundreds of years thereafter.

The Assyrian King, Sennacherib …  proudly boasted in messages to King Hezekiah that no one, not even the God of Israel, could prevent him from capturing Jerusalem (that alone was a huge mistake … to defy blatantly and arrogantly the true and living God).

“When King Hezekiah heard their report, he tore his clothes and put on burlap and went into the Temple of the Lord” (II Kings 19:1).

Hezekiah was distraught for he knew that Judah was no match against the mighty Assyrian army. So, he sent for Isaiah (again seeking God’s Word through the voice of God’s prophet). Isaiah’s response was an immediate and emphatic promise from God:

“…This is what the Lord says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. Listen! I myself will move against him, and the king will receive a message that he is needed at home. So, he will return to his land, where I will have him killed with a sword” (Verses 5-7).

Skipping other details in that article (time/space), we move along to the finale:

“And this is what the Lord says about the king of Assyria: ‘His armies will not enter Jerusalem. They will not even shoot an arrow at it. They will not march outside its gates with their shields nor build banks of earth against its walls. The king will return to his own country by the same road on which he came. He will not enter this city, says the Lord. For my own honor and for the sake of my servant David, I will defend this city and protect it’” (II Kings 19:32-34).

Do you remember what happened next? It is only the most mind-boggling event in the annals of warfare. It will remind you of what happened to the first-born of every Egyptian when Pharaoh’s arrogance had stretched God’s patience to the limit, which also happened at the hands of an angel sent by God. Read with me:

“That night the angel of the Lord went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. When the surviving Assyrians woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere. Then King Sennacherib of Assyria broke camp and returned to his own land. He went home to his capital of Nineveh and stayed there” (Verses 35-36).

Boom, just like that. Sennacherib and what was left of his decimated troops were “out of there.” And why not! This boastful king had just lost 185,000 soldiers. Scripture doesn’t give us the size of his army, but that wouldn’t matter anyway. When you lose that many soldiers in one night while the survivors slept through it, you’re not going to stick around to see what might happen next.

Assyria was never the same again. In a few decades, Babylon would destroy the once mighty Assyrian kingdom.

*Note: In that quoted article, there are three incidents (two past, one future—Gog/Magog) in which Israel does not lift a finger to defend herself, with the first incident found in II Chronicles Chapter 20, when Jehosophat was king of Israel. However, in that incident, Israel’s enemies (several nations) turned on each other before Israel even arrived for battle. Though the Lord was the proximate cause of this miraculous turn of events, he did not directly inflict any damage or death on Israel’s enemies. Whereas the devastating defeat of the Assyrian army was initiated directly and decisively by the Lord, as will be the utter destruction of Gog/Magog forces.

Returning to the last part of article, Stand Still & Watch God Fight for Israel:

“But this is what the Sovereign Lord says: When Gog invades the land of Israel, my fury will boil over! In my jealousy and blazing anger, I promise a mighty shaking in the land of Israel on that day … all the people on earth will quake in terror at my presence. Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth. I will summon the sword against you on all the hills of Israel, says the Sovereign Lord. Your men will turn their swords against each other. I will punish you and your armies with disease and bloodshed; I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur!” (Ezekiel 38:18-22)

…Against Gog and Magog, the Lord doubles down. He strikes this massive alliance of several nations—what presumably will be hundreds of thousands or even millions of troops aligned against Israel—by turning the forces of nature against them and causing their troops to turn on each other.

…Oh, the Israelis will need to contribute, but only after the fact. Here is what they will do:

“Then the people in the towns of Israel will go out and pick up your small and large shields, bows and arrows, javelins, and spears, and they will use them for fuel. There will be enough to last them seven years! They won’t need to cut wood from the fields, or forests, for these weapons will give them all the fuel they need. They will plunder those who planned to plunder them…” (Ezekiel 39:9-10).

In today’s terms think of guns, grenades, mortars, missiles, assault vehicles, tanks, and aircraft.

Not just damaged armaments, also dead bodies of Gog’s hordes: “It will take seven months for the people of Israel to bury the bodies and cleanse the land. Everyone in Israel will help, for it will be a glorious victory for Israel when I demonstrate my glory on that day, says the Sovereign Lord” (Ezekiel 39:12-13).

*Other Eye of Prophecy articles regarding the Gog/Magog end times event are:

The Russians Are Coming! (11-14-2015); Beginning of the End (3-5-2016); The Gog/Magog Countdown Has Begun! (9-10-2016); The Terrible Trio of Gog and Magog (2-17-2018); Gog/Magog’s Prophetic Clock Is Ticking, Ticking…. (6-16-2018); The Prophetic Endgame of Gog/Magog (11-9-2019)

Another incidental yet interesting set of twos that has become prominent in the media: Two Jewish men who are involved (one directly, the other indirectly or inadvertently) in this conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—as far as I know the only (highest) leader of a nation who is Jewish other than, of course, Israel’s leader. Here is an excerpt from an Associated Press article published shortly after Russia’s invasion:

“…Zelenskyy studied law at home, and upon graduation, he found a new home in movie acting and comedy—rocketing in the 2010s to become one of Ukraine’s top entertainers with the TV series, Servant of the People. In it he portrayed a lovable high school teacher fed up with corrupt politicians who accidentally becomes president. Fast forward just a few years, and Zelenskyy is the president of Ukraine for real.”

The article concluded with: “He has demonstrated enormous physical courage, refusing to sit in a bunker but instead traveling openly with soldiers, and an unwavering patriotism that few expected from a Russian speaker from eastern Ukraine.”

(Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky … In a bomb shelter but because he’s on the front lines of the war in eastern Ukraine)

(Zelensky’s message to U.S. Congress a few days ago)

The other Jew is Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is the only world leader thus far to have met personally with Russian President Putin and with Ukraine President Zelensky after Russia’s assault on Ukraine. He is not yet in the official role of a mediator between these two nations, but that could change. Whatever the outcome of the war or in whatever manner it ends, how ironic (more like providential design!) that these two men are both Jews; in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the not-so-distant Gog/Magog campaign against Israel.

(Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to the left & Vladimir Putin, taken 10-22-2021 during a meeting between the two leaders) 

Summary

One last quote from article Beware of the Bear, which is just as relevant today as it was eight years ago.

When Russia, Iran, and this unholy coalition attack Israel, the U.S. won’t be able to do anything about it. Why? Because she will have been decimated by the loss of millions upon millions of people. And how will that happen? THE RAPTURE….

The slumbering Russian bear has awakened. She is baring (pun intended) her teeth at NATO and the EU. In a demonstration of superiority, fearlessness, and defiance, she is swiping her paw at the United States. She dared the West to do something about Crimea and the Ukraine, much like Iran dared the EU and the United States to do something about Syria and about Iran’s nuclear intentions. Russia and Iran stood up. The West stood down. What will they do next? What will we do next?

Who better to assume the role of the prince of Magog, than Vladmir Putin? Right, wrong, or indifferent, today’s global community crowns Putin as the “world’s most powerful person.”

In the epic battle of Gog/Magog, Russia and Iran will do precisely what God warns them not to do. So, too, does this warning apply to the beast of Revelation. “I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’ I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists! Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance’” (Psalms 75:4-5). But they will not listen. Following the total annihilation of Gog’s armies as described in Ezekiel 38 & 39, here’s what God says to Israel and to the nations, “In this way, I will demonstrate my glory to the nations. Everyone will see the punishment I have inflicted on them and the power of my fist when I strike. And from that time on the people of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God” (Ezekiel 39:21-22).

There are several prophetic “birth pain” signs in the 20^th & 21^st centuries (increasing with frequency and intensity) to distinctly demonstrate that we are in the last days of the end times, as prophesied in the Old Testament but also by Jesus himself in the New Testament—wars, rumors of wars and natural catastrophes. However, there are two powerful prophecies that stand out as the most stunning:

(1) The rebirth restoration of Israel as a sovereign nation and corresponding return of Jews from worldwide exile dispersion to live in their Promised Land.

This would begin before the “Day of the Lord” which includes the Great Tribulation, followed by the Millennial Reign of Messiah Jesus. It would also precede the trigger point catalyst of the seven-year Tribulation, which is the Rapture (resurrection of dead Christians plus catching up of all believers in Jesus Christ—Jew and Gentile alike) to spare us from the horror of this seven-year apocalypse.

The return of Messiah (Jesus) is also in two-parts: Jesus taking believers to heaven. Then descending to earth to rescue Israel again by means of Messiah’s devastating defeat of Antichrist and his ten-nation confederation during the final phase of the Tribulation … Armageddon.

(2) The Gog/Magog assault against Israel.

Which will result in one of the two direct (solo) interventions by God himself to defend and rescue Israel. It will be greater even than the defeat of the Assyrian army. Not only is the Gog/Magog coalition much larger, but the whole world will watch as the Lord crushes this evil alliance.

Which is why Putin’s incursion into the Ukraine is yet another startling sign that we are that much closer to the end of this age. More than ever, Israel needs to look up to see her national redemption is near. That individual redemption is also necessary. I pray constantly that they would open their eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to know that salvation comes exclusively through their Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.

For believers in Messiah Yeshua, the awesome Son of God, we embrace the words of Jesus: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me … When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14: 1-3).

Things to Ponder

Ukraine’s President Zelensky has already been applauded for some notable quotes and brave actions. Not long after Russia’s invasion, U.S. President Biden (staff) offered to get Zelensky out of Ukraine to a place of safety.

Zelensky’s response: “I need ammunition, not a ride!”

During Russia’s (joined by Iran, Turkey, and lesser nations) abominable aggression against Israel, the Jews will not need any ammunition at all. When the God of Israel takes up the fight, he needs only to speak the word … heaven and earth will be moved!

You don’t want the God of Israel (the only true and living God) mad at you. Especially angry enough for his “fury to boil over” (Ezekiel 38:18).

“Then they will learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth” (Psalm 83:18).

King David of Israel goes on to say: “Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. Give victory to our king, O Lord! Answer our cry for help” (Psalm 20:8-9).

This week’s Eye of Prophecy post is a sequel to the previous article (What is Done to Israel Will Be Done in Return / The Iran Nuclear Deal, posted 11-20-2021) dealing with the perilous path of a (any) nation’s apathetic endangerment of and arrogant contempt for Israel.

Thus, it’s fitting to begin with the same quotation: “The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads” (Obadiah 1:15).

Extending the quotation from this obscure (yet intense) one-chapter Old Testament prophetic book, we read:

“Just as you swallowed up my people on my holy mountain, so you and the surrounding nations will swallow the punishment I pour out on you. Yes, all you nations will drink and stagger and disappear from history. But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place. And the people of Israel will come back to claim their inheritance” (Obadiah 1:16-17).

The following powerful prophecy from the previous article also bears repeating; one that uses the same graphic analogy of drinking and staggering—from an intoxicating concoction that foolishly stimulates attempts to decide and direct the fate of Israel and Jerusalem.

“This message concerning the fate of Israel came from the Lord: ‘This message is from the Lord, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit. I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather together against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves’” (Zechariah 12:1-3).

Under the presidential administration of Joe Biden, the United States is once again (picking up where former president Obama left off) imbibing the intoxicating power potion that prods them to tell Israel what to do and what not to do. One too many diplomatic cocktails that blurs vision and impairs judgement with, among other misguided notions, the naïve assumption that the rogue nation of Iran will cease and desist from their pursuit of nuclear warheads.

That the Biden administration presumptuously thinks it knows what’s best for Israel no matter what the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has to say about the matter.

And no matter the irony that the United States is desperate to participate directly in the current meetings (Vienna, Austria) of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that produced the infamous original Iran Nuclear Deal of 2015 between Iran and the P5 + 1 world powers—Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China, and the United States. But is relegated to the sidelines because Iran flatly refuses to allow a representative from the United States in the meeting room! Which makes it the P5 +1, minus 1.

(Representatives and flags of Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China, Iran, and the European Union at the Vienna Conference. Conspicuously missing is the United States flag that was subsequently removed when Iran refused meetings if a representative of the U.S. was present!)

As indicated in the previous Eye of Prophecy post, there are two “existential threats,” facing Israel, meaning a threat to Israel’s very existence as a sovereign state among the family of nations on earth. Both of which have been shaped mostly by the United States of America. The first is the Iran Nuclear Deal (primary subject of the prior post).

Before we examine the 2^nd threat (dividing Jerusalem) in today’s article, let’s do a summary update of recent developments regarding this outrageous nuclear deal. I’ll do so primarily through:

Excerpts From a Jewish News Syndicate Article Written by Israeli Journalist Ruthie Blum

Published on 11-30-21, the article is entitled: Iran’s military gears up for Vienna talks by vowing to annihilate Israel.

Her article begins: “Renewed negotiations over a return to or revision of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers from which former President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018—kicked off in Vienna on Monday (November 29^th) with feigned fanfare (2^nd parenthesis mine).

“The Islamic Republic had made it clear that no agreement can be discussed, let alone reached, unless all sanctions hindering the regime’s operations are removed. It has also been engaging in double-speak, bragging about its strides in uranium-enrichment, on the one hand, while insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, on the other.”

*Note: Unless the sanctions against Iran remain in place during this conference, the P5 + 1 nations will be negotiating from a position of irreversible weakness. Which, considering the pre-conference conditions and commands imposed by Iran before they will even negotiate, begs the question: Why is this conference being held in the first place?

Continuing with Ruthie Blum’s article: “…the other parties to the JCPOA have convinced themselves that the interests of all concerned are best served through diplomacy. Never mind that Tehran refuses to allow American representatives anywhere near the room where the talks are being held. Washington is willing to have the mullahs dictate the terms of the entire arrangement…”

Later in her article, she wrote, “Former President Barack Obama’s administration, too, humiliated itself by pleading with Iran to sign the disastrous JCPOA in the first place…. Today, it’s President Joe Biden’s team that’s bowing down and bending a knee.”

To underscore Ruthie’s commentary, here is an excerpt from the first part of an Eye of Prophecy article written over six years ago entitled, A Deal That Will Live in Infamy (8-1-2015), part of which I also quoted in the previous post of 11-20-21. In italics:

Deal? A very loose term at best. Agreement? I suppose so if they mean that the P5+1 nations agreed to everything Iran demanded. It just may be the most one-sided bargain of all time. No level playing field. No equal benefits for both sides. Picture a teeter-totter that won’t move up and down, with Iran grounded securely below and the P5+1 nations dangling in the air above … hung out to dry. Or a merry-go-round with Iran standing and smirking nearby as they watch the United States on the carousel going round and round at a maddening and dizzying pace. What makes it even more mocking is that the United States begged Iran to meet them on the playground in the first place.

The imagery of a playground is suitable because the leaders of the United States and of other powerful nations on earth are playing with the lives and destiny of millions of Jews and Arabs and Persians in the Middle East.

In the previous Eye of Prophecy article, I cited a recent quote from an Iranian general, who boasted (paraphrasing): If the Zionists started anything, Iran would finish it and Israel would then be destroyed. This is one of dozens of threats over the past few years from high-ranking Iranian military personnel and civilians—including the Aytollah himself—to erase Israel from the face of the earth.

In her article, Ruthie Blum also quoted the Iranian army spokesperson himself, Brig. General Abolfazl Shekarchi. She wrote: “…Shekarchi’s words in the current context should serve as sufficient cause for America to call off the whole charade. Speaking to the regime-controlled Iran Students News Agency, Shekarchi announced that Israel’s annihilation is his country’s ‘greatest ideal before us and the greatest goal we pursue.’”

She prefaced the General’s quote by saying that he spoke these words, “…a mere 48 hours before the start of the kowtowing in Austria—all the more relevant and chilling.”

Shekarchi also said (though not quoted in Ruthie’s article): “We will not back off from the annihilation of Israel, even one millimeter. We want to destroy Zionism in the world.”

(Iranian General Shekarchi … faces of the enemy)

In a video address directed primarily to the P5 +1 nations, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett boldly responded: “Today, Iran will be arriving at negotiations in Vienna with a clear goal: to end sanctions in exchange for almost nothing. Iran doesn’t hide its intentions… Such a murderous regime should not be rewarded.”

Later PM Bennett posted in Twitter: “Iran deserves no rewards, no bargain deals and no sanctions relief in return for their brutality. I call upon our allies around the world: Do not give in to Iran’s nuclear blackmail.”

Establishing a Consulate for the Palestinians in Israel’s Capital, Jerusalem

This, too, is on President Joe Biden’s laundry list. However, he is Bidening (biding … sorry, couldn’t resist that one) his time to see if Israeli leaders will warm up to the idea. If not, he may unilaterally move forward with this devious decision.

In addition to the Iran Nuclear Deal, a (Palestinian) consulate is a threat to Israel’s sovereignty and security.

As the content of what is now 330 Eye of Prophecy articles will attest, I seldom get political. If I do, it is always in some (or a lot of) Scriptural context—past, present, future (Biblical prophecy). Today’s article is no exception.

Thus, in the context of the following Bible passages, I’ll present some observations about U.S. President Joe Biden’s performance and how it pertains to the main topic of today’s article:

“On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!” (Psalm 87:1-3).

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you…. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:1 & 3, emphasis added).

“Blessed is the nation, whose God is the LORD” (Psalms 33:12). The opposite of that would be true: Nations whose God is not the Lord, will not be blessed.

In the following Messianic passage, Messiah himself is speaking of what he and the LORD (his father as demonstrated in Psalm 2 and Psalm 110) would do:

“After a period of glory, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me against the nations who plunder you (Israel). For he said, ‘Anyone who harms you harms my most precious possession (older Bible versions say apple of His eye). I will raise my fist to crush them…’ Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me.

“The Lord says, ‘Shout and rejoice O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you…’ The land of Judah will be the Lord’s special possession in the holy land, and he will once again choose Jerusalem to be his own city. Be silent before the Lord, all humanity, for he is springing into action from his holy dwelling” (Zechariah 2:8-10 & 12-13, parenthesis mine).

If only people, especially national leaders like President Joe Biden, would recognize a simple lesson (principle): Powerful nations that mistreated Israel are in the dust bin of history—some permanently and others temporarily, to be judged again during the Great Tribulation.

Such as: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Roman Empire, Germany’s Third Reich, Italy’s Mussolini.

Moreover, the Lord is springing into action again with the inevitable result of Israel’s final restoration (the land) and redemption (the people). Consequently, don’t mess with Israel and especially Jerusalem.

The fate of nations and peoples will depend on whether they “acknowledge” the Lord … willingly or unwillingly. This most assuredly includes the attitude and actions of nations and individuals for or against Israel.

President Biden’s Dismal Performance & Approval Rating

The exclusive reason for an examination of Joe Biden’s regrettable record and pathetic performance in less than 11 months since he was sworn in as U.S. President is to provide a broader perspective on his mostly apathetic and (sometimes) arrogant attitude toward and dreadful decisions concerning the nation of Israel. Which is nearly a 180-degree departure from the previous administration under Donald Trump. The italicized words in this paragraph are descriptive terms summarized from several sources: mostly articles and polls commenting on President Biden’s substandard performance of what many consider to be the most powerful and persuasive position on earth, often abbreviated as POTUS.

For sake of brevity, I’ll refer to just one (representative) of many articles I’ve read on this subject, authored by journalist/commentator Joseph Frager, posted in Jewish News Syndicate on November 4, 2021. Entitled, Biden’s freshman-year report card.

Beginning with: “It’s been a full year since U.S. President Joe Biden declared victory over Donald Trump. To say that the honeymoon is over is an understatement.”

He then cited a 42% approval rating, which also has dipped to 38%; Vice President Kamala Harris’ approval mark plunged to a shaky 28%.

Frager continues: “Even Biden’s trustworthy echo chamber, The New York Times … stated, ‘Mr. Biden’s approval ratings have declined on nearly every issue, and among nearly every demographic group in national surveys over the last two months, as a return to normalcy has given way to rising inflation (worst in 30 some years … especially food, home, and fuel prices—three essential areas of the economy), a simmering pandemic, gridlock in Washington and chaos on the border and in Afghanistan” (parenthesis mine).

In addition. Joseph Frager cited the (unprecedented) “problems with the transport of vital products from docks and storage centers” contributing to “his poor grade-point average.”

Followed by: “The humiliating, disastrous and bungled withdrawal from Afghanistan, which I referred to in a previous article as his ‘Waterloo,’ probably hurt him the most.”

Next, is the part of Frager’s post that closely tracks with and provides a smooth transition to this week’s Eye of Prophecy article:

“His report card looks even worse when you factor in his pressure on Israel. Currently, the administration is trying to shove down the throats of a very fragile Israeli government the illegal and counterproductive opening of a consulate in Jerusalem for the Palestinian Authority. Not only is this against American law (also against international law); it’s totally inappropriate, given the fact that all consular services are provided to the Arab population at the American embassy in Jerusalem” (parenthesis mine).

He then states, “Biden’s report card really takes a dive where his handling of Iran is concerned…”

The final sentence in Frager’s article reads, “Biden deserves a failing grade for his far-from-stellar performance.”

Since the Iran Nuclear Deal is the main theme of the previous Eye of Prophecy post and summarized in this week’s article, we’ll focus today on the proposed Palestinian Consulate in Jerusalem and the repercussions, thereof.

With a Biblically supported sidenote that—as important as are the contentious issues of immigration, abortion, economy (inflation), pandemics, a position of strength v. weakness in foreign affairs, and overall morality (or lack thereof) of a country—there is nothing more hazardous to a nation, whether a democracy or state-run or a dictatorship, than a deliberate denial of Israel’s right to exist securely as a sovereign state. Coupled with acts or even threats to harm Israel or to divide the land that God has indivisibly given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in perpetuity.

A few weeks ago, former governor of South Carolina (2011-2017) and then the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said, “The Iranian nuclear threat is existential for Israel. If Israel makes the grave decision that its security depends on removing that threat, it should not wait for an American green light that might never come.”

 

(Nikki Haley, rumored to be a Republican candidate for the 2024 U.S. Presidential elections)

Not only is the Biden administration not showing support and sympathy for Israel’s security (Iran, other Muslim nations, and terrorist groups from without and within like Hezbollah and the Palestinian Hamas sworn agenda to eliminate Israel as a sovereign nation); but recent reports indicate that U.S. officials have warned Israel against attacking Iran’s nuclear sites, claiming that such actions would be “counterproductive.”

Also, see Eye of Prophecy article: Ambassador Nikki Haley & The Truth About Israel (Posted 10-20-2018).

More Dramatic Details of a Palestinian Consulate

Nikki Haley’s forewarning was reinforced by former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence who in no uncertain terms stated: “Make no mistake about it. President Joe Biden has turned his back on Israel.”

That Biden, “restored funding for the Palestinian Authority, announced his intention to rejoin the Iran Nuclear Deal, and now the Biden administration is planning to open a consulate in Jerusalem for the Palestinian people… an unlawful step and it’s time for Congress to act to deny President Biden from opening a consulate in Jerusalem”

In fact, about six weeks ago, 35 Republican Senators spear-headed by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), introduced a bill to block the administration’s unilateral, even without Israel’s consent, plan to reopen the U.S. consulate (previously closed by Donald Trump) for the Palestinians in Jerusalem.

In a statement, Hagerty wrote: “President Biden continues to push forward this inflammatory plan to establish a second mission in Israel’s capital city of Jerusalem—one for the Israelis and a second one for the Palestinians—despite the fact that this plan violates the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and is completely opposed by the Government of Israel.”

Subsequently, some 200 Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to President Biden also expressing opposition to a Palestinian consulate in the heart of Jerusalem. Stating among other things: “The Biden administration’s shameful move would have the unconscionable effect of undermining the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and signal support for dividing Jerusalem.”

The following is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article: Is President Trump Wavering on the Waiver? (2-14-2017):

Second question: Should the US Embassy be relocated to Jerusalem?

Let’s get right to the answer.

YES, it should be moved. Says who? Says the American people!

Really, when did we say that?

We said that through our legislators in the House of Representatives and Senate when they passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, calling for relocation of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In fact, the voting margin was overwhelmingly in favor: Senate 93-5; House of Representatives, 374-37. That’s as large a margin as you’ll ever see in Congress.

According to this Act, the move of our embassy to Jerusalem should have taken place no later than May 31, 1999. However, in deference to the authority of a United States President to recognize foreign sovereignty over territories, Section 7 of the Act allowed the sitting President to “waive” enforcement of the Act if the President felt that such a move might pose a risk to the security of the United States. With the stipulation, however, that such a waiver must be reviewed every six months, so as not to ignore this Congressional Law indefinitely. Since then, Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama have done just that … signed the waiver. As a result, the US Embassy is still in Tel Aviv. Hence, it was a binding, but floating piece of legislation.

As indicated, President Trump later made good on his promise to relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.

In that article, I also listed all 17 points of the Jerusalem Embassy Act. Here are seven of those points to reestablish and reemphasize the sovereign right of Israel (of any country) to determine its capital city. With international law stipulating that the host country has the sole prerogative of deciding which foreign embassies to allow in that capital. With consulates in other cities of a nation, but NOT in capital cities.

*Note: An embassy and a consulate are not the same thing.

As follows (in italics):

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995.”

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

The Congress makes the following findings:

(1) Each sovereign nation, under international law and custom, may designate its own capital.

(3) The city of Jerusalem is the seat of Israel’s President, Parliament, and Supreme Court, and the site of numerous government ministries and social and cultural institutions.

(6) In 1967, the city of Jerusalem was reunited during the conflict known as the Six Day War.

(10) In 1992, the United States Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 113 of the One Hundred-Second Congress to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem and reaffirming congressional sentiment that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city.

(15) The United States maintains its embassy in the functioning capital of every country except the case of our democratic friend and strategic ally, the State of Israel.

(16) The United States conducts official meetings and other business in the city of Jerusalem in de facto recognition of its status as the capital of Israel.

(17) In 1996, the State of Israel will celebrate the 3,000th anniversary of the Jewish presence in Jerusalem since King David’s entry.

The first Democrat to agree with the Republican senatorial resolution was Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) who stated: “The U.S. has never opened a diplomatic office without the approval of the host government and to do so in Israel would create a double standard. Any decision on this issue should be made with Israel’s consent and must recognize that Jerusalem is Israel’s undivided capital.”

(The U.S. Consulate General on Agron Street in central Jerusalem, 2019. Not until the 1993-1995 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestinians did this consulate take on the additional duty of a quasi-diplomatic mission for the Palestinian Authority. For decades before that it provided consular services to visitors while representing the United States. When the U.S. Embassy was moved to Jerusalem, it legally and appropriately absorbed all services to/for the Palestinians into the Embassy. Thus, the consulate was shuttered)

Next, is a shocking example of duplicity that originates either from playing politics or from words and actions that can only be categorized as hypocritical … or perhaps a lack of integrity both political and personal.

Not only did Senator (at the time) Joe Biden vote in favor of the Jerusalem Embassy Act, but he also gave an eloquent and impassioned speech (I say that sincerely) before the final vote: In a part of that address on the Senate floor … October 24, 1995, he said:

“Mr. President (Bill Clinton at the time), it is unconscionable for us to refuse to recognize the right of the Jewish people to choose their own capital. What gives us the right to second-guess their decision? For 47 years, we, and much of the rest of the international community, have been living a lie (parenthesis mine, italics for emphasis).

“For 47 years, Israel has had its government offices, its parliament, and its national monuments in Jerusalem, not in Tel Aviv. And yet, nearly all embassies are located in Tel Aviv. I think this is a denial of fundamental reality.

“Mr. President, are we, through the continued sham of maintaining our Embassy in Tel Aviv, to refuse to acknowledge what the Jewish people know in their hearts to be true? Regardless of what others may think, Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. And Israel is not just any old country. It is a vital strategic ally.

“Moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem will send the right signal…. To do less would be to play into the hands of those who will try their hardest to deny Israel the full attributes of statehood” (emphasis added to illustrate that this “denial” would be intensified exponentially if there would be a Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem).

Joe Biden ended his speech with: “I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”

Contrast that to what Joe Biden, during the election campaign in 2020, said in answering a question regarding President Trump’s decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem in 2018.

Mr. Biden replied that the move was, “short-sighted and frivolous,” although he would not transfer the embassy back to Tel Aviv if elected.

At the time, Senator Biden said that we (the United States, including him) and the international community was “living a lie” in denying Israel’s right for Jerusalem to be its capital … with the logical result that the U.S. Embassy (all embassies) should be in Jerusalem.

(A younger Joe Biden when he was a U.S. Senator (D-Delaware)

I think the following would be legitimate and reasonable questions for President Biden to answer: Why such a colossal change in your attitude and actions regarding Israel? Were you living a lie then as you said, or were you lying about living that lie?

More Commentary Regarding President Biden and the Consulate in Jerusalem

In a Gatestone Institute online article (October 27, 2021) entitled, Jerusalem Palestinian consulate: A nail in the coffin of peace, Colonel Richard Kemp (former British Army Commander, currently writer/speaker on international and military affairs) begins:

“Only a few months ago, U.S. President Joe Biden betrayed a U.S. ally by withdrawing forces from Afghanistan, bringing down the government in Kabul and consigning the country to … Taliban terrorists. Now he is winding up to betray another, much closer ally—Israel.

“Biden plans to open a U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. This may seem like just another diplomatic facility to issue visas, promote trade, and take care of U.S. citizens… But it is far more than a mere office for paper-shuffling diplomats.

“It amounts to a de facto U.S. embassy to the Palestinians on Israeli territory. Its true purpose is to undermine Israeli sovereignty in its own capital city and will jeopardize future prospects for peace between Israel and Palestinian Arabs. The Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh (the supreme PA leader is President Mahmoud Abbas), understands the implications only too well. In a recent interview, he triumphantly predicted that the new consulate would re-divide Jerusalem” (parenthesis mine).

Kemp goes on to say: “The new consulate, exclusively to manage diplomatic relations with Palestinians, is designed to give hope that one day Jerusalem will be the capital of a putative (supposed) Palestinian state. Israel can and rightly should never allow that. As well as betraying Israel, Biden’s irresponsible diplomatic signaling—which also appease his hard-left supporters—is a betrayal of the Palestinian people. They have suffered too long and too hard under the hostility of their leadership, which has consistently refused to entertain all proposals for peace with Israel that could lead to the establishment of their own state” (parenthesis mine).

He then said that the Palestinian leadership, “…intends to see not a two-state solution but the destruction of the Jewish state…”

Which is nearly identical to what I’ve written in several Eye of Prophecy articles, i.e., Palestinian Arabs do not want a state alongside of Israel. They want a state instead of (to replace) Israel.

(That slogan is often quoted / displayed by Palestinians and their supporters. The meaning is crystal clear. From the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea… All Israel must cease to exist and replaced with a Palestinian State with all Jews expelled … or killed)

The following excerpt (in italics) is from Eye of Prophecy article, The Balfour Declaration … Beginning of the Omega Generation (Part I) Posted 5-13-2017. The excerpt begins with a statement made by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to President Trump during their meeting in Washington D.C.

“We are raising our youth, our children, our grandchildren on a culture of peace.”

My immediate response in the article was:

Seriously?

Less than two years ago, Abbas incited dozens of lone-wolf attacks against innocent Israelis by declaring that Palestinians must not allow the “filthy feet of the Jews” to walk on Temple Mount. In September 2015, Abbas said that he, “welcomed every drop of blood that is spilled in Jerusalem.” Not long afterward the “Knife Intifada” began that also included shooting and car-ramming murder of Israelis.

Regarding a Palestinian State that Abbas really doesn’t want unless Israel capitulates to every single one of his demands, such as East Jerusalem (there is no such thing as east Jerusalem) as the Palestinian capital—when such a capital would more easily and with much less adversarial results be placed in Ramallah—or the return of millions of Arabs currently restricted to so-called refugee camps, here’s what Abbas said not too long ago:

“A Palestinian State like Iraq, Saudi Arabia & other Islam countries, will not have or allow a single Jew to live there.”

Richard Kemp concludes his article with, “…opening a consulate in the same city as an existing embassy—an unprecedented move—reinforces its immense political significance. Especially as there is no practical purpose for the new facility, with the embassy already incorporating a department devoted exclusively to Palestinian affairs. If an independent consulate were really needed for the Palestinians, it would make sense to put it in Ramallah, where virtually all PA government buildings are located.”

Summary

From the previous Eye of Prophecy article, What Is Done to Israel Will Be Done in Return / The Iran Nuclear Deal, I briefly introduced today’s post (a Part II-type sequel focusing on dividing Jerusalem with a Palestinian consulate) by stating:

Although this doesn’t necessarily pose an immediate existential threat as does a nuclear armed Iran, it, nevertheless, will aggravate rather than alleviate problems between Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs.

It would be tantamount to and a catalyst for a Palestinian State with Jerusalem (the eastern portion) also becoming the capital of that state. One city as the capital of two nations will not cut it. If it didn’t work/continue in Germany (East Berlin and West Berlin) between people of the same nationality (Germans), there’s absolutely no way it will be viable between two peoples whose racial and religious conflict didn’t originate a mere century or so ago. Rather, thousands of years from the ancient past.

Things to Ponder

“…Shout this message for all to hear: ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong. But I am very angry with the other nations that are now enjoying peace and security…” (Zechariah 1:14-15a).

May the executive, congressional, and judicial leaders of the United States of America and leaders of nations the world over listen to the shouts from Scripture trumpeting the passionately strong affection the true and living God has for Israel, and for Jerusalem … especially Temple Mount.

The harshest time of God’s judgment will be during the seven-year Tribulation. However, past and current events also demonstrate that God’s punishment—including his own people—has fallen periodically on those who have harmed, scattered the Jews and divided Israel and/or Jerusalem.

May leaders and peoples on a global scale heed the warnings of Scripture which declares there will be a heavy price to pay for dividing the city and land he has chosen as his very own dwelling place on earth. Beginning with the Tabernacle during Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness. Then in the glorious Temple planned by King David and built by King Solomon on Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Then during the time that the Son of God, Messiah Jesus taught and healed in Jerusalem’s rebuilt Temple some 2000 years ago.

With the Son of God returning in power and great glory to the Mount of Olives from which he ascended to heaven forty days after his magnificent resurrection from the dead to prove that he was/is the Messiah, who was sacrificially crucified for the forgiveness of sin to all who believe and receive him as Lord and Savior—Jew and Gentile alike.

Resuming with Messiah’s Second Coming to rescue the Holy City during the very last part of the Great Tribulation. Followed by Messiah Jesus’ majestic Millennial Reign from Jerusalem. And the Grand Finale: The New Jerusalem throughout all eternity.

The Jewish Apostle Paul (formerly Saul, a devout Pharisee whose heart, life, and eternal destiny were miraculously changed by his encounter with Jesus) wrote:

“Though he was God … When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:6a, 7b, & 8-11).

The following is an excerpt from the prior Eye of Prophecy article:

Let’s hope that the Lord’s wrath doesn’t boil over before the Rapture because of any rivalry with or our antagonism toward and/or disrespectful and reckless endangerment of Israel. To that end, we need to pray for the leaders of Israel and the United States to do what is right. And warn them that they are wrong if they harm Israel in any way. To recognize that Iran is our common enemy and cannot be appeased. To stop foolishly playing with fire which could be the literal result of a maniacal nuclear Iran with its sworn Islamic agenda to eradicate Israel and America.

To fully acknowledge that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel; neither Israel nor Jerusalem should ever be divided.

*Personal Note: On behalf of my brother and two sisters, this article is dedicated to our dearly loved but departed mother. Today’s posting is December 11th, 2021. Mom died on December 11th, 2011. Were she still alive she would be 100 years old this year. She loved the Scriptures and knew them well. She also loved Israel and Jerusalem.

As Jerusalem goes, so goes Israel. As Israel goes, so goes the world!

 

“The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads” (Obadiah 1:15).

As Jerusalem goes, so goes Israel. As Israel goes, so goes the world.

I do not think that is an exaggeration.

If anything, it’s an understatement. For no other reason than Jerusalem’s supreme status as a (the) Holy City.

“On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!” (Psalm 87:1-3).

If the Lord loves Jerusalem more than any city in Israel, then he must cherish Jerusalem more than any city on earth. For the Lord calls Israel his “special possession” (Joel 3:2 and other passages).

For the record, The LORD cited in the above passages and hundreds of other passages is the God of the Bible. Among other names and titles, He first referred to himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the ONLY true God and must not be confused or identified with (not the same as) the god of Islam or gods of any other religion.

“Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish” (Isaiah 46:9-10).

The Lord backs up his exclusive claim with many mighty miracles and 100% accuracy (fulfillment) for hundreds of persuasive prophecies.

The 1948 rebirth of the sovereign state of Israel followed by the liberation and reinstatement of Jerusalem as her eternal capital via Israel’s stunning victory in the Six-Day War of 1967 was (still is) the single greatest prophetic fulfillment (sign) of the end times thus far. Therefore, I’m convinced that we are living in the final generation that will experience the Rapture—resurrection of dead believers who will be caught up to heaven along with living believers, and both groups transformed into glorious eternal bodies like that of our Lord Jesus Christ. Followed by the Seven-Year Great Tribulation and Return of Messiah Jesus to establish his Millennial Reign on Planet Earth.

The intense increase in the planet’s attention on Israel and obsession with Jerusalem provide more proof that these unfulfilled events are as imminent as ever. Hardly a day goes by without politicians of all levels, celebrities, and common people from every part of the world weighing in on virtually anything and everything pertaining to Israel.

Opinions (mostly unfounded criticism, if not outright antisemitism) abound on what Israel should do or not do. Especially issues involving the Israeli / Palestinian conflict. A few national leaders occasionally (infrequently) express support for Israel’s precarious position among hostile Islamic nations surrounding Israel, particularly Iran, and from antagonistic Palestinian Arabs within Israel (Hamas but also the Palestinian Authority) who deny Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign Jewish nation. Thereby, seeking its very destruction.

For example, Austria’s Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said, “I understand Israel’s skepticism over a nuclear agreement with Iran.” Sadly, the new United States Administration under President Joe Biden does not adequately appreciate and/or is apathetic toward the perilous predicament in which the Iran Nuclear Deal (2015, spearheaded by former President Obama), places Israel.

Wrote well-known columnist David M. Weinberg in an Israel Hayom article posted 11-7-2021 entitled, Misplaced global priorities:

“In short, world leaders are seized more about the expanding ozone hole than Iran’s deepening nuclear bunkers. They are prepared to bravely declare ‘war’ on polluters, but afraid to threaten Iran with war—which is the only way to reach an accommodation with Iran. They are prepared to heroically escalate their rhetoric against carbons, but not prepared to boldly put the threat of military escalation on the table against Iran.”

Concerning the hostile Palestinian agenda against Israel, Weinberg then said:

“…World leaders are more concerned about the rights of terrorist-backed Palestinian NGOs (in response to Israel’s announcement to abolish six NGO’s that, under the guise of human rights advocacy, sponsor terrorist cells) than the rights of Israelis to live without a perpetual Iranian nuclear threat hanging over their heads. They are more upset with Jewish home-building in Jerusalem and Judea than the building of Iranian Revolutionary Guard bases on Israel’s northern border (and in Iraq, Yemen, Western Africa, etc.).” (1^st set of parentheses mine).

I would add the observation that these leaders, including (unfortunately) several in the United States administration, blindly accept the Palestinian narrative—proven time and time again to be based on deception and distortion … rewritten history. Hardly a day goes by without reading about three major complaints against Israel and Israeli Jews: apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and occupation.

Because I have written several Eye of Prophecy articles regarding these and other false accusations, my response in this article will be limited to: The accusations are absurd!

For two main reasons: (1) Most people who use (misuse) these phrases and/or carelessly accept them as fact do not really know the full meaning of the terms nor how they play out in real-life experience.

(2) The vast majority of Israel’s critics know practically nothing about Israel’s longstanding history and very little about Israel’s contemporary chronicle … past 100 years or so. None of these conditions have existed in Israel since the Jews reclaimed Jerusalem (indeed, all Israel) in their amazing victory in the Six-Day War of June 1967. Furthermore, from 1948-1967, it was Jordanian and Palestinian Arabs who were actively engaged in apartheid, ethnic cleansing against the Jews, and (illegal) settlement occupation of Judea/Samaria and Jerusalem. That is a matter of historical record of which those who irrationally dislike and even despise Israel are either woefully ignorant or deliberately disregard as irrelevant.

(Now that is ethnic cleansing!)

(See Eye of Prophecy articles: Ethnic Cleansing of Jews … The Real Palestinian Agenda (posted 9-17-2016) and More Palestinian Lies (2-20-2016).

The Rapture, Great Tribulation, and Millennial Reign of Messiah Are Closer Than Ever

The time is that much shorter with one episode after another (within Israel and outside Israel … the Middle East and the whole world) preparing for the day—during the Great Tribulation when the following prophecy will unfold:

“This message concerning the fate of Israel came from the Lord: ‘This message is from the Lord, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit. I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather together against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves’” (Zechariah 12:1-3).

Another sign of the last days of the end times is the amazing agricultural, building construction, infrastructure, and economic restoration of Israel’s land and technological advancement of her people. This for a nation that is only 73-years old with a Jewish population of less than 7 million.

“The time will come, says the Lord, when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine! I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine. I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the Lord your God” (Amos 9:13-15, emphasis added).

That time has come and will continue unabated until Israel’s achievements will be even greater and her standing among the nations highly elevated when Messiah begins his Millennial Reign on earth from Jerusalem.

Since the Romans crushed the Jewish rebellion (66-70 AD), devastated most of Israel, destroyed the Second Jewish Temple along with much of Jerusalem, and exiled the Jews to the four corners of the earth, the land of Israel had been largely forsaken. Beginning with the miraculous rebirth of Israel in 1948, Amos’s prophecy is being fulfilled before our 20^th and 21^st century eyes.

The affluence of Israel is a direct result of God’s blessing after their time of discipline ended in 1967 (see Eye of Prophecy trilogy: Seven times Seven to the 4^th power; followed by The Omega Generation—posted January, February 2014). The renewal of Israel from a desolate, infertile land to one of abundant harvest (making even the desert bloom) and beauty is a God-thing … accomplished only after the Jews returned to Israel in great numbers.

This literal budding of Israel did not take place during the times that Jews were fewer in number and the land and people were under the thumb of the Arabs, the Crusaders (not true Christians, but in name only), the Ottoman Turks, or even the British.

It was through God’s chosen people, the Jews—descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—that the land of Israel has been revived to the point of hardly being recognized after hundreds of years of neglect and barrenness.

(Example of terraced vineyards and crops in Israel yielding abundant harvests)

Which will be a catalyst to yet another powerful prophecy of the last days:

“At the time of those events, says the Lord, when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will judge them for harming my people, my special possession, for scattering my people among the nations, and for dividing up my land” (Joel 3:1-2).

Jehoshaphat means “the Lord judges.” In Joel’s prophecy, these are the same armies (Antichrist and his ten-nation coalition) spoken of by Zechariah in the passage quoted earlier plus the “kings of the east” (Daniel 11 and Revelation 16) who will at first oppose Antichrist, then align with him just before the final battle of Armageddon. The valley of Jehoshaphat judgement and Armageddon (in the valley of Megiddo) are one and the same. It will happen when Messiah Jesus returns with “power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30) to vanquish these armies just after Antichrist and the False Prophet are captured and thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19).

Many nations have harmed (or attempted to) the Jews and/or Israel through the centuries and have scattered the Jews (or attempted to). Such as: Assyria, Babylon, Persia (contemporary Iran which most Israelis believe is Israel’s greatest modern threat), the Roman Empire, Roman Catholic Church via the Crusaders and the shameful Inquisitions. Plus, European heads of state doing the Pope’s bidding through the Middle Ages. Also, Russian and eastern European pogroms against Jews particularly during the 18, 19^th & 20^th centuries. Worst of all: Hitler’s Third Reich Holocaust that murdered six million Jews.

Followed by Israel’s four full-scale wars with Arab nations: 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973. Each resulting in Israel’s victory.

When the Arab nations realized they could not defeat Israel in conventional warfare, individual Palestinians (usually after incitement by Palestinian Authority President Yassar Arafat then Mahmoud Abbas or other PA officials) resorted to lone-wolf attacks to maim and murder Jews. With Hamas in the Gaza Strip launching thousands of missiles into Israel since the Jews were removed from Gaza (under orders of the Israeli government) in 2005.

As for “dividing up my land” (Israel), that is and will continue to be more of a modern phenomenon right up to the present time and then into the post-Rapture soon-to-come Great Tribulation. The divisions began with the British Mandate that subsequently created the nation of Jordan, much of which was part of Israel’s Biblical land as described in several passages in the Old Testament. As a result of the creation of the Jordanian state, Israel’s original land mass was considerably condensed. When Messiah returns, Israel’s full territory will be as it was promised by the Lord long ago.

More on the dangers of dividing Jerusalem and Israel in the next Eye of Prophecy article.

Turmoil, Tragedy, and Terror in Israel

This was the title of three recent Eye of Prophecy articles: Part I—Turmoil; Part II— Tragedy; Part III—Terror (published June, July 2021).

Here is an excerpt from Part I of that trilogy to summarize what precipitated and comprised these three tests of endurance, experienced by Israelis primarily during the first half of 2021:

When you combine the turmoil of an Israeli government following the country’s 4^th election (March 23, 2021) in two years (under the helm of what many consider to be Israel’s greatest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—in terms of national and international accomplishments for Israel) but still unable to form a majority coalition of 61 seats in the Knesset, with the tragedy on Mount Meron (April 30^th) followed recently by terror inflicted on Israelis via indiscriminate firing of over 4,000 missiles from Gaza into Israel (beginning on May 10^th); preceded by tens of thousands of Arabs rioting in several towns, including Jerusalem (earlier in May); an argument could be made that Israel’s resolve and resiliency have not been tested like this since the 50-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2014.

Some would say not since the Palestinian intifada of 2001. Others might even compare the inner turmoil—political, social, and (most of all) religious division among Israelis—combined with the Mt. Meron tragedy in which 45 men and boys were crushed to death during what was supposed to be one of the most jubilant religious celebrations among Orthodox Jews; plus, the recent Palestinian terrorism uprising to constitute the most difficult time in Israel’s 73-year history since the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

It is mind-boggling in scope and should give serious cause for Israelis and Jews worldwide to pause; to ponder their perplexing past, perilous present, and portentous future of the reborn state of Israel.

In fact, the whole world would do well to carefully consider its imminent destiny and take heed of these three tenses of Israel’s existence….

(Damage to house in Ashkelon, Israel from missile launched by Hamas from Gaza Strip, several Israeli Jews injured)

I then made some penetrating but poignant statements in that article, directed toward Israel and the Jews, but obviously including all people and nations. Everyone needs Jesus.

Prefaced by this sub-heading:

Listen Up … Look Up!

It is time for God’s chosen people—religious, secular, leaders, and common folk alike to—individually and collectively, nationally (the state of Israel) and internationally (Jews worldwide)—heed the passionate warning of the only true and living God, the God of Israel’s ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:

“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you would only listen to me!” (Psalm 81:8).

It is time for Israel and Jews worldwide, especially the observant among them (Ultra-Orthodox, Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed) to realize that thousands of Messianic Jews all over the world (who have believed and received Jesus as the Son of God—the Messiah foretold in the Jewish Scriptures) have indeed listened to the God of Israel. They have heeded the Lord’s precious promises, powerful prophecies, and stern warnings given to his prophets, who practiced, preached, and prophesied precisely what God told them to do and speak.

Prophets such as Amos who declared: “Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Like King David who unequivocally proclaimed in one of the Messianic prophecies in Scripture that the God of Israel has a Son, who is the Messiah: “For the Lord declares, ‘I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.’ The king proclaims the Lord’s decree…” (Psalm 2:6-7a).

“Now then, you kings act wisely! Be warned you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear; and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him” (Psalms 2:7b-12).

Then in the profound book of Hebrews (New Testament), the Jewish author summarizes so great a salvation purchased by Jesus Christ with the highest price ever paid, through the (once for all) greatest sacrifice ever made … the blood and life of the Son of God. Beginning with:

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days (when the new covenant had begun), he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven” (Hebrews 1:1-3, parenthesis mine).

Blessings or Banes (Curses) Depend on How Israel Is Treated

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you…. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:1 & 3, emphasis added).

Hundreds of Bible end-times prophecies revolve around two subjects: (1) Israel’s final restoration and redemption, individually and as a nation. (2) Accomplished by the Messiah’s—Jesus of Nazareth who fulfilled all the prophecies about Messiah’s (first) arrival on earth—glorious return to rescue Israel, physically and spiritually.

“…Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say, ‘The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem, and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness. And this is my covenant with them, that I will take away their sins’” (Romans 11:25-27, quoting Isaiah 59:20-21).

Several passages also speak of God’s increased anger during the end times towards peoples and nations who try to interfere with his plan to restore Israel and usher in the Millennial Reign of Messiah Jesus from Israel’s UNDIVIDED CAPITAL of Jerusalem. Consequently, the leaders of the world, especially the United States which God has generously blessed since our foundation in 1776, would do well to venerate God, and value his precious promises and powerful prophecies.

To also heed his stern warnings regarding the mistreatment of Israel.

Based on the extraordinary evidence of several Biblical prophecies being fulfilled through the ages along with end times predictions coming to pass in this generation, I would confidently present the following premise:

The Lord’s promise of blessing those who bless Israel or judging those who treat her with contempt has increased since 1948 and will intensify until Messiah returns to this earth to set all things right in the magnificent Kingdom of God, replacing the evil, injustice, and violence of this world with righteousness, justice, and peace.

Such as natural disasters (mostly hurricanes) during the past few decades occurring in direct proximity to the United States doing or considering something that would harm or jeopardize Israel’s safety.

A New President for the United States & A New Government & Prime Minister for Israel

Will they be good for the United States and Israel or not so good?

Earlier this year, the 4^th Israeli election in the past 2 ½ years finally produced a coalition government, albeit an awkward and fragile combination of ultra-liberal, central, and conservative parties unprecedented in Israel’s 73-year history. Much like the current Democrat/Republican 50-50 split in America’s Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris a tiebreaker, if necessary, the Israeli parliament consists of a majority with the slimmest of margins … 61-59.

Although U.S. President Joe Biden eventually invited Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to meet with him at the White House with all the politically correct verbiage before, during, and after the meeting, their relationship is tenuous (more like testy) at best. During his years as U.S. Senator, President Biden expressed solid support for Israel. However, as Vice President he was heavily influenced by former President Obama’s displeasure with Israel—especially directed against (then Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu.

Just as Israel was recovering from the turmoil, tragedy, terror from within her borders that I wrote about in the previously cited articles, she now faces critical challenges from without. Not the least of which is the United States through an administration that is determined to undo all that former President Donald Trump did, especially regarding Israel. Rather than acknowledging the positive actions taken by Biden’s predecessor including, but not limited to, relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and U.S. withdrawal from the horrendous (dangerous) Iran Nuclear Deal.

President Biden has (for now) agreed to leave our embassy in Jerusalem. However, as we will see, he is also seeking to undermine both the symbolic principle and political practicality of the U.S. Embassy being in Israel’s capital which as the previous president Trump and his executive staff said at the time: “It was the right thing to do.”

Recently, the Israeli government passed a (belated) budget for the 2021 calendar year … also 2022. Unless this budget had been finalized before November 14, the new government would have dissolved, and elections held yet again. Shortly afterward, Prime Minister Naftali Bennet said: “Our next mission is to utilize this stability and deal with the challenges and problems that have been neglected for years….”

He then identified several issues, all of which were national or internal matters such as housing cost, traffic jams, cost of living, crime in the Israeli Arab communities. At that time Bennett said nothing about the two most critical challenges facing Israel which, as indicated, have originated internationally—first and foremost through the Biden Administration. Yet, he did address those problems during his meeting with President Biden and during a couple of press conferences.

Concerning Iran, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke these words in preparation for the November 29 conference in Vienna, subject of which will be further discussions on the 2015 nuclear deal:

“Iran poses a strategic threat to the world and an existential threat to Israel, and they ought not to be allowed to get away with it. We will not tire, we will be relentless, when we are talking about the very existence of the Jewish state, we will do what we need to do.”

(Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addressing the United Nations on 9-27-2021)

Kudos for Naftali Bennett even though former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said things like this numerous times over several years.

These two challenges constitute “existential threats,” meaning a threat to Israel’s very existence as a sovereign state among the family of nations on earth. They are:

(1) The Iran Nuclear Deal: I would surmise that most readers of today’s article are at least somewhat familiar with this infamous “deal” between Iran and six nations, including the United States. With today’s headlines continuously commenting on President Biden’s push to restart discussions (possibly more negotiations) with what is clearly an arrogant and stubborn Iran.

Here is an excerpt from the first part of Eye of Prophecy article entitled, A Deal That Will Live in Infamy (8-1-2015):

I suppose there are other titles that could be used for the subject of this week’s Eye of Prophecy article. But since it follows on the heels of last week’s post entitled, Day of Infamy that dealt with the Jewish 9^th day of Av—a date on which two titanic tragedies and other ominous events struck Israel—it’s appropriate to describe the recent nuclear arrangement with Iran in the same fashion.

This deal with a nation that is an avowed enemy of Israel and the United States is eerily comparable to and just as menacing as the day that England’s Neville Chamberlain signed a pact with Hitler. An agreement that not only didn’t guarantee peace in their time, but intensified the winds of war that led to World War II.

Deal? A very loose term at best. Agreement? I suppose so if they mean that the P5+1 nations agreed to everything Iran demanded. It just may be the most one-sided bargain of all time. No level playing field. No equal benefits for both sides. Picture a teeter-totter that won’t move up and down, with Iran grounded securely below and the P5+1 nations dangling in the air above … hung out to dry. Or a merry-go-round with Iran standing and smirking nearby as they watch the United States on the carousel going round and round at a maddening and dizzying pace….

The imagery of a playground is suitable because the leaders of the United States and of other powerful nations on earth are playing with the lives and destiny of millions of Jews and Arabs and Persians in the Middle East.

Oh, there was give and take. The United States and other P5 nations did all the giving and Iran did all the taking. In doing so, our Presidential Staff apathetically ignored the warnings of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his stirring address to the United States Congress on March 3^rd, 2015. Much was written about the speech that President Obama and Secretary of state John Kerry refused to attend, including the Eye of Prophecy article entitled, A Modern Day Esther, posted this past March 7^th.

I then quoted a small part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the United States Congress. As follows:

Prime Minister Netanyahu proposed a much better deal with concluding remarks such as, “Ladies and gentlemen, history has placed us at a fateful crossroads. We must now choose between two paths. One path leads to a bad deal that will at best curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions for a while, but it will inexorably lead to a nuclear-armed Iran whose unbridled aggression will inevitably lead to war. The second path, however difficult, could lead to a much better deal that would prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, a nuclearized Middle East and the horrific consequences of both to all of humanity.”

(Back to the 2015 article, A Deal That Will Live in Infamy)

Now that this infamous deal is done, it’s all too clear which path was taken.

This deal has been in the making for nearly two years. Many of us hoped (wishful thinking) that the P5 +1 nations, which include the United States, would see through Iran’s deceitful agenda.

That we would come to our collective senses, and fully realize that you cannot deal with a rogue nation—an enemy which before, during, and after the negotiations continued their tirade that calls for the humiliation and destruction of both Israel and the United States.

(Leaders from the P5 + 1 nations and Iran, plus United Nations representative/flag)

In that article I then discussed in more detail some of the repercussions of this deal (called the Joint Comprehensive Agreement) which would endanger the nation of Israel. Prefaced by an excerpt from a previous article entitled, Let’s Make a Deal, published 12-14-13, written about this deal in the early stages of negotiations. I’m convinced the material in both of those prior articles is as relevant today as it was in 2015 and 2013, respectively. As follows a portion from the 2013 post (also in italics):

About three weeks ago, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei announced to the Iranian people: “Israel is doomed to failure and annihilation.” That, “Zionist leaders cannot be called human.” A short while before that, Khamenei said, “The Zionist regime is a rabid dog.” There were other words of hatred directed against Israel. But the irony of this menacing message is that it was delivered disrespectfully just a short time before the P5+1 (United States, Great Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany) completed negotiations with Iran in a November 24th interim deal called a “Joint Plan of Action”—to ease economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for a “slow-down” of Iran’s nuclear enrichment of uranium.

Would you make a deal with someone whose main purpose in life was to destroy you and members of your family or your best friend? How do you negotiate with those who would lie to you, cheat you, and ultimately kill you to accomplish their warped objectives? Where do you start? What do you say? How sure can you be? Why are you even there in the first place? But none of these questions seemed to bother the P5+1, with perhaps the exception of France.

“Suppose we can reason with them?” Really?  … It’s been 34 years since the attack on the US Embassy in Tehran and kidnapping of dozens of US Embassy representatives by the newly formed Islamic government of Iran. If we’re even a fraction wrong about Iran’s true intentions, then there’s a 99.9% chance they will follow through on their threats.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to this menacing pact was to label it an “historic mistake.” He should know. For the same 34 years, Israel has lived under the constant threat of Iranian terror exported to Syria and Lebanon, especially through Hezbollah. Because Israel understands her enemies far better than the United States under the current administration, Netanyahu also said, “The most dangerous regime in the world must not be allowed to have the most dangerous weapon in the world … we will not allow Iran to receive a military nuclear capability.”

Summary

The U.S. Democrat administrations (naively) sees non-confrontation concessions as the best way to deal with even a terrorist nation. With the misguided notion that placating Iran will persuade its dictatorial leaders not to pursue nuclear bombs. The Republican administration under Trump and most Republicans in the current Biden administration believe the best (only) way to handle a rogue regime like Iran is coercion though sanctions and a show of strength. That nothing should be left on the proverbial “table” including military action, if necessary.

It’s quite simple: As with the Obama era, once again the United States doesn’t regard Iran all that seriously. Accordingly, Biden has reversed Trump’s withdrawal from this so-called deal and is actively promoting compromises with Iran. Whereas Israel takes Iran very solemnly as expressed by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who avowed that Israel would do whatever it takes to prevent Iran from going nuclear. The question is whether Israel’s current government under Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is as committed to this goal. It appears they are, but will they relent if the United States (wrongly) applies excessive pressure on Israel not to interfere … politically and especially militarily.

One more excerpt from Let’s Make a Deal:

Regardless of your view on the right or wisdom of Israel to act independently of the US, or the P5+1, or the entire world, I would again ask: Would you sit down at the table with an enemy who has sworn to do anything and everything they can to terminate your existence on this earth? And keep in mind that Iran has not only threatened to wipe Israel from the global map, it has also avowed to destroy the “Great Satan.” That’s right. Iran refers to America as the Great Satan; Israel is only the “little Satan.” We should be so honored?!

In a recent interview, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said about the same thing: “It’s really dangerous what the administration is doing. They will, if they head back into that deal, provide resources and money for a regime that had made clear its intentions to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. They want to destroy America as well.”

It’s elementary. Extortion 101. Protection money. Only with the Iran Nuclear Deal this protection has a shelf life.

*Note: Although there’s a possibility that Israel and Iran will go to war before the Rapture, I’m convinced that it will be a limited engagement consisting more of sporadic aerial or missile strikes and/or naval skirmishes. Not until after the Rapture and the massive Gog/Magog invasion against Israel led by Russia, Iran, and Turkey will it be all-out war. A war in which Israel will stand back and watch the Lord God unilaterally fight for Israel and soundly defeat this massive coalition (Ezekiel Chapters 38 & 39).

(Biblical names for today’s Russia, Turkey, Iran, Ethiopia, and Libya. Ezekiel identifies only these nations by name but says there will be “many others.” Thus, I would identify the other nations shown in dark red–besides the five listed–as “probably against Israel”)

Several Eye of Prophecy articles have been written on this subject. Such as: The Prophetic Endgame of Gog and Magog (posted 11-9-2019) and The Terrible Trio of Gog/Magog (2-17-2018).

The bottom line is that U.S. President Biden and his entire executive staff are willing to risk Israel’s (and other nations in the Middle East who see Iran as a threat—like Saudi Arabia) very existence over their end game of discount (the threat) diplomacy. Plus, the United States is setting the stage for a Post-Rapture (Tribulation period) adversarial relationship with Israel by (eventually) cooperating with the Antichrist and his ten-nation coalition. Please see Eye of Prophecy article, “One Ring to Rule Them All…” (11-21-2015).

The second challenge to Israel that also originates directly from/with the United States:

(2) Establish a Consulate for the Palestinians in Israel’s Capital, Jerusalem.

Although this doesn’t necessarily pose an immediate existential threat as does a nuclear armed Iran, it, nevertheless, will aggravate rather than alleviate problems between Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs.

It would be tantamount to and a catalyst for a Palestinian State with Jerusalem (the eastern portion) also becoming the capital of that state. One city as the capital of two nations will not cut it. If it didn’t work/continue in Germany (East Berlin and West Berlin) between people of the same nationality (Germans), there’s absolutely no way it will be viable between two peoples whose racial and religious conflict didn’t originate a mere century or so ago. Rather, thousands of years from the ancient past.

Alas, I’m out of space and time. We’ll examine the details of this proposed consulate in the next article, including quotes from some prominent politicians and journalists. And, of course, more Scripture passages regarding the danger of mistreating the “apple of God’s eye” (Zechariah 2:8, NASB).

Things to Ponder

Defiance of God by attacking (synonyms: assailing, assaulting, condemning, damaging, harassing, harming, hurting) his special possession Israel and chosen people the Jews has in the past provoked God to anger and retribution. In the future any dire existential threats (active or passive) against the reborn state of Israel will arouse the full fury of the Lord.

“But this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘When Gog invades the land of Israel my fury will boil over! …and all the people on earth—will quake in terror at my presence. Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth… Your men will turn their swords against each other. I will punish you and your armies with disease and bloodshed. I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur! In this way I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 38:18-23).

Let’s hope that the Lord’s wrath doesn’t boil over before the Rapture because of any rivalry with or our antagonism toward and/or disrespectful and reckless endangerment of Israel. To that end, we need to pray for the leaders of Israel and the United States to do what is right. And warn them that they are wrong if they harm Israel in any way. To recognize that Iran is our common enemy and cannot be appeased. To stop foolishly playing with fire which could be the literal result of a maniacal nuclear Iran with its sworn Islamic agenda to eradicate Israel and America.

And as we will see in the next Eye of Prophecy post: To fully acknowledge that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel; neither Israel nor Jerusalem should ever be divided.

In response to Prime Minister Bennett’s words quoted earlier regarding Iran (we will do what we need to do), one high-ranking Iranian general retorted boastfully to the effect that if Israel started anything, Iran would finish it. As a result, Israel would cease to exist.

Really?

I’ll take the Everlasting to Everlasting I AM, Alpha and Omega, Sovereign Creator, Almighty & Most High God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob over the man-made Islamic moon-god anytime, anywhere.

Iran will get its chance. I would encourage its leaders and citizens to read Ezekiel Chapters 38 & 39 for the outcome!

The Lord will give those who defy him and seek Israel’s destruction one last chance to “break their chains … and free ourselves from slavery to God” (Psalm 2:3).

For those who deliberately ignore the warnings of Scripture:

“God says, ‘At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. I warned the proud, Stop your boasting! I told the wicked, don’t raise your fists! Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance. For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness—should raise a defiant fist. It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall’” (Psalm 75:2-7).

The following was presented in the introduction to Part I (Turmoil in Israel), and repeated in the Part II post (Tragedy in Israel):

When you combine the turmoil of an Israeli government following the country’s 4^th election (March 23, 2021) in two years … still unable to form a majority coalition of 61 seats in the Knesset, with the tragedy on Mount Meron (April 30^th); followed recently by terror inflicted on Israelis via indiscriminate firing of over 4,000 missiles from Gaza into Israel (beginning on May 10^th); preceded by tens of thousands of Arabs rioting in several towns, including Jerusalem (earlier in May); an argument could be made that Israel’s resolve and resiliency have not been tested like this since the 50-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2014.

Some would say not since the Palestinian intifada of 2001. Others might even compare the inner turmoil—political, social, and (most of all) religious division among Israelis—combined with the Mt. Meron tragedy in which 45 men and boys were crushed to death during what was supposed to be one of the most jubilant religious celebrations among Orthodox Jews; plus, the recent Palestinian terrorism uprising to constitute the most difficult time in Israel’s 73-year history since the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

Also, the challenge and premise applicable to all three articles will be partially repeated:

Challenge: …a respectful but also robust challenge to Israelis and to Jews throughout the world (whether religious or secular) … that the recent developments in Israel should be a wake-up call to look up for divine guidance in general. And for their returning Messiah in particular.

Premise: The current (internal) turmoil produced in part by Israel’s political system and sometimes dysfunctional government, the tragedy of the recent Meron disaster, and the terror caused by the latest war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas terrorist organization contain precedents, parallels, and patterns … preparing and even precipitating the return of both Christ (Jesus) and Antichrist (Nero).

Terror & Terrorism

As with turmoil in Part I and tragedy in Part II, let’s look at the definition of terror in this week’s post. Grasping the far-reaching meaning of each term provides that much more insight on what is happening in Israel, in these last days of the end times.

Webster’s Dictionary defines terror: “A state of intense fear; a frightening aspect (ex: invasion); a cause of anxiety; worry.” Also, “Reign of terror … violence (as bomb-throwing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands.”

Some synonyms of terror: dread, alarm, panic, shock.

Terrorize: “to fill with terror, or anxiety. To coerce by threat or violence.”

Terrorism: “the systematic use of terror, esp. as a means of coercion.”

That’s what terrorists do: they systematically (sometimes spontaneous, but more often planned) terrorize innocent civilians to intimidate and get concessions from them and/or their government. But also, just for the sake of maiming and killing … borne out of hatred for their victims. That and pure evil.

(We all know where we were when we first heard. In just a couple of months, it will be twenty years)

It is no (statistical) secret. The facts show undeniably: the greater majority of those who fit these definitions/profiles of terrorists are Muslims.

Their religious and political ideology are deep-rooted in Islam. Their chief enemies are Jews, Christians, and, depending on the two main branches of Islam … Shi’ite or Sunni, other Muslims when necessary.

Terrorism covers the gamut of lone wolf attacks (guns, knives, rocks, firebombs, car-ramming, explosives wired to their bodies); to small groups/gangs (beginning with airplane, bus, train hijackings … now frontal attacks using guns and grenades); to well-rehearsed larger cells of say eight or more (Munich Olympics and 9/11 … plus rioting in general). To much larger groups with thousands or tens of thousands of well-armed soldiers led by religious/political fanatics that function like a quasi-government and paramilitary … such as Boko Haram in Africa, Taliban in Afghanistan, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in the Gaza Strip of Israel.

Plus, international terrorism ruthlessly dispensed by Al-Quada and ISIS at their terroristic worst.

Not to mention entire nations or national governments ruled by Islamic dictators that have terrorized their own people, e.g., Iraq, Iran, Syria, and several African countries. With Iran funding Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthis.

With exception of communist nations (China, North Korea, some say Russia still is), they are ALL Muslim. There is no Islamophobia going on here. It is the plain truth of the matter.

With regard to these terrorists and their terrorism, it is not much different in Israel.

With, however, one exceptional exception. It has been going on (and off, but mostly on) for 73 years; ever since Israel’s rebirth as a Sovereign State, and the only democracy in the Middle East at that. Jewish parents, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in Israel have all faced terror in some sinister shape or another.

At first it was entire Islamic Arab nations who tried to destroy Israel in four different wars. Beginning with armies from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt attacking Jews the day after Israel declared statehood on May 14, 1948. After the Six-Day War of 1967, and particularly the Yom Kippur War of 1973, these Arab nations realized they could not defeat Israel by conventional warfare.

Consequently, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) decided to take up the cause of driving Jews out of Israel via terrorism and substituting a Palestinian State. Not a state alongside Israel; rather a Muslim/Arab state in place of Israel. That’s exactly what the Palestinian mantra means when it boasts: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

And that is precisely what the Palestinian Authority President meant when he said:

After the Palestinian Authority was formed during the ill-fated Oslo Accords of 1993, the Palestinians (Arab non-citizens of Israel) began to use terrorism as the regular weapon of choice. That and the attempt to gain international sympathy and support via the oft used tactic of Muslims making martyrs out of their murderers. “Resistance-fighters” out of their terrorists.

Time/space in this article do not permit elaboration to refute the derogatory insinuations and blatant lies perpetuated against Israel that falsely accuse Israeli Jews and/or the Israeli government of such things as apartheid. Or using terms like occupation and settlers as though the Jews have no right to live in certain areas of Israel. For purpose of today’s article, I will simply repeat what has been documented at greater length in prior Eye of Prophecy articles: There is absolutely NO APARTHEID in Israel. There is categorically NO OCCPATION (illegally or even in the negative sense of the word).

For an in-depth look at the real history of Israel and the Palestinian issue combined with current (accurate) facts on the ground, please consider some of the Eye of Prophecy articles on this subject. Such as (chronological order of posting):

Israeli Occupation … Fact or Myth? (Posted 5-16-15)

Can A Murderer Be A Martyr? (1-30-16)

The Myth of Al Aqsa Mosque (4-16-16)

Ethnic Cleansing of Jews … The Real Palestinian Agenda (9-17-16)

Jewish Sovereignty on Temple Mount, Part I & II (8-5 & 8-12-17)

The Real Reason for Palestinian Terrorism (9-30-17)

The “Right of Return” … For Palestinians or Jews? (4-7-18)

Israel’s Controversial Nation-State Law (8-11-18)

Judea/Samaria & Gaza Strip / Who Has Sovereignty? (5-11-19)

Jewish Settlements in Judea/Samaria … Are They Illegal? (11-23-19)

Palestine or Israel? Which Is It? / Your Answer May be in Jeopardy! (1-18-20)

Israel’s Annexation of Occupied Territories? We Must Define the Terms (6-27-20)

If you haven’t, please read some or even all these articles, then draw your own conclusions.

Elusive Peace in Israel

I have been to Israel (March 2006 with one of my sisters), although I wasn’t your typical tourist with a tour group visiting the cherished sites of the Holy Land. My main purpose was to gather geographic and demographic data for my first book (a novel, entitled O Israel). Most of the time, we rented a car. On a couple of occasions, we took a taxi.

Obviously, in the fifteen years since that trip some things have changed in and around Israel. Yet many things have not changed, not the least of which is the contemporary Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nor the endless struggle between Arab and Jew beginning some 3,800 years ago … Ishmael and Isaac. Then between Muslims (mostly Arabs) and Jews beginning about 1,400 years ago.

(Protesters near Damascus Gate leading to Old City of Jerusalem. One of three gates my sister and I went through during our trip to Israel. The actual entrance is obscured in the photo by a Palestinian flag. Several of these protests turned into riots in early May, 2021)

In the context of this trilogy’s themes, I will mention only three features of that trip.

With a preface: these observations representatively affirm that there is nothing whatsoever in Israel to even suggest a condition of apartheid—which did occur years ago in South Africa. Israeli Arabs (citizens of Israel) have equal rights to Jewish Israelis, including but not limited to voting and holding office in the Knesset, that the indigenous blacks of South Africa never had.

Even the non-citizen Palestinians—who refuse to become citizens of Israel unless it’s by marrying an Israeli Arab—of the Gaza Strip and Judea/Samaria (aka West Bank) have privileges that many of their fellow Arabs in Islamic countries do not have. Not the least of which is a higher standard of living … excepting the oil-rich families of the Gulf States. Nor, for example, Palestinians living in Syria and Lebanon; many of whom are being mistreated as second and third-class citizens by the governments of those nations. Consequently, many are poverty-stricken.

Those three things:

(1) Our first taxi driver (Sammie) who served as a tour guide for the initial part of our trip to Jerusalem (we started in Tel Aviv) was born of an Egyptian father and Jewish mother. And, of all things, he passionately believed that Jesus was/is the Messiah and would someday return to Jerusalem! I hope he is still in business!

(2) Our last taxi driver simply drove us from the Old City of Jerusalem to our hotel in the newer part of the Holy City. He was an Israeli Arab, approximately 62 years old. I asked him point-blank if he and his fellow Arab citizens (including non-citizen Palestinians) were better off in a democratic Jewish nation than he and his ancestors were under a non-state (territorial) Jordanian rule (most of Jerusalem from 1948-1967); British mandate (1917-1948); and Ottoman Turk empire (some four hundred years before that).

His answer … “yes.” However, with a disclaimer. He said that the land (of Israel) does not belong to the Jews but to his people. Yet he stopped short of saying that there should be a Palestinian state.

This has been and still is the main dividing line and stumbling block between Muslim and Jew. Muslims simply will not acknowledge:

(A) the Jews have been in Israel since God gave the Promised Land to them nearly 4,000 years ago. Whereas the Arabs did not occupy (in the negative sense of the word) Israel until Mohammed invented Islam in the 7^th century AD and began killing and subjugating Jews.

(B) For several years now, the Jews in Israel have outnumbered both the Arab Israelis and the Palestinians in Israel. Even though the ultimate right for the existence of the one Jewish nation on earth stems from the only true God granting them in perpetuity this small portion of land—plus 3,300 years of inhabiting (settling) and possessing (occupying in the neutral sense of the word) the Promised Land with Jerusalem as its eternal capital under King David around 1,000 B.C.—the fact that there are more Jews in Israel than Arabs is a point that cannot be dismissed. If for no other reason than this (population) numbers card has been played by the Arabs for years.

(3) In 2005 (just a few months before my trip to Israel), some 10,000 Israeli Jews were evicted by their own government (Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the time) from their homes in the Gaza Strip, many under police and military “escort” (coercion). They were relocated throughout Israel. Please understand: The Gaza Strip is geographically part of the sovereign state of Israel. The Jews were not “settlers” in Gaza nor were they “occupying” it. They were removed mostly for security but also for geopolitical reasons.

Much could be said about that unfortunate decision; however, only one point will be made in the context of today’s article: To this day, there are those (misinformed, uninformed, refuse to be informed) who erroneously think or say that Israeli Jews occupy the Gaza Strip and/or segregate it.

(A not so new) Newsflash: There are no Jews living in the Gaza Strip, nor have they for 16 years. Nor do the Gazan Palestinians want Jews there or want to be part of the State of Israel. Because they do not even recognize Israel’s right to exist. It is the Jews who are segregated by/from Gaza.

(One of the sad scenes during the 2005 expulsion of Jews from Gaza, some by force)

Consequently, Hamas refuses to participate in peace discussions with Israelis. Nor will Hamas (which began their autocratic Gaza rule in 2007) recognize or be part of a Palestinian State with the Palestinian Authority (headquartered in Ramallah of Judea/Samaria region) running that state. In fact, the Palestinian Authority / Fatah and Hamas are bitter enemies.

With whom is Israel supposed to negotiate? It would be sheer madness for Israelis to consider the creation of another state within its borders (with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt) when the people of that state cannot even agree on whether to hold elections. Nor would one Palestinian side recognize the legitimacy of the other’s government even if an election would produce such and such a leader or leaders. Plus, it’s absurdly impractical to create a Palestinian state with what would be two or three separated boundaries, as opposed to contiguous borders within Israel proper.

Terror in Israel

The deep mourning of all Israel over the Mt. Meron Lag B’Omer tragedy of April 30, 2021, had barely begun when the Palestinians in Judea/Samaria, joined shortly afterward by thousands of Arab Israelis, followed a few days later by the terror organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip decided to add terror to Israel’s turmoil and tragedy. A reign of terror; literally raining down missiles in Israel.

Not that Arabs in Israel—usually Palestinians, but in this latest episode also thousands of rioting Israeli Arab citizens—need an excuse (pretense) to wreak as much havoc as they can get away with before Israel is forced to respond. Some terror attacks are a spur-of-the-moment result of incitement by Palestinian leaders.

However, from the evidence collected during this latest spate of terror or gleaned after the cease-fire (5-21-2021) between Hamas and Israel, it’s clear that the sequence of events was mostly planned … deliberate. Each provocation was more calculated than impulsive. The Palestinians and Israeli Arabs knew that the attacks on Israeli Jews and their property (beatings, rocks, Molotov cocktails, burning, looting, missiles from Gaza) would produce a response from Israeli police and military. They reckoned that Israel’s response to defend and protect her people would be perceived as entirely disproportional in the eyes of the world; thereby, generating more (senseless) sympathy for the “underdog.”

It’s All About Jerusalem

One feature of this latest engagement (May 10 through 21) between Hamas and Israel that is like the previous three (limited) wars of 2008, 2012, and 2014: the launching of missiles (over 4,300) into Israel. With Israel’s (necessary) retaliation of some 1,500 air strikes by the IDF Air Force. Israel hit Hamas hard and rightfully so considering Hamas’ massive number of missiles and, as we will soon see, the out-and-out arrogance of Hamas leaders.

However, there were two aspects of this Arab/Palestinian uprising different than past episodes of terrorism.

(1) The widespread rioting and violent attacks against Jews and Jewish property by Israeli Arabs (citizens of Israel) instead of the non-citizen Palestinians of Judea/Samaria. Albeit, with a great deal of incitement by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and by his military arm Fatah.

(2) Jerusalem as the center of attention like never. In fact, the Israeli Defense Force named this military operation in response to Hamas’ missile barrage, “Guardian of the Walls.” Referring primarily to the Western Wall in Jerusalem just below Temple Mount. Hamas labeled their (unprovoked) missile attack that struck several Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and even Jerusalem itself: “Sword of Jerusalem.”

Hamas’ switch in reasons (excuses) for launching their periodic missile and mortar attacks indiscriminately into Israel cities was summarized by retired Israeli Navy commander Eliezer Marom in his article posted 6-1-2021 in Israel Hayom, entitled: It must be clear: Jerusalem is not up for discussion. He writes:

“…Hamas gambled and started the latest round using a different narrative than it employed in the previous ones. It was no longer about ‘resistance’ and defending the Gaza Strip and its residents from ‘the siege,’ but rather about ‘protecting Jerusalem and hurting anyone who attacks it.’ The Palestinian public was fired up and we saw Arab Israelis take to the streets.”

*Note: Hamas’ audacity and conceit is clearly on display nowadays. They no longer imply; rather they insist that ALL Jerusalem belongs to the Arabs, not just the eastern portion to include Temple Mount.

Eliezer Marom continues: “Ultimately, in war, the image of victory is a mental one. At the end of this round, Hamas managed to cast itself in the eyes of some of the Palestinian public as the defender of Jerusalem. The IDF’s success in crushing Hamas’ military capabilities has not been sufficiently publicized. Hamas is trying to create a new equation in which any attack on Jerusalem, such as evicting residents of Sheikh Jarrah (more on that incident in a moment) or police entering the Temple Mount compound, will lead to Hamas rocket fire on civilian targets in central Israel. We cannot accept that (parenthesis mine)”

(One of the Israeli Jews dwellings damaged during the 11-days of Hamas missiles into Israel) 

This latest action between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas (funded by Iran) is yet another prelude to this well-known, soon-to-unfold end times Biblical prophecy:

“This message concerning the fate of Israel came from the Lord. ‘This message is from the Lord, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit. I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves’” (Zechariah 12:1-3).

I am convinced that one of the reasons (a pretense because nearby nations, including Arab Muslim nations don’t really care about the Palestinians) for the Gog/Magog invasion of Israel (led by Russia, Iran, and Turkey) soon after the Rapture will be to assist the Palestinians of Israel in their avowed goal to “free Palestine.” To “liberate Jerusalem” from the Jews.

According to Ezekiel 38 & 39, God Himself will unilaterally and utterly crush this coalition.

Then, near the end of the Great Tribulation, Zechariah’s (Chapters 12 & 14) prophecy plus that of Daniel Chapter 11 will unfold. With Antichrist and his alliance invading Israel for any number of reasons, to include ostensibly “deliverance” of the Palestinians from the Israelis.

More so than ever, both Palestinians and Israeli Arabs fabricated threats of Jewish attacks against Al Aqsa Mosque on Israel’s most holy site (Temple Mount) as an excuse to attack Israeli Jews and provoke Israeli police. That and distorting the evidence and deceiving themselves and anyone who didn’t want to know all the facts about a situation in Jerusalem involving (alleged arbitrary) eviction of Arab residents from their homes … without cause. When, in fact, they were tenants simply not paying their rent and had not for decades.

The Sheikh Jarrah Saga

Several op-ed articles were posted about the Sheikh Jarrah episode, with the authors explaining the real circumstances (history).Thereby, exposing the lies foisted by and on both Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Arabs, as well as misinformation from some international media sources, especially those that are subjectively slanted against Israel.

Even then, a recent poll disclosed that only about 25% of Arabs in Israel believed the distortions about Israel’s handling of the Sheikh Jarrah dilemma. Which means the majority knew all too well the rest of the story.

In 1973 well-known Israeli diplomat Abba Eban said (in the context of Arab/Palestinians not terribly interested in peace negotiations):

This time they seized the moment because what they were about to do was anything but peaceful. Why not use the lies about Sheikh Jarrah and Temple Mount to protest, riot, terrorize, and attack Jews and destroy Jewish property (Israeli Arabs)? And to lob thousands of deadly missiles and mortars into Israel (Hamas).

Time/space only permits a condensed version as found in excerpts from a couple of these articles. Beginning with: Media lies about Sheikh Jarrah feed a false narrative. Written by James Sinkinson, President of and posted originally on June 13, 2021, for FLAME (Facts and Logic About the Middle East); reposted in Jewish News Syndicate.

“In the days leading up to the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, the mainstream media and various talking heads were provocatively reporting on the ‘eviction’ or ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Palestinians from their homes in eastern Jerusalem in favor of ‘Jewish settlers.’ Thus begins one of the most outrageous sagas of twisted journalism and media disinformation so far this century. The New Yorker’s Steve Coll disingenuously put it this way: ‘For many Palestinians, the eviction cases evoked a long history of dispossession while presenting evidence of continued efforts to remove them from the city.’

“Few journalists—and certainly not Coll—bothered to provide background beyond these breathless declarations, which at times bordered on incitement and anti-Semitism, and which are part of the wider battle against the legitimacy of Jews in their national, indigenous and ancestral homeland.”

*Note: There has never been a case of Israeli Jews attempting, “to remove them (Palestinian Arabs) from the city (Jerusalem)”, merely for the purpose of dispossession or ethnic cleansing. In fact, it’s just the opposite. As Sinkinson goes on to explain and as I (and others) have written about the contemporary history of Israel; it was Jordan (Arabs) who in 1948 forcefully evicted Jews from most of Jerusalem, including the Old City which lies in the eastern part of Jerusalem. Not until Israel won a stunning victory over superior Arab armies in the phenomenal Six-Day War of 1967, did Israel reclaim what rightfully belonged to her … ALL of Israel and ALL of Jerusalem.

Only to relinquish some of the territory back to Egypt (Gaza & Sinai) and Jordan (Temple Mount). Then land sections known as A & B of Judea/Samaria to the Palestinian Arabs. With, however, ultimate jurisdiction maintained by the sovereign Jewish State of Israel.

James Sinkinson goes on to explain that the Sheikh Jarrah community in question was (illegally, due to illegitimate occupation and administration by Jordan) “arranged for the housing of 28 Arab families in the area of the abandoned residential compounds in the Shimon Hatzadik neighborhood….”

Sheikh Jarrah is the burial site of a 3^rd century B.C. Jewish high priest, Shimon Hatzadik who served, “…700-800 years before the arrival of Muslim invaders.”

He stated, “Most importantly, the New Yorker … failed to clarify that the properties in question were legally purchased in 1875 by two Jewish trusts committed to the development of the Jewish population of Jerusalem… After Israel liberated these areas in the 1967 Six-Day, the Jewish families who had had their homes and lands confiscated—and had the deeds to prove it—began proceedings to reclaim them. In 1972, these claims were accepted by the courts, and ownership was returned to the original owners.”

(Shiekh Jarrah community in Jerusalem)

The rightful Jewish owners of these houses/properties agreed to allow the Arab tenants to remain, with (the obvious) condition that they honor the leases and pay rent. Not only didn’t the Arabs pay rent and/or move out when their lease expired, they damaged and destroyed some of the buildings including an old synagogue.

James Sinkinson then accurately stated in his article: “Like all tenants who refuse to pay their agreed rent and (who) damage property, they were legally called to leave. Eviction notices were issued, but the tenants refused to leave, despite exhausting all legal avenues open to them….”

He then summarized by explaining how international media in their incomplete and dishonest reporting of this situation, “gives the false impression that these Arabs lived on their own property since time immemorial” (italics in the text).

In a more recent article entitled: The 2021 Gaza War: An overview reprinted in Jewish News Syndicate, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations and journalist Dore Gold explained the two reasons given by Hamas in attacking Israel.

Wrote Dore Gold:

“According to Hamas, the 2021 war was caused by Israeli actions in Jerusalem: first, the Palestinian protests around the Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. Hamas spokesman argued that Israel was planning to evict residents from that area. But in truth, this was a legal dispute that had been under consideration by Israeli courts for many years….

“This was not a dispute between indigenous Arab residents and new Israeli ‘settlers’ as it is often portrayed today. The legal battle over Sheikh Jarrah went all the way up to the Israeli Supreme Court, which evaluated the orders issued by lower courts to evict the squatters and ordered Israeli Police to enact the ruling.”

Dore Gold then labeled the next sub-heading in his article (in bold letters):

“The Israeli ‘threat’ to the al-Aqsa Mosque”

Followed by: “Hamas claims that a second cause of the Gaza attack was events on the Temple Mount, namely Israeli police stopping rioting and stone-throwing from inside the barricaded al-Aqsa Mosque. Since the early 20^th century, the Palestinian leadership in Jerusalem sought to use the so-called threat to the Muslim religious shrines on the Temple Mount as an instrument to rally (incitement) public opinion” (parenthesis mine).

Large rocks, firebombs, and firecrackers (the kind that can cause injury) were hurled from Temple Mount onto Jewish worshipers at the Western Wall below with the intention of luring a large contingency of police to respond. The rioters then pelted the police with more stones and Molotov cocktails. Police responded with stun grenades and water cannons. Palestinians cunningly convinced the (mostly) uninformed international media that, “the Israeli Police decided to attack peaceful Muslim worshippers on Temple Mount.”

*Note: Are rocks and firebombs part and parcel of Islamic worship….?

(Stockpiled rocks inside Al Aqsa Mosque on Temple Mount)

Fortunately, there were no police fatalities; however, 18 were wounded.

As written by Shmuel Katz in an article posted in Jewish News Syndicate (May 24, 2021) entitled, Anti-Semitic lies, Israeli truths:

“Hamas gave an ultimatum to Israel on May 10 to leave the Temple Mount and Sheikh Jarrah, and release by 6 p.m. all Arab rioters who were caught and arrested. Israel ignored this insane ultimatum, and Hamas started a massive assault on Jerusalem and other Israeli locations, launching multiple rockets…”

*Note: several of these rockets didn’t make it out of the Gaza Strip, instead falling prematurely onto Palestinians in Gaza, killing several of their own people. Twelve Israeli Jews were killed. Were it not for Israel’s amazing Iron Dome defense (shooting missiles out of the sky before they reach their target), it is estimated that dozens, if not hundreds of Israelis might have died.

Just before Hamas initiated its barrage against Israel, its top leader Ismail Haniyeh had the gall to issue a warning directly to (then) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to, “play with fire” in Jerusalem.

*Note: How vainly ironic when 26 fires were ignited in Israel by Gazans sending fire kites and balloons into Israel. And the fires that burned cars, homes, businesses, and synagogues started by Israeli Arabs throughout Israel. With a Hamas military leader issuing this threat to Israeli Jews: “we’re here to burn you, to make you wish you were dead. You will not enjoy a decent life….”

Then Haniyeh brazenly boasted: “Neither you, nor your army and police, can win this battle.”

Naturally, Haniyeh’s counterpart—Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (these two Palestinian Arab leaders are sworn enemies)—had to get his two cents worth of incitement in by acclaiming the “courageous stand” of the protesters (rioters actually). On Palestinian T.V. he claimed that Israel bore full liability for the violence.

There were other condemnations of Israel’s justified response to ruthless attacks on Israeli Jews and mass destruction of Jewish property, but one needs only to consider the sources. Thus, I would be remiss if I didn’t cite the biased, anti-Semitic (don’t bother me with facts) quote from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders:

“The United States must speak out strongly against the violence by government-allied Israeli extremists in East Jerusalem and the West Bank and make clear that the evictions of Palestinian families must not go forward.”

Note: there is no city or territory, or jurisdictionally zoned area called East Jerusalem. Even if there were, the Shiekh Jarrah neighborhood is in the northern section of Jerusalem, not the eastern portion as such.

Plus, one of the Squad Members, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) tweeted: “We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian residents of Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem.” She then labeled Israel’s actions as, “state violence.”

Israeli Arab Rioting

As alluded to earlier, one unusual feature of this current uprising was the virtually unprecedented violence perpetrated by Israeli Arabs on a massive scale … citizens of Israel as opposed to Palestinians non-citizens.

In an article written by Itsik Saban posted in Israel Hayom on May 27, 2021, we read:

“The recent clashes between Jewish and Arab Israelis in the country’s mixed-population towns were worse than the public believed and bordered on anarchy, Border Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Amir Cohen said. They were, ‘the stuff of nightmares. The police are not to blame for the riots nor for the vandalism or brutality,’ he said of the shocking events in Lod, where clashes were so severe the city had to be placed on emergency lockdown.

‘That day, tens of thousands of rioters flooded the streets of Lod, Akko, Jerusalem, Haifa, Jaffa, Bat Yam and Umm el-Fahm, and even if the police had had hundreds of additional officers, unfortunately, we still would not have been able to be everywhere.’

The article continued: “Indeed, the May riots required the activation of 20 companies of Border Police reservists—a first in the country’s history.”

He then quoted Commander Cohen again: “We’re not the Israel Defense Forces, which faces a known, familiar enemy—we’re police officers facing our fellow Israelis. I never expected an Israeli citizen, even an Israeli Arab, to point a gun at law enforcement. I saw mobs storming innocent bystanders…”

Several Jews were injured. Three were killed by Arabs—one by gunfire, two beaten to death. Jewish homes and businesses were vandalized and/or set afire.

(Israeli home vandalized by Arab rioters)

Rabbi Avi Berman described the devastation in the city of Lod: “…While it is a mixed Jewish-Muslim community, this was the first time that the Jewish community living there experienced rioting led by their neighbors. The experience was absolutely shocking…”

For Israeli Jews, it was a two-front war of terrorism against them, with individual Muslims and Arab gangs terrorizing Jews mostly in northern and central Israel. Then, Hamas from the Gaza strip creating terror among hundreds of thousands of Jews in southern and central Israel, including Israel’s two largest cites, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The kind of terror that keeps people from leaving their homes night or day for fear of being assaulted or the need to protect their house from vandalism. The distress which gives them less than 15 seconds to run to a bomb shelter when sirens warn of incoming missiles.

In an article posted in Israel Hayom on 6-8-2021 by Maytal Yasur Beit-Or entitled, Study: Israelis’ psychological resilience took a hit during Gaza War, she wrote:

“The research looked into the level of psychological resilience and social cohesion of the Israeli population and found that respondents’ level of resilience had been dropping since the COVID pandemic and saw a significant drop during Operation Guardian of the Walls last month.

“…measured from 1 (lowest) to 5 (strongest). In 2018, the Israeli population’s average level of resilience stood at 4.33. When the second COVID wave was at its height in October 2020, the average level of resilience stood at 3.41; and during Operation Guardian of the Walls, it dropped to 2.47.

“Should the drop … continue, they warned, it could ‘seriously damage Israeli society’s ability to recover and return to normal life.’”

The Turmoil, Tragedy, and Terror of It All

Three types of troubles and trials from three different sources; each, I believe, for the testing of how Jews will respond—individually and as a nation.

Part I, Turmoil (Self Inflicted, From Within): A result of two years of the Israeli government in limbo. Even the recent bare majority Knesset coalition is fragile at best.

Part II, Tragedy (Possibly Providential, From Above?): 45 Orthodox Jews died in an ironically tragic twist to what was supposed to be a jubilant celebration of the Lag B’Omer annual festival.

Part III, Terror (Israel’s Enemies, From Without): Over 4,300 rockets fired from Gaza into Israel; also, days of terror inflicted by rampaging Arab gangs.

Isn’t it time for a great number of Israeli Jews (and Jews worldwide) to join their Messianic brothers and sisters who have recognized Jesus of Nazareth as the (their) Messiah? To believe and receive him as Savior and Lord. Otherwise, they will be among those in Israel who will mourn when they see their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10-14). Mourn because they will know that he is the one who was crucified for their sins (Isaiah 53).

And Psalm 22.

That Jesus was, indeed, raised from the dead and he is, despite their rejection of him for all these years, returning to rescue Israel from even more turmoil, tragedy, and terror. Trouble and trials of epic proportions that those left behind at the Rapture will experience at the hands of the Antichrist and his ten-nation coalition during the last days of the seven-year Great Tribulation as graphically depicted in the following passage:

“Watch, for the day of the Lord is coming when your possessions will be plundered right in front of you! I will gather all the nations to fight against Jerusalem. The city will be taken, the houses looted, and the woman raped. Half the population will be taken into captivity, and the rest will be left among the ruins of the city. Then the Lord will go out to fight against those nations, as he fought in times past. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem…” (Zechariah 14:1-4a).

Things to Ponder

If only the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, would look up to see that their redemption is near (Luke 21:28).

If only they would have ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to know how much the God of Israel and His Son, Jesus of Nazareth, loves them and wants them to be saved … ALL OF THEM! Spiritually (from sin). Physically (from enemies).

That a former Orthodox Jew (Pharisee) in the first century who was dramatically changed from the inside out (born again) in his remarkable encounter with the risen Christ also loved his Jewish brothers and sisters in the flesh.

Wrote the Apostle Paul (formerly called Saul) under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God” (Romans 10:1-4, italics for emphasis).

Paul would go on to prophetically declare:

“…Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved…. Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News (Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the New Covenant of Grace), and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…. Once you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy” (Romans 11:25-31, parenthesis mine).

Said the Lord God: “O Israel, if you would only listen to me!” (Psalm 81:8).

Said God about His Son as heard (witnessed) by Peter, James and John: “…This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). Also see Psalm 2.

Said Jesus (Son of God, Son of David, Son of Man): “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation (some translations use the word trials) but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NASB; parenthesis mine).

The words tribulation or trials are broad in meaning and encompass turmoil, tragedy, and terror.

Those of us who are IN CHRIST can take courage.

Jew and Gentile—even Muslim Arabs—alike can have peace with God (sins forgiven forever) through Jesus and peace (of mind and heart) in this troubled world.

An immoral and cruel world. A terrified world trembling with turmoil, tragedy, and terror.

Jesus is coming soon to establish righteousness, justice, and peace in the Kingdom of God on earth. To make all things right!

(“He’s got the whole world in his hands” Do you remember the song?)

Are you ready? Will you greet him as your Savior? Or meet him as judge?

Choose now.

JESUS IS MESSIAH!

Let’s start with the beginning of the previous Eye of Prophecy article posted 6-5-21: Turmoil, Tragedy & Terror in Israel (Part I … Turmoil). In italics:

From April 30^th to May 21^st, sirens pierced the ears and hearts of Israeli Jews.

Sirens to announce the arrival of personnel and equipment to fight fires all over Israel.

Ambulance sirens…

Police and military sirens…

Air raid sirens…

When you combine the turmoil of an Israeli government following the country’s 4^th election (March 23, 2021) in two years (under the helm of what many consider to be Israel’s greatest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—in terms of national and international accomplishments for Israel) but still unable to form a majority coalition of 61 seats in the Knesset, with the tragedy on Mount Meron (April 30^th) followed recently by terror inflicted on Israelis via indiscriminate firing of over 4,000 missiles from Gaza into Israel (beginning on May 10^th); preceded by tens of thousands of Arabs rioting in several towns, including Jerusalem (earlier in May); an argument could be made that Israel’s resolve and resiliency have not been tested like this since the 50-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2014.

…Some would say not since the Palestinian intifada of 2001. Or the most difficult time in Israel’s 73-year history since the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

Israelis needed and heeded the sirens which fortunately have subsided since Israel and Hamas of the Gaza Strip agreed to a cease fire on 5-21-21.

Hopefully, Israelis will now heed more than just sirens. With ears to hear and hearts longing to know, perhaps they (and Jews worldwide) will also have eyes to see the signs of the (end) times.

To that end the ongoing challenge and premise delivered in the previous article will be (partially) restated:

Challenge: …To compellingly consider that the recent developments in Israel should be a wake-up call to look up for divine guidance in general. And for their returning Messiah in particular.

Premise: The current (internal) turmoil produced in part by Israel’s political system and sometimes dysfunctional government, the tragedy of the recent Meron disaster, and the terror caused by the latest war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas terrorist organization contain precedents, parallels, and patterns of 1^st Century Israel, before and/or after the (first) arrival of Israel’s Messiah—Jesus of Nazareth. Consequently, these recent events are preparing and even precipitating the return of both Christ (Jesus) and Antichrist (Nero).

(*Note: After Part I article was posted, Israel did manage to form a bare majority (fragile) government with Naftali Bennett replacing Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister. And just a few days ago, the cease fire was interrupted when Gaza Palestinians lobbed fire kites and balloons into Israel setting several tender-dry farm fields on fire.)

(One of several of these fires) 

This week’s Part II article will focus on the incident on Mount Meron in northern Israel that occurred on April 30, 2021.

Tragedy in Israel

Definition of Tragic: “marked by, or expressive of tragedy; lamentable … disparity between the actual and the ideal…” (Webster’s Dictionary).

Definition of Tragedy (older and narrower concept): “a serious drama typically describing a conflict between the protagonist and a superior force (as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that excites pity or terror” (Webster’s Dictionary).

Greek tragedies (plays) were the main expression of “the literary genre of tragic dramas.”

The More Current and Expanded Meaning of Tragedy: “a disastrous event, calamity, misfortune … tragic quality or element” (Webster’s).

Tragedy is connected to the idea of flawed and/or irony. In fact, Webster’s Dictionary contains the term: tragic flaw (a flaw in the character of the hero of a tragedy that brings about his downfall).

Also, tragic irony.

Partial Definition of Irony: “incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result…” (Webster’s).

Some synonyms of incongruity: strangeness, incompatibility, inconsistency, bizarreness.

The episode at Mt Meron was a tragedy in every sense of the concept. As opposed to the more general idea of natural disasters (earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and the like); or that of accidents caused by human negligence usually involving cars, trains, buses, airplanes, fires, and industrial mishaps.

For the most part, typical accidents that happen globally on a near daily basis could have been prevented—with proper lookout, management and control, quicker/better decision making, and other reasons. Negligence that is part of the natural human experience. People make mistakes.

Whereas tragedy supersedes simple neglect in that the incident SHOULD HAVE been prevented. Which would not have taken place had this, that, or the other occurred … or not occurred.

A tragedy (tragic event) entails more drama, irony, misfortune, and oft times deeper heartbreak than does a common—using the word neutrally and respectfully—disaster or accident. A chief characteristic of a tragedy: it is both surreal and all too real.

What happens is the exact horrible opposite of what could/should have been (incompatible and inconsistent with) a time of celebration and joy which was the intended or expected result. Then after the fact (speaking specifically now of the Mt. Meron tragedy) and after showing great respect for the time of mourning, it is vital to look closely at the how and why of the occurrence.

To examine one’s heart and the national conscience.

I realize these are difficult (perhaps painful) concepts and comments to consider. So, let’s survey what happened at Mt. Meron to determine if Israelis, Jews worldwide, and Christian supporters of God’s chosen people and promised land can and will listen and learn from this tragedy. With the realization that it has precedents, parallels, and/or patterns found in Israel’s Scripturally documented past. In preparation for the soon to come 21^st century return of Messiah.

The Occasion … What, Where, and How

At the time of the incident, there were over 100,000 mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews who had just finished a celebratory worship style service and were exiting a stadium, having made the annual pilgrimage to/near the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai who died in the second century A.D.

Suddenly, merriment turned into mourning at the annual Israeli Jewish festival of Lag B’Omer held on Mount Meron in northern Israel. On April 30^th, 2021, 45 men and boys were literally crushed to death and 150 injured … several in serious condition.  Many leaving the main area of the massive service had fallen on slick metal flooring; made even more slippery by water and other liquids spilled from plastic bottles/cups with the containers also covering the walkway. This tunnel-like exit ramp was too narrow and too sloped which caused a domino stampede effect.

From an article written by Paul Shindman posted in the online news source World Israel News not long after this disaster, he quotes an eyewitness, Yehuda Gottleib, a volunteer EMT: “I was on duty when I saw dozens of people fall on top of one another during the collapse. A large number of them were crushed and lost consciousness.”

In one of several online articles written about Lag B’Omer celebrated in small groups all over Israel and in mass (huge crowds on Mt. Meron) a few days prior to its observation, we read the following in The Places of Israel:

“Meron, originally known as Merom, was first mentioned in the Bible as the site of Joshua’s victory over the Canaanite kings (Joshua Chapter 11) …. Meron is most famous as home to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, believed to be the author of the mystical Zohar…. Lag B’omer … is the day that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai died. As such, the day is traditionally devoted to celebrating life and accomplishments. During the festivities attended by Jews of every religious and political persuasion, bonfires are lit, music is blaring, and dancing is everywhere.”

Lag B’Omer is literally translated as “the 33^rd day of the Omer, which is on the 18^th day of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar (April 30^th of this year). The Omer consists of seven weeks that begin on the second day/night of Passover and end at the Jewish Festival of Weeks called Shavuot … also known as Pentecost.

In an online United for Israel article posted just a few days before this tragedy, Rabbinic Director Ari Enkin wrote a summary of this festival and a (glowing) tribute to the long-departed Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, but also to Rabbi Yochai’s mentor, Rabbi Akiva.

“Lag B’Omer also marks the yartzeit (anniversary of date of death) of the great Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, who among his many accomplishments, allegedly authored the Zohar, the primary work on Kabbalah” (emphasis is part of the original article).

Rabbi Enkin goes on to list some miracles attributed to Rabbi Yochai directly or miraculous events in his life. Such as: “A prominent feature of the celebrations is the bonfires and in Israel groups of people singing around a bonfire can be seen across the country. There is much discussion on what these bonfires represent. Some suggest that it is to recall the fire which was said to have erupted at the moment of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s death.

“It is also intended to recall Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s gaze, which was said to be as powerful as fire and would vaporize anything that earned his disfavor. Finally, bonfires represent the ‘fire’ of Torah, especially the esoteric side that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai revealed through the Zohar and other mystical teachings.”

*Note: It is evident that these and other paranormal-like attributes and episodes in the life of Rabbi Yochai are mostly conjecture … embellishments that produce legends. But there is no denying that this rabbi has captured the undivided attention and generated a sizeable following of observant Jews down through the centuries.

Wrote Rabbi Enkin: “Although one might think that a day of fasting and introspection would be appropriate for the … anniversary of the death of a tzaddik, a righteous person, as is the case regarding Moses, but Lag B’omer is uniquely different. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai had requested that the day of his death become an annual celebration, as it is the day on which he would reveal many secrets of the Torah.”

And celebrate they do. Including some of the most intense reveling in which Israelis (mostly Orthodox men and teenagers) participate annually. It is a time of rejoicing and partying in equal measure.

(One of many bonfires throughout Israel during Lag B’Omer festival)

Yet it is more than celebratory. From all I have read and seen—including the tragically ironic late-night service just moments before the disaster occurred in which tens of thousands sang Ani Maamin (“I believe”), a musical version of the Jewish sage Maimonides’ 13 Jewish principles of faith—Jewish honor of Rabbi Yochai borders on deep reverence … passionate esteem.

So much so that it is (seemingly) equivalent to worship. I am not stating that as fact, which is why the modifier seemingly is used.

However, I will list one more quote from Rabbi Ari Enkin’s article to add further commentary regarding the veneration afforded to Rabbi Yochai’s memory: “There is a well-known Lag B’omer custom for children to play with bows and arrows, which is said to be alluded to in the verse (he then quotes I Chronicles 8:40).

“…It is explained that playing with bows and arrows on Lag B’omer recalls that during the lifetime of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, no rainbow had been seen. This is because the rainbow, which represents God’s protection over the world, would have been superfluous, as Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai served this purpose.”

Seriously!?

No (need for) rainbows during Bar Yochai’s lifetime!? Because he provided the protection before his death that only God could/would provide based on and through God’s promise never to judge the earth again by flood!?

The conclusion is inescapable: These kinds of attributes possessed by, and adoration afforded to are normally (expected) reserved for the God of Israel. And from Messianic Jews and Gentile Christians, also adulation for and worship of Jesus of Nazareth who arose from the dead to prove he was/is … the Son of God, Messiah.

Was the Lag B’Omer on Mt. Meron a True Tragedy? To What Extent?

Considering that both natural and man-made disasters occur all over the world on a regular basis—some with many more casualties—what makes this incident on Mt. Meron in Israel so terribly tragic … ironically so?

There are several, including the religious nature of Lag B’Omer already mentioned; but for sake of time/space only two more reasons with be provided.

(1) Magnitude of this sad occurrence: affirmed by how shockingly serious it was to Israelis, already traumatized by two years of turmoil from a mostly dysfunctional government (as presented in Part I of this trilogy) plus the same trouble experienced by the whole world due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That and the casualty count. Considering the size of Israel and population of Israeli Jews (7.7 million) 45 fatalities is no small number. As a comparison, the population of the United States is approximately 43 times that of Israeli Jews. Using that analogy would result in a proportional count of 1,935 Americans dead. The injury figure of 150 in Israel would equate to 6,450 in the United States.

(2) Reactions on a global scale: demonstrate that the incident on Mt. Meron was, indeed, a tragedy as previously defined (with commentary) in today’s article. There were dozens of sympathy and empathy messages from high-ranking officials within Israel and without, including heads of state. Time/space permits only a few.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: (at that time but on June 13th replaced by Naftali Bennet)

“The Mt. Meron disaster is one of the worst disasters to hit the State of Israel. We grieve for the victims. Our hearts are with the families…. There were heartbreaking scenes here. People were crushed to death, including children.

“…We will carry out a thorough, serious and in-depth investigation in order to ensure that such a disaster does not recur.”

*Note: To date, no official investigation has taken place.

Benjamin then said: “I would like to declare Sunday (May 2, two days after the tragedy) as a day of national mourning…” (parenthesis mine).

(Prime Minister–at the time–Benjamin Netanyahu surveying the aftermath of the Mt. Meron tragedy)

It is uncommon, if not rare, that a nation’s leader proclaims a national day (or period) of mourning over an accident.

U.S. President Joe Biden: “The United States stands with the people of Israel, and with Jewish communities the world over in mourning the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron. The loss among worshippers practicing their faith is heartbreaking….”

German Ambassador to Israel Susanne Wasum-Rainer: “Waking up to the shocking news of the tragedy of Lag B’Omer festivities … I am deeply saddened by the unspeakable tragedy that occurred tonight…”

Messages from other dignitaries including but by no means limited to: Russia (President Vladimir Putin); India (Prime Minister Narendra Modi); many European leaders and officials (including Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain); several Arab countries (like Bahrain and the United Emirates); Catholic Cardinal Vincent Nichols; and most of the political leaders within Israel.

Even from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who conveyed his (politically correct, so as not to seem insensitive) condolences to Israel’s President Rivlin … instead of to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

“We are praying to the Lord for mercy to victims and speedy recovery to those who suffered injuries, and for the families of victims.”

*Note: To which “Lord” is Abbas referring? Could it be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (of the Promised Land of Israel and of God’s chosen people, the Jews)? Doubtful. For you see: the Islam god Allah (through the Koran) compels Muslims to persecute and kill Jews.

On the other hand, is it the thought that counts?

Who Is to Blame? Anyone … Everyone?

I have read dozens of articles on the Lag B’ Omer festival and/or the tragic event on Mt. Meron. As anticipated, most were written by op-ed authors who (or whom they wrote about, i.e., quoted) encouraged Israelis to do the right thing. To commiserate with the anguish of those whose relatives and friends were killed or injured … a time of mostly silence and mourning. Then later point fingers of blame if they were so inclined. Many Israelis (but not all) followed this protocol out of sincere sorrow and reflective respect for the dead/injured and their families.

But as expected, there were fingers of blame pointed soon after this horrific event. For example, in an Israel Hayom article posted that same day author Adi Hashmonel writes:

“Senior police officers told Israel Hayom the Mount Meron disaster was a ‘fiasco, start to finish.’ A former top Northern District Officer refused to absolve rabbis from partial responsibility for the events. ‘The real bosses on the ground at Mount Meron are the Haredi leaders. They have the final say on who gets in or not. That’s insane. The power of each Hassidic dynasty is reflected in how things take place on the ground and the police tend to seek compromises with them.’”

This district officer also cast (partial or equal) blame on the police by stating: “They (the police) should never had allowed so many people into the compound. What was the expected capacity? You have to stop letting people in when it’s met…”

In a subsequent Israel Hayom article posted 5-2-21 (just two days later), entitled, At Mt. Meron, the writing was on the wall, the co-authors began: “In yet another sign Friday’s deadly stampede could have been avoided, the State Comptroller’s Office repeatedly warned of overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure at Mount Meron.”

They referred to a 2008 report in which the State Comptroller at the time, “…wrote that inadequate maintenance at the mount ‘does not suit the sanctity of the site.’ He explicitly mentioned the possibility of a mass-casualty event taking place on the mountain and warned access paths ‘could not accommodate rescue services.’”

Subsequent studies and reports (2009, 2011, 2016) were cited with similar conclusions reached, … just a matter of time before this type of tragedy would take place.

(Some of the bodies of those killed on/near the site of the disaster)

So, who (or what) is to blame? How much, if any, responsibility for this tragedy will the Haredim themselves (primarily Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox) accept?

Will the Israeli government impose rules and regulations by means of placing this religious event under the ultimate control of a governmental agency—which it never has been? Will the strained relationship between secular and religious Israelis increase or lessen because of this tragedy?

The following excerpt is from an article written by well-known author Johanthan S. Tobin, editor in chief of the online news source, Jewish News Syndicate posted on May 3, 2021, entitled: Can a disaster breed Jewish unity or widen the communal breach?

“There is nothing positive to be gleaned from an event that led to the deaths of 45 Jews and injuring of 150 others. The wake of the fatal stampede in the early hours of Friday morning at Israel’s Mount Meron during the annual Lag B’Omer pilgrimage caused shock and mourning throughout the Jewish world. But perhaps it might also have put a more human face on a sector of the Jewish community—the ultra-Orthodox—that is often viewed by most other Jews with suspicion and hostility. And it might also be possible for many haredim to draw some conclusions of their own with respect to their unwillingness to subordinate their activities to state regulation and to think better of the secular Jews who did so much to save lives and who rally to their aid on-site, as well as comfort family members, elsewhere in Israel.”

Although Jonathan Tobin concludes his article on a somewhat (guarded) positive note concerning the more subtle changes in Israeli society regarding “…the ability of Jews to survive and surmount such problems…”, he states:

“Indeed, in Israel, as JNS has pointed out, part of the problem at Mount Meron was that the refusal of the ultra-Orthodox to let the government regulate their annual event—in much the same way that they demand autonomy about everything else—was clearly part of the prescription that inexorably led to tragedy….

“Haredim, both in Israel and the United States, exists separately from the rest of the Jewish world. The two sides stare at each other across a seemingly unbridgeable divide…. The quick transition from sorrow to politics with respect to Mount Meron reinforces the notion that this divide is unbridgeable.”

In a prior article (May 2^nd) Alex Traiman, managing director of Jewish News Syndicate, gets even more specific:

“The event should open up a period of national reckoning. Whether an honest reckoning will take place—one marked by constructive and unifying measures—will require Israelis to look deep down into their own behavior.”

*Note: I would add: How deep should Israelis look, and should it be for more than just their behavior?

Alex Traiman continues: “Despite their staunch religious observance, Orthodox sects have largely angered other sectors of Israel’s public for years. Men refuse compulsory army service. Many opt to study in state-funded learning institutions, rather than work and take on their share of the tax burden…

“While many of Irael’s Orthodox truly represent a beautiful blend of advanced religious observance within a modern state, that beauty is often marred by those who express a lack of appreciation for individuals and communities with lesser religious observance. As this tragedy has struck at the heart of their own community, it may be time for greater humility on their part.”

Op-ed author Akiva Bigman was even more direct in an article published on 5-7-2021 in Israel Hayom, entitled Support for the Haredim, but not their worldview.

“The week that followed the devastating Lag B’Omer stampede can be described in two words: love and alienation. On the one hand, all of Israel—secular, leftist, Arab, and Druze—embraced the Haredi sector and mobilized to donate blood, offer financial support, and visit the mourners’ homes….

“On the other hand, while the public is incredibly supportive of the ultra-Orthodox as individuals, the disaster exacerbated alienation from the Haredi worldview even more. The response of sage Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky to the tragedy is just one such example. The public cannot accept the view that such a heartbreaking tragedy was fated and that the answer is to become more observant.”

[*Note: Akiva Bigman was referring to Rabbi Kanievsky’s (preventative) resolution for such tragedies: that of reading the Torah more; for women to dress more modestly; washing of one’s hands before eating was not being done properly in Israel. Concerning Bigman’s statement that the Israeli public cannot accept the tragedy as being “fated” (destined), does not mean that it wasn’t. The consensus already is that it was physically (inadequate infrastructure and logistics) and socially (mindset and behavior of the Orthodox) inevitable. In a moment we’ll explore the spiritual side of whether this tragedy was “fated.” However, I totally agree—but as a believer (with a Biblical worldview) in Jesus Christ as Messiah Savior—with Bigman’s observation that the Rabbis’ prescription for Jews to be even more religious/observant presumably as a remedy … is way off the mark.]

Listen Up … Look Up

Ironically (in the context of the Mt. Meron incident and Rabbi Kanievsky’s recommendations which were more like challenges to both religious and irreligious Jews alike), the ultra-Orthodox Jews of the 1^st century, called Pharisees, made a similar challenge to the man who had already demonstrated his divinity—by many marvelous miracles. Some of which the Pharisees witnessed, but still would not acknowledge him as the Son of God—the long-awaited Messiah.

Read with me:

“Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, ‘Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat’” (Matthew 15:1-2).

Jesus’s answer was somewhat like his response to several other challenges issued by Israel’s religious leaders of that time (not unlike the Orthodox in today’s Israel); he exposed their rote emphasis on tradition and the letter of the (Mosaic) law in contrast to the spirit of the law. Said Jesus:

“…And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’” (Matthew 15:3-9, with Jesus quoting Isaiah 29:13).

In that same scene Jesus later said to his disciples about the Pharisees:

Should there be serious introspection among religious and secular alike or merely investigation? To what extent? Limited to just the external features of this tragedy, such as better crowd control and facilities to accommodate so many.

Or with the broadest perspective possible? Such as: Internal examination of the heart and soul searching. To also, “Look Up.”

My opinion/response is yes (in fact, imperative). All Jews everywhere should stand up and take notice of this tragedy, preceded by the turmoil within Israel created by their polarized dichotomies, politically and religiously. With the tragedy followed shortly by the terror (next article) created by not only the latest war between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas (Gaza); but also, the unprecedented Israeli Arab rioting that destroyed Israeli property (homes, businesses, synagogues), and killed or injured Israelis in (mixed, where Jews and Arabs live side by side) several Israeli cities.

For both blind guides and the blind (religious and secular) to have eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts to heed the words of God the Father, “O Israel, if you would only listen to me” (Psalm 81:8). And to God the Son: “So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your redemption is near!” (Luke 21:28).

Precedents, Patterns, Parallels, Principles, and Prototypes

For the religious and secular alike to carefully consider correlations between the extraordinary events in Israel’s 1^st century history (and before that) and its’ 20^th century prophetic fulfillments of Israel’s rebirth and remarkable return of many Jews to Israel, plus its’ 21^st century prophetic destiny. To give equal historical and theological weight to the New Testament as God’s inspired Word as they do with the Old Testament. To see that it gloriously unwraps the New Covenant predicted in Jeremiah and the Messiah who would implement that Covenant of Grace.

To give as much (if not more) time and attention to the prophecies contained in the Psalms and prophetic books of the Old Testament, particularly the end times and Messianic prophecies. Then match them with the birth, life, teachings, miracles, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

And while they are at it to perhaps recall two incidents in the Jewish Scriptures that are surprisingly similar to the tragedy at Mt. Meron.

To that end, here is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article, The Ark of The Covenant, Part II (posted 6-27-2015). The setting is the Philistines capture of the Ark. In italics:

…So, too, were the Philistines familiar with the presumed legendary power of the Ark of the Covenant.

“What’s going on?” the Philistines asked. ‘What’s all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp?’ When they were told it was because the Ark of the Lord had arrived, they panicked. ‘The gods have come into their camp!’ they cried. ‘This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before! Help! Who can save us from these mighty gods of Israel? They are the same gods who destroyed the Egyptians with plagues when Israel was in the wilderness’” (I Samuel 4:6-8).

…To them—sadly even to the Israelites—the Ark of the Covenant was a mysterious object that possessed magical, cryptic clout. The army that carried it into battle would be invincible. But this was not just some ancient fantasy that would be considered absurd in today’s ultra-modern civilization. This same perverted belief drove Hitler and the Third Reich to extreme measures to try to find and wield the Ark of the Covenant in their conquest of Europe and eventually the world.

Then the incident in question after the Ark of The Covenant was returned to Israel:

In a foregone conclusion, the Philistines returned the Ark of the Covenant to Israel, specifically to the Jews of Beth-shemesh who were overjoyed to get it back. So much so that they, too, forgot God’s solemn instructions as to how the Ark must be handled reverently and treated respectfully; including only Levites carrying it … which was done upon its return. But that no one must look inside the Ark, which some of the Israelites failed to obey. The Lord would not permit even his own people from misusing the Ark of the Covenant; to flippantly disrespect and disregard the holiness and sanctity that the Lord had placed on the perfect purpose and proper position of the Ark—God’s very presence above the Ark of the Lord in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle.

The result: “But the Lord killed seventy men from Beth-shemesh because they looked into the Ark of the Lord. And the people mourned greatly because of what the Lord had done. ‘Who is able to stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?’ they cried out. ‘Where can we send the Ark from here?’” (I Samuel 6:19-20).

Indeed, it was a severe object lesson.

Followed by a similar incident during King David’s first attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Although this time the Lord struck down only one man (for touching the Ark), it was still a powerful parallel to the precedent set with the first Ark tragedy (see II Samuel 6).

(Depiction of Uzzah’s death when touched the Ark of the Covenant)

Yet, it was broader than the act of touching and looking into the ark. It had to do with God’s people giving as much or more significance to what they considered mystical powers of the Ark itself, instead of the Lord of the Ark—the God of Israel. In that regard, they were no different than the pagan Philistines.

In an eerily similar fashion, many of the Orthodox at Mt. Meron follow to some extent the Kabbalah (or Chabad … a more modern adaptation), especially the version taught by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai—which is the whole purpose for the Lag B’Omer festival. Time/space does not permit elaboration on this branch of Judaism. Except some descriptive words to summarize the extra-Biblical (even anti-Biblical) practice: mystical, esoteric, secretive (generally only for the more knowledgeable or persistent), including features of the occult and Eastern mysticism.

On the more positive side, those Jews who delve into Kabbalah (at least in theory) place a great deal of emphasis on the coming Messiah. So much so, that the practice of this off-shoot of Judaism will allegedly hasten his coming. Since the 2^nd century A.D. a few rabbis and/or prominent Jewish leaders were (some still are) considered to be the Jewish Messiah. On the negative side, Jesus of Nazareth has continuously been ignored, dismissed, or outright rejected as the Messiah—despite the historically verified account of his resurrection, among other overwhelming evidence.

More Tragic Irony

A notable fact is that the number of Hebrews killed in the first Ark tragedy was seventy. Which matches the number of elders appointed by Moses to lead and govern the Israelites before and after they entered the Promised Land. With Moses as their leader, the number was 71, but the governing body itself consisted principally of seventy men. This entity is better known as the Sanhedrin.

An uncanny parallel to that number is the number of Jews killed in the April Mt. Meron tragedy … 45.

Plus, the number who died in the first Lag B’Omer disaster in 1911 when a roof railing collapsed causing people to fall almost 30 feet on another part of the crowd below … 11.

Plus, the number who (in May 1976—45 years ago) lost their lives when a tour bus carrying passengers to the Lag B’Omer festival fell (drove) off a cliff at Mount Meron … 13.

A total of 69. Only one less than the number who died trying to get a glimpse of (determining) what kind of mystical, magical powers the Ark of the Covenant contained. Thereby, affording more reverence to the Ark as the supernatural source of power than to the Lord of the Ark of The Covenant.

There’s more: On May 16, 2021 (2 ½ weeks after the Mt. Meron disaster), bleachers collapsed in a Jerusalem synagogue which was still unfinished and not yet approved for use under city code requirements. Fifty were injured. The number of fatalities … 2.

Adding 2 to 69 (the three Mt. Meron tragedies) equals 71—the full number of the Sanhedrin including the leader (President). Tragic? Ironic? Tragic irony?

(A gathering in Israel to mourn for the 45 who died on Mt. Meron)

Summary Conclusion  

Am I implying that the Lord brought about the Lag B’Omer disaster?

Two-part answer: (1) Absolutely not, am I absolutely saying that. (2) Possibly, yes.

However, no matter what the evidence might show or suggest, shouldn’t Israelis (and Jews everywhere) take stock in what’s happening. Beginning with COVID-19.

Here is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article, COVID-19 / Just Another Plague? Part I (posted 5-9-2020).

Because there hasn’t been a scourge quite like this coronavirus—how easily and extensively it has spread—both believers and unbelievers are voicing their opinions and/or seeking answers to questions outside of or in addition to quantified (data based) “scientific” solutions and explanations.

Like (but not limited to) the following:

(If) God is in control; will he step in and bring it under control? If so, when? How many people must suffer and die?

Did God merely allow this pandemic, or did he send it? Meaning, is it simply a warning or is it a judgment? Is there even a difference between the two, considering God’s ultimate sovereignty?

With the understanding that God can and sometimes will prevent natural disasters and man-made catastrophes from happening in the first place, does he on other occasions not only allow such things to happen, but intensify them? In the case of the coronavirus, on a global scale.

Is this global epidemic, in fact, a wake-up call from God to get our attention? A preview of and preparation for coming attractions? In which His sovereignty will be on universal display, i.e. His obliteration of the Gog/Magog coalition and then resounding victory over the Antichrist-led ten nation coalition following the Seal, Trumpet, & Bowl Judgments.

Does this pandemic have special relevance to the last days of the end times?

In principle, these same questions could be asked of the Mt. Meron tragedy.

To consider the incongruity (remember that word defined earlier in this article) between one of the reasons for this celebration—ardent desire for Messiah to come while identifying a few Orthodox rabbis of the past and even the present as Messiah or Messiah-like. Set against the continual rejection of Jesus of Nazareth as fulfilling in extraordinary detail the Messianic prophecies of the Jewish Scriptures.

There are 10 annual festivals observed to varying degrees by Jews worldwide including, of course, in Israel.

Seven were ordained directly by God to his people through Moses. With four of them by and large celebrated more than the others: Passover (Pesach), Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).

The eighth was instituted as a national holiday after God’s providential deliverance of the Jews (through Esther and Mordecai) … Purim.

The ninth is not found directly in the Bible but was clearly the result of God sovereignly protecting and providing for the Maccabean Jews when—against all odds—they defeated the mighty Greek army led by Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2^nd century B.C. Plus the miracle of one day’s supply of holy oil lasting eight days. This well-known celebration is called Hannukah.

The tenth is not found at all in the Bible. Nor is there anything in Israel’s national experience (as the Promised Land and/or Chosen People of God) to consider it worthy of commemoration… Lag B’Omer.

Instead of lighting bonfires in remembrance of the (alleged) light of Rabbi Yochai’s mysterious writings and life that was as much or more legend than fact, why couldn’t / shouldn’t God’s people take a hard look at their own Scriptures—especially end times prophecies including the Messiah. Then give themselves the benefit of the doubt to also (at least) read the amazing account of Jesus of Nazareth in the four Gospels. Plus, the books of Romans and Hebrews in the New Testament.

They just might see the light. The real light of the Messiah as foretold by Isaiah: “…and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant (the new covenant) with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind…” (Isaiah 42:6-7, parenthesis mine).

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).

Things to Ponder

The incident at Mr. Meron was truly a tragedy. It resulted in deep mourning … individually, nationally, and even internationally.

As much or more than Israelis killed in their four wars of survival … 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973. Or regional conflicts with terror groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Or by individual (lone wolf) Palestinian atrocities against Jews with guns, knives, rocks, fire balloons, and vehicles.

One only need consider the source (Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians) and the reason—hatred of the Jews and desire to replace the sovereign State of Israel with another Arab state … and in the Promised Land of Israel no less.

But an internal tragedy like what happened on Mr. Meron in which so many observant Jews died during one of the most jubilant of Israel’s festivals is considerably harder to process and ponder.

Still, that should not prohibit the processing or prevent the pondering.

For example: To correlate the Mt. Meron mourning over the death of some of the most religious of Jews just minutes after singing a song that included a longing for Messiah’s arrival to the following passage that so poignantly points to the Messiah. In fact, the Messiah is speaking:

“Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pieced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died. The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the great mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the valley of Megiddo. All Israel will mourn, each clan by itself, with the husbands separate from their wives…” (Zechariah 12:10-12).

Question: Why on earth would the Jews mourn for/over their Messiah who arrives to supernaturally rescue them from utter defeat (at the hands of Antichrist and his coalition) in the final battle for Israel and Jerusalem, as prophesied in Zechariah Chapters 12 & 14? And Daniel 11:36-45.

This should be a euphoric time of great jubilation, instead of massive mourning.

The text is crystal clear why Israel will grieve. This is the 2^nd appearance (return) of the Messiah because he had already been pierced (crucifixion) when he came the first time to save his people from their sins through his substitutionary death on the cross (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53).

They will rejoice but not until they mourn deeply for missing and dismissing Jesus as Messiah when he arrived in the 1^st century.

As recorded in the Gospels based on the event (along with hundreds of other events) seen and heard by (in this case) Jesus’s disciples, Peter, James, and John on what is called the Mount of (Jesus’s) Transfiguration.

Jesus is the Son of God; the Son of David; the Son of Man.

He is the Light of the World.

HE IS MESSIAH!

From April 30^th to May 21^st, sirens pierced the ears and hearts of Israeli Jews.

Sirens to announce the arrival of personnel and equipment to fight fires all over Israel. Fires in businesses, homes, cars, busses, and fields of crops. Lit mostly by rampaging Arab Israelis but also by non-citizen Palestinians … from fire kites hurled from the Gaza Strip.

Ambulance sirens to prepare for emergency treatment and transfer of the wounded and dying. And to transport the dead for burial.

Police and military sirens to clear the way for Israel’s men and woman in uniform; to rescue and defend; to stem the tide of lawlessness and violence rampant throughout Israel.

Air raid sirens to give Israeli civilians a few precious seconds to seek shelter from thousands of mortars and missiles launched by Hamas of the Gaza Strip into Israel. Hoping that Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system would blow the rockets from the sky before they destroyed property and people.

When you combine the turmoil of an Israeli government following the country’s 4^th election (March 23, 2021) in two years (under the helm of what many consider to be Israel’s greatest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—in terms of national and international accomplishments for Israel) but still unable to form a majority coalition of 61 seats in the Knesset, with the tragedy on Mount Meron (April 30^th) followed recently by terror inflicted on Israelis via indiscriminate firing of over 4,000 missiles from Gaza into Israel (beginning on May 10^th); preceded by tens of thousands of Arabs rioting in several towns, including Jerusalem (earlier in May); an argument could be made that Israel’s resolve and resiliency have not been tested like this since the 50-day war between Israel and Hamas in 2014.

Some would say not since the Palestinian intifada of 2001. Others might even compare the inner turmoil—political, social, and (most of all) religious division among Israelis—combined with the Mt. Meron tragedy in which 45 men and boys were crushed to death during what was supposed to be one of the most jubilant religious celebrations among Orthodox Jews; plus, the recent Palestinian terrorism uprising to constitute the most difficult time in Israel’s 73-year history since the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

(Israelis light candles for the 45 victims killed in a stampede at Mount Meron during the Lag B’ Omer celebrations)

It is mind-boggling in scope and should give serious cause for Israelis and Jews worldwide to pause; to ponder their perplexing past, perilous present, and portentous future of the reborn state of Israel.

In fact the whole world would do well to carefully consider its imminent destiny and take heed of these three tenses of Israel’s existence in the context of the three main subjects of Biblical prophecy and its fulfillment: (1) The Promised Land of Israel given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in perpetuity; (2) The New Covenant foretold by Jeremiah to replace the Old Covenant of Law, that would (has for 2,000 years and counting) bring redemption to all who believe and receive God’s Son (Messiah); (3) The Jewish Messiah Jesus of Nazareth who would implement that Covenant of Grace for Jew and Gentile alike. To then return to establish the Kingdom of God in Jerusalem from which he will rule and reign for a thousand years. After rescuing Israel from annihilation at the hands of Antichrist and the world from self-destruction during the Great Tribulation soon to come.

Listen Up … Look Up!

It is time for God’s chosen people—religious, secular, leaders, and common folk alike to—individually and collectively, nationally (the state of Israel) and internationally (Jews worldwide)—heed the passionate warning of the only true and living God, the God of Israel’s ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:

“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you would only listen to me!” (Psalm 81:8).

It is time for Israel and Jews worldwide, especially the observant among them (Ultra-Orthodox, Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed) to realize that thousands of Messianic Jews all over the world (who have believed and received Jesus as the Son of God—the Messiah foretold in the Jewish Scriptures) have indeed listened to the God of Israel. They have heeded the Lord’s precious promises, powerful prophecies, and stern warnings given to his prophets, who practiced, preached, and prophesied precisely what God told them to do and speak.

Prophets such as Amos who declared: “Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Like King David who unequivocally proclaimed in one of the Messianic prophecies in Scripture that the God of Israel has a Son, who is the Messiah: “For the Lord declares, ‘I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.’ The king proclaims the Lord’s decree…” (Psalm 2:6-7a).

Then the king speaks: ‘The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’

“Now then, you kings act wisely! Be warned you rulers of the earth! Serve the Lord with reverent fear; and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him” (Psalms 2:7b-12).

King David also wrote: “The Lord (God the Father) said to my Lord (God the Son), ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’ The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies” (Psalm 110:1-2, parenthesis mine).

In Psalm 22, David presents stunning specifics of Messiah’s suffering and death before, during, and after his crucifixion hundreds of years before the Romans perfected this cruel torture and death. With Jesus of Nazareth fulfilling every one of these prophecies in startling detail. 

Whether religious or secular, all Jews need to seriously consider the extraordinary evidence that Jesus explicitly fulfilled Isaiah’s shocking portrait of a (the) suffering Messiah in Isaiah 53. Such as: “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6).

Just hours before he was falsely arrested, illegally tried, unjustly condemned to die, and ruthlessly nailed to a cross, we read what Jesus said to his disciples (and all who would believe in him): “After supper he took another cup of wine and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you’” (Luke 22:20).

Then in the profound book of Hebrews (New Testament), the Jewish author summarizes so great a salvation purchased by Jesus Christ with the highest price ever paid, through the (once for all) greatest sacrifice ever made … the blood and life of the Son of God. Beginning with:

“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days (when the new covenant had begun), he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven” (Hebrews 1:1-3, parenthesis mine).

Not long before his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus provided more startling features of the last days of the end times. In the context of those predictions and the many end times prophecies found in the Old Testament, he uttered these words intended first and foremost to his Jewish disciples and the nation of Israel: 

Great Expectations for Messiah

This heading was the title of an Eye of Prophecy article (posted 8-8-15). Here is an excerpt from the beginning of that article, in italics:

Jews all over the world, especially observant Jews in Israel, are becoming exponentially excited over Israel’s redemption. They see this restoration as both physical—rescue from and protection against their enemies—and spiritual … individual and national return to God through renewal of the sacrificial system lost to them when the second Temple was destroyed. No matter what form this revival takes and no matter whether a Jew is religious or secular, there is one prevailing and passionate premise: Messiah will make all these things happen upon his glorious appearance.

For most Jews this will be the first arrival of Messiah. For born-again believers, Gentiles and Messianic Jews alike, this will be the majestic return of Jesus Christ.

Two Eye of Prophecy articles entitled Look Up, Redemption is Near (Part I & II) were recently published on 7-11-15 and 7-18-15, respectively. In these articles, we looked discerningly at twelve unmistakable signs of the 20^th & 21^st centuries showing that Biblical end-times prophecy has been and is being fulfilled in one generation alone. In the second article, these signs were itemized for quick reference. They are as follows:

1. Rebirth of Israel as a Sovereign Nation, 1948
2. Recapture of Jerusalem in the June 1967 Six-Day War
3. Jerusalem, a Heavy Burden to the Nations
4. The 3^rd Rebuilt Temple
5. Israel’s Phenomenal Agricultural Accomplishments
6. Modern-Day Alignment of God/Magog Nations against Israel
7. National and Ethnic Wars in the 20^th & 21^st Centuries
8. Amazing Increase of Natural Disasters
9. Moral & Spiritual Decline & Intense Persecution of Christians
10. False Messiahs & Prophets
11. Unequaled Increase in Quantity and Speed of Transportation and Information
12. Unprecedented Spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the World 

…The time of Messiah is near, so very near. Why can we say that? Because the last time that Israel and even surrounding Gentile nations were so zealous about the arrival of Messiah, that’s exactly what happened! Jesus Christ appeared on the scene of history fulfilling dozens of Biblical prophecies that he was, in fact, the Messiah … with an abundance of documentation, the greatest proof of which was his resurrection from the grave!

It has been nearly six years since Great Expectations for Messiah was posted. Based upon observations of pivotal events, both positive and negative, going on in Israel and the world at large (including op-ed articles from both Messianic Jews and non-Messianic Jewish sources), it is becoming evident that the anticipation for Messiah’s return is waning.

The following is an excerpt from a recent Eye of Prophecy article, Reexamination of Messiah’s Imminent Return & The Omega Generation (published 1-16-21). In italics:

Just How Imminent is the Imminent Return of Messiah?

That is the title of an Eye of Prophecy article posted over three years ago (11-18-17).

In the 20^th & 21^st centuries, there have been and still are an abundance of flashpoint signs to signal that the return of Messiah Jesus is more imminent than ever. There are also patterns, parallels, and principles plus correlations (including certain numbers) in Scripture that strongly suggest that we are in the last days of the end times.

I then went on to write:

However, because it has been nearly 2,000 years (close to 1,988 years) since Jesus ascended to heaven, we need to reexamine the question posed earlier that Peter said would be in the form of mockery from unbelievers in the last days (and it certainly is): “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again?”

In other words, repeating: Just How Imminent is the Imminent Return of Christ?

Or in stronger terms: Is his return imminent at all? Could it be hundreds of years from now? Might it not even be in this Third A.D. Millennium?

It’s not just the skepticism, sarcasm, and scorn coming from many unbelievers. That’s to be expected; in fact, the Apostle Peter prophesied of such. Unfortunately, in the last few years some disillusionment has developed concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ even among believers. There is a growing concern that the imminent return of Christ is anything but that.

Instead, the Second Coming appears more indefinite than ever.

I believe there are two reasons (sources) for this concern that is causing varying degrees of complacency and/or pessimism in the hearts and lives of some Christians.

(1) From Without: This is particularly true of American Christians in the context of the current state of our Union. Or should I say: the (deplorable) state of our disunion within these (dis)United States of America. Not since the Civil War (blue vs. gray) have we been so divided (blue vs. red). Violent radicals on both sides (liberals and conservatives) have crossed the lines of democratic decency, of moral accountability, of law and order which is (should be) the heart of a republic. Some say that we have irretrievably breached the middle ground of cooperation in this country and are holding tight to ground on opposite sides of an unbridgeable gulf between left and right, democrat and republican.

*Note: No need to quote the 2^nd reason, as only the first reason applies to today’s article.

A Challenge Based on a Premise

For Jews even half-way interested in the Messiah, the ardent anticipation for his arrival also seems to be diminishing within Israel and the global Jewish community. Much like the United States and most of the world, Israelis and Diaspora Jews are becoming increasingly polarized, particularly in their politics. Expressed mostly through the deepening divisions between observant/religious (called Haredim in Hebrew … especially the Orthodox) Jews/Israelis and secular Jews.

Challenge: This week’s Part I article (Turmoil in Israel) includes a respectful but also robust challenge to Israelis and to Jews throughout the world (whether religious or secular). To compellingly consider that the recent developments in Israel should be a wake-up call to look up for divine guidance in general. And for their returning Messiah in particular. The challenge will continue with Part II (Tragedy in Israel) & Part III (Terror in Israel) of this trilogy, as will the rolling premise.

Premise: The current (internal) turmoil produced in part by Israel’s political system and sometimes dysfunctional government, the tragedy of the recent Meron disaster, and the terror caused by the latest war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas terrorist organization contain precedents, parallels, and patterns of 1^st Century Israel, before and/or after the (first) arrival of Israel’s Messiah—Jesus of Nazareth. Consequently, these recent events are preparing and even precipitating the return of both Christ (Jesus) and Antichrist (Nero).

Turmoil in Israel

Webster’s Dictionary defines turmoil as: “an utterly confused or extremely agitated state or condition.”

In addition to confusion and agitation, some of the lighter synonyms of turmoil: turbulence, unrest, disorder, commotion.

Some of the heavier synonyms: chaos, mayhem, havoc, upheaval.

The greater percentage of the 7.7 million Israeli Jews and 1.8 million Israeli Arabs seem to be somewhere between the lighter and heavier meanings of turmoil. With a smaller percentage on either end of the scale, i.e., just slightly confused/agitated (at the very least, frustrated) or tremendously disturbed over the turbulence in the Israeli government for the past two years or so.

Politics in a democracy (governed by a parliament or a congress) is both a reflection and an expression of society and its diversity of religious beliefs, ideologies, and economics.

Principally through Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s skilled leadership (with support from the United States—primarily from former President Trump), Israelis have seen some significant accomplishments in the past few years. Such as moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to its rightful (mandated by the Jewish Embassy Act of 1995 that passed the U.S. Senate and House with a large margin) location in Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem. And the Abraham Accords last year resulting in unprecedented diplomatic relations between Israel and a few Arab (Muslim) countries like the United Arab Emirates. Plus, a pre-pandemic booming economy that has already experienced a resurgence.

For the past two years, however, a dark political election cloud has hovered tenaciously and tempestuously over Israel. Creating an atmosphere of uncertainty, confusion, and agitation … with varying degrees of turmoil. Thereby, testing the overall optimistic attitude of Israeli Jews.

In my opinion, Israel’s parliamentary coalition government as contained in 120 members of the Knesset, is one of the finest in the world. At least it used to be. But when the kind of acute tribal polarization that has enveloped the entire world (especially in the United States) found its way into Israeli politics … well, four elections in two years without forming a majority coalition tells the whole story.

The first of these elections that failed to reach a majority coalition (61 seats in the Knesset) took place in April 2019.

Since then, the same kind of pattern has developed; the only difference is that some of the parties and party leaders have changed and/or changed allegiance—partially or completely. Something like: Party leader A formerly aligned with B is now with C who swore never to affiliate with either A or B.

That and the seemingly irrational movement (considering all his accomplishments for the State of Israel) to oust Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister. Which more than any other platform or purpose, is making strange bedfellows of the political parties and their leaders.

(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu … for now?)

The following is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article, Israel’s Government in Limbo … Unprecedented! (Posted 7-6-19) to summarize what happen to that election, including the party leader “culprit” primarily responsible for preventing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from establishing a majority Knesset coalition led by his Likud party (the largest … still is). In italics:

For the first time since Israel was reborn as a sovereign Jewish State in 1948 and following unscheduled mid-term elections just three months ago, the Israeli Knesset failed to establish a majority coalition.

Nonetheless, despite the (sometimes) perplexing parliamentary paradigm of Israel’s government and election process, it truly is one of the most democratic systems in the world. Reason: It combines the best of pure democracy and a representative republic by giving voice to many more platforms than those nations which have just two parties, or even three or four.

When Israelis participate in national elections they vote for a party, not for an individual.

Parties that garner the minimum number of votes required (which also determines the number of Knesset representatives) then decide which of their associates will serve in the Knesset. The ruling coalition, which can consist of several blocs, must have a minimum of 61 of the 120 Knesset seats. Israel’s Prime Minister is the recognized leader of the largest party of the majority coalition. In this case, it would have been a reelected Benjamin Netanyahu.

You may not know about this situation in Israel. Or, if you do, you may not be familiar with the details, some of which will be provided in the context of today’s focus: the prophetic destiny of Israel’s national redemption and restoration. And how that destiny will determine the fate of the entire world.

I then quoted an excerpt from a previous Eye of Prophecy article, The Jewish Dichotomy In & Outside Israel (posted 6-20-18). As follows from that article:

In much larger geographic and demographic nations like the United States of America (population 327 million) you would expect a wide range of political, social, economic, cultural, and religious diversity. But with only 7.7 million Jewish citizens of Israel (7.7 is the current population to match the posting date of this week’s article) and only 14+ million Jews on the planet you would anticipate fewer differences and certainly not such dramatic dichotomies within Israel nor among Jews throughout the world.

At the same time, both Israelis and Jews outside of Israel are an extraordinary example of a cohesive dichotomy (an oxymoron) unparalleled on Planet Earth.

Nevertheless, differences between Jews themselves can be troublesome, especially when the Jews as a people and Israel as a nation have so many adversaries….

Though there is significant solidarity of Jews within and outside of Israel, there are three basic Jewish dichotomies.

I went on to identify those dichotomies, with the most noticeable difference between secular and observant Jews….

Then later in that article, a summary pinpointing the principal cause for the failure to form a coalition government (Knesset) for the first time in Israel’s history. As follows:

By the time of the extended deadline, the Likud party and its supporting factions could muster only 60 seats—a deadlock. Consequently, the 21^st Knesset voted to dissolve itself and schedule another snap election on September 17, 2019.

Why did that happen?

Answer: Even though there were smaller parties supporting Likud (35 seats) with a total of 30 additional would-be Knesset representatives, it took just one party and its leader to dissolve the new Knesset, an unparalleled event in Israel’s modern history. The party: Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is our Home). Its leader: Avigdor Lieberman.

… In principle, both Lieberman and his party had agreed to back the Likud. As a result of the April 9^th election, his party was reduced from six to five Knesset members; still resulting in a convincing mandate of 65 seats for the majority coalition. Yet, they reversed their support after the election.

This abrupt turnaround came with an ultimatum imposed by Lieberman, summarized in this quote from a June 4, 2019, Associate Press article reposted in the online news source World Israel News: “After appearing to win April 9 elections, Netanyahu was blocked from forming a government coalition by his political ally turned rival Avigdor Lieberman, who insisted on passing legislation that would require young ultra-Orthodox men to be drafted into the military like everyone else.”

This issue of observant Jews serving in the IDF has been controversial for years; it is one of the two main platforms of Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party….

Lieberman further dug in his heels when he learned that Bezalel Smotrich of the United Right Party (ultra-Orthodox) was being considered as the next Justice Minister. Said Lieberman:

“To my sorrow, the State of Israel is going to elections (again in the same year). We are natural partners (but only under his terms) in a right-wing government; we won’t be partners in a halachic government. The Likud failed in this work of building a coalition (thanks to Lieberman’s rigid and impatient position) … and they and the Haredim are to blame for Israel going to elections” (emphasis added, parenthesis mine).

(*Note: Haredim is a term applied to observant Jews, particularly the Orthodox … in contrast to secular Jews, who far outnumber their religious kindred. Halachic is a Hebrew expression from the root word, halacha. Which means, “the way” or the “way of walking” or path. …In short, it’s the idea of an entire community or even a nation—as a whole, majority—following the instructions of the Lord in all areas of life … including politics.

(A gathering of Orthodox Jews in Israel, comprising about 13% of the total Israeli population)

I then wrote in that article:

Although not nearly reason enough to join the Likud-led conservative coalition, liberal Jewish politicians also adamantly oppose any thought that Judaism would be the (a) governing base for the State of Israel. Said left-wing Meretz party member Tamar Zandberg, “It is clear that there cannot be a justice minister serving in Israel who wants to establish a theocracy.”

Which is, in fact, what ultra-Orthodox Knesset Member Bezalel Smotrich proposed when he said: “The State of Israel will be run, God willing, as it was run during the days of King David and King Solomon—according to Torah law.”

Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is passionately patriotic about Israel and gives considerable weight to Jewish tradition and the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) that he often reads; he, too, does not favor what would be tantamount to an Israeli version of a State Church or Church (Synagogue) State. Said Netanyahu in a terse response to Smotrich: “The State of Israel will not be a halachic state.”

That portion of the article concluded with:

It’s nothing short of amazing that Israel’s dichotomy between secular and observant Jews is, in unparalleled fashion, the overriding reason that this mid-term election (April) did not result in a new government… Of all the variables that could have blocked Netanyahu’s Likud-led government from being reinstated (renewed), it was Lieberman’s party withdrawal from the conservative bloc that reduced the majority from 65 seats to a deadlock of 60 seats. Moreover, this withdrawal was driven by fear that the Israeli government would be heavily influenced, if not dominated, by the religious minority.

That election was just a little over two years ago. Three more mid-term elections (most recently March 23, 2021) have resulted in an ongoing non-majority deadlock. With (points of) disagreements far outweighing agreements constituting the main reason for this governmental stalemate in Israel.

Prophetic Correlation of the 20^th / 21^st Century Reborn State of Israel with 1^st Century Israel

First to state the obvious which, nevertheless, bears pertinent historical and profound prophetic importance, particularly in the context of so many other signs that we are living in the last days of the end times that will see the return of both Christ and Antichrist. The obvious—but most significant of all the signs of the end times is the rebirth of the Jewish Nation-State of Israel (1948). Then the liberation and reunification of Jerusalem during Israel’s stunning victory in the Six-Day War of 1967.

Significant for any number of reasons as found in Scripture, including the Biblical/historical evidence that many of God’s plans involving his chosen people (Jews) and their Promised Land (Israel) and/or sovereign intervention in human affairs come in sets of two.

Please see Eye of Prophecy article: Significant Sets of Twos in The Bible (posted 3-30-19).

Although there are more, I identified ten (10) sets in that article. Some of the sets complement each other such as the already mentioned birth and rebirth of the Sovereign State of Israel.

Other sets of two are in sharp contract. For example, Christ Jesus vs his antithesis, Antichrist (Nero).

Some sets are a combination of correlation and contrast. For example: The New Covenant of Grace (implemented by/through Jesus) completing but also replacing the Old Covenant of the Law (given to/through Moses).

Let’s review the premise of this week’s post, which will continue (the Lord willing) with Part II (the tragedy of the Meron disaster in Israel) and Part III (the terror generated by massive Arab rioting and even more so by thousands of Hamas missiles fired into Israel from Gaza).

Premise: The current (internal) turmoil produced in part by Israel’s political system and sometimes dysfunctional government, the tragedy of the recent Meron disaster, and the terror caused by the latest war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas terrorist organization contain precedents, parallels, and patterns of 1^st Century Israel, before and/or after the (first) arrival of Israel’s Messiah—Jesus of Nazareth. Consequently, these recent events are preparing and even precipitating the return of both Christ (Jesus) and Antichrist (Nero).

As indicated, the turmoil produced by the unprecedented instability and uncertainty (past two years) of Israel’s government which, in turn, has been caused by the harsh and unrelenting ideological, societal, and political divisions between blocs of the 13 current parties that make up a partially dysfunctional Knesset bears striking resemblance to what happened in 1^st Century Israel. The First Century AD was/is of great prophetic significance to the Jews and to/for Israel … indeed, for all mankind.

Plus, there is a Biblically prophetic “ring” (relevancy) between 1^st century and 21^st century … a divine multiplied connection regarding several monumental events in the past, present, and still future fulfillment of prophecy. If for no other reason than the two numbers of great prominence in the Bible are considered divine … three and seven. Multiplying these two numbers equals 21. Also, 1 x 21 is still 21.

Several rabbis and Jewish scholars not necessarily religious have attributed the Jewish rebellion instigated primarily by the activist party called Zealots against Rome in A.D. 66 to sectarian divisions within Israel. Not just secular versus observant, but also sharp disputes between the main religious groups: Samaritans, Sadducees, Pharisees, and Essenes. In addition to thousands of Romans in Israel—mostly military, there was also a group called the Herodians—lackeys of Rome, often alienating their own people, the Jews.

These competing and often conflicting factions were already in existence when time itself was changed by the birth of Jesus Christ (B.C. to A.D.). And became more antagonistic one toward the other during Jesus’s life and ministry. The animosity of these groups intensified that much more after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended back to heaven.

And, of course, there were thousands upon thousands of Jesus followers, at first called The Way, then later called Christians. However, Christians were already under severe persecution by both Jews and the Romans (under Nero). They had no part, whatsoever, in the Jewish revolt against the mighty Roman empire.

Which led to a massive invasion of Israel led by Roman General Vespasian, and finished by his son, Titus—both of whom were handpicked by Emperor Nero to crush the rebellion. The campaign ended in August of A.D. 70 with the destruction of Jerusalem; utter demolition of the 2^nd Temple (9^th of Av on the Jewish calendar … exact day of the month/year when Solomon’s Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.); slaughter of over a million Jews; and the beginning of a world-wide dispersion of Jews—their 2^nd exile after Babylon.

[*Note: as of today’s posting, of this article, it appears that Israel will soon have a new prime minister and a coalition majority … albeit it a very shaky one that might not survive the year. When Naftali Bennett leader of the Yamina party in Israel announced last Sunday that he was entering a coalition with Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid (and other parties) to form a majority coalition “unity” government (also called “the change bloc” … meaning anyone other than Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister), he made this startling statement: “Two-thousand years ago, we lost a Jewish nation here because of infighting. That’s not happening again. Not on my watch.”

Though Bennett is as guilty as anyone of this “infighting” and though he is reneging on several prior promises and though (just my opinion) he is not nearly as qualified as Netanyahu to lead Israel (Prime Minister), his statement does fit with the premise regarding the correlation … parallels and patterns between 1^st century and 21^st century Israel.]

Summary

Naturally, there were differences in that 1^st century Israel was occupied and controlled by the Roman Empire. With, however, much autonomy granted by the Romans to Israel’s religious and secular rulers and leaders. Although nearly all Jews despised the heavy taxes imposed on them by the Romans, it was this tribal unity (mentality) which generated disunity that made the Jewish revolt possible.

Yet, the Old Testament is replete with end times prophecies of God’s sovereignty in the return of his people to the reborn sovereign state of Israel. Hundreds of prophecies, some of which state that once this (begins to) happen, they will never again be expelled from the Promised Land. That the Holy City Jerusalem will forever be the undivided centerpiece (capital) of the Holy Land of Israel.

*Note: For a broader perspective (ultimate reason) for these monumental events in the 1^st century involving destruction of the 2^nd Temple, the 2^nd Jewish exile, followed 2,000 years later by the 2^nd return of Jews to the reborn state of Israel, please refer to Eye of Prophecy articles: Where is the Temple, Part I, II, & III (published 11/29, 12-6, 12-13-14). Also, God’s New Covenant with Israel … Minus the Temple, Part I & II (Sept. 2018).

Moreover, the geopolitical differences between 1^st century and 21^st century Israel by no means invalidates the earlier stated premise of precedents, parallels, and patterns experienced during both times of Israel’s epic saga.

Rather, the prophetic correlation that the sectarian divisions of Israel in the years just before, during, and some 30 years or so after the time of Christ Jesus, saw his First Advent (arrival). With contemporary conditions (especially in Israel) contributing to and shaping the world for the magnificent return of Messiah Jesus at the end of the Great Tribulation.

The 1^st century also experienced the initial arrival of Antichrist … Nero; the ruler/king predicted in Daniel 7 and Daniel 9, whose armies would destroy Jerusalem and the Temple. That same ruler who would make a seven-year treaty with Israel … yet to happen. Who would obviously have to return in bodily form to do that. Which is exactly what Revelation 17:7-8 tells us … a reappearance from the Abyss.

Please see my 2^nd book, Out of the Abyss and/or any number of the Eye of Prophecy articles in the category of Antichrist for what I believe is compelling, even conclusive evidence: the Roman Emperor Nero is the ruler introduced in Daniel, the man of lawlessness cited by Paul in II Thessalonians, and the beast of Revelation … the Antichrist.

Things to Ponder

Both God the Father and God the Son (Messiah Jesus) are referred to as Alpha and Omega in Scripture. Said Jesus to John as recorded early in the book of Revelation:

In the context of more revelatory disclosures later given to John in Revelation about the Antichrist beast/king including the fact that he lived and died before John even saw these visions and would return from the Abyss (during the outset of the Tribulation), I’m convinced that Jesus’s Alpha & Omega title is not only referring to his eternal existence … everlasting to everlasting. This designation also applies to the divine order of things beginning in the 1^st century and culminating (soon) in the 21^st century. As follows:

Christ (Jesus) was born at the turn of the 1^st century A.D. Indeed, the keeping of time was changed from B.C. to A.D., a profound transition from the Old Testament (Covenant) to the New Testament (Covenant). Antichrist (Nero) was born in A.D. 37, just a few years after Jesus arose from the grave and ascended to heaven.

Thus, Messiah Jesus is the FIRST.

Antichrist will reappear soon after the Rapture at the beginning of the Tribulation. Then Christ will return about 7 years later to end the horrific reign of Satan, Nero, and the False Prophet at the final battle of Armageddon.

Messiah Jesus is, therefore, the LAST (He will have the final say).

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).

JESUS IS MESSIAH!

Global attention on and preoccupation with the nation of Israel is stunning. It never ceases to amaze me.

Virtually every head of state and many people of most nations have an opinion on: (1) the right for the only Jewish nation on the planet to even exist and/or; (2) what Israel does or does not do, should or should not do.

Here is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article, Global Obsession with Jerusalem … In Biblical Proportions! (Posted 1-6-18).

Obsession: “a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often-unreasonable idea or feeling” (Webster’s Dictionary). The persistent unreasonable idea or feeling harbored by Israel’s enemies and even by her (few and far between) friends is whether Israel and especially Israel’s capital Jerusalem truly belongs to the Jews. Or are the Jews “occupying” Jerusalem and other parts of Israel?

Obsessive: “excessive often to an abnormal degree … need for quick solutions.” The entire planet is demanding urgent resolution to Israel’s problems, even though the core of these issues is at least three thousand years in the making.

Compulsion: “an irresistible impulse to perform an irrational act.” The compulsive agenda of many world leaders is to impulsively (bordering on the irrational) fix Israel. Their faulty premise: If they can fix Israel and solve Jerusalem’s status, then the entire Middle East can be fixed in some fashion or another.

…It is political, racial, religious, and social OCD (Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder) on steroids and on a truly global scale. Since her rebirth as a sovereign state in 1948, no nation on earth has received more world-wide attention as has Israel. It is mind-boggling. We only need to look at the United Nations—to which virtually every nation on earth belongs— to confirm that this obsession is not an exaggeration.

In that article, I went on to discuss the United Nations Security Council’s December 18^th, 2017 resolution approved by fourteen of the fifteen member nations that declared the United States’ official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital as internationally illegal. Fortunately, the United States vetoed the resolution … five permanent members of the Security Council each have veto power. The five nations which hold a permanent seat on the Security Council: United States, France, Great Britain, Russia, and China. The other ten nations are appointed for two-year terms.

Earlier in December of 2017, President Trump had said the United States would finally honor the Jerusalem Embassy Act passed by a wide margin in the U.S. Congress (1995) and move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In fact, that was completed in May 2018—on the 70^th anniversary of Israel’s rebirth as a sovereign nation in 1948.

(New US Embassy in Jerusalem)

Since then, there have been more incidents that fit the parameters of Biblical prophecy, to include a recent dramatic development on August 13, 2020—which is the main subject of this week’s article. We’ll get to that shortly and will do so with a purpose (premise) in mind: To demonstrate the specific connection between this historical milestone and fulfillment of end-times Biblical prophecy.

Another objective in examining this astonishing accomplishment of August 13^th, 2020: To again challenge unbelievers the world over who frequently ridicule anyone having anything to do with Jesus Christ or the Word of God (the Bible). Who would as prophetically pronounced by the Apostle Peter, “…in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth, and following their own desires. They will say, ‘What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created’” (II Peter 3:3-4).

Sadly, some believers are also wondering whether the Rapture is, in fact, real. Even to the point of doubt: questioning the accuracy of end-times Biblical prophecy (though hundreds of previous prophecies have been fulfilled). Saying about the same thing as unbelievers: Is Christ’s return going to happen at all, let alone any time soon?

And in this challenge, to further confirm that we are in the Omega (final) generation identified by Christ Jesus when he said:

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:32-34).

Jesus was referring not only to the events that he cited in Matthew 24 and 25 but also other details of the Day of the Lord (Pre-Tribulation, Tribulation, and Post-Tribulation) as prophetically announced by the Old Testament prophets.

Then after Christ’s ascension to heaven, by the Apostles Peter and Paul. And by Jesus (and angels) again in the final, “…revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place … to his servant John…. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1-2).

Three times in Matthew Chapters 24 & 25, Christ said no one knows the day (or hour) of his (two-part) return—meaning the Rapture phase. On the other hand, he also warned the Jewish religious leaders and encouraged his disciples to recognize the signs of the last days, in preparation for his return.

In fact, Jesus (not Paul) was the first to speak of the Rapture when he dramatically described the same event powerfully portrayed by Paul some 20 years later (I Thessalonians 4 & I Corinthians 15).

Said Messiah Jesus: “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left: (Matthew 24:40-41).

All believers in Christ (the saved) will be taken at the Rapture. All unbelievers (unsaved) will be left behind.

Direct & Indirect Biblical Prophecies (Fulfillment Thereof)

The main reason so many, even including some believers, are beginning to doubt if the Day of the Lord (beginning with the Rapture) is near or whether it will take place at all: they don’t realize that nearly all end-times developments directly or indirectly predicted (inferred) in the Bible are applicable primarily to the nation of Israel. Especially those that are indirectly prophesied, i.e. prophetically implied that contribute to the fulfillment of a direct end-times prophecy.

In fact, the only unfulfilled prophecy pertaining directly to believers in Messiah Jesus (Jew and Gentile alike) until the Tribulation begins, is the Rapture itself.

Direct Prophecy: One that is specifically stated in Scripture. Some of these are identified only once or twice. Others are mentioned dozens of times. Such as the coming of Messiah (first as the humble suffering servant to establish the New Covenant of Grace for Jews and Gentiles alike, then his majestic return to establish the Kingdom of God on earth). From the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world to the Lion from the Tribe of Judah.

And like dozens of prophecies that Israel would be reestablished as a sovereign nation with exiled Jews returning to their homeland in great numbers … ongoing right up to the time of the Millennial Reign of Messiah Jesus. Plus, Israel’s national recognition of her Messiah (Zechariah 12) followed by her spiritual restoration.

Indirect Prophecy: One that is not actually stated in Scripture but is otherwise strongly inferred. Moreover (obviously), we can make that indirect correlation only after the event occurs. When it happens, we must carefully determine if it relates directly to a declared (yet unfulfilled) Biblical prophecy. If it does—the evidence is crystal clear if not overwhelming—then we know for certain that the event is another sign of the end-times.

For example: the move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is not found in Scripture. Nonetheless, it is (indirectly) another sign of the last days of the end times, i.e. the president of the most powerful nation on earth acknowledging the supreme significance of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital.

Why?

Because it is part and parcel (actual and symbolic) of direct prophecies that stipulate Jerusalem as the premier center (city) of Israel from where the Messiah will rule and reign in the Kingdom of God on earth. Such as: “In the end, the enemies of Jerusalem who survive the plague will go up to Jerusalem each year to worship the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and to celebrate the Festival of Shelters” (Zechariah 14:16).

It’s evident that there are more events that fit the designation of indirectly fulfilled prophecies than fulfillment of direct prophecies. They are preparatory occurrences in the day-to-day life of people in Israel and the nations that propel us that much closer to God’s ultimate plan for humanity.

Since the move of the US Embassy to Jerusalem, the United States has also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Not long afterwards President’s Trump staff presented the Deal of the Century’s economic phase (last year) to Israel and several Arab nations. Then the geopolitical phase of that peace plan announced earlier this year; to include implied recognition of Israeli autonomy over approximately 30% of Area C of Judea/Samaria.

*For an in-depth examination of the Deal of the Century and Israeli sovereignty over Judea/Samaria, please refer to Eye of Prophecy articles: Israel’s Annexation of Occupied Territory? We Must Define the Terms, posted 6-27-20; Israel Is Again the Head, Not The Tail (Deal of the Century) published 1-18-20; Jewish Settlements in Judea/Samaria … Are They Illegal? 11-23-19.

As these prophetic (of or pertaining to Biblical prophecy) events increase in both number and intensity, we can be that much more confident that the hour is at hand for the magnificent return of God’s Son … our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The sheer number of these prophetic signs coupled with the staggering increase in both number and intensity of natural disasters the world over (including the Covid-19 pandemic), delivers contemporary meaning and significance to the analogy of a woman’s birth contractions as presented by Messiah Jesus himself:

“Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come” (Matthew 24;7-8).

(An increasingly common occurrence in today’s world)

In the last hundred years (one Biblical measure of a generation, with 70 years another measure), two World Wars and a plethora of lesser wars and ethnic conflicts during the 20^th and 21^st centuries, coupled with an increase in natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, tornadoes, wildfires) demonstrate that we are in the final stages of prophetic contractions. It is tribulation with a lower case “t” yielding to the upper case (“T”) Tribulation. It will be seven years of Great Tribulation. Which will be preceded (triggered) by the remarkable catching up of believers to heaven … The Rapture.

Culminating with the glorious return of Jesus Christ to establish global justice and peace … the Kingdom of God.

Think about what’s happened thus far in the year of our Lord (AD) 2020. A catastrophic convergence of one “natural” calamity after another. Including, but not limited to:

• Huge wildfires in California burning a million acres (and counting). And several in my state of Arizona
• Unpreceded combination of high heat and practically no rain, particularly in the Southwest. With the metro area of Phoenix, AZ setting several daily records, including most days with 115 degrees temperature or higher
• A massive flat wind clocked well over 100 mph (called a derecho) demolishing a 40-mile wide swath of the state of Iowa, destroying millions of acres of crops and grain storages
• Hurricanes Laura and Marco in the Gulf of Mexico. Laura hit the Louisiana coast with level 4 hurricane force causing immense damage and several deaths. With more hurricanes than normal expected in the next few weeks
• Global recession caused mostly, but not entirely, by the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Famines in the making, especially in Africa, that some experts say may be of “biblical proportions”
• Social unrest and protests (even for good reasons) misused … deteriorating into criminal conduct, bordering on anarchy
• COVID-19 itself. Still wreaking world-wide havoc.

If not now and whether “coincidental” or not, by the end of 2020 these disasters could very well be considered a Perfect Storm.

(Scene from The Perfect Storm movie)

Yet, equal to or even greater in scope than natural disasters are the supernatural (God-directed) extra ordinary ongoing events in and around Israel for the last 100 years, particularly the past 70 years. Such as:

Israel’s Stunning Peace Agreement with UAE / Another Prophetic Milestone

On August 13, 2020 media headlines from all over the planet announced the startling news.

Followed by dozens of Op-ed articles from major newspapers and online journalistic sites.

The following is from an article written by Alex Traiman, posted that same day in the online site, Jewish News Syndicate: “Israel is set to sign a historic agreement with the United Arab Emirates that would see the two Middle Eastern nations officially strike diplomatic relations and exchange embassies.” (Note: this official signing is planned to take place in the White House in the next few weeks … exact date not yet set).

He goes on to say: “Both U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed their hope in separate press conferences that the deal struck between Israel and the Emirates will soon be followed by similar deals with other Gulf states.”

Although no one knows for sure, it is possible (some say probable) that two more Arab countries will follow suit … Bahrain and Oman.

Another excerpt from Traiman’s article: “With the United Arab Emirates—a nation far from Israel’s borders—normalization brings the potential for new economic opportunities, which will include direct fights between the two nations.”

And it’s likely that Saudi Arabia will extend permission for Israeli civilian airlines to fly over Saudi airspace to get to the UAE more directly and quickly.

From an Associated Press article: “Israel and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) announced Thursday they were establishing full diplomatic relations in a U.S.-brokered deal that required Israel to put on ‘temporary hold’ Israel’s plan to extend sovereignty over Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu said the delay was instituted at the request of the United States (meaning the sovereignty declaration delay). The UAE, like most of the Arab world, long rejected official diplomatic ties with Israel. Its accord could usher in agreements with other Arab states, undermining the Arab rejectionism that was a source of leverage for the Palestinians” (parenthesis mine).

Since then, there is some ambiguity bordering on disagreement as to how much, if any, Israel’s decision to delay its official declaration of sovereignty over portions of Judea/Samaria (aka West Bank) contributed to this astonishing agreement between the only Jewish nation on earth and one of many Arab countries. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel had already decided to set aside the sovereignty issue (temporarily, not permanently). That it was part of the agreement reached with UAE, but it did not exclusively make or break the agreement.

On the other hand, Benjamin Netanyahu was adamant that his long-standing strategy and political premise was proven to be accurate by this momentous agreement, i.e. it was not necessary for a Palestinian State to be in place before diplomatic interaction with an Arab nation(s) was possible.

Quoting Netanyahu: “According to the Palestinians, and to many others in the world who agreed with them, peace can’t be reached without conceding to the Palestinians demands, including uprooting settlements, dividing Jerusalem and withdrawal to 1967 lines. No more. This concept of ‘peace through withdrawal and weakness’ has passed from the world.”

The Associated Press article correctly commented: “What has been a wall of Arab support for the Palestinians and their demands has begun to crack in recent years, in large part because of the shared enmity of Israel and other Arab states toward Iran and Iranian proxies in the region.”

Indeed, it’s no secret that one of the reasons the UAE consented to such a revolutionary agreement with Israel is because the Arab Emirates—like all the Gulf States especially Saudi Arabia—consider Iran as an existential threat. As do two Arab nations that border Israel … Egypt and Jordan.

Iran is an Islamic (Muslim) regime, but one that adheres to the Shi’ite sect of Islam. Nearly all Arab nations are predominately Sunni Muslims (for the most part … more secular, less radical). Plus, Iranians are Persians, not Arabs.

The United Arab Emirates is one of six Arab (Persian Gulf) nations that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Other members of this council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Except for a brief diplomatic liaison with Qatar some ten years ago (that was abruptly canceled by that increasingly belligerent county), Israel has had no formal diplomatic relations with any of these nations or any other Arab country since Israel’s “peace treaties” with Jordan in 1994 and Egypt in 1979.

To fully appreciate the magnitude of this diplomatic cooperation, we only need to remember the ancient animosity between Arab and Jew going all the way back to Abraham’s sons, Ishmael, and Isaac. This conflict has continued virtually uninterrupted for nearly 4,000 years. Which poignantly gives the name of the agreement more meaning: The Abraham Accord. And which makes this deal so amazing. Plus, the 100% fulfillment of Biblical prophecy is that much more amazing.

Returning to the article authored by Alex Traiman, he concludes with an observation that I have written about in several prior Eye of Prophecy articles, sometimes in great detail: “Arab states are finally beginning to recognize what the Jewish people have known since Israel defeated multiple Arab armies in 1948, 1967 and 1973: Israel is in the Middle East to stay. And the benefits of aligning with the Jewish state outweigh any of the arguments that favor standing against the regions’ strongest nation.”

(Sunni) Arabs are gradually setting aside not only their religious prejudice and political objections to Israel’s existence as a sovereign state, but also their long-standing racial hatred of the Jews. At least enough to consider economic / political cooperation and maybe even social interaction with the Jews.

Conversely, two other Islamic nations which decades ago had (at least somewhat) friendly relations with Israel are now resentful enemies. What makes this reversal even more intriguing is that neither of these nations are Arabic. Rather, they are Turks (Turkey) and Persians (Iran). Both are identified as prominent nations of the Gog/Magog coalition. Spearheaded by Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin is essentially ambivalent toward Israel. Sometimes expressing his admiration for this Jewish nation; other times criticizing Israel and expressing his total support for the Palestinians.

Some have said that the diplomatic deal between Israel and the UAE is equal in substance to what were also considered historic Israeli treaties with Egypt, then Jordan. Others (including me) surmise that it exceeds those treaties in strategic significance.

Other than what will (most likely) be a temporary halt of Israeli official declaration of sovereignty over some 30% (Area C) of Judea/Samaria, this new peace deal does not involve direct Israeli concessions of land for peace. And from a Biblical prophetic perspective, this diplomatic marvel between Israel and UAE is of monumental meaning as it has further prepared and accelerated the Middle East conditions in existence just before the Gog/Magog invasion of Israel.

Which, in turn, means the Rapture is that much closer in all its glorious reality!

Moreover, the treaties with Egypt and Jordan were motivated more by security concerns and were mostly arranged to prevent further military conflict between Israel and those nations bordering Israel. Yet, Israel had to give up the entire Sinai to Egypt and all of Temple Mount (jurisdictionally) to Jordan; with serious restrictions to the Israelis on the most holy Jewish site of all. To the extent that Jews are not even allowed to pray on Temple Mount.

Said Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer in a JNS article posted August 21, 2020 regarding the difference in the recent peace deal and the prior treaties with Egypt and Jordan: “We’re not uprooting settlements. We’re not engaging in reckless territorial compromises. We’re suspending temporarily Israel’s extension of sovereignty into areas of Judea and Samaria. And we have the possibility now to have a peace agreement with the Emirates.”

Explaining that the pact with the Emirates was not from the “top down” but was from the “bottom up,” Dermer went on to say: “We have a formal peace agreement with those countries (meaning Egypt and Jordan). A cold peace is better than a hot war, but we would like to turn that into a warm peace of people-to-people, business-to-business contacts with both Egypt and Jordan” (parenthesis mine).

Whereas with the new peace deal, Dermer contends: “And when you marry the entrepreneurialism of this commercial center and the power of investments there in the Emirates with Israeli technology and innovation, I think the sky’s the limit.”

(The City of Dubai in the UAE)

Samples of World Reaction To The Diplomatic Agreement

Overall, it was a mixed-bag reaction from various world leaders. Although some European nations expressed general support for the agreement, they also seized the opportunity to insist on the worn-out, increasingly impractical, virtually unattainable solution to the Palestinian problem … A Palestinian State. For one thing, United Nations and subsequent Israeli offers of significant land mass in both Judea/Samaria and the Gaza have been rejected four times since 1947 by the Palestinians. And seven times since the Balfour Declaration of 1917.

For example: While welcoming the pact between Israel and the UAE, Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also exclaimed, “We stand by our position that only a negotiated two-state solution can bring lasting peace to the Middle East…”

In response to the generalized (more favorable than not) Middle East Arabic support of Israel’s diplomatic relations with UAE, Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I thank Egyptian President al-Sisi, and the governments of Oman and Bahrain, for their support of the historic peace treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, which is expanding the circle of peace and will be good for the entire region.”

In sharp contrast, Iran issued a statement describing the deal as a, “dagger that was unjustly struck by the UAE in the backs of the Palestinian people and all Muslims.”

*Note: that is the height of hypocrisy, as Iran’s government cares nothing about the Palestinians. Plus, as indicated, they are a rival of other Muslims all over the Middle East—including nearly every Arab nation. Turkey, too, was hostile in their scathing criticism of the UAE’s decision.

The Palestinians reacted as they normally do … a totally negative response to anything that they consider positive for Israel. Said Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a Palestinian Authority spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: “Peace should be established on basis of the Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital. This is the Arab and international consensus and anything else has no value.”

In fact, the Palestinians not only condemned Israel but also blasted the United Arab Emirates for “stabbing the Palestinians in the back” (words of Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip). Palestinians burned UAE flags and images of the co-architect (along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) of this historic agreement—UAE Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed.

The Palestinian spokesman meant “no value” to the Palestinians. Which is not only ironic, but flat-out false.

Ever since the U.S. Deal of the Century was presented earlier this year followed by Israel’s intention (now delayed) to declare jurisdictional sovereignty over Jewish settlements in Area C, the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and their bitter rival (for power) Hamas of the Gaza Strip have strenuously opposed any such “annexation.” You would think that the postponement, if not abandonment (time will tell) of this Israeli sovereignty issue in Judea/Samaria would have pleased the Palestinians to no end. Instead they lambasted the UAE for the simple reason that anyone (nation or individual) who seeks to normalize relations with Israel is committing “treason” (the word used by PA President Abbas).

Treason against whom? Against a Palestinian State that does not exist, nor ever has? Treason against the citizens of United Arab Emirates nation? How can that be when most Emirates support this deal? Treason against Islam? Which Islam … Shi’ite or Sunni?

Oh, it’s treason all right. But only treason as defined by the Palestinians. Which essentially is treason against Palestinian hatred of the Jews and their never-ending insidious goal of wiping Israel from the face of the map and killing as many Jews as it takes to do that.

Time/space does not allow more quotes and observations about the many facets and repercussions of this remarkable development between Israel and a heretofore Arab adversary nation.

See Eye of Prophecy article, For or Against Israel? (Posted 7-16-16).

Summary … Correlation of This Historic Agreement w/Prophecy

Several Eye of Prophecy articles have extensively (collectively) covered the Gog/Magog invasion of Israel as foretold some 2,600 years ago. With different articles emphasizing varied features of this extraordinary prophecy, which, as indicated in most of those articles, will most likely occur within the first part (6-18 months) of the Great Tribulation, with reasons given.

The most recent of which is, The Prophetic Endgame of Gog/Magog (11-9-19). Also, Gog/Magog’s Clock is Ticking, Ticking… (6-16-18).

The emphasis in this week’s article is to confirm the correlation between the national condition of Israel when (and why) she is attacked by Gog’s colossal coalition. With three of those nations (Russia, Iran, Turkey) obsessed with Israel and garnering global media headlines.

With each of these nations envious of Israel’s speedy (for a nation much younger than those nations) and spectacular success in a variety of ways: agricultural, technological, entrepreneurial, energy exploration and extraction, e.g. Leviathan natural gas fields off the coast of Israel.

Israel’s diplomatic agreement with United Arab Emirates is another piece in place of the prophetic puzzle that fits with Ezekiel’s Gog/Magog scenario.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: At that time evil thoughts will come to your mind, and you will devise a wicked scheme. You (Gog, as spokesman for the Magog coalition) will say, ‘Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages! I will march against her and destroy these people who live in such confidence! I will go to those formerly desolate cities that are now filled with people who have returned from exile to many nations. I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now. They think the whole world revolves around them!’” (Ezekiel 38:10-12, parenthesis mine).

This malicious mindset of Gog and his allies is precisely what we see with Russia (in a more clever and concealed manner); blatantly with Iran whose Aytollah and other leaders constantly threaten to eliminate Israel from the face of the earth; and an increasingly brazen bluster from Turkey and its leader, Recep Erdogan. That and the phenomenal turn of events in just the past few years in which these former adversaries are now allies. If right now they could, they would do exactly what they will do when Ezekiel’s prophecy is fully realized.

They are also leery of Israel’s military might, including the fact that Israel has not yet lost a war, with each of those victories against (Arab) enemy forces much greater than Israel’s, in terms of soldiers and armaments. Which is why none of these nations including Russia or even other nations not specifically mentioned in Ezekiel’s prophecy would dare attack Israel alone.

Nor will they currently invade Israel as a coalition because the United States would come to Israel’s aid.

That and the fact that the Arab nations are somewhat warming up to Israel, as both literally and symbolically manifested in the Abraham Accord between Israel and the UAE. As mentioned, most Arab countries (including the Gulf states) are already antagonistic toward Iran and Iran’s desire to dominate the Mideast. Also, Turkey, because of Turkey’s threat to sever diplomatic relations with the UEA and Erdogan’s ambitions to restore the Ottoman Caliphate to the region.

Instead, they will wait for the right time when certain conditions exist in Israel. We just read about some of those conditions. God continues to instruct Ezekiel what to prophesy:

“Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself. You will come from your homeland in the distant north with your vast calvary and your mighty army, and you will attack my people Israel, covering their land like a cloud…” (Ezekiel 38:14-16a).

Living in peace in their land is the result (condition) of a far greater peace treaty than the one just struck between Israel and the UAE. However, this recent pact is clearly a precursor or prototype of perhaps a few more Arab countries that might reach out to Israel for diplomatic relations. The peace treaty in effect when Gog/Magog launches its assault against Israel is none other than the seven-year treaty that Antichrist (Nero, upon his return from the Abyss) will orchestrate between Israel and most Muslim countries in the Middle East. Israel will let down her guard and/or be overconfident that Antichrist and his coalition will come to their rescue, based on that treaty.

Instead, it will be God himself who intervenes and supernaturally crushes the Gog/Magog nations. You may want to read the entire account in Ezekiel 38 & 39. Warning: It’s pretty graphic!

Earlier, Ezekiel reports that other nations will challenge Gog/Magog’s plans to invade Israel but will not do anything (militarily) to stop them. One reason the United States will not rescue Israel is because America will be decimated by loss of millions at the Rapture. Another reason that the U.S. and other nations will not come to Israel’s aid is because their leader (Antichrist) will simply sit by and watch Gog/Magog (attempt to) do to Israel what he wants to do. And what he will try to accomplish after breaking the treaty halfway through it (Daniel 9:26-27).

Things to Ponder

As each one of these events occurs, they add one more piece of the prophetic puzzle, with the puzzle almost complete. There are still four months left in this year 2020. Yet we have already witnessed or experienced electrifying events that are coming together in a Perfect Storm of apocalyptic preparation for seven catastrophic years of Biblical proportion.

Listen to what the Lord tells his prophet Isaiah some 2,700 years before the prophetically fulfilled miraculous rebirth of the Sovereign State Israel on May 14, 1948:

“Before the birth pains even begin, Jerusalem gives birth to a son. Who has ever heard of anything as strange as this? Who ever heard of such a thing? Has a nation ever been born in a single day? Has a country ever come forth in a mere moment? But by the time Jerusalem’s birth pains begin, her children will be born. Would I ever bring this nation to the point of birth and then not deliver it? asks the Lord. No! I would never keep this nation from being born, says your God” (Isaiah 66:7-9).

The birth pains began AFTER Israel’s rebirth. These contractions are affecting not only Israel but the whole planet. They are the birth pains cited by Messiah Jesus in Matthew 24 as signs of his imminent return. Although the Abraham Accord was not specifically foretold in Scripture, it (like several other events) is certainly prophetic. It is an integral part of Israel’s (and the world’s) preparation for specific prophecies soon to unfold, like the Gog/Magog invasion; and a short time before that, the spectacular seven-year treaty between Israel and many Arab/Muslim nations.

Please see Eye of Prophecy article, Two State Solution & The Seven-Year Treaty … Impossible? Posted 1-26-19.

Whether Gog/Magog’s audacious assault on Israel in the early part of the Great Tribulation or Antichrist Nero and his ten-nation coalition vast invasion near the end of this seven-year period, the power and authority of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the only true God) and his Son, Messiah Jesus will be fully recognized by the entire world.

The Lord continues with his promises and his warnings in this last chapter of Isaiah:

“I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child… Everyone will see the Lord’s hand of blessing on his servants—and his anger against his enemies. See, the Lord is coming with fire, and his swift chariots roar like a whirlwind. He will bring punishment with the fury of his anger and the flaming fire of his hot rebuke. The Lord will punish the world by fire and by his sword. He will judge the earth, and many will be killed by him” (Isaiah 66:13-16).

Is God’s patience nearing its limit? How many more contractions before the Lord decides to remove his people from this earth to spare us from the greatest series of calamities ever experienced by humanity.

At which time:

And then, Armageddon:

“He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this tile: King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (Revelation 19:13-16).

No matter the ubiquitous COVID-19 pandemic.

Once again, the world is in an uproar over Israel.

This time as concerns the newly elected Israeli government’s plan to “annex” what most of the world labels as “Palestinian territory” that is “occupied” by “Jewish settlers.”

Which is also allegedly in “violation of international law.”

Whether this “annexation” will take place on or shortly after July 1^st, as Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends; or is delayed pending a more detailed mapping of the affected areas in the Judea/Samaria region; and/or is subject to further scrutiny by the United States—remains to be seen.

Either way, it is imperative that some of the crucial terms—annexation, territory, occupation—be defined as they apply (or more accurately … do not apply) to the Sovereign State of Israel.

Why is that necessary?

Because these words are frequently used by Israel’s enemies and (non-enemy) critics in either a deliberate or uninformed denial regarding the ongoing (3,800 years and counting) connection of the Jews to the Promised Land of Israel.

To that end, the expressions are carelessly and callously exploited with a reverse (negative) connotation to denounce the right of Israeli Jews to live wherever they choose in the Jewish Nation-State of Israel—even though only 30% of Judea/Samaria is potentially affected. With the underlying motive of discrediting Jewish sovereignty throughout Israel that includes but is not limited to allegations that some or all of Israel (depending on how much animosity the person or nation harbors) is illegitimately inhabited by Israeli Jews.

In an article posted June 15^th in online news source Jewish News Syndicate, author Jerold Auerbach begins with:

“The New York Times recently devoted an entire page to a decision by the Palestinian Authority to sever relations with Israel. It represented a ‘desperate’ attempt ‘to deter Israel from annexing occupied territory,’ also known, but unacknowledged, as the biblical homeland of the Jewish people.”

His article is one of dozens of recent op-ed articles from multiple authors (for, against, or neutral) regarding this sovereignty issue in Judea/Samaria … also referred to as the West Bank. This region is literally and figuratively the heartland of Israel, in which about 8% of the Jewish population resides (some 500,000 of 6.7 million Jews in Israel).

The strongly biased (anti-Israel) New York Times is but one of many sources in a frenzy over reelected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to declare official sovereignty over a portion of Area C … 30% of Judea/Samaria. Or, (to begin with) perhaps only the strategic Jewish communities of Ma’ale Adumim (between Jericho and Jerusalem … 40,000 population); Ariel (between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem … 20,000); Gush Etzion (south of Jerusalem … 24,000).

Also, Kiryat Arba (7,400 population) close to Hebron; location of the Tomb of the Patriarchs (Cave of Machpelah) where Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebekah; Jacob and Leah are buried.

(Tomb of the Patriarchs … Hebron, Israel)

Many Jews, especially the observant, consider Hebron as the 2^nd holiest city in Israel. Despite the current condition in which Hebron is more heavily populated by Arab Palestinians than by Israeli Jews.

If you know anything about the glory years of Israel from the time of King David (1010 B.C. to 970 B.C.) to the Babylonian conquest of 586 B.C, then again from 515 B.C. to 70 AD, Hebron is also where King David began his reign in Israel before unifying the twelve tribes and moving to God’s appointed eternal capital of Israel … Jerusalem.

“On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the Lord. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!” (Psalm 87:1-3).

If God loves Jerusalem above all Israeli cities, then rest assured he loves Jerusalem more than all the cities of the world. Jerusalem is the heart and soul of Israel, and Israel is the heart of the world—literally and figuratively. It is in promised perpetuity: THE PROMISED LAND. That promise is just as authentic and binding and consequential in our time as it was when the Lord bequeathed the Holy Land to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants.

Notice, that the following promise extends to Jacob directly through his grandfather Abraham’s son (Jacob’s father) Isaac, not through Ishmael—the progenitor of the Arab race:

Speaking to Jacob whose name God changed to Israel. “… I am El Shaddai—’God Almighty.’ Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants! And I will give you the land I once gave to Abraham and Isaac. Yes, I will give it to you and your descendants after you’” (Genesis 35:11-12).

The Promised Land of Israel

The rebirth of the State of Israel on May 14^th, 1948 and Jewish victory over five Arab nations/armies that attacked the fledging state the very next day did not result in Israeli sovereignty over nearly as much of Israel as it could/should have.

However, Israel’s stunning defeat of the Arab armies poised to strike the Jews in the Six-Day War of 1967 enabled Israeli control over the Golan Heights, Judea/Samaria, all of Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the Sinai Peninsula. Unfortunately (bowing to international pressure), Israel relinquished functional jurisdiction of most of the Judea/Samaria region (to even include Temple Mount), the Gaza Strip, and the Sinai back to Jordan and Egypt respectively and later in stages to the Palestinians.

Truce lines were agreed to between the Israelis and Jordanians around and through Judea Samaria, which includes the Jordan Valley. However, these armistice lines were not internal borders. To repeat for emphasis: These lines drawn on the map are NOT national boundary lines (borders) between two nations. Because there is no such autonomous entity as Palestine or a Palestinian State.

Although I (and a few others) have repeatedly written about Israel’s right of sovereignty over the entire expanse of Israel where it borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, it bears repeating. Particularly considering the latest wave of harsh criticism and unwarranted condemnation leveled against Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the planned “annexation” of the 30% of Judea/Samaria inhabited mostly by Israeli Jews.

As a reminder, the Palestinians (Palestinian Authority created in 1993) have rejected two astoundingly generous but unwise offers by Israeli Prime Ministers Ehud Barak (2000) and Ehud Olmert (2008) that would have given the Palestinians over 95% of Judea/Samaria. Which could/would have led to the creation of a Palestinian State.

Before there was such a thing as a Palestinian Arab (Arabs began calling themselves Palestinians after their defeat in the Six-Day War of 1967) or the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO … 1964) or the Palestinian Authority, the Arabs rigidly rejected the opportunity to create a state of their own alongside Israel in 1947-1948. What most of the world also doesn’t know or has conveniently forgotten: The entire country of Jordan (east of the Jordan River … initially called Transjordan) was supposed to be the actual Palestinian State—not land west of the Jordan River.

Shortly, we will examine a significant conference of (some) nations held in 1920, in follow-up to the more well-known Balfour Declaration of November 1917. Then the League of Nations ratification of 1922.

Although aware of this conference, I (like other Middle East historians) had given more attention to the Balfour Declaration, having written about it several times. Including two articles with that name: The Balfour Declaration … Beginning of the Omega Generation (Part I & II). Posted May 2017.

In acknowledgment of its 100^th anniversary, several authors recently posted articles about this conference. While reading many of them, it was evident (as indicated, a reminder) that this forum contributed substantially to realization of Jewish rights to their ancient homeland; the land and the (Jewish) people that is the focus of hundreds of Old Testament prophecies concerning the rebirth of Israel and return of the Jews from world-wide exile. All leading to the final restoration of God’s chosen people—physically and spiritually.

Through God’s divine sovereignty, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (through King David’s lineage) brought to Jew, and Gentile alike, the crucified and risen Messiah … Jesus of Nazareth.

God the Father, speaking through the prophet Isaiah of the Messiah who Daniel later said would come before the 2^nd Temple was destroyed (Jesus of Nazareth fits that requirement along with dozens of other O.T. prophecies) declared:

[Note: Concerning an in-depth analysis of who has ultimate sovereignty and jurisdictional control over the “disputed areas” within Israel proper, please refer to Eye of Prophecy articles including but not limited to: United Nations Downsizing of Israel (Resolution 2334) (Published 1-7-17); What is Palestine & Who Is A Palestinian? (Posted 12-2-17); Israel’s Controversial Nation-State Law (8-11-18); Does Israel Belong to the State of Israel? (5-4-19); Jewish Settlements in Judea/Samaria … Are They Illegal? (11-23-19); Palestine or Israel? Which Is It? Your Answer May Be in Jeopardy! (1-18-20)]

The Deal of the Century

Before we consider that conference and its remarkable repercussions in more detail, let’s briefly revisit what has been called, The Deal of the Century. Which has been rejected out-of-hand by the Palestinian Authority in Judea/Samaria and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The following is an excerpt from Eye of Prophecy article posted 2-8-20: Israel is Again the Head, Not the Tail (The Deal of the Century), in italics:

Though there were other factors, each of these peace plans of the past had two basic things in common: (1) Demand for Israel’s return to pre-1967 Six Day War armistice lines (not borders). (2) Israel’s exchange (relinquishing) of land for peace. A peace that the Palestinians don’t want in the first place because they want the entire state of Israel as their own. Preferably all at once but would settle for one piece of Israel at a time, and because they still refuse to recognize the sovereign Jewish State of Israel….

ALL OF ISRAEL!

Including Judea and Samaria!!

I then referenced an article written by journalist/author Caroline Glick.

In the article, she contrasted Israel’s heretofore foreign policy “beggar” paradigm (status) which was a direct result of several Israeli leaders succumbing to world opinion that Israel was a “pariah state.” That Israel must make whatever concessions necessary to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. This mindset was due to the United States and most European nations endorsing the Palestinian assertions that Israelis were “occupying Palestinian territories” which has no basis whatsoever in reality. I have written about this extensively, with much documentation to demonstrate that there is no such thing as “Palestine” or “Palestinian territories” or Israeli “occupation” of land that has belonged to the Jews for over 3,000 years.

In keeping with the main theme/emphasis of today’s article, we will define terms that the entire world uses in a derogatory (negative connotation) way against Israel. Whereas, the accurate facts on the ground demonstrate that neither Israeli Jews nor Israel’s government are doing anything “illegal” or contrary to “international law.”

One more excerpt from the Deal of the Century article:

Since Donald Trump’s time in office, he has made some dramatic decisions that have profoundly impacted the Middle East and Israel. Each of them generated predictable reactions both for and against, depending on whether you’re an Arab or a Jew; your point of view concerning Israeli sovereignty over all or just part of Israel; and your knowledge of Israel’s real history, both ancient and contemporary.

He reaffirmed the obvious: Jerusalem always has been and still is the eternal capital of the nation-state of Israel. Then he ordered the U.S. Embassy moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He officially supported Israel’s autonomous rights to the Golan Heights as a matter of national security, having several times been attacked from that region by her enemies. Likewise, that the Israelis have ultimate sovereign rights in Judea and Samaria—the very heartland of Israel—with the understanding that Arab Palestinians also have jurisdiction over designated areas (A & B) of that region.

Each of these official declarations by President Trump on behalf of the United States of America is hugely significant. They meet standards set forth by God himself regarding Israel’s position in the family of nations. With a composite conclusion that Israel is (as she was in King David’s time) once again the head and not the tail. It is a Biblical principle that when individuals, groups, and nations bless Israel (support, promote, befriend, defend), they, too, will be blessed (acknowledged, rewarded) by the true and living God (Genesis 12:1-3).

And now, we have the Deal of the Century, which provides proposals that can benefit Israelis and Palestinians alike. Although it’s highly unlikely that the Palestinians will agree to even one, let alone all the points of this deal, the plan itself is prophetically pertinent and powerful.

In the greater context of God’s two-fold plan for humanity (first, the Promised Land of Israel as a perpetual possession of his chosen people; second, the New Covenant of Redemptive Grace through the Messiah—the very Son of God), the Jewish Apostle Paul writes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

“Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation (by nationally rejecting their Messiah, Jesus, although many in the first century and many more in the 20^th & 21^st century have accepted him), think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it” (Romans 11:11-12, parenthesis mine).

Although there are more, in that previous article I listed nine specific proposals (points) of The Deal of the Century. As pertaining to today’s post, just the first of the nine will be revisited.

Which is:

Although all Judea and Samaria (aka West Bank) belong to Israel, the proposal recognizes Israel’s prerogative to officially annex about 30% of this region, which comprises about 50% of Area C where most of the nearly 500,000 Jews already reside.

Reactions to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Intentions to Formally Apply Israeli Sovereignty Over the Jewish Portion of Judea/Samaria

Although Benjamin Netanyahu has, on behalf of Israel’s new unity government, announced in general terms Israel’s intentions to declare official governmental sovereignty over all or part of the aforementioned 30% of Judea/Samaria, more precise details won’t be provided until at least July 1, 2020.

(Current Areas of Judea Samaria, with Palestinians exclusively in Areas A & B; mostly Israelis in Area C)

But that has not deterred massive complaints from multiple sources against the very idea of Israel assuming or presuming ultimate sovereignty over (any) part of the Judea/Samaria region. The diehard critics … “the usual suspects” are: The Palestinians (Arab non-citizens within the sovereign state of Israel); Muslim nations; several European Union heads of state (such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom); many United States Democrats in Congress; a segment of liberal Jews in America; and ultra-liberal media such as The New York Times.

When Secretary General Antonio Guterres of the United Nations issued scathing criticism of Israel’s plans, he also displayed his ignorance of international law and Israeli sovereignty when he said: “The Security Council will assume its responsibilities and will ask the Israeli government to suspend all activities … in the occupied Palestinian territories” (emphasis added).

In expressing his (uniformed) anti-Israel opinion, what Guterres meant by “activities” was an illegal or at the very least illegitimate action of annexation. As we shall soon see: if, indeed, Israel proceeds with official administrative sovereignty over part or all of the 30% land mass (Area C) of Judea/Samaria currently inhabited by Israeli Jews, it will NOT be unlawful. And it will NOT be annexation, as such. Nor will it be over or in “occupied Palestinian territories.”

Even if it did affect Areas A & B (which it does not), these are NOT Palestinian territories; in the classic sense of holding supreme dominion over a specific region … a domain.

The pragmatic results of what the watching world is (erroneously) labeling as “illegal annexation” and “contrary to international law” is accurately assessed by author Caroline Glick in an op-ed article posted on 6-16-20 in the on-line news source of Israel Hayom.

She writes: “…The immediate implication of applying Israeli law to these areas is that the military government and its civil administration, under which they have been governed for the past 53 years (since the Six Day War of 1967), will be replaced by government ministries and officials. Unlike the military government and its civil administration, those ministries and bureaucrats are accountable to Israel’s elected leaders who govern under the liberal Israeli legal code…. (parenthesis mine)

“…The Trump vision, which the sovereignty plan embodies is geared towards normalizing the status of the half-million Israelis who live under the unelected military government and the civil administration in Judea and Samaria.”

As expected, several PA officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, have issued “warnings” of Palestinian upheaval, i.e. retaliation. These warnings are simply self-fulfilling extortion-type threats: give us what we want, and we’ll try not to let anything bad happen (such as lone wolf terrorist attacks and intifadas).

What the Palestinians really want is all Israel (the land) and no Israel (the nation-state).

(Weizmann was one of the founding fathers of the reborn State of Israel in 1948. Palestinian Authority President Abbas has also said that if there is a Palestinian State, not one Jew will be allowed to live there)

For over seventy years, the Arabs have been in denial over the existence of the Jewish Nation of Israel (UN Resolution of 1947 granting a Jewish State, then Statehood declared in May 1948).

For over a hundred years (Balfour Declaration) they have been in denial that a Jewish State even has the right to exist.

It is one thing for the Palestinians to be in denial, as the Arab/Jewish conflict goes back thousands of years (Isaac vs. Ishmael). But it is quite another matter for so many all over the planet, including heads of state, to question (let alone denounce) Israel’s right of sovereignty over ALL Israel. Particularly when they do not know nor appear to want to know the historical facts that have produced the contemporary reality in the Promised Land.

In the context of terminology bandied about by Israel’s critics (occupation, annexation, contrary to international law, etc.), of even more significance is an event that took place in 1920, which extended recognition of the Balfour Declaration and more precisely defined its goal, i.e. Jewish right of return to and reestablishment of their own country/state.

I had read about this event, but failed to fully realize the magnitude of it, having placed more weight on the Balfour Declaration. What brought this mostly forgotten event to my attention (recall) were a few articles posted in various online sources this past April and May. Its historic significance is especially applicable in the context of current world consternation over Israel’s potential “annexation” of “territory” that allegedly does not belong to the Israelis, which supposedly constitutes a “breach of international law.”

San Remo Conference of 1920

It was held during the last week of April 1920 in San Remo Italy with four of the nations that fought against the German and Ottoman empires of World War I participating … France, Britain, Italy, and Japan. Their primary purpose was to restructure Allied conquered regions of the Middle East, particularly land of the defeated and now defunct Ottoman Empire.

The San Remo Resolution of April 25, 1920 was to the Balfour Declaration of November 1917 as Israel’s statehood rebirth of May 1948 was to the UN Resolution of November 1947 which afforded nation-state rights to the Jews. Subsequently, the San Remo decisions were ratified by the League of Nations in 1922, as was the British Mandate for Palestine. Great Britain was given regulation of the Palestine region until the Jews were ready for self-determination. The Arabs would get (what is now modern day) Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

In an April 26, 2020 article published in Jewish News Syndicate, author Yishai Fleisher begins by saying, “One hundred years ago this week, the British Balfour Declaration—which recognized the Jewish rights to the land of Israel—became international law.”

The title of that article: San Remo: The original ‘deal of the century’

As significant as the UN Resolution of 1947 was—followed by Israel’s declaration of statehood the following year—Fleisher (correctly) confers more significance to the San Remo summit. He went on to say:

“…The San Remo Accords were binding law, ratified by member states, which took quick effect. Even the United States, which was not a member of the League of Nations, took measures to recognize the accords.”

The United Nations General Assembly (non-binding) vote in 1947 to partition Israel was the stuff that high drama is made of; one that led directly to the rebirth of Israel in May 1948. Yet, it did not carry (as argued by Yishai Fleisher) the legal weight nor the international precedent established by the trifecta of the Balfour Declaration, San Remo Conference, then League of Nations support of the British Mandate of Palestine; reserved for Jewish return and sovereign reclamation of their ancient land.

Fleisher then writes: “The text of the Mandate for Palestine (the 1922 document that put the resolution of San Remo into practice) is straightforward: ‘Whereas recognition has thereby been given to the historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine and to the grounds for reconstituting their national home in that country.’

“At the San Remo conference, delegates never contemplated giving ‘Palestine’ to the Arabs—the absurd idea of taking Judea away from the Jews and creating an Arab state there. For the delegates, giving Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq to the Arabs (which they did and later the land that now comprises Jordan) and giving the Jews their historic and biblical land was equitable enough. This was in line with the Wilsonian (referring to US President Woodrow Wilson) ‘self-determination’ doctrine—indigenous peoples would gain independence from former empires and govern themselves….” (parenthesis mine).

In another April 2020 article, author Jonathan Feldstein also provides compelling historical evidence that the San Remo declaration carries (to this day) a time-tested international legal precedent for Israeli sovereignty over any/all of Israel.

He summarizes: “In short, San Remo affirmed Jewish rights to the Land of Israel and established the legal foundation and borders of Israel under international law. It was so significant that British Lord Curzon is said to have called it Israel’s Magna Carta.”

The “borders” referred to are Israel’s external geographical borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. They are NOT internal borders with Palestinian communities of Judea/Samaria or the Gaza Strip. Those are nothing more than “armistice lines.” Thus, Israel has sovereign rights over ALL land within her national borders. That certainly includes Judea/Samaria.

(Some of the leaders of the San Remo Conference)

*Note: Since the San Remo Conference and League of Nations ratification of its resolutions, there has been NO international legal changes to this “Magna Carta”-like declaration.

Jonathan Feldstein continues:

“It’s understandable why Balfour and the 1947 UN partition plan are celebrated as significant milestones. They are. But San Remo was an inextricable link between the two. The resolution adopted represented the first time in 2000 years, since the Roman conquering of Israel, the destruction of the Second Temple, and the ensuing exile, that the international community called for the establishment and restoration of a Jewish homeland in the historic Land of Israel.”

Time/space in today’s article does not allow more details of the San Remo Conference, which has become little more than a footnote in the history books.

Except to say: We must not dismiss or even marginalize both the international and national (as applied to Israel) legal repercussions of this agreement just because it happens to be 100-years old. At the very least, the (still applicable) impact of that moment in history refutes the notion that Israel’s sovereignty, officially declared or not, over Judea Samaria is a contradiction of international law.

Consequently, Israeli Jews never have and are not now illegally occupying any part of Israel whatsoever.

Those Arabs (Palestinians) who have refused Israeli citizenship are the actual occupiers of Judea/Samaria and the Gaza Strip—in the negative connotation of “occupied.” Even, then, Israel has extended privileges (not the least of which is a large measure of self-governing autonomy) to the Palestinians that most nations on earth would not think of granting to non-citizens. Especially to those who deny the very existence of the host nation, and who constantly commit acts of terror (maiming and murder) of its citizens.

Which is why certain terms used by those who (falsely) accuse Israel of wanting to “annex Palestinian territory in violation of international law” need to be defined so as not to rewrite Israel’s history as it relates to world history.

Definition of The Terms

Palestinian Territories: At the very most, this often-used phrase would geographically apply only to Areas A & B of Judea/Samaria and the Gaza Strip which are inhabited exclusively by Arab non-citizens of Israel … Palestinians. As a reminder: Israel will not be incorporating (declaring official sovereignty) over any part of Areas A & B, or even all of Area C; nor, of course, the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinians and those who blindly support their agenda with little regard to/for the League of Nations and United Nations original endorsement of the existence of the Sovereign State of Israel, would have us believe that their territory is being (illegally) usurped (annexed) by the Israeli government; based on the (false) presupposition that the Palestinians have complete (sovereign) control over those regions. They do not. Israel has that (final) sovereignty. Moreover, this deceptive and distorted premise contradicts the very definition of territory or territories in general and specifically as relates to the Oslo Agreements of 1993.

The following definitions are from Webster’s Dictionary and accurately reflect the relationship between Israel’s Jewish / Arab citizens and the non-citizen Palestinians, pertaining to Judea Samaria and the Gaza Strip.

Territory: “a geographical area belonging to or under the jurisdiction of a government authority; an administrative subdivision of a country; a geographical area … dependent upon an external government but having some degree of autonomy.”

Despite victory in four wars in which the Arabs were clearly the aggressor (1948, 1956 and especially 1967 and 1973) Israel relinquished functional jurisdiction to Jordan, then to the PLO and later the Palestinian Authority of most of the West Bank and all the Gaza Strip, with that coastal area taken over by an even more militant organization … Hamas. All this despite ancient Jewish claims to and presence in the land that far exceed in time and antiquity any Arab or Islamic presence.

But ultimate authority (sovereignty) still belongs to Israel.

Any reference to or use of the term “Palestinian territories” does not state or even imply that the Palestinians have final sovereignty over these areas of Israel. However, much of the world does not (either deliberately or inadvertently) get that. Rather the world at large prefers to call Judea Samaria by its Johnny-come-lately name of West Bank. With the mistaken impression that there are established (nation-like) “borders” within Israel and the Arabs of that region (plus Gaza) have “territorial rights” completely free of any Israeli sovereignty. With Jewish Israelis allegedly infringing on those rights by wanting to “annex” land that they are (illegally) “occupying.”

To further propagandize and, thereby, confuse even heads of state, PA President Mahmoud Abbas frequently refers to the West Bank as the “State of Palestine.” Even those smart enough to know there is no Palestinian State, eventually concede (capitulate) to the misleading presumption that the West Bank and Gaza Strip are sovereign Palestinian territories.

Occupy: “to fill up (an extent in space or time); to take or hold possession of; to reside in as an owner or tenant.”

Israeli citizens (settlers) living in these so-called Palestinian territories are, indeed, “occupying” the land. But in the matter-of-fact positive connotation of the concept. Not in the adverse overtone which is one of the component definitions of occupation: “the holding and control of an area by a foreign military force. Military force occupying a country…”

Newsflash: Although the non-citizen Palestinians comprise all the Gaza Strip population and approximately 80% of Judea/Samaria’s population, neither of these regions have ever been or are now countries (states or nations). One reason is because they are already part of a country … Israel. Nor do they qualify as sovereign territories such as large swaths of the United States were designated, e.g. Wyoming territory, before they achieved statehood. Yet, each state is subject to the ultimate federal sovereignty of the United States of America.

(Map of Montana Territory approved by President Lincoln in 1864. Montana later became a state in 1889)

Israel is no less a sovereign nation than the USA.

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is not (repeat for emphasis, NOT) a “foreign military force” in its own country. A country that sovereignly includes the regions of Judea/Samaria and the Gaza Strip. The IDF has the same power, authority, and responsibility as the military force of any nation; to defend and maintain the domestic security of ALL land within the recognized national borders adjacent to other countries.

Thus, neither Israel’s military nor its civilian citizenry are “occupying (negative connotation implying “illegally” or “illegitimately”) Area C of Judea/Samaria. Or, for that matter, any land within Israel’s national boundaries.

Annex: It carries both a general and specific meaning. “to bind to; to attach as a quality, consequence, or condition. As applied specifically to countries, Webster’s defines annex: “to incorporate a country within the domain of a state.”

As already noted: in much of the world’s criticism of Israel’s intentions to officially incorporate all or part of the Jewish 30% residency of Judea/Samaria into Israeli governmental jurisdiction (rather than under the direct or even indirect administration by the IDF), the term “annex” or “annexation” is used. Which is wrong. That is not what Israel is doing. Even if some of the proponents for this official declaration of Israeli law and jurisdiction (sovereignty) over the lawful Jewish settlements within Area C of Judea/Samaria also use the terminology of annexation.

Wrote Eugene Kontorovich, astute scholar on international law: “Annexation in international law specifically means taking the territory of a foreign sovereign country” Neither the Jordan Valley nor the West Bank belong to, “a foreign sovereign country.”

The International Committee of the Red Cross defines annexation as a unilateral act of a state through which it proclaims its sovereignty over the territory of another state. Moreover, international law declares any such annexation as illegal only IF, in fact, it takes place after one country initiates a war or forceful takeover (unjustly), i.e. unprovoked aggression against another country.

On the other hand, any country that is victorious in fighting a defensive war has every right to take possession (occupy, annex, or whatever concept is involved) of land that was used by their enemy to launch an attack. Which is exactly what happened in Israel’s stunning Six-Day War victory.

Frankly, it is inconceivable to me that well educated professors, politicians, and pundits of all things legal, deliberately distort and misapply Israeli legal rights to ALL Israel. When, in fact, there are multiple factors why Israeli Jews are lawfully occupying land that belongs to them … no matter where they live in Israel. With liberation (reclamation) of those lands in the Six-Day War of 1967 just one of those reasons. With the other reasons identified in the earlier portion of today’s article.

Summary

Just a brief summation in the form of an excerpt from an article posted in the on-line news source of Israel Hayom (June 9, 2020) co-authored by Richard Kemp and Arsen Ostrovsky:

“Much of the international community, NGO world and foreign press, even some in the Jewish community, have been referring to this aspect of the plan (referring to President Trump’s Peace to Prosperity plan or The Deal of the Century) as ‘annexation.’

“…In essence, annexation means one state imposing legal authority over the territory of another state acquired by force or aggression, normally during war. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court defines ‘annexation by the use of force of the territory of another State or part thereof’ as ‘constituting the grave Crime of Aggression.’ Russia’s annexation of Crimea and Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus are prime examples of such cases” (parenthesis mine).

Later in that article, the authors mentioned the San Remo resolutions that conferred the right of Jewish return to and reclamation rebirth of the State of Israel.

They wrote: “One may ask, then, how you can annex territory to which you are legally entitled and that which already has been assigned to you? Indeed, it is factually incorrect to assert that Israel intends to ‘annex’ parts of Judea and Samaria—a territory to which it has legitimate claim and that never has been part of a ‘state of Palestine.’ More accurate would be to say that Israel is ‘extending Israeli sovereignty’ or ‘applying Israeli law’ to parts of Judea and Samaria.”

Things to Ponder

In principal, I support the United States Peace Plan for Israel and the Palestinians, for reasons given in Eye of Prophecy article: Israel is Again the Head, Not the Tail (The Deal of the Century).

Yet, all parties, including Israelis themselves, who seek to carve up any part of the Promised Land and hand it over as a sovereign state to peoples other than the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, need to take heed of what the true and living God says about the land as applied to the last days of the end times … in which we are living.

“I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again (taking place in our generation) …. I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the Lord your God” (Amos 9:14-15, emphasis added, parenthesis mine).

Addressing those nations/peoples who have (in the past) and those who are attempting in today’s world to denigrate, divide, or destroy Israel, God issues his verdict:

“The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads. Just as you swallowed up my people on my holy mountain (referring to Jerusalem and Judea/Samaria), so you and the surrounding nations (complicit in “swallowing up” any part of Israel by other than the Jews) will swallow the punishment I pour out on you. Yes, all you nations will drink and stagger and disappear from history” (Obadiah 1:15-16, parenthesis mine).

Then the last three verses of Obadiah describe much (but not all) of Israel’s original land mass.

In parenthesis, the modern-day portion of Israel will be inserted to match the Biblical names, some of which are still the same. Notice that the passage uses the word “occupy.” And does so with a matter-of-fact positive connotation. Not the negative occupation accusation by Israel’s enemies (and even some of her “friends”) that is patently false … Biblically, historically, and currently.

“Then my people living in the Negev (still called the Negev … southern part of Israel next to the Sinai Peninsula which is part of ancient Israel that bordered Egypt and Arabia) will occupy the mountains of Edom (southern Jordan and western part of Saudi Arabia). Those living in the foothills of Judah (land and cities south of Jerusalem, including Hebron) will possess the Philistine plains (Gaza Strip) and take over the fields of Ephraim and Samaria (the West Bank). And the people of Benjamin will occupy the land of Gilead (portion of northwestern Jordan and southwestern Syria).

“The exiles of Israel will return to their land and occupy the Phoenician coast as far north as Zarephath (ancient Tyre and Sidon … the coast of Lebanon). The captives from Jerusalem exiled in the north will return home and resettle the towns of the Negev. Those who have been rescued will go up to Mount Zion in Jerusalem (Temple Mount which has belonged to the Jews in perpetuity but currently under administrative control of Jordan and the Palestinians) to rule over the mountains of Edom” (Obadiah 1:19-21a, emphasis added, parenthesis mine).

The Balfour Declaration, the San Remo Conference followed by League of Nations affirmation of those resolutions paved the way for the return of the Jews to their ancient God-given land; the land occupied by God’s chosen people long before the Arabs were there. Even the United Nations Charter (Article 80) published in 1945 (before the 1947 UN Resolution to “partition” the land) fully acknowledges the rights that various peoples acquired via the post WW I mandates, from which several contemporary nation-states were formed.

Not the least of which is the stunning rebirth of Israel in a single day (prophecy found in Isaiah Chapter 66) facilitated by the British Mandate (1922) confirming the inherent rights of the Jews to settle in the Land of Palestine. Once again called by its original, God-given name of Israel.

(The original British Mandate did not include any such thing as a “West Bank” or Gaza Strip. Transjordan, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon were intended for Arabs and “Palestine” for the Jews. Israel reclaimed ALL its land in the Six-Day War)

As God repeatedly said would happen through his Old Testament prophets, the Jews have returned to reclaim their inheritance.

Never again, “to be uprooted from the land…”

“At the time of those events, says the Lord, when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will judge them for harming my people, my special possession, for scattering my people among the nations, and for dividing up my land” (Joel 3:1-2).

Personally I’m pondering: If nations, including those in Israel who oppose Israeli sovereignty and/or want to “divide up the land” were to cease and desist from doing so (thereby, blessing Israel); would the Lord providentially reduce or even lift the curse of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Just wondering….