Understanding the reality of the coming return of Jesus
The prophecies of the coming return of Jesus, as set forth in the ancient writings, are sure to come to pass; and for all who seek to understand these words, will be like the light that first begins shining in the darkness, and then increases until the day dawns, so will these words bring forth the Daystar to arise in your hearts
2 Peter 1:19
The light of Jesus is that Daystar, the Bright Morning Star, the Light of the world and the light of your understanding.
The return of Jesus was envisioned by the ancient prophets as being a seven year period of catastrophic events that will lead to His return. Their vision also revealed that there would be a generation of survivors who will actually witness the very end of this present world age and the dawning of a new age of peace, where death will no longer plague the inhabitants of planet earth. Jesus also spoke of that coming generation and how they would actually witness the fulfillment of every event envisioned by the prophets . . .
Also, it is very possible that many who are living today will be among those in the vision who will actually witness the return of Jesus and the liberation of planet earth. This is written that all would come to a clearer understanding of this vision.
Preface
There is a statement in the ancient prophetic writings that predicts the return of Jesus would be talked about for generations, and many would eventually be saying that they have been hearing about his return for ages, yet his return has never happened.
The writing continued by stating that those who questioned whether Jesus would ever return or not would be ignoring the fact that various other predictions have been made by the prophets throughout the past, and they too were also ignored because it was hundreds and even thousands of years later, before that particular prophecy came to pass. One example found in the writings is the warning that Noah gave before the worldwide flood of the far distant past. It is recorded that Noah warned the world continuously for one hundred and twenty years before his warning of the worldwide flood actually came to pass.
Time is the major factor that causes most people to not believe the predictions made by the prophets, and this is because of the great difference between our concept of time as compared to God’s perspective of time. Both are totally different, as explained in the ancient writings, for there it is stated that a thousand years in our time is only one day as compared to God’s time. From God’s perspective, the last two thousand years has only been two days to Him. This comparison of time is vital in understanding the vast difference between God’s perspective of time as compared to how we view time.
Though it has now been two thousand years since the prophecy of the return of Jesus was made, it is to be noted that within the same writing that predicted his return, the writer also said that we should remember there have been many in the past who have given up on prophecies that had taken long periods of time to occur, and they gave up because of their lack of understanding that God does not wish that anyone should perish, for that reason time can also be seen as the mercy of God.
Another reason that the return of Jesus is seemingly taking so long in coming is the lack of understanding the full scope of the events that are associated with his return, for they are not presented in a chronological order that is easily discerned.
In beginning, we will start with a major prophetic key that is directly related to the return of Jesus, but has been basically ignored for the last two thousand years. This key reveals the timing of the return of Jesus, and is found in a simple, but major prophecy that defines the specific time period in which Jesus will return.
According to that prophetic key which is in chapter twelve of the book of Daniel, the generation that will witness the return of Jesus is predicted to be living in the time period where world travel and world knowledge are both growing exponentially at the same time.
It is increasingly evident that the generation in which we are now living is that predicted generation, for this generation is now experiencing the greatest advances in both travel and knowledge that have ever occurred in the history of our world.
The increases in these two fields have, in many cases, changed the way we view our world today, and are realities that were not even imagined just a century ago. We now have a world global travel and transportation system, and new discoveries in science and technology continue to increase daily. As these advances continue to grow we are assured in the book of Daniel that this is defiantly the key sign that the return of
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Jesus is drawing near
These advancements in knowledge and world travel, which now includes space travel, have also been instrumental in changing the mindset of the world today, for they have influenced the themes of many books, and movies, and have been instrumental in shaping scientific opinions that set forth the possibility that we are not alone in the universe, and there could possibly be someone else “out there”. As a result of these influences, most people today can easily accept the thought of an alien being coming to our planet from beyond our universe. At the same time we are unknowingly being ushered into the new coming age that will be ruled by someone from “out there“.
Now that the world has basically accepted the concept of alien life in outer space, it is only a matter of time until the world will actually encounter someone who is from “out there“, and that someone will be the person who has been on our planet before. Ironically, that person is Jesus, the Son of God, who was not welcomed by most of the people when he came here before. However, when he returns to planet earth again, he will return as ruler of our world.
According to the ancient prophetic writings, we are now approaching the end of this present world age, at which time life on earth will be dramatically changed, and this change will be forever. When this coming change occurs, the people of the earth will no longer live under man-made systems of government and man-made religious concepts that have, in many cases, not only separated humanity from each other, but even from God Himself.
At that time, Jesus will no longer be just one among the many figures of the religious systems of the world, for there will no longer be any religious systems. At that time Jesus will be the one true reality, and the living standard for the entire earth. Now that these great advances are occurring in our generation just as predicted, we can be assured that we are now living in the time period that will usher in the return of Jesus.
1 - In the Beginning
2 - The Great Time Gap
3 - Rise and Fall of World Powers
4 - The Time Factor
5 - Mid East Wars
6 - The Book of Revelation is Opened
7 - Beginning the Opening of the 7 Seals
8 - Mid-Point of the reign of the Antichrist
9 - Mystery Babylon
10 - The Great Event Preceding the Opening of the 7th Seal
11 - Assassination of the Antichrist
12 - The Antichrist Rises from the Dead
13 - The Abomination of Desolation
14 - The Nations of the World Turn Against Israel
15 - Day of the Lord's Vengeance
16 - The War of Armageddon
17 - The Coming Thousand Years of World Peace and New Heavens and Earth
The basis of this writing
Though Jesus said we would not know the actual day or the hour of his return, there is sufficient information in the writings of the ancient prophets to enable us to recognize the events leading up to that day, for God’s word contains literally hundreds of prophecies that provide more than enough information for anyone to recognize all of these coming world events far in advance of his return. This book consists of an arrangement of selected prophecies from both the Old and New Testaments that are directly related to the return of Jesus. All of these prophecies, which also includes all of the verses in the entire book of Revelation, are arranged in the chronological order in which they are predicted to occur.
The prophetic writings used are a compilation of selected prophecies that are directly related to the coming return of Jesus. All of these prophetic writings are taken from both the Old and New Testaments of the King James translation of the Bible. The writing is also arranged in the chronological order in which the events are predicted to occur, giving the reader a clearer understanding of world events, both past, present and future, that are directly related to the return of Jesus.
This is a condensed version of an extended study, made over a period of more than forty years, that arranges many of the prophecies of the return of Jesus found in both the Old and New testaments of the Bible. It is the intent of this writer to let the words taken from the prophetic writings be used as the primary basis of this presentation. Personal comments or paraphrases of writings from the Bible that are made by this writer are made only as necessary to guide the reader or to enhance the understanding of certain verses of the prophetic writing. Also, all comments made by this writer are in italics to differentiate them from the writings in the Bible, which are in standard text. Chapter and verse notations may vary from “chapter 1, verse 1” to a simplified “1:1”.
Chapter 1
In order to fully understand the reason and timing of the return of Jesus, it is necessary to start at a time in the past that is called the “beginning” by the ancient writers. This was a time period that pre-dates the creation of Adam and Eve, and is only briefly described in various verses found in certain prophetic books of the Bible. Though brief, the writings do present enough information to provide a glimpse into a world of the past that existed before the creation of Adam and Eve.
Eternity
The word "eternity" is found in Isaiah 57:15, and is used only once in the ancient writings. The meaning of the word is “perpetual” or "never ending", both in time past and in time future. It is used to describe the Lord God who is the only one that exists in a perpetual eternal state, as compared to all other existence, both visible and invisible, that had a "beginning" at some point in time.
According to the ancient writings, all existence is a creation of God, and once created, it becomes "forever" or "eternal" from that "beginning" point. This is written in Ecclesiastes 3:14 as follows: Whatsoever God does, it shall be "forever". This would mean that every creation of God, both physical and invisible, was created in an "eternal" state at the time of its creation.
The fact that we live in an "eternal" universe is also confirmed by our own scientific law of Physics, which is the law of "Conservation of Matter". This law states that "all” matter is a composition of atoms that cannot be destroyed, which also means that it is eternal.
The one source of all existence
It is written in Romans 1:18 to 21 that it is obvious God exists, because his creation reveals his power and glory. That which may be known of God can be seen by anyone who simply looks around, whether with the natural eye, a telescope or a microscope, the majesty of His creation is everywhere. Even the invisible things made by Him are clearly understood by looking at the physical things that God made, for his creation reveals his eternal power and Glory. Therefore, anyone that says God does not exist does so because of their own vain imagination and concepts of reality, or they just simply refuse to acknowledge God.
There are also verses in Colossians 1:15 & 16 that reveal another aspect of God, and that verse is speaking of his son, Jesus. In this verse, Jesus is revealed as being the express image of the invisible God, and the firstborn of every creature. It is by Jesus that all things were created, that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him and for him. Also, in John 10:30, Jesus stated the same thing by declaring that “I and the Father God are one“.
What was the earth like in the “beginning”?
A brief look into eternity past
We know that the earth was inhabited from its creation in the beginning, as is stated in Isaiah 45:18. For thus said the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain (or void), he formed it to be inhabited. This would indicate that the original creation of the earth was inhabited in the beginning, and was inhabited by mankind, just as the earth is inhabited today.
We know that the original creation of the earth was populated by a people who, unlike Adam and Eve, were all in total harmony with God. This is verified by a statement written in Proverbs 8.22 to 31 as follows:
22 The LORD possessed me (wisdom) in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. (before he created the earth).
23 I (wisdom) was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills were, I was brought forth: 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When he established the clouds (vapors, sky) above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth. 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the inhabitants of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
The meaning of the word “foundation” in verse 29 is a reference to that point in the past when the earth was originally created, or founded. The fact that the word “foundation” was written as plural is because the world was re-stored, re-founded, or re-appointed after the fall of Satan, as we will see later.
The text in verse 30 describes a past world where the Lord rejoiced in all of the human population that resided on planet earth when it was originally created, and at that time in the far distant past when all humanity was in total unity with God.
The preceding description in Proverbs 8.22 to 31 describes a previous world that was totally different from our world today that began with the creation of Adam and Eve. Since their creation, most have rejected the wisdom of the Lord to go their own way, as written in Isaiah 53:6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way (and have forgotten our creator).
The following is another writing that describes a past world where the "morning stars” and “sons of God" (angelic beings) rejoiced together in that original creation, when all of the angelic entities were in total unity in that far distant past. Since all were in total unity at that time, this statement also includes Satan.
The unity of the angelic beings in that distant past is described in Job Chapter 38:4 as follows: Where were you when I (God) laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if you have the understanding. 5 Who has laid the measures thereof (who determined the measurements of the earth), declare if you know? or who has stretched the line upon (measured) it? 6 What are the foundations fastened to? or who laid the corner stone of the earth; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
The unity between the celestials and those who inhabited planet earth in that far distant past is a stark contrast as compared to life on planet earth today, where mankind is caught in the middle of a life and death struggle between the celestial forces of light and the forces of darkness.
Today, planet earth bears no resemblance to the earth that existed in eternity past, when the planet was a totally unified paradise. However, we are promised that our planet will not remain in this fallen state much longer, for, according to the ancient writings, the earth is destined to be restored to the paradise it once was in that distant past.
The prophetic writings of eternity future give us a brief look into that coming restoration of our planet back to the original state that it was in the "beginning". One description is found in Revelation 12:5. And there shall be no night there; and there is no need of a candle (man-made light), neither the light of the sun; for the Lord God will give them (His) light. In the future, our earth will be like the original creation, which was a universe of total light, and where there was no darkness.
Another description of the future restoration of the earth is in Revelation chapter 21. 3 And he (God) will dwell with man, 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. Also in Isaiah chapter 65 the following verses: 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 23 They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bull: There shall be no hurt nor destruction there.
That former world paradise was destroyed at the fall of Satan in the far distant past, as written in Genesis 1:2. In this verse we find the earth that was created in the "beginning" became void of inhabitants. The entire earth was also described as being without form or features, and was suspended in a dark universe that was totally void of light.
We know by this statement in Genesis 1:2 that something of catastrophic proportions occurred that caused not only the destruction of planet earth, but also the extinguishing of all light in our entire universe. At that point in eternity past the earth had become a totally void formless mass suspended in a universe of total darkness.
Our entire universe descended into total darkness, and then, to seal the destruction, the earth experienced a worldwide flood, as signified by the statement referring to the "face of the deep", meaning the earth was totally covered by water. It is to be noted that this flood is not to be confused with the worldwide flood that occurred during the days of Noah, which was almost two thousand years after the creation of Adam and Eve.
What caused a destruction of such magnitude? According to the ancient writings of Isaiah chapter 14, the destruction of the earth in that far distant past was caused by the rebellion of Lucifer, just as the flood in the days of Noah, just over four thousand years ago, was caused by the rebellion of mankind against the principles of God.
The fall of Satan in the far distant past
Isaiah chapter 14
12 How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!. 13 For thou hast said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High (a reference to God himself). 16 This Is the one (speaking of Satan) that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; 17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities of the world.
Ezekiel chapter 28
12 Thus says the Lord GOD; You Satan are perfect in wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the Sardis, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes (musical talents) were prepared in thee in the day that you were created. 14 You were the anointed cherub that covered the throne of God; you were upon the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
15 You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude (abundance) of your merchandise (commercial trading) they have filled the midst of you with violence , and have sinned.
The rebellion against the principals of God combined with the greed of seeking more and more abundance filled that world of the past with violence, which led to the complete destruction of that world. It is to be noted that our world is headed to the same destiny, except the return of Jesus will prevent our total destruction, as we will see.
16 Therefore I will cast you (Satan) as profane out of the mountain of God and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty, thou have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness. 17 I will cast you to the ground, I will lay you before kings, that they may behold you. 18 You have defiled your sanctuaries (places of worship) by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your traffic (bringing commercial trading into the sanctuaries).
The greed of Satan even led to promoting commercial buying and selling in the sanctuaries of that past world, and it is interesting to note that a similar occurrence took place when Jesus was in Israel two thousand years ago. It is written in Matthew 21:12 that, at that time, there were commercial vendors making money by selling various items on the temple grounds, and when Jesus saw this, he was so enraged that he overturned their tables and ran them off the temple grounds.
It is also to be noted, as we will see later in this writing, the world of today will gradually move towards a time in the not-too-distant future where world commercialism, under control of the Antichrist, will become the same as that which existed at the time of the fall of Satan.
Under the Antichrist, world violence will increase tremendously and commerce will no longer only be a way of providing goods to meet the needs of people, but will be commerce that is driven by greed and control of the people. In Matthew chapter 24 it is written that the reign of the Antichrist will become a world of such violence that if Jesus did not return at his appointed time, every person in the would be destroyed by this violence. Without the return of Jesus we would be facing a parallel to the destruction of the world that was destroyed at the fall of Satan.
The restoration of planet earth after the fall of Satan
How long the earth remained in that state of darkness and destruction, we are not told, but at some point in time, God began the restoration of planet earth and our surrounding universe, as recorded in the book of Genesis.
Genesis 1:2 And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the water. It was at this point that time was inserted into eternity to mark the beginning of days that would lead up to the restoration of planet earth.
Parallels between science and the ancient writings
Up until the last century, which brought the dawning of modern science, the words of the ancient writers went unchallenged as to the actual age of the earth, for it was basically assumed by most that read the ancient writings that the earth was created in the same time period as the creation of Adam and Eve, which was about 6000 years ago. However, because of the availability of modern scientific technology, most scientists say they have discovered the true age of the earth and this discovery does not agree with the ancient writings, therefore the ancientings are not correct.
Today, these scientific views are generally accepted by the public and most people now have the opinion that the age of the earth is no longer a mystery because the latest scientific findings estimate the age to be about 4.5 billion years old.
The dating of the earth by scientists, however, has brought about a disagreement between those in the scientific field, for there are certain scientists who still maintain that the ancient writings are correct in setting the age of the earth at the same time as the creation of Adam and Eve, which would be about 6,000 years ago.
An interesting aspect of the disagreement is that, in recent years, there was a third group of scientists who made yet another study on the age of the earth, and after conducting their own earth age study, they agreed with those who support the 6,000 year earth age as recorded in the ancient writings. These scientists, who estimated the age of the earth based on a different scientific method, are saying that their findings revealed that the age of the earth is relatively young and agrees with others who say the 6,000 year age is correct.
Though there seems to be no answer to this division in the field of science between the opposing opinions on the age of the earth, especially the vast difference in the age numbers themselves. However, there is an acceptable answer for both sides of this argument. The answer can be found in the ancient writings themselves, for when the writings are studied in depth, it becomes obvious that there is basically no contradiction between any one of the scientific findings and the ancient writings in relationship to the age of the earth.
To fully understand the parallels between the ancient writings and the scientific view as pertaining to the age of the earth, it is necessary to begin by first comparing the studies made by the two separate groups of scientists that came to conflicting conclusions after both of their scientifically accepted studies resulted in totally different answers as to the age of planet earth.
The first scientific group based their findings on Radiometric Technology that offers a range of dating methods that allow the scientist to date the age of rocks in billions of years and the age of fossils in the tens of thousands of years.
The second group of scientists based their methods of determining the age of the earth by studying the stars and their rate of travel as they recede into an ever expanding universe and away from planet earth. By using data that recorded the velocity of the receding stars and their distance of travel into space in a given time frame, the scientists were able to formulate the age of the earth.
It should be noted that the descriptions of dating methods used by both scientific studies have been greatly simplified in this writing in order to make them more understandable to the novice. It is understood that the actual means of dating are much more complex and technical.
The results of the scientific studies vary according to their methods. The scientists that used Radiometric dating estimate that the earth and our universe are about 4.5 billion years old. The other group of scientists that used data based on the velocity rates of receding stars estimate that our planet and universe are very young and the age could be as young as six-thousand years.
Both of these studies are based on “assumptions” that were necessary in order to carry out each study. The basic scientific methods used in Radiometric dating to determine the age of the earth is based on the “assumption” that the earth’s atmosphere and all sunlight and other cosmic light reaching the earth are a “constant” and have always been “consistently” the same since the earth first came into being.
The formulas used by those who claim that the age of the earth is possibly as young as six-thousand years, is based on the “assumption” that the velocity of the stars as they recede away from the earth is the same today as it was in the far distant past, and they also “assume” that the stars began their movement of receding away from the earth when the earth was originally formed.
Within the ancient writings there can be found several major changes in our planet and universe since its beginning that would either void or greatly alter the results of Radiometric data used under the “assumption” that the earth’s atmosphere and cosmic rays have always been constant. It would also greatly alter the results of the Receding Stars data that was used under the “assumption” that the velocity of the receding stars was constant and the beginning point of the stars movement away from the earth took place at the same time that the original creation of planet earth.
The “assumed constants” used in both scientific studies of the earth’s age would only be accurate as a measurement if the conditions that exist on earth today were the same as those that existed in the far distant past, but according to the ancient writings major changes have taken place on planet earth and in our universe in the past, some of which have been so catastrophic that they not only altered the earth, but even the surrounding atmosphere that extends out in space.
Changes of this magnitude that occurred in the past, which will be described later in this chapter, would prohibit the use of “assumed constants” as being reliable or accurate when used for dating a far distant past. However, even though science has not taken these earth changes into account the ancient writings and science still remain in basic agreement that the earth is very old.
The scientists who make their claim of an old earth based on data taken from the basic elements of the earth today, such as rocks, would find that these rocks could even be older than estimated if the cataclysmic changes mentioned in the ancient writings were factored into their data. The reason for this is that, due to the cataclysmic changes in the earth in ages past, rocks that are tested today could have possibly existed in a totally different form and consistency at some point in a past age which, as will be discussed later, could possibly date them as older than the estimated 4.5 billion years. This however, does indicate that science is correct in saying the earth is very old, and there is basically no disagreement between science and the ancient writings, as we will see later in this chapter.
The scientists who claim the age of the earth to be very young are also partially correct in relation to their six-thousand years old estimate.
Though their studies are not revealing the time period that the universe and earth were created, they are reflecting one of the major changes that took place in our universe about six-thousand years ago, which was within the same time period as the creation of Adam and Eve as recorded in the ancient writings. These changes will also be discussed later in this chapter.
These two basic scientific studies of the age of our universe not only differ in their results, but have also created within their ranks two opposing schools of thought in relation to the origin of our universe. One school is the “Evolutionists” who reject the God of the ancient writings, and theorize that life is a natural force that exists by chance within a primordial system that defaulted to existence from nothing. The other school is the “Creationists” who accept the ancient writings that state all “existence” was formed by a supernatural creator.
The Evolutionists, though rejecting the ancient writings concept of the supernatural, would be in agreement with the ancient writings that indicate the age of the earth could be even more than billions of years. This agreement is a necessity because, to the evolutionists, this gives more credence to the theory that life is a process of “time” plus “evolution” and that our universe came into existence without a creator through this process.
Amazingly, though the Evolutionists do not accept the ancient writers account of creation, both the Evolutionists and the ancient writers views are similar, to a certain degree, as to how the earth came into being. The Evolutionists say that existence “is” and that our universe was “formed” out of nothing, and was initiated by a “great force of energy”. The ancient writers say that GOD “IS” and it was He who “formed” our universe out of seemingly “nothing”, which would be the invisible atoms that form matter, as written in chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews. Also GOD created our visible universe by “a great force of energy” initiated by his supernatural power as written in chapter 45 of the book of Isaiah. God alone with his great power “spread out the heavens, or universe“, as one opening an umbrella.
The Creationists accept the ancient writings account that record the creation of Adam and Eve as being approximately six-thousand years ago, but they also assume, along with most who believe the ancient writings, that this is the same time period as the original “beginning” or “creation” of our planet. However, though the writings of the ancients record the creation of Adam and Eve as being about six-thousand years ago, which coincides with the findings of the Creation scientists, the ancient writings do not say that the “beginning” or “original” creation of the earth was in the same time frame in which Adam and Eve were created. A thorough study of the ancient writings, as we will see later, reveals a different time frame for the original creation of the earth from that of the creation of Adam and Eve.
Considering the fact that both findings on the age of the earth are based on accepted scientific studies there yet remains the unanswered question from a scientific perspective of how these two scientifically accepted studies can result in two answers that are totally opposite as pertaining to age of the earth.
The answer to this question is found within the ancient writings themselves, for they reveal that the actual age of the earth is very old, in fact so old that its age could possibly remain a mystery forever. However, these statements from the ancient writings do basically support the claim that the earth is very old and possibly even older than the estimated 4.5 billion years presented by the group of scientists using Radiometric dating.
There are also other statements in the ancient writings that speak of specific earth “ages”, the last of which began about six-thousand years ago. These statements support the six thousand year time span as presented in the scientific study based on the receding stars and also substantiates the Creationist’s belief that a creator formed Adam and Eve six thousand yeas ago.
The results of these two modern scientific studies reveal that both are basically in agreement with the ancient writings on these two scientific points; that the earth is very old and also we are now living in a certain earth age that began with the creation of Adam and Eve. These two earth ages, both old and young, will continue to be discussed later in this chapter
When studying the various creative acts within these writings we also find that our planet and universe are actually ageless as compared to time as we know it today. The concept of an ageless earth, however, seems to be contradictory to the ancient writings that begin in the first chapter of the book of Genesis, that state God created the world and then created Adam and Eve to live in the newly created garden of Eden; then in later writings the history of man from Adam and Eve until today is defined as being a period of about six thousand years.
The assumed discrepancy between an ageless earth and the six-thousand year age of the earth originated from the misconception that the writings in the first chapter of the book of Genesis state that the creation of Adam and Eve took place shortly after the “original” creation of the earth. Though the creation of Adam and Eve is also recorded in chapter one of Genesis, a thorough study of the ancient writings reveal that Adam and Eve were not created shortly after the “original” creation of planet earth, but after a restoration of the earth.
Chapter 2
It becomes evident, when comparing Genesis chapter one with other books of the ancient writers, there is a time gap between verses one and two, with verse one speaking of the “original” creation that took place in the “beginning“ and the second verse referring to the results of a catastrophic event that destroyed not only planet earth but also the surrounding universe, all of which collapsed into total darkness. Therefore, verse three is actually the beginning of a narrative depicting the restoration of planet earth after this destruction.
There are several different books of the ancient writings that reveal past events on our planet that present several clues pointing to the fact that the original “creation” of the earth took place in an age that existed long before the creation of Adam and Eve, which was the beginning of the six thousand year age we are living in today.
It is the age of the original foundation of the earth that registers as billions of years old when tested by modern scientific dating methods and it is this finding that has caused a great disagreement between those in the scientific field that claim the earth is billions of years old and those who claim that the earth is of a young age.
However, when compared to the ancient writers view that the original creation of the earth took place in an eternal past, planet earth could be even older than the scientists dating method can register. The disagreement between the two scientific fields as to the age of the earth is easily solved when we view the earth as the ancient writers did, for they wrote that there has been a past earth “age” that preceded the age that we are now living in.
Therefore, when speaking of earth “ages“ we are presently in an age that the ancient writers describe as being about six thousand years old, but there existed at least one other age in the far distant past that, though basically unknown, has greatly influenced our present age.
It is important to understand that there was a prior age, and there were certain events that occurred in that far distant past that are directly responsible for setting the stage for many of the events that are occurring in our world today.
The ancient writings contain only hints of that past age but they do present enough information to allow us to understand the age that existed long before the creation of Adam and Eve. In that past age the earth was a paradise where the inhabitants of the earth lived in perfect harmony, until an event the ancient writers called the “rebellion” occurred. Also, as we will see later, it was an age that was timeless as compared to our age today, where “time” dominates all of our activities and is a constant reminder of our short lifespan.
The book of Genesis opens with the following statement in chapter 1, verses 1 and 2, as follows; In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and the earth was without form and was void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. The ancient writings use three key words in these verses that, when studied in contrast to other books of the ancient writings, reveal not only an earth age of the past, but also a sudden destruction of the earth in that past age.
A common mistake in reading the opening verses 1 and 2, is to read them as though they were connected together as one continuing event. However, when studying the verses separately and comparing each verse to the writings in other books of the ancient writings it becomes evident that verses 1 and 2 are referring to separate events. First, there was the original creation of the earth and in the second verse, there is a description of the results of a cataclysmic destruction that ended with planet earth and the entire universe being in total darkness.
There are several clues that verify the writings in Genesis, chapter 1 verse 1, are actually describing the original creation of the earth in a former age that preceded the age in which Adam and Eve were created. These clues are found in the following writings:
The book of Isaiah, chapter 45 verse 18, states that “God did not create the world in vain, he created it to be inhabited“. The word vain, in the original language, means “desolate” or “void“. This verse reveals that the earth was not void when originally created, but was created inhabited. This would be in direct contradiction to Genesis chapter 1 verse 2 unless verse 2 was describing the results of a catastrophic occurrence on the earth that destroyed the planet and made it void.
The book of Psalms 102 verse 5 states that “from old you, God, have laid the foundation (original establishment) of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands“. The word “old” in the original Hebrew language means “before time”. Verse 5 also mentions that the heavens, or illuminated celestial bodies, were also created at that same time, which would be contradictory to verse 2 that said “all was total darkness”. Here again ,in Genesis verses 1 and 2 would not be contradictory if verse 2 was describing the results of a catastrophic occurrence that also destroyed the surrounding illuminated universe, turning it into total darkness.
The book of Hebrews chapter 1 verse 10 reads as follows: And, You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands. The original Hebrew word “earth” in this writing means not only the earth itself, but by extension, refers to the nations that inhabit the face of the earth.
These verses relate directly to Genesis verse 1 and are connected together by key words that tell us that the original foundation of the earth was created in the “beginning”, and also at that same time, the visible celestial heavens were part of that creation.
The term “in the beginning” was rarely used in the ancient writings, but when it was used, it places this beginning point in the timeless eternal realm of God.. The term “In the beginning” was used by the writers because there was no other way to describe the timing of an event that took place in that far distant timeless realm of God where everything in the future is eternal and everything in the past is eternal.
The phrase “in the beginning” was considered by the ancient writers as the only way to describe a particular point in time in that eternal past. Therefore, the few verses that do use the words “in the beginning”, do so to establish the fact that any event referred to as occurring at that point in time was so far back in time that it was beyond human comprehension.
The words “in the beginning” were used In the book of John chapter 1 to describe the existence of the one known as the Son of God. “In the beginning was the Word (referencing the Son of God), and the Word was with God (God the Father) and the Word was God, The same was “in the beginning” with God . All things were made by him (Son of God); and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In these verses we find that the one called the Son of God, though being the Son of God and endowed with the same eternal nature as God, came into existence as the Son of God at a point in eternity past called “the beginning”. In verse 14 we find that the Son of God was actually the only “begotten” son of God, meaning that he is the only son and direct descendant of God himself.
In the book of Isaiah 48:12 we find a similar reference to the Son of God “I am the first (beginning) and I am also the last (there no one like me). My hand has laid the foundation of the earth and my right hand has spanned the heavens, when I call unto them they stand up together. A similar description of the Son of God is also found in Revelation 1:11. I (Jesus) am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last.
The nature of the Son of God is different from God in only one aspect and that is God the Father is eternal both in the past and the future as written in chapter 57 of the book of Isaiah, and the Son of God descended from God at a point in an eternal past called “the beginning”, but has continued from that point to be the express likeness of God the Father and to have the same eternal nature as God.
The Son of God is also called God many times in the ancient writings without the writers differentiating between him and God the Father. A typical example of this is Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 where it is written “in the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”. We know this is referring to the Son of God and not to God the father for it is written in Hebrews chapter 1 that it was the Son of God that created our world.
Since the same statement “in the beginning” is also used in chapter 1 of the book of Genesis in describing the creation of earth, It could be assumed that all things, which includes all physical existence as we know it, were originally created by the Son of God in an eternal past that would be impossible to date in human terms.
The following verse was written to emphasize the fact that only God himself is eternal both in the past and in the future, but there was a point in the eternal past that marked the beginning of the physical existence of our universe and the planet we live on. This eternal aspect of God as relating to the creation of our world is written in Psalms 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting (in eternity past) to everlasting (in eternity future), you are God.
Though that verse in Psalms does not explicitly address the Son of God as the one who created our world, it was written in other writings that God appointed the Son of God to perform the creative works at a point called “the beginning“. In the book of Hebrews chapter 1 verse 1 it is written :“God , who at various times and in different manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son (the Son of God), whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 10 And, you, Lord (speaking of the Son of God) , in “the beginning” have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands.
This verse tells us that our entire universe was the beginning or first of God’s creations and was made by the Son of God at some point in an eternal past that is referred to as “the beginning“. Our planet and all of its life forms, and the surrounding universe, were brought forth out of nothing, and all were personally created by the Son of God through the power inherited from God. the Father
Other clues that would establish the existence of an age preceding that of Adam and Eve are the references made in several of the verses in writings previously mentioned, that stated the earth and our universe were created by the “hands” of the Son of God who is also called Lord, and even God himself, many times in the ancient writings. In the book of Hebrews chapter 1 verse 10. there is this reference: And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning has laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands. Also, in the Isaiah 48:12 there is fond a similar reference: I (the Son of God) am the first (the beginning) and I also am the last. My hand has laid the foundation of the earth and my right hand has spanned (spread out) the heavens
These two statements refer directly to the “original” creation or “foundation” of the heavens and earth, and both are said to have been in the “beginning”. This is in agreement with Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 that states: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”.
However, the creative works that begin in the 3rd verse of the 1st chapter of Genesis and, continue through the last verse in chapter 1, are performed in a different manner than those listed in Hebrews and Isaiah. In Genesis God is recorded as “speaking” all things into existence by proclaiming “Let there be”:
The original Hebrew meaning for the words “create” or “created”, which are used several times following the phrase “Let there be” in verses 3 to 31 in chapter 1, contain basic implications such as “to select” or “to dispatch” which would support the fact that these creative works were performed by God actually speaking what he wanted to take place. An example of this being the case is evident in verse 20 where it is written: “ And God said, Let the waters bring forth all living creatures from it”, which included birds that fly in the air and all fish that swim in the water, including great whales. Also, when God “spoke” in verse 24, living animals came from the earth, just as birds and fish came from the waters: God said, let the earth “bring forth” the living creatures after their kind, cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth”
Ironically, when comparing these verses to Evolutionary science, one could say that there is a similarity between the evolution theory and the ancient writings in that all life forms originated in the earth. Beyond that basic similarity, evolution and the ancient writings become direct opposites as relating to their formation.
The creative words were spoken by God as though these creatures were inhabitants of the earth in the past and were being brought back or resurrected, so to speak, from the ground or from the water of planet earth. This possibility is substantiated by a verse in chapter 3 of the book of Ecclesiastes, where it is written: “The spirits of all animal life goes back to the earth when they die and the spirit of man goes back to God”. This being true, God could surely call all animal life back into existence at his will as it is written in Genesis.
This process of bringing back into existence that which was there before is also substantiated by verse 4 in Genesis chapter 2 where it is written “the day the Lord made the heavens and the earth” The original Hebrew meaning of this particular word “made” or “make” used in this verse is “brought forth”, as though from a pre existing state. The actual words “brought forth” were also used several times in chapter 1, and each time when God “spoke” that which was spoken of was “brought forth“.
When first comparing the writings in Hebrews and Isaiah that state “God created all things by his hands” with the remarks in verses 3 to 31 in chapter 1 of Genesis that state “God spoke all things into existence”, there seems to be a great contradiction as to the method used by God in creating the heavens and the earth. Did God use his hands in the creation or did he simply speak all things into existence? However, if the first verse in Genesis was describing the “original” creation of the heavens and earth and verses 3 to 31 were describing the “restoration“ of the heavens and earth there would be no contradiction, for it would simply be saying that the original creation was made with God‘s hands and the restored creation was brought back into it‘s original form when God called it back into being by his word.
The only mention of God being physically involved in the creation process is in the creation of man. In Genesis chapter 2 verse 7 it is written “God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him”. The word “formed” also means “molded” which would imply by hand. A different word was used in Genesis 2:22 describing the creation of the first woman, Eve. There he took a rib from the man, Adam and “made” a woman using the rib as a base. The original meaning of the word made is “built”, also implying this was done by hand.
In Genesis 2:23 it is written: “Adam said Eve was bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh”, which is to say Eve was an identical counterpart and of the same make-up as Adam. From a scientific standpoint this would be the equivalent of using the DNA of Adam’s rib as a base for building her body and then reprogramming her DNA to determine her individual characteristics. Thus she would have the identical makeup of Adam, except with her own personal attributes as determined by her DNA.
Going back to Genesis 1:2, we will begin to trace in consecutive order the restoration of our universe as recorded in the ancient writings. In verse 2 there are two stages recorded. The first part of the verse states that the earth was totally covered by water and was suspended in a universe of total darkness. It is not recorded how long the universe had been in darkness, only that at a point in time about six thousand years ago, the Spirit of God began to move over the face of the waters that were covering the earth. The six thousand years can be confirmed by the fact that this is the same time period that Adam and Eve were created and that date is confirmed by tracing the genealogy of Adam and Eve in the ancient writings.
Day 1
Creation of light to illuminate the heavens
and the earth, and to establish time
On the First Day, the movement of the Spirit of God began his works to restore not only planet earth, but our entire universe. “And God said let there be light” and light appeared according to his spoken word.
In the ancient writings there are two basic sources of light, there is the light that comes from a “physical” source such as a burning flame or light that has been created by man, such as a standard light bulb. The other source of light is called the “true” light, and that is the light that emanates from the presence of God. This is also the light that is mentioned in the book of Revelation chapter 21 as being the light that will light the entire earth at some point in the future, and when that time comes there will be no more need for the “physical” light of the sun to provide light for the earth. At that time in the future the entire earth will be illuminated by the “true” light from God, and then, as written in the book of Job 26:10, the cycles of night and day will come to an end.
When God said “let there be light”, a “physical“ light was formed in our universe to provide “light”, wherever needed, throughout our entire universe. The original meaning of the word “light” used in this verse is “illumination“, or light itself , without mention of how it was being fueled.
If we could have witnesses this event there would have, at first, been the sudden burst of this newly created light that was burning on its own without being supported by a planetary body such as the sun or a star. This one newly created light was apparently suspended in space at a distance from planet earth, for as we will see, the light it produced was responsible for providing the illumination of the earth on that first day of the twenty four hour period of day and night on planet earth.
The illumination of planet earth stood in stark contrast against the total darkness of space. The lighted side of the earth God called “day” and the dark side of the earth God called “night”. We know that the earth was rotating at this time for the ancient word “face” was used to describe the face of the waters in Genesis chapter 1 verse 2 which means “that which turns”.
Day and night was first established on planet earth by this light and the first revolution of the earth in the presence of this newly created “light” was called the “first day” in Genesis 1:5. In later ancient writings the day and night would become a symbol of good and evil, light being the symbol of goodness, truth and life, and darkness being a symbol of evil, lies and death.
This newly created light, or “illumination”, would remain suspended in space at a distance from the earth until “day four”. At that time it will be used to set the sun and stars ablaze. As we will see, the sun and stars will also become “light holders” for this newly created “light” on that day.
Day 2
Creation of a vapor barrier high above the earth
that completely surrounded the planet
On the Second day, ”God said” let the waters on the earth be separated by a great expanse which was called heaven in the ancient writings and is called “sky” in today’s terminology. This is the expanse that surrounds the earth and extends several miles upward from the surface of the earth. At the outer edge of this expanse which would be what is known today as the threshold of space. God formed a barrier of water vapor that is described in Genesis 1:6 as being the “separated water above the heaven” or dense barrier of water vapor suspended miles above the surface of planet earth.
This vapor barrier above the earth created a greenhouse effect that provided a perfect tropical environment for the entire earth. This greenhouse effect also prevented the north and south pale regions from being frozen as they are today, for at that time in the past these regions had the same tropical environment as the remainder of the earth. From a scientific viewpoint this agrees with recent scientific discoveries made while gathering data on the ocean floors near the north pole. The data gathered by scientists in the early 2000s indicated that the frozen ocean near the north pole today was once a tropical ocean that was teeming with marine life similar to that found today in the waters off Hawaii.
It should be noted that according to the ancient writings this vapor barrier high above the earth lasted about 1600 years and then suddenly collapsed in the form of rain around 2400 B.C. This vapor barrier collapsed in the form of rain in the days of the Noah, and was the cause of the great flood described in Genesis chapters 6, 7 and 8 . It was the combination of this immense vapor barrier falling as rain for forty days, along with the rising waters from beneath the earth, called the fountains of deep, that made the flood of Noah’s day capable of reaching the depth mentioned in the ancient writings which are recorded as being “above the highest mountains“.
Day 3
God caused areas of dry land and oceans
to appear on the face of the planet
On the Third Day, as recorded in Genesis 1:9, “God said” let the waters appear in one place and let dry land appear in another. God called the dry land earth and the waters he called seas. And God said let the earth bring forth grass, trees and herbs, and it was so. All vegetation was called into existence by God speaking that they all come forth, as though being called back into existence from a pre-existing state.
As God spoke, the sea receded and land appeared. According to Psalms 104:6 and 8, dry land was formed by a massive shifting of the earth’s surface, where immense areas in the bottom of the sea dropped to depths so deep that they formed mountainous areas and deep valleys below the ocean. At the same time mountains and plateaus ascended into heights above the waters to form dry land.
The book of Jonah 2:6, also confirms that mountains are in the bottom of the ocean according to the description that Jonah gave after being thrown from a boat at sea. As he was sinking to the bottom of the sea, he saw mountains that were below the surface of sea.
This account of the third day is basically in agreement with science in that there are tremendously deep valleys found today in various areas along the ocean floors that are so deep they also have mountain ranges with peaks that are far below the ocean surface.
The ancient writers were also speaking of that third day when they wrote the following in Psalms 104:7, God rebuked the waters and it fled, at the thundering voice of God the water hastily receded from the earth”. This statement points out that it happened abruptly, or very fast, and could be likened to a combination of worldwide earthquakes and mountainous upheavals, most of which, as previously mentioned, took place below the ocean surface.
It is also to be noted that this account of receding waters from the earth to form dry land in one day was totally different from the receding waters described after the world-wide flood of Noah’s day. which was about 1600 years later. As recorded in Genesis chapter 8, the flood of Noah’s day, the depth of which was also above the mountain tops, took almost one year to recede after the rain and flooding stopped. At that time the waters receded slowly back to the water level that would be close to the level that is found on earth’s oceans today.
However, since there is no mention as to how this massive amount of water was lowered back to a normal sea level, it could be assumed that it was lowered by similar upheavals in the land and in the ocean floors as those recorded in day 3 of creation, with the exception that this did not all occur in one day, but the water was gradually lowered over a much longer period of time. One reason for the longer period of time was to allow the earth to be basically restored so that Noah and his family could leave the ark and begin to rebuild their lives on a habitable earth.
We know that the water levels of the oceans have not changed much since the aftermath of the days of the Noah flood which was about 4500 years ago, and it is recorded in Psalms chapter 104, verse 8 that “God, at that time, set a boundary for the oceans that they could not rise above, assuring that the earth would never again be totally inundated.
Day 4
Creation of light to illuminate the universe
On the Fourth Day, as recorded in Genesis 1:14, God spoke and said “let there be lights in the heavens and let them divide the day from the night and let them be for signs, and for seasons and for days and years. The word “made” used by the ancient writers means “appointed” and the word “light” means “light holders” which in the broadest sense would mean that God “appointed” the heavenly bodies suspended in the dark universe to become “light holders”, at which time they were ignited or even re-ignited, for it is possible that they could have originally been stars that were extinguished at the rebellion of Satan.
Though the ancient writings speak primarily of the earth, the earth was not the only planetary body suspended in the darkness of space, for, according to Genesis chapter 1, verse 1, both the heavens, which includes the stars, all planetary bodies, and the earth were all created in “the beginning”. Therefore, all suffered a similar fate as that of planet earth as a result of the rebellion, they were all plunged into darkness and chaos as the universe collapsed into darkness.
In the ancient writings we are only told of how the earth itself was restored to the point that it could be habitable again, but, as far as the other planets are concerned, they are not specifically mentioned. However, it can be assumed that their appearance today is in no way the same as it was when they were created in the “beginning”, just as the earth today is not in the pristine condition in which it was in the “beginning”.
It is obvious when looking at the planets in our solar system, including their moons, that they are marred by asteroid and meteorite impact craters just as planet earth and its moon was at the rebellion, and they are all “void” and basically desolate just as the earth was as recorded in Genesis chapter 1, verse 2, with the exception that the earth, at this point, was also covered with water.
At the voice of God, the earth and all of the stars, including our sun which had hung suspended in disorder in the dark universe ,were brought back into a celestial order, with the stars and our sun re-ignited to light up our solar system. All planets in our solar system including the earth were illuminated by the new light of the sun which instantly revealed the evidence of that past cataclysmic event that is evident today on the surfaces of all of the planets and moons.
The new light of the sun revealed the scared surfaces of the planets and moons in our solar system, indicating that none of them escaped this cataclysmic event, all had been bombarded with thousands of meteorites and asteroids. A study of the surfaces of all of these planets shows that this massive bombardment created impact craters ranging from yards wide to many miles in diameter. These impact craters are a stark reminder of the consequences brought to our solar system by the rebellion of Satan.
Though the earth suffered the same meteorite and asteroid bombardments as the other planets, the evidence of impacts is not as noticeable on the earth today as it is on other planets. Scientists speculate that according to the number of impact craters that have been discovered on planet earth, there are possibly hundreds of craters on our planet that cannot be discerned because of erosion and vegetation on the earth’s surface . Also, considering that three-fourth of the earth is covered by water today, the odds are that a great majority of the impacts took place in areas that are covered the ocean, making them impossible to find.
The vast amount of impact craters on the planets in our solar system provides proof that, at some point in the past, there was a catastrophic universal incident occurred that formed these craters. In Isaiah 14:17, it is written of this catastrophic event that when it occurred “all of the cities of planet earth were destroyed and the entire earth was turned into a desolate wilderness, a vast wasteland”. Considering the massive evidence of asteroid and meteorite destruction throughout our universe it is obvious that they played a major role in the destruction of our world in that distant past.
The ancient writings do not mention asteroid or meteorite impacts specifically as being one of the devastating forces that destroyed planet earth at the rebellion, but similar forces are mentioned in the writings in the book of Revelation that are predicted to occur in the future. In the book of Revelation, chapters 8 and 16, the ancient writers predicted that there will be a time in the future when the people of the earth will once again rebel against God and during that time there will be a bombardment of hailstones falling to the earth. Also, in the midst of that devastation there will be a giant asteroid that will fall into one of the earth’s oceans destroying one-third of all life and all ships in the oceans.
The ancient writings list the weight of the hailstones at about 130 pounds each when they hit the earth. Considering that the size of the hailstones would be diminished by heat as they came through the earth’s atmosphere it is possible that they could weigh hundreds of pounds more before entering the earth’s atmosphere. Also, the asteroid is said be the size of a mountain, which could possibly be as much as several miles wide which, upon impact, would be felt around the world.
An interesting note in reference to the hailstones is a statement found in the book of Job, chapter 38, verses 22 and 23 that states “ there is a store of hail reserved, or held as in a storehouse, which will be used for that future day of battle”. This statement, in essence, is saying that these hailstones existence today, somewhere in space and are reserved for that future predicted day and time when they will rain down on planet earth.
It is left to the reader’s imagination as to how devastating the hail storm would be with hail as large as 130 pounds falling to the earth or how high the wave from a miles wide asteroid impact would be, or how many people along the coastlines would be drowned by the wave. Just the hail itself , if concentrated in certain areas, could easily destroy entire cities, and It has been estimated that the wave produced by the asteroid impact would be over one-hundred feet high and the death toll could be in the millions along the coastlines of many countries.
In writing of other future events to occur that were also prevalent in the destruction of our past world is the verse found in the book of Joel, 2:31 that states “the sun will be turned to darkness and the moon will appear as blood”. The original word “sun” actually means “sunlight” and is not referring to an eclipse of the sun where the sun itself is darkened, but to the light of the sun will be blocked out by something in the atmosphere.
An atmospheric condition where the light of the sun is darkened and the moon appears as red is the same conditions that are produced by an erupting volcano. The eruption of a series of volcanoes around the world would easily produce this effect worldwide. This has been proven to be the case in the past where the eruption of just one volcano has filled the atmosphere with smoke that drifted thousands of miles from the eruption. Volcanic eruptions are also associated many times with earthquakes which are predicted in the ancient writings to become more and more prevalent on a world-wide scale in the future.
In Psalms 139:12 it is written that where the presence of God is there is no darkness or night which, is to point out that when God removed his physical presence from our universe because of the rebellion, the universe went into total darkness and collapsed inwardly to a certain extent. It can be assumed that our universe did collapse inwardly to a certain extent, for the ancients writings state in Isaiah, 40:22, that the heavens were later spread out like a person setting up a tent and opening it up from a collapsed position. As the universe collapsed and went into darkness there was the meteorite and asteroid bombardment of the planets that contributed to the destruction of the earth. It is also very possible that many impact craters could have possibly been fragments of planets that were destroyed in that same period of chaos.
The darkness of the universe at that time could have been very similar to the darkness described in the book of Job 10:22 that speaks of a realm that was void of God’s presence and therefore a place where there was no order, a place of chaos. Since God had withdrawn his presence at the rebellion, it is possible that our universe also lost its synchronization which would have caused many heavenly bodies to collide with one another, sending fragments of debris throughout the universe.
In Job it is written in chapter 9, speaking of that time of the rebellion in the past, that “the sun did not rise on the earth and the stars were sealed up, which means that their light was cut off or “extinguished”. All of this was to say that the planets, sun and stars were suspended in the blackness of space, and the stars and sun were not burning or giving off light. Another writing describing the universe after its collapse is found in the Isaiah 50:3 where it is written that “God clothed the heavens with blackness and covered the outer extremities of the universe with a dark covering likened to sackcloth“.
In Job 28:3 the ancient writers added another description of our universe which said that “God has set an end or “extremity” to darkness, which is to say that our dark universe extends just so far and then abruptly ends. Beyond that extremity is the realm mentioned in the Job 38:18 as being the area where total light resides, a realm where there is no darkness.
This writing in the book of Job reveals that our dark universe is contained within a vast universal realm of total light and our universe is separated from this realm of light by a covering, or film of darkness. The writer likened this covering to sackcloth, which is a material woven of black hair. This also agrees with the statement found in First Corinthians 12:2, where the writer speaks of being caught up to a place called paradise, which is said to be located in the “third heaven”.
According to the ancient writings, the “third heaven” is related to the earth in this manner: the first heaven is the atmosphere surrounding the earth where the birds fly, the second heaven is the surrounding universe that contains the stars and moon, and the third heaven is the realm beyond the extremity of our dark universe which is referred to as “heaven”, the eternal realm of light where God dwells. In truth it is simply speaking of another universe that is beyond the extremity of our universe and it is in that universe that the dwelling place of God can be found.
The ancient writings point to a time in the future when our universe will be restored to its original condition and blend into that total realm of light that now exists beyond our universe, but at this point in time we are living in a universe where darkness is prevalent and the only light for planet earth comes from the sun and stars.
We are given a clue as to the appearance of that new universe in the book of Revelation where it describes the heavens as they will be in the future, when the earth and the heavens are restored to their original condition that existed before the rebellion of Satan.
In Revelation 21:23, there is a reference the time in the future when God himself will dwell on the earth, and at that time the light of the sun or the moon would not be necessary for lighting the earth, for the light of the presence of God would light the entire earth with His celestial glory. In Psalms 139:12, it is written that where God is present, there is no darkness, therefore our entire universe will be aglow with the light of God.
The verse does not say that the moon or sun would not be in the heavens, but that their light would be dim as compared to the brilliance provided by the light of God. This same description of the sun and moon is found in Isaiah 24:22, that states when God reins on earth, the light of the sun and moon will be overwhelmed by the celestial light of God. In Job 26:10, it is written “there is coming a time on earth that day and night as we know it will come to an end“. This statement alludes to the fact that at some point in the future the sun and moon will no longer be the predominant lights in our solar system, for our entire universe will be a realm of total light.
In Isaiah 40:22 the ancient writers wrote that God spread out the stars like opening up a tent. The perspective of this writing was as though God was standing on the earth and spreading the stars outward and away from the earth as he sent the stars blazing into space. This agrees with scientists today who say that the stars are receding away from the earth into space and they are receding at a high rate of speed.
Recent discoveries made by some scientist have discovered that the stars are receding away from our solar system and towards the extremities of our universe at an increasing rate of speed, and for that reason these scientists say that our universe could not be over 6000 years old, for if it was much older than that all of the stars would have disappeared into space by now and would no longer be visible.
Scientists also point to this discovery in seeking to prove that our universe is very young as compared to other theories that say it is billions of years old. However, could it be that this discovery is exactly what the ancient writers said happened 6000 years ago when the stars were re-ignited and set in motion during the restoration of our universe. after the fall of Satan, The Scientist’s concern about the disappearance of the stars at some point in the future is also well founded, for that too is in agreement with the ancient writings. In the book of Job, chapter 14, verse 12 and Revelation 21:1 it is written that “there would come a time in the future, when the heavens that now exist will all disappear”. This is a major prophecy in the ancient writings that will be discussed in a later chapter. Amazingly, this is what many scientists are speculating today, that all the stars will be gone in the future because they are receding away from our universe at an accelerated rate.
When the stars were re-ignited in the heavens, they we not randomly placed, but each star was positioned in a purposeful manner. Job 38:32 describes the formation of the stars as the Mazzaroth, which is known today as the twelve constellations of the Zodiac. Originally these star formations were set in the heavens as “signs” given by God as a guide to the people of planet earth, and were symbols to be used in understanding the eternal plan and purpose of the inhabitants of planet earth. In Job 38:33, the Mazzaroth is spoken of as being an “ordinance” that has set the appointed “times” or events on earth. The true meaning of these signs have been ignored or forgotten through the years, and have been perverted so many ways, that the Zodiac is used today only for astrological fortune telling . However, though the true meaning of the Mazzaroth is basically ignored today, the appointed times for certain events to occur are still in effect and will come to pass as the ancient prophets predicted.
In relation to the sun, there is a question as to why the sun was not created until the fourth day, and one answer could be connected with the symbolic relationship that the sun has with the Son of God. In many of the ancient writings the sun is used as a symbol of the Son of God. In Malachi chapter 4, it is written “the Sun of righteousness will come with healing”, which was a direct reference to the Son of God. Therefore the “S” in sun was capitalized to show deity. In the chapter 1 of the book of John, the Son of God is called the True Light of the world, as compared to the sun being the representative symbol of that light. In Isaiah chapter 61 it is written that the sun is the temporary light that represents the Lord who will one day be our eternal light.
In chapter 5 of the book of Judges, the sun is said to represent the Lord going forth in his might. In Matthew chapter 24 it is written that the “return of the Son of God will be from the east”. His coming return is symbolized each day by the rising of the sun in the east.
The reason that the sun was not created until the fourth day could also have been to establish the prophetic symbolism that would be given to the sun as the representation of the Son of God who is called the “light of the world” as recorded in the book of John, chapters 1 and 9. In the book of Matthew chapter 12 the Son of God himself said that he would be killed, but after three days, which would be day four, Jesus would be among the living again, and at that time he would be the eternal light of the world. Symbolically, the sun being created on the forth day would accomplish this representation of ruler-ship of the Son of God. In First Corinthians 15:6 Jesus appeared to more than five hundred people at one time, whish firmly established the validity of his resurrection.
One other basic purpose of the creation of the sun was to establish “time”. As we will see in later chapters, “time” is a major factor in bringing the struggle between good and evil to an end, and there is a pre-determined time schedule set forth in the ancient writings to accomplish this end. Time is also given as a way of comparing time on earth as it relates to time in the realm of God. As it is written in the book of Psalms 90:4: “A thousand years in earth time is likened to only a 24 hour period in the realm of God”. This relative time comparison is a major factor in understanding the timing of future events that were predicted by the prophets and recorded in the ancient writings.
Day 5
Creation of birds and marine life
On the Fifth Day, as stated in Genesis, 1:20 ”God said “let the waters bring forth creatures that have life and the winged fowl that may fly in the heavens.
All fish and other marine life and all fowl or bird-life were brought into existence by God speaking that they “come forth“, as though being called back into existence from a pre-existing state. There is a statement in Ecclesiastes 3:21, that states “the spirit of an animal goes back to the earth when it dies”. This statement would support the possibility that God was actually calling the animal life back into existence from a pre-existing state to replenish the planet, This would also be the reason that the ancient writings did not use a term stating that this was the original creation of the animal world.
Day 6
Creation of land animals and the
first humans, Adam and Eve
On the Sixth Day, as stated n Genesis 1:24 ”God said let the earth bring forth all land creatures, cattle, creeping things and beasts of the earth, and it was so”. All animal life that lives on land was also called into existence by God speaking as though they were being called back into existence from a pre-existing state.
The only life forms that did not come into existence by God speaking that they be “brought forth” was Adam and Eve. In Genesis 2:7 to 25, it is recorded that Adam and Eve were also created on the sixth day, but they were personally created by God. In verse 7 it is written that God “formed” Adam and in verse 22 it is written that he personally “made” Eve. The word “made” used in this verse means “built in the same form as the man” in it’s original context.
The word “formed” was also used later in referencing how God brought the animals to Adam that he might give them names. Here it refers to the fact that God had previously “formed” the animals which in this case was figuratively speaking and the meaning of this Hebrew word in this case was “determined”, or God had determined what each type of animal would be before it was brought forth.
There is also a great misconception that has been handed down through the ages that Adam and Eve were created “naked”. This misconception comes from the writing in Genesis 2:25 that states they were “naked”. However, the meaning of this word “naked”, in it’s original context, means partially nude or not totally covered. This is clarified in Genesis chapter 1:26, where it is written that God made mankind in his image. In the book of Psalms 104:2, it is written that God has a natural covering that is an actual garment of light that covers Him just as any garment or robe would cover a person.
However, just as with any garment, it would naturally reveal the nakedness of the hands, neck, head and feet, thus revealing only a partial nakedness which is the meaning of the word “naked“ used in the original language. This was the same covering that Adam and Eve were created with, and it was their garments of light that were lost because they believed the words of the serpent instead of the warning of God.
The statement in Genesis 2:25 is followed by the comment that “they were not ashamed“ when they were first created. The reason this statement was written was to contrast the original appearance of Adam and Eve in garments of light with their appearance after they had disobeyed God and eaten the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3:7, After they had eaten the fruit, Adam and Eve then became “naked” (and they were then ashamed) and made for themselves coverings of fig leaves that were to take the place of their garments of light. The original meaning of the word “naked” in this verse means “nudity” or total nakedness.
The decision Adam and Eve made by eating the fruit, gave them the ability to know and experience both good and evil, and consequently, their decision left their bodies totally naked, and their nakedness and ability to know and experience both good and evil would be passed down to all generations. The final result of their choice was fatal to all of their generations, for the result also included an inevitable death as their bodies began to age and would continue aging until their bodies died
Though the ancient writers do not agree with science that mankind is in the same category as the animal world, the ancient writers do, however, state that the animal kingdom and mankind are related in that their bodies were formed from the elements of the earth, and all were originally formed on the same day. Also when comparing the physical makeup of mankind to the animal world, mankind stands out against all of the animals in that the bodies of the humans are the only ones that do not have “natural” clothing.
Another interesting aspect of the creation of Adam and Eve is found in Genesis 1:28, where it is written that God told Adam and Eve to “replenish” the earth. The word replenish means to restore, or repopulate, back to a pre-existing state. This is another clue that is found in the ancient writings that reveals there was a time in the far distant past, before Adam and Eve, that the earth was populated, This same command to restore the population of the earth was also given to Noah about 1600 years after the time of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 9:1, God told Noah to “replenish” the earth after all of the people of the world had perished in the world-wide flood.
Day 7
God rested from His creative works
On the Seventh Day, as stated in Genesis 2:1, God rested from all of the works that he had done. This day of rest is not necessarily a factor in the lives of all the people of the world, but it is a natural cycle that, if followed, will help prevent fatigue. The seventh day is also alluded to many times in the ancient prophetic writings as being a time in the future when the entire world will be at rest, and at the same time the world will be at total peace. That time in the future is predicted to last a thousand years, as will be discussed later in this writing, and that time period will be ushered in at the return of Jesus, the Son of God.
When comparing the ancient writings with today’s scientific views, they are in agreement on one major point, and that is our earth and our universe originated from one central source of power. Though it has been referred to as the “big bang” in scientific terminology, science and the ancient writings do agree in concept that our universe was created by a central force that was powerful enough to create our universe.
The ancient writers wrote in Psalms 135:5 and Jeremiah 10:12 that the central source of creation was not “power” only, but a combination of the “wisdom” and “power” of God, which is to say that existence was not created by power alone, but behind the power was a guiding wisdom and knowledge, or intelligence, that utilized the power as necessary to produce the entirety of our universe.
After studying the meaning of “in the beginning” as being some point in an eternal past, it is obvious that the actual beginning of the earth was definitely so far back in time that it would be impossible for us to understand. Also, an eternal past would surely be far beyond the beginning of the age ln which we are presently living. which the ancient writers list in the genealogies of mankind as being only six thousand years ago.
It is also obvious that the conditions of planet earth as described in verse 2 are definitely not describing a planet that was inhabited, or even fit for habitation, but a planet that was just the opposite. It was a planet that was suspended in a universe where there was no illumination. The statement that “darkness was upon the face of the deep” makes reference to two attributes of the earth at that point in time past. The word “face”, in the original text, means “that which turns” and the word “deep” means “sea” or “water abyss”, thus indicating that the earth was actually rotating on its axis, possibly similar to its rotation today, and the surface of the earth was a sea of water. The water covering the earth mirrored only the darkness of the surrounding universe, and considering that the temperature in space is below freezing, the surface of the flooded planet earth could have also been frozen.
By comparing the verse ,“in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”, with a verse in Isaiah 45:18 that states: “For thus says the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he has established it, he created it not in vain (which means void and lifeless), he formed it to be inhabited (populated by people)”. It is evident that the earth, as originally created “in the beginning”, was inhabited by people, and was not a lifeless water covered planet, suspended in a totally darkened universe as described in Genesis chapter 1.
Isaiah 45:18 was written to give us a clue that Genesis 1:2 was not a continuation of Genesis 1.1, nor was it associated with the original creation at all. Verse 2 is a brief description of the results of a catastrophic event that ended in the destruction of our world in a former age. This is followed in verse 3, which is an account of the beginning of the restoration of our planet, which according to the ancient writings, took place about six thousand years ago, and was the beginning of the age we are living in today.
Though the statements made in Genesis 1:2 have been generally misconstrued as being a description of the earth when it was originally created, there are other statements in other books of the ancient writings that also indicate that the book of Genesis is written primarily to describe the age in which we are now living, with the exception of Genesis 1:1 and the first half of 1:2. As previously explained,. the second half of Genesis 1:2 ”and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters”. This statement is actually the starting point of the restoration of not only our planet, but our entire universe, all of which had collapsed into darkness, and had brought a former age to a devastating close.
There is also more evidence in the ancient writings that supports the fact that there was an age before the creation of Adam and Eve, for the clues found within their writings speak of a former age when the earth was not only inhabited by people, but also by other beings that could best be described as celestials.
The writings that speak of a past age are found primarily in the form of smaller verses or paragraphs embedded within the various volumes of the ancient writings. Another clue is found in researching the original meaning of the words themselves that are used in these verses. In studying the original meaning of even the simplest of words such as the word “worlds” found in the verse in Hebrews 1:2. In this particular case the word “worlds” does not mean physical worlds similar to planet earth, but earth “ages” that have come and gone throughout the past. This implies that there has been more than one world age in the history of our planet.
Some writings that are examples of the clues found in various ancient writings of the bible speak of different earth ages, both past, present and even future. These verses are as follows:
The various Earth Ages
Earth Age 1 - This was the world that was created “in the beginning”, and there is a reference made to that age in Isaiah 14:17 that speaks of the rebellion of Lucifer on planet earth. The result of that rebellion was that the world was turned into a wilderness (meaning a place that is totally void). This is the “void” earth mentioned In Genesis 1:1 that described the earth as also being totally covered by water.
That earth age, which was the original creation of the earth, was not dated by the ancient writers because of its creation being in an “eternal” past that could not be comprehended by man. For this reason the earth could be so old that it is beyond today’s scientific capabilities to determine an exact date. However, because of its excessive age, this is, undoubtedly, the earth age that scientific tests date today as being more than four billion of years old.
Earth Age 2 - How long the remains of earth age 1 lingered in that state of darkness as noted in Genesis 1:1 we are not told, but we do know when that world was restored. The ancient writers record that God began the restoration around 4000 BC.
The beginning of the restoration corresponds with Genesis 1:2 where the Spirit of God moved on the face of the deep to begin another world or earth age that would be populated with the offspring of Adam and Eve who were created to re-populate that new age. We know that Adam and Eve were created to repopulate the world because on the writing in Genesis 1:28 where God told them that they were to “replenish”, which means to repopulate the earth.
That world existed until the time of Noah when the world was then destroyed by a world-wide flood. This event is recorded in the ancient writings as occurring around 2400 BC. In the writing of Peter 2:5 that world is referred to as the old or other world as compared to this “present” world we are living in today.
It should be noted that the ancient writings pertain basically to earth age 2 and 3 which are the ages relevant to the descendants of Adam and Eve. We are given glimpses into earth age 1 and 4 to tell us that we each have an eternal destiny that is connected both to the past and to the future. The glimpses given into the far distant past and the future are there to enhance our understanding of the larger picture and the grand scheme that is gradually bringing our universe, and our planet, back from the brink of not only one, but two cataclysmic destructions; that of earth age 1 when both the entire planet and surrounding universe were destroyed, leaving planet earth flooded and suspended in a dark universe; and in earth age 2 when, in the days of Noah, the world was totally destroyed by a worldwide flood.
Earth Age 3 This present world is defined as the world after the flood, and up until today, which is called this “present” world as written in Galatians 1:4. It is also labeled an evil world and in other writings a world, that because of the evil is soon to face yet another cataclysmic destruction.
There is one comment in the ancient writings in Genesis chapter 10 that refers to the earth being divided or broken up into several islands, or continents, about one hundred years after the Noah flood. Here again we have the ancient writings agreeing with a similar scientific view that the continents that exist today did break away from what was once larger land masses. The ancient writings do not say how they were divided but the amazing aspect of their statement is that it was written about 3400 years before the scientific discovery was made.
Earth Age 4 According to Hebrews 6:5 this is the future, totally restored world of the future. This new world as described in Revelation 21:1 will be totally different from our world today and will also be surrounded by new heavens and solar system. On this new earth, there will be no need for the sun, for the entire universe will be aglow from the light of a solar system that will be totally void of darkness as it is today.
The new earth will not be covered by the oceans as it is today, for there will be no great oceans. The oceans of today were never a feature of the original planet but are there only as a result of the catastrophic disasters in ages past which were the consequences of the rebellion of Satan and of mankind, the last of which was the flood in the days of Noah.
Today, modern advances in technology have allowed scientists to peer far deeper into the distant regions of our universe than ever imagined, yet, despite these great advances and the continuous searches made by scientists, they have yet to discover “life” in space, and there still remains the lingering question, "is there anyone out there".
Ironically, at the same time that scientist are searching for someone in space, ancient prophetic writings reveal that there is “someone out there”, and they are preparing for an invasion of planet earth.
The invasion of planet earth is the subject of many prophetic writings in both the Old and New Testaments, and among these prophecies is one particular writing in the book of Isaiah that predicted the return of Jesus almost seven hundred years before Jesus was born on planet earth. This prophecy gives a brief insight into the reality of his return, and it is not written in metaphorical terms, but terms that describe the return of Jesus as being a physical reality.
The prophecy states that Jesus will come from a world referred to as heaven, which is not an ethereal realm, but is actually located in another universe beyond the extents of our universe This is recorded in Isaiah 13:4 as follows: the nations of the world will be gathered together (to fight the battle of Armageddon): the Lord of hosts will muster the host of the battle (will bring angelic forces to fight).
5 They (the invasion force) will come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy (all evil) from the entire land (earth). Howl ye (those on earth who resist the invasion); for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.
The words “far country” used in the original language means a land, world or planet, and is used in this case in describing the dwelling place of God. The phrase “end of heaven” was used to point out that the world where Jesus is coming from is in another heaven, or universe, situated at the end of, or beyond the bounds of, the heaven or heavenly universe surrounding planet earth.
The prophecy also notes that invasion forces coming with Jesus will have “weapons” that are capable of destroying all who fight against his return. However, Jesus will be coming to accomplish more than just destroying evil on our planet, for the ultimate goal of his return will be to completely restore our universe to its original brilliance and our earth to the paradise that it was in that age before the fall of Satan, when evil and death did not exist,
Though the return of Jesus has been talked about for hundreds of years and many around the world have heard this message, Jesus predicted that the world, in general. will continue to ignore the possibility of his return ever taking place. His prediction is written in the book of Matthew chapter 24 which states that the days before his return will be similar to the days of Noah, when at that time all of the inhabitants of the earth ignored the warning made by the prophet Noah that a world wide world wide flood was coming.
The world in that past age totally ignored Noah’s warning, even though the warning that God gave of the coming flood was proclaimed by Noah for a period one hundred and twenty years. Despite the warnings, everyone continued doing their own thing, and ignored his warnings until the day it began to rain.
The world also has another excuse for ignoring the return of Jesus and that excuse is written in 2nd Peter chapter 3 as follows: They will be saying, Where is the evidence of his coming? for since the times of our ancestors, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. But, do not be ignorant of this one thing, that one day to the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
If a thousand years is the same as one day to the Lord, that would mean, from His perspective, it has been only six days since Adam and Eve were created. This would be based on the writings in the book of Genesis that records their creation as being about six thousand years ago.
It was this perspective of time that Jesus was referring to when he made the statement in Matthew 12: the Son of Man (Jesus speaking of himself ) is also Lord of the Sabbath (seventh day). This statement was made that we would understand he is Lord of that coming seventh thousand year time period when he will reign on the earth. This is also the same time period predicted in the twentieth chapter of Revelation that we are now approaching.
CHAPTER 3
Revelation and related prophecies
The major portion of the book of Revelation, with the exception of the last three chapters, is based on a seven year time period that ends with the return of Jesus and the beginning of his thousand year reign om earth. However, when reading the book of Revelation it is found that the writing is not arranged in a chronological order that starts with the first year and continues, in order, through the seventh year. Therefore, the intent of this book is to arrange these events in the chronological order in which they are predicted to occur within that seven year time period.
An additional aspect of this study is that other prophetic events from both the Old and New testaments that are predicted to occur, either in advance of the events in Revelation or within the same seven year time period predicted in the book of Revelation, will be included.and placed in chronological order within the writing
All of these relevant prophetic predictions will also be placed in their appropriate chronological order to provide an even greater understanding of not only the last seven year time period written in Revelation, but also the major events leading up to that seven year time period
The “sealed” book in the prophecies of Daniel
that could not be opened
In the sixth century B.C. a prophet named Daniel was given a vision from God that revealed a series of world events that would be occurring in the “end times”. In the twelfth chapter of the book that Daniel was writing it is recorded that he said to the Lord that he did not understand the words he had written, and the Lord answered by telling Daniel to “seal up” the book he had written. After sealing the book, Daniel was then told that this book would not be understood until the “time of the end“, and at that appointed time in the future, the book would be opened, or “un-sealed”, and then it would be possible for those who read it to understand its mysteries.
Almost seven hundred years after the book of Daniel was written, a disciple of Jesus, whose name was John, wrote the book of Revelation, which was based in a vision that was given to him by Jesus. A major portion of this vision, which is recorded in the book of Revelation, is based on the same “sealed” book mentioned in the writings of Daniel that could not be opened until the “time of the end”.
In John’s vision of this “sealed” book, he first observed that the book was sealed with seven seals, and as his vision progressed, Jesus himself came and opened the seven seals, each of which represents one year. As each of these seven seals were opened by Jesus, they progressively revealed the events that would occur during the last seven year time period that will end with the return of Jesus to planet earth.
Though portions of the book of Revelation have been understandable from the time that they were written, the meanings of the visions that were given to John as he witnessed the opening of the “book with the seven seals”, have basically remained a mystery for the last two thousand years.
There is a reason for this remaining a mystery and that reason is found in another prediction in the book of Daniel where it is written that, in order to totally understand the mysteries of the “sealed” book, the person or persons seeking to understand had to actually be living in the time period that is defined in Daniel chapter 12, verse 4. This defining prophecy is written as follows: “But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the ‘time of the end‘: at this time “many“ ( which in it’s original context means a “great number of people”) shall run, or travel fast, to and fro“, and knowledge shall be increased, which in it’s original context means “greatly increased”.
This prophecy in Daniel defined a specific time period in the future when the words of this sealed book would finally become understandable to those searching for its meaning. This time period, referred to as “time of the end” would be recognized as the fulfillment of this prophecy when the world is experiencing a great increase in travel and also, at the same time, experiencing a great increase in knowledge.
As we observe our world today it becomes obvious that this prophecy is referring to the generation of today, for we are the first generation in recorded history to experience such rapid increases in both travel and knowledge at the same time. We have defiantly entered that time where world knowledge is accelerating at an astounding rate, while, at the same time, world travel is also increasing tremendously.
There is a statement in Daniel chapter twelve that adds a promise for those loving in this generation, which is as follows: “none of the wicked will understand this book when it is un-sealed, but the wise, or those who seek to know, will understand its revelations and understand in advance how world events will unfold in the end of days“.
Prophetic events that will precede the seven year
time frame presented in Revelation
Before beginning the study of the book of Revelation in chronological order it is first necessary to be knowledgeable of two major events that are predicted to precede the seven year time period predicted in the book of Revelation. These two events are very important because they give the details of certain occurrences pertaining to both world powers and wars in the Mid East that will lead directly to the rise of the Antichrist.
The first event, which is written in the book of Daniel, predicts the rise and fall of world nations that will lead up to the rise of the Antichrist. The second event, which is recorded in the books of Daniel and Ezekiel, predicts a major invasion of Israel before the beginning of the seven year reign of the Antichrist recorded in the book of Revelation.
Since the prophecies in Daniel and Ezekiel are predicted to occur before the beginning events in the book of Revelation, this study will first begin with these prophecies as the opening, which will then lead us directly into the study of Revelation.
Prophecies in Daniel predicting world
“Kingdoms” leading to the “last days”
The prophet Daniel made major predictions that revealed the rise and fall of prominent world kingdoms, or nations, throughout history from the Babylonian Empire to the reign of the Antichrist, and the return of Jesus. However, Daniel’s prophecies only make reference to both “kingdoms” and “kings” in describing these world powers whose rise and fall coincides with the same time periods that the nation of Israel is in existence.
The prophecies predicted the ruling nations from 600 B.C. until 70 A.D. when, at that time, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and removed the Jewish people from their homeland. The Jewish dispersion lasted until 1948 when the nation of Israel was re-established and the Jewish people from around the world began their return to the land of Israel.
After that time gap of almost 1900 years, Daniel’s prophecies, once again, came back into force when Israel was re-established as a nation, and from that time the remainder of the prophecies will continue to occur as predicted until the return of Jesus.
Since 1948 world events have been gradually moving towards fulfilling Daniel’s prophecies that predict the formation of the world’s last major power and the subsequent reign of the Antichrist.
The progression of world “Kingdoms”
from Babylon to the return of Jesus
Daniel 2:31 Thou, O king (speaking to the king of Babylon), saw (in a dream), and behold a great image (statue). This great image, whose brightness was exceedingly great , stood before you; and the form thereof was terrible (great and awesome).
32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and arms of silver, his belly and thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou saw till that a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that struck the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
36 And this is the dream and we will now tell you the interpretation of it.
37 You are the king, and the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, power, strength, and glory
38 And where ever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into your hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.
39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: for as much as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things: and as iron that breaks all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
41 And whereas thou saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, for as much as thou saw the iron mixed with miry clay.
42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou saw iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
The symbolic meanings of the statue in Daniel chapter 2
and its connection to the Antichrist
The statue that was in the king’s dream was composed of four basic segments, each representing a world “kingdom”. The head of gold represented Babylon, as was noted by Daniel, and the remaining kingdoms came after the fall of Babylon as recorded in world history. The breast of silver with two arms represented the two kings of Medo Persia, and the thighs of brass represented Greece. The last world kingdom is represented by the legs of iron with feet and toes mixed with clay and iron.
This last kingdom represents the rule of the Antichrist, and the two legs are symbolic of his reign, which will be in two stages. First, he will become a great world power, but during his reign he will be assassinated. Second, to the amazement of the whole world, he will be raised from the dead to continue his reign until the return of Jesus. The feet with ten toes represent the ten western powers that will support the Antichrist.
In verse 40 the kingdom of the Antichrist is represented by the legs of iron and feet and toes of iron and clay, and it is this kingdom of “iron” that will attempt to subdue the entire earth. The word iron is used here to show that the reign of the Antichrist will attempt to duplicate the future kingdom of Jesus, where it is written in Revelation 12: 5 that Jesus will rule the nations with a rod of iron, which is a reference to him destroying all evil. However, In the case of the Antichrist, his rule will be the very opposite of this, for he will attempt to destroy all that is good on this planet under his iron rod rule.
In verse 43 there is a statement that “they”, meaning the powers of the kingdom of the Antichrist will mingle, or mix, with the seed of mankind in order to form the kingdom of the Antichrist. The comparison of iron verses clay insinuates that “they“ are powers that are not of human origin but of a supernatural nature that is superior both in strength and intelligence as compared to humans. Therefore the kingdom’s weakness will be it’s coalition with humans who are likened to mere clay as compared to the strength of iron.
Another explanation of this association is that these supernatural beings will be doing the same thing that the fallen angels were seeking to accomplish in the days of Noah as recorded in Genesis chapter 6. In those days the rebellious angels, referred to as the sons of God, took human women as wives and produced a strange superhuman breed of offspring. The words used in verse 43 of Daniel states that they will mix with the seed of man, which, in the original writing, means to “mix carnally in order to alter the posterity or offspring of mankind“.
This meaning would also correspond with Matthew chapter 24 where Jesus warned that in the last days there would be events occurring on planet earth that would be similar to those preceding the flood of Noah’s day. In this case one of the goals of the Antichrist will be that the fallen angels will once again inhabit our planet and repeat history by once again attempting to alter the human race
It should be noted that though this statue is a symbolic representation of four world powers, it did not include several other kingdoms that would also come upon the world scene before the reign of the Antichrist. As we continue next to Daniel chapter 7, there will be more clues added to the meaning of the brass section of this statue, revealing four more kingdoms which will bring the total number of kingdoms to 7.
The thighs of brass not only represented the kingdom of Greece, but also refers to Greece as a “western” power, out of which would come four more western nations. Though this term was first used over 2500 years ago the term “western nations” is still used today to identify the nations whose culture or laws have been influenced by the Greeks. Today, the nations considered as “western nations” would primarily include the western European nations, England, and the United states of America.
Prophetic symbols of the rise and fall of world “Kingdoms”
that would lead to the kingdom of the Antichrist
as recorded in Daniel chapter 7
In Daniel chapter 7 there is found another vision that adds more information necessary to understanding the predicted sequence of earthly “kingdoms” leading up to the return of Jesus.
2 Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. 6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and great dominion was given to it.
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and broke in pieces, and stomped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
19 Then I wantedd know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stomped the residue with his feet; 20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another king shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse (different) from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Historical meanings of the symbols used in Daniel
chapter 7 that represent world “Kingdoms”
In these verses the images representing the kingdoms are symbolized by animals. The first is a lion that represents the kingdom of Babylon. The Medo-Persian kingdom is represented by a bear and the third kingdom, which is Greece, is represented by a leopard.
The leopard of Greece was different from the other animals in that it had four heads and four wings, that represent four separate nations that will come out of the nation of Greece, and since they come out of Greece they are all considered as “western” nations. Greece is represented by the thighs of brass in the vision of the great statue in chapter 2, but now is representing more than one kingdom, for here the vision reveals that there are actually four kingdoms that will come out of Greece, and the fourth will become the kingdom of the Anti-Christ.
The fourth head represents the fourth, or last, kingdom to come out of Greece which was called the “beast with ten horns”. This beast is not described as being in the form of any particular animal, but only that it was dreadful and strong with teeth of iron. Also, on it’s head were ten horns that represented the coalition of ten western powers that will join together with the Antichrist to form the world’s greatest kingdom.
In the midst of these ten horns there came up another horn that was different from the ten in that it had the eyes of a man and spoke great words. This horn was also different because it represented a person and not a nation, This person is the Antichrist, who does not come out of the ten western nation coalition, but ruler of a Mid-East nation.
It was written of this horn, the Antichrist, that he plucked up three horns or powers. As we will see later these powers were not part of the ten king coalition, but will be three individual Mid-East nations that his army invades and conquers, for he will not only be a great political leader but a great military leader. It is also written of the Antichrist that his kingdom, with the support of the ten western nation coalition will form the most powerful kingdom that has ever existed.
There are seven kingdoms listed in the prophecy, but only four are identified.
The seven kingdoms are:
Kingdom 1.…Babylon
Kingdom 2.…Medo-Persia
Kingdom 3.…Greece
The four “western” kingdoms to came out of Greece are:
Kingdom 4.…not revealed
Kingdom 5.…not revealed
Kingdom 6.…not revealed
Kingdom 7.…10 nation coalition ruled by the Anti-Christ
Kingdoms 4, 5 and 6 were not identified in any of Daniel’s writings, with the exception of a prediction found in Daniel Chapter 9, Verses 24 through 27, that reveal the identity of Kingdom number 4. These writings state that, at a time following the crucifixion of Jesus, the “people of the prince to come” would destroy Jerusalem. The identity of the “people” who will destroy Jerusalem is revealed by their connection to the “prince to come”, who will be the Antichrist, the one that will be their leader in the future.
We have previously seen that the Antichrist will be the leader of a ten nation “western” coalition. Therefore, this prediction, which was made about 600 years before this event took place, was stating that Jerusalem would, once again in the future, be destroyed by the armies from “western” nations
Jerusalem was destroyed by the various “people” who made up the Roman army in 70 A.D. just as predicted, which was about twenty seven years after the crucifixion of Jesus. This would make the Roman Empire kingdom number 4 in Daniel’s prediction of kingdoms, because the Roman Empire was the next “western” nation, or power, after the fall of Greece.
This prophecy tells us that the forces who will be led by the Antichrist will be comprised of troops from “western nations”, just as the armies from “western nations” were controlled and led by the Romans when they destroyed Jerusalem. two thousand years ago.
The prediction made in Daniel 8:8 also states that the four “western” kingdoms that come out of Greece will be from the “four winds”, which means they will be from different geographical locations. Thus the “people”, which is also translated as troops, will be troops from that future ten nation coalition of “western” powers that will be led by the Anti-Christ.
Though these future “western” powers that will join the Antichrist have been thought of as being a revival of the countries that were part of the old Roman Empire, it is possible that there will be troops involved from other western nations of today that did not exist two thousand years ago.
With “kingdom” number 4 being identified as the Roman Empire it is possible to continue the process of identifying the nations that will rise and fall before the reign of the Antichrist by next considering the “kings” identified in the book of Daniel that will rise and fall before the reign of the Antichrist begins.
Daniel’s vision revealing the future “kings” of the world that would precede the return of Jesus is recorded in Daniel chapter 8. In this vision animals are used to represent nations which are referred to as “kings” and not “kingdoms”, as they were referred to in chapter 7.
Prophecies of the rise and fall of World “Kings”
that will lead to the Antichrist
Daniel Chapter 8
As recorded in the Bible
the interpretation of this chapter will follow
1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, similar to that which appeared unto me at the first. 2 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
3 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.
5 And as I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.
7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler (bitterness) against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.
8 Therefore the he goat becamr very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. 9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which became exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land of Israel 10 And it became great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down. 12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.
13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary (referring to the temple in Jerusalem) and the host to be trodden under foot? 14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. (referring to the new temple in Jerusalem after the return 0f Jesus))
15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. 17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. 18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. 19 And he said, Behold, I will make you know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
20 The ram which thou saw having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. (though there are two leaders or kings they are referred to in Daniel 7:17 as representing one, which is the first king), 21 And the rough goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king (of four more kings that will follow, as described in the next verse). 22 Now that being broken (defeated first king), whereas four (more kings) stood up for it (in the place of) , four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation (Greece), but not in his power.
23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people (Israel).
25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft (deceit, fraud, lies) to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace (this word also means prosperity and security) shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. 27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
Symbolic meanings in the rise and fall of world
“Kings” in Daniel chapter 8
The first “king” was the nation represented by a ram with two different sized horns. The two horns symbolized that one of the leaders of Medo Persia would be more dominant and aggressive than the other, and through the power of the most aggressive leader they became a mighty power in the Mid-East.
It should be noted that the Babylonian empire, which was listed as the first “kingdom” in the previous vision, is not mentioned in this vision. The reason for this would not be understood until it was revealed in the book of Revelation, which was written almost 700 years later.
The Medo-Persia empire lasted until a second power came out of the “west” and destroyed them; this power was Greece and history records that it was Alexander the Great, commander of the Greek forces, that conquered Medo Persia.
Greece is the second “king” which is represented by a goat with a great horn that was broken “when he was strong”. This broken horn represents Alexander the Great who died from a fatal illness when he was only in his thirties. After the horn was broken, four more came up in it’s place and each of these horns represents a future “western” power or “king” that was to come upon the world scene after the death of Alexander the Great
It was written of these four “kings” that they would be from the “four winds”, which indicates that they will be from various geographical locations. However, they will all be “western” nations as symbolized by them all coming out of the goat from the “west”. It is also said of the four nations that their “power”, or the personal power and tenacity of any of their leaders would not equal those of Alexander the Great.
The last world leader, who is the Antichrist, will come out of the forth horn and will at first appear as a “little horn”, but will, in time, become an exceedingly great and powerful “king”. This seventh “king” will be a king of fierce countenance who will understand dark satanic utterances and be guided by their influence. We have already seen in Daniel 7:24 that this king will be different in that he will not be from the “western” nations but will only be supported by the “western” powers that are represented by the fourth horn. These are the same powers previously written of in Daniel 7:19 & 20 that is called the beast with ten horns, which is the ten nation “western” coalition that will support the seventh king, the Antichrist.
The power of this seventh “king” will be mighty, but not by his own power, for he will receive power from Satan himself. He will also be supported by the ten nation coalition. He will be a great destroyer of his enemies and will prosper in whatever he does, including his policies of deceitful promises of peace and security. He will conquer nations in the Mid-East that are located both south and east of his nation, and will also conquer the “pleasant land”. The pleasant land’, which is know as Israel, is also to the south, but is referenced separately as though to explicitly point out that he will also conquer Israel.
He will rule over Israel for a period of 7 years, and during this time he will even proclaim himself as God and take away the daily sacrifice in the temple in Jerusalem. Under his rule he will proclaim all truth as being lies, and establish laws declaring evil as good and good as evil, creating a powerful and ruthless reign that will continue until the return of Jesus.
So far, there have been seven kings listed, but only four have actually been identified in the vision of the “kings”, those are kings 1, 2, 6. and 7. However, we also know that, historically, the next major power following the Grecian empire was the Roman empire, which would be king number 3, leaving kings 4 and 5 yet to be identified.
The seven kings are:
King 1 - Medo Persia
King 2 - Greece
*Out of Greece came four kings
King 3 - Roman Empire
King 4 - not revealed
King 5 - not revealed
King 6 - 10 nation coalition
King 7 - Antichrist
The national identities of “kings” 4 and 5 were never given in the book of Daniel, but there are some historical clues that point to the identify of these two “kings”. One key point that helps to identify these two “kings” is the fact that they had to exist before the seven year reign of the Antichrist. Also, as we will see later, they will have to be nations that existed as major powers between the time that Israel was established in 1948 and the rise of the Antichrist which will begin when the prophetic time clock starts again as predicted.
The time-clock will start again and begin the countdown for that last seven year period when Israel makes a covenant with the Antichrist who they will accept as their deliverer. To fulfill this prophecy the Antichrist will come as a deceiver who will claim that he is the one that was spoken of as the “branch” of God, the deliverer, the messiah who would build the Temple of God as predicted in the following prophecy.
Zechariah 6:12, Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
As we will see later, the Antichrist will rebuild the temple, and this move will solidify his hold on Israel
Kings 4 and 5 are revealed
Since Israel became a nation in 1948, there has been two major “western” nations, or “kings”, that have held major world power status. One has since fallen from “major world power status” and the other nation, which is a major world power at the time of this writing is slowly losing that power.
The first nation or “king” is England. which was once known as the “kingdom where the sun never sets”. This title was given to England because of its many colonies that were spread around the world. However, after World War II ended in 1945 , the British Empire was gradually dissolved and this mighty empire eventually fell from its super power status.
The second “king” or nation is the United States of America, which has held the major world power status since the decline of England. However, according to this prophecy, the United States of America is destined to fall from it’s major power status at some point in the foreseeable future.
Since both of these “western” powers have also been deeply involved in the nation of Israel , it is obvious that these two nations are “kings” 4 and 5.
To shed additional light on the “kings” and “kingdoms” that are mentioned in the book of Daniel it is necessary to read chapters 13 and 17 of the book of Revelation. It is evident when studying chapter 13 that the writings are a parallel to the book of Daniel in relationship to the “kingdoms” that are predicted to rise and fall during this predicted time period. It is also evident when studying chapter 17, that “kings” 4 and 5 are England and the United States.
The rise and fall of world “Kingdoms”
as recorded Revelation chapter 13
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. 12 And he exercised all the power of the first beast before him, and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads. 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom.
Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Comments on Revelation chapter 13
The vision that appears in Revelation chapter 13 is very similar to that in Daniel chapter 7, for it also describes the same animals that represent nations or “kingdoms” that are mentioned in Daniel, with the last kingdom being called the “beast with ten horns“, the kingdom of the Antichrist.
This vision begins the same way as the description written in the book of Daniel, which was with “the beasts coming out of the sea“. The word “sea” was a common word used in various prophetic writings to represent nations of the world.
It should also be noted that the “kings” mentioned in Daniel chapter 8 are not present in this vision, but only the “kingdoms”. There is also a mention of the four heads that were on the leopard in chapter 7 of Daniel, and this was done to give more insight into the life of the Antichrist. There it is revealed that the Antichrist is represented by one of the heads of the beast in Kingdom 7. It is also predicted that this head will be killed, and afterwards will actually be resurrected from the dead to continue his reign.
The identity of “kings” 4 and 5 recorded
in Revelation chapter 17
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
8 The beast that thou saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and will go into perdition.
12 And the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 1
5 And he said unto me, The waters which thou saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which you saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which thou saw is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.
Comments on Revelation chapter 17
Israel will become the center of world commerce
The main emphasis of chapter 17 is the focus on the fact that world commerce in the future will be centered around the city that the ancient writers call MYSTERY BABYLON THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS. This city, which is identified in Revelation verses 11:8, 14:8 & 16:19 as being Jerusalem, will become the center of world commerce under the ruler-ship of the Antichrist. There are also many other verses in Revelation that, either directly or indirectly, make reference to Jerusalem, these verses are as follows: 11:8, 14:8, 16:19, 17:18, 18:10, 18:16, 18:18, 18:19, 18:21 and 21:10.
The woman, Jerusalem, who also represents the nation of Israel, is metaphorically called BABYLON THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS because she, in the eyes of God, will become a prostitute of the world’s system of commercialism, materialism and rebellion against God, which will be similar to that of ancient Babylon. Babylon is also the Greek word for Babel, linking it with the Tower of Babel which was built by a united group of people who were in total rebellion against God.
Israel is not only likened to ancient Babylon in this verse, but is also accused of being a prostitute with other nations, just as she was accused in the past by the ancient prophets. At this time in the future she will be called the “mother of harlots” because of her relationship with the Antichrist and the world system that he will be ruling over. This will be discussed in more detail in later chapters of this book.
The rise and fall of world kings and kingdoms
leading to the time of the Antichrist
There are two verses in Revelation chapter 17 that are a parallel to the writings in Daniel that predict the “kingdoms” and “kings: that will rise and fall preceding the rule of the Antichrist.
Verse 9 reads as follows: And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. In verse 9 the word mountain stands for a world power and was used many times in this context by the prophets. The seven mountains on which the woman was sitting represents the 7 world powers or “kingdoms” as described in Daniel chapters 3 and 7 as follows:
The seven kingdoms are:
Kingdom 1 - Babylon
Kingdom 2 - Medo Persia
Kingdom 3 - Greece
The four “western” kingdoms that came out of Greece are:
Kingdom 4 Rome
*2000 year period when the nation of Israel did not exist
Kingdom 5 England
Kingdom 6 United States of America
Kingdom 7 Antichrist’ supported by 10 Western nation coalition
Revelation 17:7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. Revelation 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
The “head” that was wounded to death is a reference to kingdom 7 which is the fourth “head” of the leopard as portrayed in Daniel chapter 3, Verse 6. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
In Revelation 17:10 the seven “kings” represent the 7 world powers that are also described in Daniel chapter 8, but there is an 8th king added in Revelation that was not in the Daniel prophecy.
The seven kings are:
King 1 -Medo Persia
King 2 -Greece
*four kings predicted to come out of Greece
King 3 -Roman Empire
*2000 year period when the nation of Israel did not exist
King 4 -England
King
5 -United States of America
King 6 -10 Western nation coalition that will support the antichrist
*Revelation 17:12 And the ten horns which thou saw are
ten kings, which have received no Kingdom as yet; but (will)
receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
King 7 -Antichrist
King 8 - Antichrist becomes the “beast”.
Revelation 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, (king 6 who represents the-10 nation coalition) and the other is not yet come (king 7, spoken of in future tense); and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.(speaking of the Antichrist who will rule and will be assassinated at some point during the last three and one half year period)
11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth (King 8), and is of the seven (or same as king 7, the Antichrist), and goes (will go) into perdition. (He is also called “the beast” after he is resurrected from the dead).
Identifying King 4 as England
To establish that England represents “king” 4 there is the historical fact that England controlled the Mid-East area, including the area where Israel is located, from the end of World War 1 until 1948. At that time the Jewish people finally gained their independence from England.
The ancient prophets made a prediction in the book of Amos that gives a clue as to the identity of the three major nations that Israel would have to face as enemies before the the year Jesus returns, also called the “day of the Lord”. This prediction is made in the book of Amos as follows:
Amos 5:18 Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? (speaking of Israel) the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. 19 As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
In verse 18 the prophet predicted that the coming “day of the Lord” will be a day of darkness, symbolizing that it would be a day of retribution and judgment. Then in verse 19 the prophet lists a series of events that would form a historical time line that would lead up to the day of the Lord
In this time-line the prophecy uses a man to represents the nation of Israel, who is first chased by a Lion, but then manages to get away from the Lion. Later, this man representing Israel, will also be chased by a Bear, but after fleeing from the Bear, Israel will manages to escape.
After managing to escape both the Lion and the Bear, the man, Israel, then goes inside his own house, or confine, where he is then bitten by a serpent.
Using modern symbols of today as representations of nations, we find that the Lion is the official symbol of England, and the Bear is the official symbol of Russia. The serpent is described in the prophetic writings as being the symbol of Satan, who is the controlling spirit of the Antichrist.
A simple interpretation of this verse in Amos would be that Israel has already met the lion, England, who they broke free from in 1948, and at some time in the near future, Israel will be attacked by Russia, who is symbolized by the Bear. After that, the Antichrist will be ruling over Israel for 7 years and claiming to be God in their own “house” of worship, the temple in Jerusalem.
There is a prophecy in Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39, that predicts this attack by Russia, and it is possible that this prediction could be fulfilled in the not too distant future. However, when this attack happens it will end with Israel getting away from the Bear, for it is also predicted that Russia will be defeated in this battle.
It is also predicted that Israel will take seven years to burn the weapons of the Russian army after it is destroyed in that battle. This 7 year period is a direct time reference to the 7 year reign of the Antichrist, or “serpent” and it will be at a time when the “serpent” will “bite” Israel in an attempt to totally destroy the Jewish people.
The number 7 is also used in this prophecy to state that it will take 7 months to bury the defeated Russian army. It is to be noted that all of the predictions concerning the Russian invasion and the Serpents attempt to destroy Israel will be discussed, in detail, later in this book.
Identifying the United States of America as King 5
It is obvious that England is the 4th “king in the Daniel prophecy which would make the United States of America the 5th king. both prophetically and historically.
Revelation 17:10 states that there are seven kings, and five of these kings have fallen. This verse tells us, that in a historical time line, kings 1 to 5 will fall from power before the rise of the Antichrist. The king that comes after the fall of the United States of America will be King 6, who represents the coalition of the 10 western nations that will be the major supporters of the Antichrist.
According to this prophetic view it is just a matter of time until the United States of America falls from it’s world power status and the ten nation coalition of “western” nations combine forces and give their supporting power to the Antichrist, thus enabling the Antichrist to become the worlds next major power.
With all of the world nations gradually moving to a one-world economy and the United States giving up its industrial and economical base to blend in to this new economy, the United States is already beginning to wane in power as this book is being written.
The rise of the next world power, in the form of the 10 nation coalition, is just over the horizon, and once this happens the stage will be set for the rise of the Antichrist. The unknown factor remaining to be revealed in the future is the identity of the 10 nations that will be supporting the Antichrist, and is it possible that the United States of America could be one of these supporters.
It is interesting to note that there is already an economic coalition of nations, called the G-10, which is comprised of 10 “western” nations, plus Japan. Therefore, because of the world’s new global mindset, multi-nation coalitions of not only economic agreements, but also, military pacts already exist and new ones are easily formed.
It is possible that a group of “western” powers could form a separate 10 nation coalition in the future, just to support the Anti-Christ, and it is possible that the United States of America could be one of the nations that will be part of the coalition that will support the Antichrist, for no other reason than for commercial gain.
CHAPTER 4
Time as it relates to the return of Jesus and his
future thousand year reign on earth
As a foot note on the timing of the coming of Jesus from a historical perspective, there are several writings found in the ancient prophecies that add more information to the historical time-line leading to the return of Jesus and his future thousand year reign on earth The writings are few, but their verses are the necessary keys in understanding the aspect of time as it relates to these future prophetic events.
One of the most basic verses relating to time is found in the book of Psalms, chapter 90, verse 4, which states: “For a thousand years in GOD’S sight are but as yesterday (a day) when it is past”.
This verse gives us a time comparison between the realm of God and the realm of man and the time perspective is that a thousand year time period on earth is equal to only 1 day in God’s realm
There are two places in the prophetic writings that this formula can be applied in finding a time line that would give a clue as to the timing of the return of Jesus. The first is found in chapter 4 of the book of Hebrews, and the second is in chapter 6 of the book of Hosea.
In Hebrews, chapter 4, there is a writing that speaks of the future “rest” of God, but it is only in studying this passage very carefully that it is possible to recognize the writing as a time-line.
This writing in Hebrews 4:3 is as follows: We which have believed (in Jesus) do enter into (his)“rest“, as Jesus said, I have sworn in my wrath, if they (believe), (they) shall enter into my “rest“: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise (the seventh day he rested after finishing his creation), And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place (the next seventh day) again (at a coming time in the future), If they shall (those who believe) enter into my rest (in that future seventh day).
6 Seeing therefore it remains that some must (will) enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in (did not enter the rest that God promised) because of unbelief: 7 Again, (at another time in the future) he limited it (to one particular day or) a certain day (in the future), as written by David (quoting from his writings in Psalms 97), “To day, after so long a time; as it is said, to day if you will hear his voice, (and do not) harden your hearts you will enter into his “rest“
8 For if Jesus had given them rest (speaking of his followers who believed in him), then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. (this is in reference to the remark that Jesus made in Matthew 11:28 where he said that those who followed him would find rest). 9 Therefore there remains a rest (at that time in the future) to the people of God.
This writing is referring to a future day of rest that his followers would enter into, but that day is referred to as being in the future. and not the rest that a person enters into on a daily basis as a follower of Jesus.
Applying the rule that a day to God is equal to one thousand years as compared to earth time, it is possible to form the following analogy concerning time as it relates to that coming seventh day of rest.
In the following verses God declares that his future day of rest will be similar to the seventh day that he rested after the six day creation period mentioned in the beginning of Genesis. God said that there is coming another day that will be similar to that seventh day when he rested from his works and blessed all that he had created, because every part of creation was “good” and was at “peace“. That seventh day was a peaceful day of rest on earth, because that time period was before the disobedience of Adam and Eve that brought death and decay into the world.
Though that seventh day, when the Lord rested, was a twenty four hour time period just like the other six days of creation, that seventh day was destined to become a symbol of peace and tranquility throughout all eternity.
That peaceful seventh “day“, when used within the analogy of “a day is as a thousand years”, represents that thousand year time period in the future when the entire world will enter into a time of rest. This is confirmed by a writing in chapter 20 of the book of Revelation that promises a “thousand” years of peace following the return of Jesus.
This thousand year time frame can also be likened to the “seventh” day if it is compared to the history of man as recorded in the ancient writings. Since all of the writings in the bible are noted as to the time periods that they occurred, it is possible to established a historical time-line that leads to that coming seven thousandth year of peace when Jesus will reign on earth
From the creation of Adam and Eve up until the birth of Jesus, which is recorded as being approximately 4000 years. and then from the birth of Jesus until today, would be 2015 years. Adding the 4000 years to 2015 would result in the time from the creation of Adam and Eve until today being 6015 years.
Using the formula of 1000 years equals one day in God’s time, we have now come to the end of the six thousandth year, or sixth day period, and are now entering that prophetic seventh day spoken of in Hebrews. Also, even if we were to take into consideration that the exact number of years could be slightly off, it is evident that the prophetic seventh day is definitely dawning.
Time as it relates to the return of Jesus and the
re-birth of the nation of Israel in 1948
The following prophecies found in the books of Hosea, Revelation and Daniel are also time related writings that predicted the re-birth of Israel after 2000 years of Jewish dispersion.
The following verses in Hosea are in relation to the Nation of Israel coming back to the Lord when they finally recognize him as the bright and morning star, their redeemer.
Hosea 6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days he will revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning (a reference to the morning star appearing at dawn);
There is a verse in the book of Revelation that adds more insight into the significance of the morning star as it relates to the two day period mentioned in Hosea. In this verse in Revelation 22:16, Jesus stated that he was the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and “morning star“. The morning star is a reference to the brightness of the sun, which is actually a star that rises each morning to begin a new day on earth. Thus Jesus is called the morning star because it is a symbol of his return at the dawning of that third prophetic day.
When comparing Hosea 6:2, where it is predicted that Israel will come back to God after “two days”, with verse 4 in Psalms 90, where it is stated that “a thousand years in GOD’S sight are but as yesterday (a day) when it is past”, it could be assumed that the meaning of these verses would be as follows:
The “two days” refers to two days from GOD’S perspective, but would also translate to two thousand years earth time as related to the world, and especially to Israel. Using the two thousand years as a historical time-line that started when Jesus was crucified or “cut off” and rejected by Israel in 33 A.D.; and then adding 2000 years to 33 A.D., would result in the year 2033 A.D. being the year of the return of Jesus.
This would also make 2033 the year when the nation of Israel will recognize Jesus as Lord, which would also coincide with the end of the reign of the Antichrist. If that seven years is deducted from 2033, that would result in the year 2026 being the year that the Antichrist would begin his reign over the nation of Israel.
In Daniel chapter 11 there is also another time related writing that reveals the timing of the coming Antichrist, and this is written in verse 24 as follows: He (Antichrist) shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest (richest or most influential) places of the province (of Israel ); and he shall do that which his fathers, nor his fathers' fathers have not done; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches.
This verse predicts that when the Antichrist first takes control of Israel, it will be done peacefully, but within the verse there can also be found a time line to the takeover. That statement is as follows: “he (Antichrist) shall do that which his fathers, nor his fathers' fathers have not done”.
This statement says that the Antichrist’s relationship with Israel will be totally different from the way that his own people have treated the people of Israel for the last two previous generations. Since his people referred to are of Syrian decent, for the Antichrist is identified as the Assyrian in prophecy, and considering that the Antichrist’s fathers have lived at enmity with Israel for two previous generations, no Syrian leader would ever share their wealth with the Jews. Even previous history would bear this out, for the Jews and Syrians have been at enmity against each other since the re-birth of Israel as a nation in 1948.
The past two generations of the Antichrist is a reference to his fathers’ generation and then a generation past that, which would be the generation of his grandfathers. In the terminology of the ancient writers a generation is an average of 40 years, which would mean that the relationship between the descendants of the Antichrist and the Jewish people had been that of continuing animosity against each other for 80 years.
If the 80 years were added to the year 1948, which was the year Israel became a nation, this would bring us to the year 2028. If the 7 year reign of the Anti-Christ is deducted from 2028, that would make the Antichrist taking control of Israel in 2021 which would be a five year difference between the prediction in Daniel and the prediction in Hosea. Considering that the two generations could vary slightly from exactly 80 years, and that many historians do not agree on the exact dates in the ancient writings, the five year difference would be within an acceptable margin of error.
Though the dates found in the prophecies of Hosea and Daniel present time-lines that would indicate that we are approaching the time of the return of Jesus, this is in no way a prediction by the writer of this book that these events will come to pass on these exact dates. The format used for compiling the dates is given only to show how using simple passages from the ancient writings can give important clues that are many times ignored by the casual reader.
However, though the predictions in Hosea and Daniel have not been totally fulfilled to date, we are now able to understand that we are living at a time in history that we can begin to relate to these predicted times that are directly connected to the nation of Israel. Also, we are now actually living in the time period in which the nation of Israel, once again, became a nation after being non-existent for two thousand years. This should give us a major advantage in discerning the times of the end.
The coming Ten Western Nation Coalition that is
Predicted to support Israel and the Antichrist
The vision of this coming coalition of nations was given
in a dream to the king of ancient Babylon
and was
interpreted by the prophet Daniel as follows
Daniel chapter 2
31 You, O king, saw (in your dream), and behold a great statue. This great statue, whose brightness was exceedingly great, stood before you; and the size of it was frightening. 32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver (represents MedpPersia), his belly and his thighs of brass (out of which will come the progression of 4 Western kingdoms, the last of which will be the 10 nation coalition that will support the Antichrist), 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.
34 You saw till that a stone was cut out by a force that was not by human hands, which struck the image at its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like fine sand in the summer winds; and the wind carried it away, that no place was found for it: and the stone that struck the image became a great mountain , and filled the whole earth.
36 This is the dream; and I will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37 You, O king, are a king of kings: for the God of has given you a kingdom of power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wherever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven has he given into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all. You are this head of gold on this statue.
39 And after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom (a reference to the kingdom of the Antichrist supported by 10 Western nations) shall be strong as iron: just as much as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things: and as iron that breaks all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise (totally fragment).
The symbols in this vision
It is to be noted that the description of the image in Daniel chapter 2, is described in a different manner than the previous description written in Daniel chapter 7, which listed 10 “kings“. The description of the image in chapter 2 is more simplified, but the attributes such as iron, clay, brass, silver, and gold were still listed, and the major strength of the image was described as being a rule of “iron“.
Iron is also a symbol that represents the future authoritarian rule of Jesus when he returns to rule the earth. It is written in Revelation 2: 27 that he, Jesus, shall rule the nations with a rod of iron.
The “stone” in verse 34 represents Jesus who, when he returns, will totally destroy the kingdom of the Antichrist. The rod of iron signifies that Jesus will take “total control” in order to establish peace and righteousness in the entire earth. In this same sense of “total control”, iron is also used to symbolize the fourth Kingdom, which will attempt to take “total control” for a period of time as Satan’s kingdom which will be ruled by the Antichrist. However, there will be one exception, for Satan’s rule will be the exact opposite of the rule of Jesus, and will be a kingdom where rebellion and opposition to the nature of God will be the acceptable norm.
During the time of this fourth kingdom, Satan will attempt to force the entire world into his kingdom of darkness. In this attempt, Satan will bring about a moral collapse of civilization as we know it, which is the meaning of the term “as iron breaks into pieces all things”. Society, as it has been known, will be totally fragmented and then replaced with a new society where good will be considered as evil and evil considered as good. In this new kingdom ruled by the Antichrist, all who do that which is good will be punished as a criminal.
Proverbs chapter 30 describes this coming kingdom of the Antichrist in the following verses: 11 There is a generation that curses their father, and does not bless their mother. 12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. 13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes and their eyelids are lifted up (in arrogance). 14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
Daniel chapter 2 continued
41 And whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided (between the Satanic beings and humans); but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as you saw the iron (the Satanic strength) mixed with miry clay.(human weakness) 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken (It will consist of both the strength of supernatural satanic beings and the “broken” meaning “fragile” strength of human beings).
43 And when you saw iron mixed with miry clay, they (Satanic beings) shall mingle (intermix) themselves (their kind in the masculine sense) with the seed (future generation or offspring) of men (general term for humankind which also includes women): but they (Satanic beings and earthly women) shall not cleave (stick to, join together or be dedicated to) one to another as in a marriage relationship), even as iron is not mixed with clay.
This would indicate that there will not be a marriage relationship between the Satanic beings and earthly women but an effort by the Satanic beings to genetically mix with the seed of human women, thus creating a human hybrid race of their own.
This is also very similar to that which occurred in the days of Noah when the rebellious sons of God intermingled with human women, as recorded in Genesis chapter 6, but at that time it is recorded that the sons of God actually married the women of the earth and produced offspring that were giants and men of great renown.
44 And in the days of these kings (10 nation Western coalition) shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom (with Jesus as king), which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people (or ruled by other people) , but it (the kingdom of God) shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, (and they will all be ruled by Jesus), and his rule shall stand for ever.
45 Forasmuch as thou saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
Daniel chapter 7
Prophetic symbols of the coming Antichrist and the
10 Western nation coalition that will support him
17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
19 Then I asked know the truth of the fourth beast , which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; 20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was stronger than his fellows.
21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. (this kingdom will be totally different from any kingdom that has ever existed on earth. It will be a worldwide kingdom totally ruled by Satan who will attempt to subject the entire world to his laws of perversion, rebellion and evil. Amazingly this new world system will be welcomed by much of the world for in it there will be no moral restraints).
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: (these will be the 10 major nations that will support the Antichrist when he comes) and another shall rise after them (speaking of the Antichrist) ; and he shall be diverse from the first (horns), and he (Antichrist) shall subdue three kings.
25 And he (Antichrist) shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time (three and a half years, which will be that last half of his seven year reign). 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end (the Antichrist will be judged and destroyed in the end).
27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. (speaking of the kingdom of God ruled over by Jesus)
Rise of the Antichrist
A brief summary of how the Jewish people will
accept the Antichrist, all of which will be
described in detail later in this book
Though the word “Antichrist” is only used four times in the ancient writings, that word has gained worldwide notoriety because of the many “end of the world” predictions made in the past that have depicted him as the world’s most evil ruler ever to live, and the one who will have the exact opposite nature as that of Jesus.
However, though this description of the Antichrist is true, when he first appears on the world scene he will in no way outwardly resemble a person who could possibly be considered as the Antichrist, for he will first come as a “pseudo-Christ” and a “pseudo-Messiah”. When he first comes into Israel he will spread the wealth with Israel and free the nation from Syrian control’, and this act will be so convincing to the Jewish people that they will accept him as the long awaited “Messiah”.
As a Pseudo Messiah, the Antichrist will meet all of the requirements that the Jewish religious leaders of today consider as the major attributes of their long awaited Messiah, he will also be a great charismatic political leader that has full knowledge of Jewish law, plus, he will be a great military leader who will fight for Israel.
The acts of this Pseudo Messiah will not only be convincing to the Jewish people but also to many who claim to be Christians who are convinced that he is actually Jesus Christ. This will be the final fulfillment of two prophecies spoken by Jesus when he gave these warnings about this coming deceiver.
In John 5:43, when speaking to the Jewish religious leaders Jesus said: I have come in my own name and you will not accept me, If another comes in his own name you will accept him. Here Jesus was predicting that the Jewish people would accept the Antichrist as the “Messiah”. Also, in Matthew 24:3, it is written that Jesus said that there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (speaking of those who are the most devout followers of Jesus).
The prophetic time-line that reveals both
the rise and the fall of the Antichrist
There are many references in the ancient writings that refer to the nature of the one known as the Antichrist, but there are relatively few writings that reveal the events in the Mid-East that will signal his rise to power long before he actually arrives on the world scene.
The few writings that do reveal these events are found in the book of Daniel, and they predict certain events that will occur many years before the coming of the Antichrist. They also provide a time line that leads to both his gradual rise to power and then his ultimate fall at the return of Jesus
This time-line in the book of Daniel takes us through the “last days“ in a series of “time frames“ in which other prophetic writings from other books such as Ezekiel and Revelation can also be placed, thus allowing us to see and understand the full scope of these time periods and how they lead to the seven year reign of the Antichrist. It is also along this timeline and through these other connected prophecies that another major aspect of the reign of the Antichrist is revealed, and that aspect is world commerce, which is normally not thought of as being connected to the reign of the Antichrist. As we will see, Israel will also become a major leader in world commerce during the reign of the Antichrist.
In studying these time frames provided in the book of Daniel that predict the most critical time periods looming in the near future, it is to be noted that these key prophetic writings are only a small portion of the hundreds of verses that can be found in the ancient writings that pertain to the last days, but because of space limitations the number of verses presented in this writing are necessarily limited.
According to the writings in Daniel chapter eleven, there will be a series of key events taking place in the Mid-East that will eventually bring about the rise of the Antichrist. First in this chain of events is the prediction that there would be an agreement between two kings, or national leaders, who are at first only identified as the king of the north and the king of the south. As the writings progress the king of the south is identified as Egypt, but the king of the north is never identified in Daniel’s prophecy. Therefore understanding the identity of the king of the north is left to the reader to search out.
Identifying the King of the North
Before continuing the study in Daniel chapter 11 it is first necessary to identify who the king of the north is, for the “king of the north” is symbolic of a series of kings that are all called the king of the north, the last of which will be the Antichrist. Since the writings in Daniel are written from the perspective of the nation of Israel and the king of the south is identified in the writings as Egypt, which is the country directly south of Israel, it would be logical that the king of the north would be the nation of Syria, which is directly north of Israel, and as we will see later, it is out of Syria that the Antichrist will come. Also, according to the writings in chapter 11. he will be the final successor of the kings, or leaders, of the north, as will be described later.
Syria, as we know it today, is a country directly north of Israel and is located on the Mediterranean Sea, but Syria in the past was only the western region of the vast Assyrian empire that once stretched eastward from the Mediterranean Sea to modern day Iran. In the history of the ancient writings this area was recorded in the past as being the land of the Syrians and the land of the Assyrians, both of which have been major influences in the affairs of Israel throughout history.
Though ancient Assyria covered a vast area of the Mid-East, there is a verse written in the book of Ezekiel that provides a clue that the king of the north is associated specifically with the area of Syria, which today is comprised of Syria and Lebanon. However when the prophecy was originally written the area that is known as Lebanon today was once part of the region known as Syria.
According to the ancient writings of Daniel there would be several kings, each called the king of the north, who would come from this area in the “last days”, and the Antichrist will be their final successor. This is written in Ezekiel 31:3 to 5 about the person who will be known as Antichrist, who is also referred to as the “Assyrian“ in this verse: “Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs that shaded all the trees for he was high above all of them.
These verses, which will be discussed later, declare that the future Antichrist will come out of the area where the great cedar trees grew in the mountain range called Lebanon Syria and he will be exalted above, or taller than, all of the other trees of the world (trees being a symbol for nations or leaders of world nations). The giant cedar tree was used as a symbol in the ancient writings to describe a future world leader who would be greater than all other preceding world leaders.
It should be noted that though the future Antichrist will be called “the Syrian” by the writer of this book because he is associated in the ancient writings with ancient Syria, it is most likely that he will come from the area today called Lebanon, which is part of the old Syrian empire.
There is a writing in the book of Micah that links the Assyrian with the Antichrist by stating that the Assyrian would be the one who will be occupying Israel when Jesus returns. Also, at his return, Jesus will deliver Israel from the oppression of the Assyrian. This writing is found in the following verses in Micah 5:2: But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (speaking of Jesus who was born in Bethlehem). 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she (Israel) which travails hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for then shall he (Jesus) be great unto the ends of the earth.
5 And this man (Jesus) shall be the peace (bring peace to Israel and to the world), when the Assyrian comes into our land: and when he treads in our palaces. 6 Thus shall he (Jesus) deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treads within our borders shall he (the Assyrian) be cut off. 15 And I (God) will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen (nations), such as they have not heard.
In beginning the study of chapter 11 of the book of Daniel it is to be noted that this writing not only gives an abbreviated account of the rise and fall of the Antichrist, but also reveals a time-line that begins many years before the Antichrist comes upon the world scene.
This time-line is given that we may be able to recognize world events that will precede the seven year reign of the Antichrist and then those events that will be part of his seven year reign as written in the book of Revelation. The ancient writings were written that we would recognize and fully understand both of these time periods that the ancient writers called the “end of days” and the “last or latter days”.
Recent world history reveals that the countdown
to the rise of the Antichrist has already begun.
The first prediction made in Daniel chapter 11 is the first in a chain of events that are to begin over fifty years before the Antichrist comes upon the world scene. This first prediction has already taken place, and has occurred without the world being aware of its significance. This event is recorded in the following verses in Daniel chapter 11:
5 And the king of the south (Egypt) shall be strong, and one of his princes (referring to another counterpart ruler of his same position); and he (Syrian counterpart ruler) shall be strong above him (Egypt), and have dominion; his (the Syrian) dominion shall be a great dominion. (a prediction that Syria will ultimately rule over many countries, which will be revealed as this prophecy progresses)’
6 And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter (the meaning of “daughter” is “select company or envoy” of Egypt, and also the feminine word “daughter” is used in the ancient writings as a reference to the “glory” of a nation) of the south (Egypt) shall come to the king of the north (later identified as Syria) to make an agreement: but she (Egypt) shall not retain the power of the arm (agreement); neither shall he (Syrian) stand, nor his arm (agreement with Egypt): but she (Egypt) shall be given up, and they (the Egyptian leaders) that brought her (the agreement), and he (the king of Egypt) that begat (originated or brought forth) her (the agreement), and he (the king of Egypt) that strengthened (provided the strength or power) of her (the agreement) in these times.
The key to the timing of the “agreement” between Syria and Egypt is that it was predicted to occur at the “end of years”, a prophetic term used to define the time period that would usher in the return of Jesus. The agreement between Syria and Egypt was made in 1958, only ten years after one of the fist major signs of the “end of years“ occurred. That sign was the re-establishment of the nation of Israel.
The origin of this agreement began in the 1950s when a very influential person who was admired throughout the Arab world became president of Egypt. This person was Gamal Abdel Nasser. who was not only a powerful leader in Egypt, but was also admired by the people of Syria.
Nasser’s vision of the Mid-East was to create a united Arab alliance consisting of all the Arab nations, and in his first attempt to create this alliance he proposed a union with Syria. Syria accepted this union,which was formed in 1958 as the United Arab Republic. However, The union of the United Arab Republic lasted only three years and was dissolved in 1961 when the Syrians broke their agreement with Egypt on the grounds that Egypt’s stronger position in the union was seen as being above that of the Syria’s position, instead of both countries having equal powers.
The agreement between Egypt and Syria occurred just as predicted and was also dissolved as predicted by the prophets. The fulfillment of this prophecy was also the beginning of the count-down of the “end of days”, for as we will see, this is the beginning of many events predicted in the book of Daniel that will bring about the rise of the Antichrist in the Mid-East.
The next prophetic event to occur between Egypt and Syria is found in Daniel chapter 11, verse 7, where it is predicted that a time will come when there will be re-occurring warfare between Syria and Egypt.
CHAPTER 5
Coming wars between Egypt and Syria that
will lead to the rise of the Antichrist
Before beginning verse 7 in Daniel 11, it is to be noted that there is no time element given between the time that the agreement between Egypt and Syria fails as predicted in verse 6 and when Egypt will attack Syria in verse 7. However, as written in verse 7, the key to the length of this time period is found in the word “roots “, which is a word used by the ancient writers to indicate a generation.
Also, since the word “roots“ is plural it is possibly referring to at least two generations. Assuming 40 years as a generation this would mean a variance in time be between 40 to 80 years from when the United Arab Republic Agreement was broken as predicted in verse 6 until the events predicted in verse 7 begin to take place. To date, (2015) it has been 54 years since the agreement was broken, leaving a window of time which would be a “maximum” of 26 years until the prediction in verse 7 occurs.
Keeping in mind that this date is the maximum amount of time assumed as a generation, but if a minimum time was used in this prediction it is possible that the occurrence of the next event listed in verse 7 could occur in a much shorter time frame. If a “minimum” time frame interpretation was assumed, it would point to the possibility that the generation in which we are now living could see the next series of prophetic events begin to be fulfilled.
The first conflict between Egypt and Syria
will be Egypt attacking Syria
Daniel chapter 11 continued verse 7: But out of a branch of her (Egypt’s) roots shall one stand up in his (Egyptian king of the south) estate (a new king shall rise up in position of power in Egypt), which (he the Egyptian) shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress (fortified positions) of the king of the north (Syria) and shall deal against them, and shall prevail.
8 And shall also carry captives (Syrian prisoners back) into Egypt (including) their gods (alternate meaning - magistrates), with their princes (leaders) , and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold (also indicative of items or material of great worth); and he (Egyptian) shall continue (his reign ln power) more years than the king of the north (or longer than the Syrian he defeated was in power).
9 So (in summery) the king of the south (Egypt) shall come into his (Syria’s) kingdom, and shall (then) return into his own land.
The second conflict, Syria will attack Egypt
10 But (in time) his sons (sons of the Syrian that were defeated) shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come (one son shall lead), and overflow (with an overwhelming army), and pass through (to go into Egypt): then shall he (Syrian) return (to Egypt), and be stirred up, even to (attack) his (Egypt’s) fortress (fortified positions).
11 And the king of the south (Egypt) shall be moved with choler (retaliate with vengeance), and shall come forth and fight with him (Syrian forces), even with the king of the north (Syrian): and he (Syrian) shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his (Egypt’s) hand. (though the Syrians has a seemingly overwhelming force, they will be defeated).
12 And when he (Egypt) hath taken away the multitude (of Syrians), his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands (of the Syrian army): but he shall not be strengthened by it. (this victory will not be long lasting)
The third conflict - Syria will attack Egypt
with a massive force of armies from many countries
13 For the king of the north (Syria) shall return (to Egypt), and shall set forth a multitude (of armies) greater than the former (previous wars), and shall certainly come after certain (a number of) years with a great army and with much riches (“goods”, referring to the massive amount of military equipment that will be used in the invasion).
14 And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south (Egypt) also the “robbers” of thy people (“thy people” is a reference to Daniel’s people which is the people of Israel) shall exalt themselves to establish the vision;(agree to join Syria in the invasion of Egypt) but they (the “robbers” of Israel) shall fall (be defeated).
Identifying the robbers of Israel who are
part of the invasion forces headed towards Egypt
A strange prediction is made in reference to this invasion, for it predicts that those who are called the “robbers of Israel” and who are also part of this Syrian led invasion force, are singled out to fall (be destroyed) as predicted by the prophet Ezekiel. This begs the question of why is this particular army singled out as the “robbers of Israel” when they are supposed to be part of the Syrian led forces who are invading Egypt ? The answer is that the “robbers of Israel”, who, as we will see, are represented by the army that will break away from participating in the invasion of Egypt, and, will instead, attack Israel.
In order to fully understand this invasion, and before continuing to follow the invasion of Egypt by the Syrian led forces as written in Daniel 11, verse 15, it is first necessary to idetify this army that will break away to attack Israel; for when the “robbers of Israel” break away to attack Israel there will then be two major invasions and ensuing battles occurring simultaneously, which will be the battle against Egypt and the surprise invasion of Israel.
Before continuing verse 15 and the invasion of Egypt, it is necessary to understand the full scope of both invasions, therefore, the surprise invasion of Israel will be described first. To do this we will examine the writings found in the book of Ezekiel that reveal not only who the “robbers“ of Israel are, but also how they will be defeated during the same time period that all of the other nations are attacking Egypt.
The Russian army will turn away from the main invasion
Forces headed towards Egypt, and then invades
Israel as predicted in Ezekiel chapter 38
1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, (the land north of the Black Sea, known today as .Russia) the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, (The cities of modern day Moscow and Tubolsk, “Russia”) is a word derived from the name Mesheck and Tubal)
3 And say, Thus says the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog (Russia, for what you are planning to do to my nation Israel) the chief prince (leader) of Meshech and Tubal: 4 And I will turn thee (Gog) back, and put hooks into their jaws, and I (God) will bring thee forth, (When Russia turns toward Israel, God will choose the exact route the Russian army will take that will assure their defeat) and all of your (Russian) army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company (including armies of other countries) with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: (Archaic symbols of warfare)
Russia’s great army gathers and joins with the other armies of the many nations that are listed in verses 5, 6 and 13 below, yet the purpose of this invasion or the name of the country that was to be invaded is never defined in Ezekiel’s prophecy, and it is only in Daniel Chapter 11, as previously mentioned above, the name of the country to be invaded by this massive force, and that country, referred to as the King of the South, is Egypt.
A list of all the nations that will be
included in the invasion of Egypt
5 Persia (modern day Iran}, Ethiopia (country south of Egypt), and Libya (similar to area of modern day Libya which is east of Egypt) with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer (land west of Turkey), and all his bands (troops); the house of Togarmah (Turkey) of the north quarters, and all his bands (troops): and many people with you
The armies of other countries, which are mentioned in verses 5, 6 and 13, are not addressed by God, for it was only Gog (Russia) that was singled out and addressed this way, because it was only Gog that had the thought of invading Israel.
The Russia army, which is placed at the rear of the
invasion forces (Gog)has a thought to
invade Israel
7 Be thou (Gog) prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company (other nation’s armies) that are assembled unto thee, and (Gog) be thou a guard (to watch behind or to be a rear guard to all of the other armies) unto them (the nations listed in verses 5, 6 and 13 that will be invading Egypt)).
8 After many days thou Gog shall be “visited” (primary meaning - Russia will come against Israel with hostile intent): in the latter years (also translated “a time period called the end of years” which the ancient prophets referred to as being the time period of occurring events that would lead to the return of Jesus)
thou (Gog) shall come into the land (Israel) that is brought back from the sword (from the lands of their enemies), and is gathered out of many people (gathered from nations or countries), against the mountains of Israel, (this is a clue that the invasion will start in the northern mountain range in Israel) which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they (Israel) shall dwell safely all of them.
This statement is referring to the nation of Israel which was re-established as a nation in 1948. They were brought back to their own land, just as the prophets had predicted. Now, after two thousand years of dispersion around the world, they will be dwelling safely, and basically undisturbed in their own land, not expecting an invasion.
9 Thou (Gog) shall ascend and come like a storm, you shall be like a cloud to cover the land (of northern Israel), thou, and all thy bands (troops of Gog) and many people (soldiers) with thee.
10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, (as the invading Russian forces come down out of the north to meet with Syria and all of the other countries that are going to attack Egypt) that at the same time shall things come into thy (Gog’s) mind, and thou (Russia) shall think an evil thought.
This will be a thought, that in the original writing, means to “conceive a mischievous purpose”, This indicates that the “evil thought” was different from the original intent of the invasion of Egypt, and it was not in agreement with the original mission, which was to attack Egypt.
As we will see later, this “evil thought” will be questioned by all of the other armies that are advancing towards Egypt.
11 And thou (Gog Russia ) shalt say, I will go up to the land of un-walled villages (of Israel); I will go to (attack) them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, (it is to be noted that when this prophecy was written, over twenty five hundred years ago, all major cities were protected by walls and gates. This prediction was speaking of Israel as it is today, where there are no walls of protection ).
The clue that reveals the intent of
Russia is to “rob” Israel
12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey;(to “rob” the nation of Israel) to turn your hand against the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the Land (a reference to Israel after it was restored as a nation in 1948).
13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions (referring to the armies that will be part of the invasion of Egypt as they see the Russian army turning towards Israel) thereof, shall say unto Russia, Are you come (coming into Israel) to take a spoil? (rob them) have you gathered your company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
As previously stated in verse 4, Russia will turn “back” or turn in a different direction and then they will go into Israel. In verse 7 it is also stated that the Russian army would be a rear guard or behind the invading armies. This position in the invasion will easily allow the Russian forces to change course and move towards Israel, as the maim invasion forces continue towards Egypt.
This prophecy is written as though the entire invasion force was to be gathered together as they moved “south”. The Russian army was to come down to join the army of Turkey, then, continuing “south” through Syria or Iraq to join all of the armies described in verse 13 that were coming from other directions.
It is assumed that the entire invasion force would then be continuing “south”, which would most likely be on the highway that runs from Syria to Egypt between modern day Jordan and Israel. This highway is the most likely land route for invading Egypt, for this path would be restricted to being only along the border of Jordan and not through the interior of Jordan. This is also assumed, considering that Jordan has a history of being a tolerant neutral country in all past Mid East conflicts dating back to the early 1970s, and because of their tolerance it is possible that access to this highway would possibly be allowed by Jordan.
Another interesting fact about the country of Jordan is that it will remain untouched by the Antichrist throughout his seven year reign as stated in Daniel 11:41 “but these (areas) shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.” (areas today that make up the nation of Jordan). This seems to infer that for some unknown reason the Antichrist chooses to “let alone” the area of Jordan, for one of the meanings of the word “escape” in Hebrew means “to let alone“. It is also evident, as we will see later, that God has chosen the nation of Jordan for the purpose of providing a way of escape for many of the Jewish people that will be suffering great persecution during the reign of the Antichrist.
This route will allow the Russian army to “turn back” towards Israel which is located on the “west“ side of the invasion route. In order for Russia to “turn back” towards Israel would mean the armies of the main invasion were headed south from Syria between Israel and Jordan. At this point the only country on the “west” side of the invasion route would be Israel, which is said to be at “rest“ and “safely” out of the way. Therefore, this would mean that the invasion forces would be continuing towards Egypt traveling south along the Syria to Egypt highway, and as the invasion forces continue “south”, Russia will turn “back” (to the west, towards Israel) and then go “up” into the “mountains of Israel”, a term referencing northern Israel. Russia will turn back as all of the other armies of the invasion continue south towards Egypt, just as predicted in Daniel chapter 11.
Ezekiel verse 13 continued: at this time they (all of the armies that have joined the invasion of Egypt) shall say unto you Gog (Russia), what are you doing ? Are you come to take a spoil? hast thou (Gog) gathered your company (army) to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
All of the other armies ask Gog, “why are you invading Israel”? This is to infer that, at first, the other armies in the invasion did not understand why the Russian army was deviating from it’s original course of invading Egypt, but they will finally recognize that Russia was deliberately invading Israel )
The destruction of the Russian army
When they invade Israel
14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog (Russia), Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel are dwelling safely, shall you not know it? This verse is written to establish that Israel has no part in this war and is not threatened in any way by the invasion of Egypt. That is why it is said of them that they are dwelling at peace, which would also mean that they are not expecting to be attacked.
15 And thou (Russia) shall come from your place out of the north parts, you, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: 16 And thou (Russia) shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the “latter days“, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
17 Thus says the Lord GOD; Are the one of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days (after) many years, I would bring you against them (my people Israel)? 18 And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, says the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. 19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
God will intervene in defense of Israel and they
will mount a devastating counter-attack
against the invading Russian forces
20 The fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.
21 And I will call for a sword (destruction) against him (Russia) throughout all my mountains (the mountains of northern Israel), saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother.(in the confusion of rain, hail and the fire of battle the Russian soldiers will destroy each other)
22 And I will plead against him (Russia) with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. (it will be obvious that God, himself, intervenes for Israel in the midst of the battle).
23 Thus will I (God) magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
It will be evident to many nations of the world that there was an intervention by God, and that it was his power that enabled Israel to defeat the Russian army. Note, that the statement said “many” nations and not “all” nations of the world will recognize this as God‘s intervention. The recognition of God‘s rule, however will eventually be recognized by “all“ nations, as we will see later, as the “last days“ are coming to an end.
The Russian army will be almost totally destroyed
as predicted in Ezekiel chapter 39
Ezekiel 39:1 Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:. 2 And I will turn thee back, (cause you to “turn back” from your original mission) and leave but the sixth part of thee (five out of every six Russian soldiers will be killed), and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: (this would be the area in Israel north of Jerusalem) In the original language, the word “up” means from the top”, which would apply in this case, for Israel is actually south or “down” from Russia. Therefore, Russia would actually be coming from the “top”, or from the “north“, in order to go “down”, or south into Israel).
3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause your arrows to fall out of thy right hand. (referring to the destruction of the weapons of the Russian army) 4 Thou shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you, and all of your bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. 5 Thou shall fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
Certain cities in Russia will also be destroyed
6 And I will send a fire on Magog,(those who dwell in Russia) and among them that dwell carelessly in the Isles (various areas of Russia): and they shall know that I am the LORD. This verse is describing missiles being fired from Israel into Russia, and the cities previously described as Moscow and Tubolsk.
7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
It is also at this time that God will begin dealing with not only the nation of Israel, but the entire world, to assure that they will never again profane his name. The end result of this intervention will be that soon there will be no-one in the entire world that will profane his name. This will be the beginning of the final countdown to the return of Jesus, which will be a period of seven years.
It will take seven years to burn the
destroyed Russian weapons
8 Behold, it is come, and it is done (all that God has said will come to pass), says the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken. 9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the hand staves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years.
This seven year period is linked to the week mentioned in Daniel 9:27. This is the beginning of the “week of years” or seven year period in which Israel will be controlled by the Syrian who will come to be known as the Antichrist, whose reign will end at the return of Jesus. This is also the same seven year period that the book of Revelation is based on, as we will see as this writing continues.
It will take seven months to bury the Russian casualties
10 So that they (Israel) shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any tree out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that “robbed” them, says the Lord GOD.
There is a clue found in the book of Ezekiel that identifies who the “robbers” of Israel would be. It is also interesting to note that Israel, today, has developed a system to burn waste products and to convert that energy into generating electricity for their country. Therefore, it is likely that much of the destroyed Russian military equipment will be used for generating power for Israel.
11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog (Russia) a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea (Sea of Galilee in Israel): and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog.
12 And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land. 13 Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD. 14 And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing (to look for the bodies) through the land to bury with the passengers *they bill bury) those (bodies) that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.
15 And the passengers (those looking for bodies) that pass through the land, when any see a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamongog. (multitude of Gog). 16 And also the name of the city shall be Hamonah (multitude). Thus shall they cleanse the land.
Ezekiel predicts another battle that is even greater will come
seven years after the defeat of the Russians
At this point the prophet Ezekiel continues in verses 17 to 20 with another prophecy that does not mention the armies of Gog (Russia). There is a clue given as to the timing of this next battle that is described in verses 17 to 20, and the clue is that these verses are written as though they were a continuation of verse 8, This would mean that at the end of the 7 years that it takes to clean up the debris from the defeated Russian army as noted in verse 8, another war will occur that will be even greater. This war is described in verses 17 to 20 as being a war where all of the nations of the world will be sacrificed at God’s table and these sacrifices will be laid out for the beasts and birds to eat.
17 And, thou son of man, thus says the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.
18 Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them (rams, lambs, goats and bulls represent people both small and great) fatlings of Bashan (sacrifices to be given to the slaughter).
19 And ye (birds and beasts) shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my (God’s) sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. 20 Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.
The other battle predicted by Ezekiel to come 7 years
after the debris of the defeated Russian army
is finally cleaned up is also the same battle
predicted in Revelation
The prophecy in Ezekiel predicting a war in the future, after the 7 years that it takes to burn the weapons of the defeated Russian army, is identical to the prophecy of Armageddon which is predicted in Revelation to occur at the end of the 7 year reign of the Antichrist.
There are verses in Revelation chapters 16 and 19 that are similar to verses 17 to 20 in chapter 39 of Ezekiel, in that they both predict the same events that will take place when Jesus returns at the end of the 7 year reign of the Antichrist. At that time it is predicted, in both Ezekiel and Revelation, there will be the slaughter of “all mighty men and all men of war”.
This last battle referred to as the “supper” of God in Ezekiel is also called the “supper” of God in Revelation chapter 19, verses 17 and 18, which is as follows: 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun and he cried to the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, come gather yourselves to the supper of the great God: 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of horses and them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great”.
In Revelation chapter 16 this last battle is called Armageddon (which means rendezvous in the mountain or range of hills), which is described in verses 13 to 16 as follows:
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I, Jesus, come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Other conformations that Ezekiel chapter 39 is
predicting future events that will
occur at the return of Jesus
The future of planet earth is that
all nations will reverence God’
The last verses of chapter 39 of Ezekiel are speaking of the same events that will occur at the return of Jesus as written in verses 21 to 29 of Revelation. These verses are speaking of events that will take place at the return of Jesus .when, not only Israel, but the entire world, will see the glory of the Lord, and will no longer pollute his holy name.
There is a time coming in the future of planet earth
when all of the heathen (Gentile nations) will
know God’ and Israel will dwell safely’
Ezekiel 39:21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. 23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore I hid my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.
Ezekiel 39:24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them. 25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; 26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid.
27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; 28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, who caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. 29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
The coming defeat of the Russian army as predicted in the 39th chapter of Ezekiel also reveals a time clue that is alerting us in advance, that when the Russian army is defeated in the future, we would know that the time of the return of Jesus will take place towards the end of the seven year period following the Russian defeat. This seven year period will also continue to be discussed in more detail later in this book.
The third conflict between Syria and Egypt continues as the
massive invasion forces led by the Syrian continues
towards Egypt as the Russians are destroyed
Identifying the “merchants of Tarshish”
that will be included in the Invasion of Egypt
In order to fully understand how massive this invasion force will be, we must refer back to Ezekiel 38 verse 13. This verse is a continuation of Ezekiel 38 verses 5 and 6 that lists Russia and Turkey as part of the invasion forces, and finishes the list by identifying all of the other armies that will be included in the invasion of Egypt.
The other countries that will also participate in the invasion of Egypt are listed in Ezekiel 38:13 as Sheba, and Dedan, (an area that includes modern day Yemen and Saudi Arabia) and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof. Identifying the “merchants of Tarshish” adds another large group of nations to the forces that will be part of the invasion. However, in order to find the names of these countries, we must go to chapter 27 of the book of Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 27: 1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, 2 Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for (against) Tyrus; And say unto Tyrus , O thou that are situated at the entry of the sea, are a merchant of the people for many isles (other countries), 24 These were your “merchants” in all sorts of merchandise. 25 The “ships” of “Tarshish” (those who went out in your ships were your “merchants”) did sing of thee in thy market: and you were replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas. 26 Thy rowers have brought thee into great waters.
It is to be noted that the city of Tyre remains until this day and is located in modern day Lebanon which, until recent years, was part of modern day Syria. When this prophecy was originally written Tyre was part of ancient Syria.
Tyre was the commercial center of a league of merchants that included not only merchants in the Mid-East, but also merchants that were located in areas to the “west” that formed the extent of the known world at that time. Tyre became rich because they either owned, or were brokers, for all of the merchant ships that traded with Tarshish. In that far distant past Tarshish represented the world beyond the Mid-East which also included the little known “western world”, which consisted of the coasts of the inhabited areas along the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, and even basically uncharted areas beyond. Today this would be the equivalent of a “world trade system” with Tyre being the center of the system.
Prophecy that ancient Tyre was a “type” of
the commercial system that will be
associated with the Antichrist
The next verses change the tone of the writings to a prophecy of doom against the city of Tyre. This prophecy is not speaking of the past predictions by Ezekiel when Tyre was first partially destroyed by the Babylonians and later by the armies of Alexander the great, but this verse is speaking of Tyre in the future, when the destruction of that city will occur at the war of Armageddon, This will also be discussed in more detail later in this book
Within this prophecy is a list of countries called the “merchants of Tarshish“, who were actually merchants controlled by Tyre that traveled to Tarshish. These names identify the additional countries listed in Ezekiel chapter 36 that will also be involved in the invasion of Egypt, with the exception of the army of the nation of “Syria“ that will be leading the invasion.
27 Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy caulkers, and the occupiers (traders) of thy merchandise, and all thy “men of war“, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin. (referring to the last days leading up to the return of Jesus)
28 The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of your pilots. 29 And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land; 30 And shall cause their voice to be heard against you, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes.
These verses indicate that Tyre is a type of the commercial world to come in the “last days“, and also that Tyre will be militarily associated with countries described as “men of war” in those last days. Israel and all of these same countries will again be involved in wars that will take place in the “last days” which will be years after the Egypt invasion and the defeat of Russia.
The future destruction of Tyre is mentioned in chapter 18 of the book of Revelation, and in verse 18 of that chapter there is found the same wording that is used in the verse above which describes the future destruction of a world trade system that is symbolized as Tyre.
The destruction of Tyre in the future is also predicted in Isaiah 2: 12 to 16, and in 23:15 it is predicted that Tyre will be destroyed in the “last days” and will be forgotten as a city for a period of seventy years. This prophecy, which is also yet to be fulfilled, will be fulfilled at the return of Jesus.
Modern day names of the countries involved
in the invasion of Egypt
The groups listed in Ezekiel 27 as “merchants of Tarshish” include the following nations whose ships and countries are the “merchants” of Tyre who traded with Tarshish: Dedan (Arabia). Syria, Judah and the land of Israel, Damascus (modern day capital of Syria), Dan, (Northern Israel ) Javan ( western area of Turkey), Tubal and Mesheck (Russia) , Dedan, Arabia , Kedar (Arabia), Sheba, Ramah (Yemen), Haran, Canneh and Eden (cities in area along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in modern day Iraq), Asshur (ancient Assyria which would include modern day Iran), Chilmad (possibly area in modern day Iran), and Arvad (island off coast of Syria).
It should be noted that the nation of Israel is also called a “merchant” but Israel would not be included in the invasion forces for it is stated that they would be living “safely” or “out of the way” when the invasion of Egypt occurs.
The term “young lions” is a description normally used by the ancient writers to describe armies of younger countries as compared to older countries that have long established histories. In this case it is obvious that the various countries listed in the prophecy is referring to the Mid-East area. Therefore, the term “young lions” would be referencing armies of the various countries that have been formed through the division of the Mid-East within the last one hundred years.
The boundaries of most of these Mid-East countries began to be changed at the end of world war 1 in 1917, and these changes have continued even into modern times. Some of the countries formed since 1917 include modern day Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Iran. Jordan could possibly be included in this group, but to date Jordan has maintained a neutral stance in Mid-East affairs.
It is be noted that the identities of most of the countries that make up the invasion force that Syria will be leading against Egypt are the same countries that will be involved in the Mid-East conflicts occurring even up until the return of Jesus.
The Syrian invasion of Egypt continues as the Russian
army is being destroyed by Israel
Daniel 11:15 So the king of the north (the Syrian) shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced (defended) cities: and the arms of the south (Egypt) shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand (the invasion). 16 But he (Syrian and his associate armies) that come against him (Egypt) shall do according to his (Syrian’s) own will, and none shall stand before him (Syrian and his armies will defeat Egypt).
Syria makes a surprise attack against
Israel after defeating Egypt
Daniel 11:16 continued, and he (Syrian) will “consume” the land of Israel and shall stand in the glorious land. The “glorious land” is a prophetic reference to the nation of Israel found in the ancient writings in various places. Psalms 29: refers to the “glory” of God on earth being in the midst of Israel in the temple in Jerusalem. The Syrian army will take advantage of Israel’s vulnerability after having to repel and then counter attack the massive Russian invasion. At this time, Syria will make their own surprise attack and will invade Israel and take control of, not only Jerusalem, but the entire nation of Israel
17 He (Syrian) shall also (after invading Israel) set his face (determine in his mind) to enter (into an agreement) with the strength of his whole kingdom (by using the strength of his prevailing power), and upright ones with him (upright ones will meet with him). The word “upright” means those who are considered as “righteous” leaders of Israel, the word “upright” is used here as a reference to the Jewish leaders that will meet with the Syrian ;
17 continued: thus shall he (Syrian) do: and he (the principal leader of the Jewish nation) shall (concede to Syria’s power) giving him (the Syrian) the daughter of women (the nation of Israel will be given to the Syrian, thus relinquishing the sovereignty of the nation of Israel to Syria). corrupting her (Israel will view this as a great corruption of their society) but she (Israel) shall not stand on his (Syrian’s) side, neither be for him (the people of Israel will be totally against this agreement with Syria).
The word “daughter” is a term used in this sense by the ancient writers to represent the glory and closeness of the nation of Israel to God, as compared to his relationship to all of the other nations of the world. Typical for this representation is the writing in Ezekiel 23 that describes two women that were called daughters, and each represented the nation of Israel in the past.
Having invaded both Egypt and Israel, the Syrian continues
to wage war against other countries
18 After this shall he (Syrian) turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: (the word “isles” refers to countries, possibly those even beyond the Mid-East, but the names of these countries or how many of these countries are not given. The word “isles” denotes “islands”, “coastlines” or “countries”, therefore, they could be areas that are along the Mediterranean coastline or Islands such as Cypress or smaller countries in the Mid-East that were not following Syria in the invasion of Egypt), but a prince for his own behalf (a leader of his own army) shall cause the reproach (attempted humiliation of their enemy) offered; (attempted) by him (Syrian) to cease (fail); (the enemy will then defeat the Syrian army and it will be a humiliating defeat) without his own reproach (his own attempt to humiliate his enemy) he (his enemy) shall cause it to turn upon him. (the Syrian, and the humiliation of defeat that the Syrian was planning against the nation he was invading, will instead, be turned to the Syrian’s own defeat and humiliation)
Syria loses two major leaders within
a very short period of time
19 Then he (Syrian) shall turn (and retreat in humiliation) his face toward the fort of his own land (Syria): but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found. (he will fall from power and disappear from the world scene) 20 Then shall stand up in his estate (a new ruler of Syria who will be) a raiser of taxes in the glory of the Kingdom (which would mean that the nation of Israel would also be taxed since they will be subject to Syrian rule): but within few days he (the new ruler of Syria) shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. (possibly an accident or a sudden death)
The rise of a new Syrian ruler who
will become the “Antichrist”
21 And in his (previous Syrian leader’s) estate (position as leader) shall stand up a vile (contemptible, having no respect for people or laws) person, to whom they (temporary governing body of Syria) shall not give the honor of the kingdom (he was not in line to be the next ruler): but (in order to gain ruler-ship) he shall (in pretense) come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom (position of ruler) by flatteries (he will con his way into becoming the ruler of Syria by deceiving and corrupting those of the temporary ruling body).
22 And (when he becomes the new ruler, ’he will then use his power as a dictator to control Syria) with the arms (force) of a flood shall they (the people of Syria who oppose him be over-flown (overwhelmed) before him (by the new Syrian ruler), and shall be broken (subdued and forced to accept the new ruler as their leader); yea, also the prince (leader) of the covenant will have to accept him.
The word “covenant” is used as a reference to the nation of Israel, which is derived from the ancient writers concept that God’s “covenant” nation is Israel. Also, since Israel was already under Syrian control before the new Syrian leader took control, the leader of Israel will also be subject to the new Syrian leader.
CHAPTER 6
Beginning of Book of Revelation arranged in
Chronological Order
The book of Revelation has been found to be the framework for all of the prophecies from both the Old and New Testaments that reveal the major events of the last seven years leading to the return of Jesus. When the book of Revelation is arranged in a chronological order, all of these prophetic verses from both the Old and New Testaments interspersed into the framework of Revelation provide a clearer understanding of the last seven years and how the actions of the new Syrian leader’ will not only affect the nation of Israel in particular, but also every nation of the world.
The first five chapters of Revelation consist of opening statements made by the disciple John, and the letters to the seven churches as dictated by Jesus. Beginning in Revelation chapter 6, the actions of the Syrian and his rise to becoming the Antichrist as recorded in both the old and new testaments will be merged with the writings in the book of Revelation to describe the events of the last seven years leading to the return of Jesus, all of which will be in chronological order. There are also comments or paraphrases added by this writer as are evident throughout all of the writings.
Revelation Chapter 1
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that reads this, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Mysterious “clouds” and how God has intervened
in the affairs of mankind in the past will be
repeated in world events preceding
the coming return of Jesus
Listed below are various writings of past events
that, once again, will occur the last seven years
7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all races of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I (Jesus) am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
It should be noted that many of the “clouds” mentioned in the prophetic writings are not ordinary clouds, but are actually modes of celestial travel that, in many cases, are also equipped with weapons of destruction. The following scripture verses are typical examples of the major roles these same clouds will play in the future return of Jesus.
In Revelation 14:14, Jesus is on a cloud when he returns.
In Revelation 11:12, the two prophets will rise from the dead and will ascended up to heaven in a cloud.
In Exodus 13:21 the Lord went before the people of Israel by day in a pillar of a cloud; and by night in a pillar of fire (shaft of light) when he took them out of Egypt. Envision a cloud in the air with a vertical shaft of light coming from the bottom of the cloud, referred to as a “pillar”, which was bright enough to be visible both day and night.
In Exodus 33:9 it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, a cloudy pillar (shaft of light from the cloud above) descended, and stood at the door (came down in front of the door) of the tabernacle and the Lord talked with Moses face to face. (as the Lord come down within the shaft of light and stood at the door).
In Psalms 78:14, the Lord led the children of Israel in the wilderness with a cloud.
In Matthew 17:5, while Jesus was speaking, a bright cloud came above them: and the voice of God came out of the cloud, and said, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to what he says.
In Matthew 24:30, when Jesus returns, the world will see him coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
In Acts 1:9 , after Jesus was resurrected and after he had spoken to his disciples, while they watched, he was taken up into a cloud that received him and took him out of their sight.
In Rev 1:7, Jesus, when he returns, will come with clouds; and every eye shall see him.
In Rev. 19:11, Jesus is also portrayed as returning on a white horse, which is symbolic of a conqueror
Psalm 18 describes Jesus coming as conqueror and the results of his intervention into the affairs of mankind, just as he did in the past and as he will do in the future, he will return with clouds:
Psalm 18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because of his wrath. 8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
Psalm 18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
Psalm 18:13 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. 14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightning’s, and discomfited them. 15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Hebrews 11: 5 By faith Enoch was translated (changed) that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
2 Kings 2:1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind (storm cloud) into heaven.
It was predicted that just as Jesus was taken
to heaven in a cloud after his crucifixion
he would return again the same way
Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Jesus will also return in power
Psalms 97:1: The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. 3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. 4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. 5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
Psalms 104:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty. 2 Who covers yourself with light as with a garment: who stretches out the heavens like a curtain: 3 Who laid the beams of his chambers in the waters: who makes the clouds his chariot: who walks upon the wings of the wind:
Revelation chapter 1 continued:
9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What you see, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the breast with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shining in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.
Revelation chapter 2
The letters to the seven churches are also relevant to the opening
of the seven seals and will be compared to the seven seals
as they are opened later in this writing
Letter to the First Church
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus (first church) write; These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them “liars“: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence you art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that “overcomes” will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Revelation chapter 2 continued
Letter to the Second Church
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna (second church) write; These things says the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, ( but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the “synagogue of Satan“.
10 Fear none of those things which thou will suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.
Revelation chapter 2 continued
Letter to the Third Church
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos (third church) write; These things says he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know thy works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches;
To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the “hidden manna“, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he that receives it.
Revelation chapter 2 continued:
Letter to the Fourth Church
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira (fourth church) write; These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like unto a flame of fire, and feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because you allowed that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast “until I come“. 26 And he that overcomes, and keeps my works “until the end“, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to pieces: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.
Revelation Chapter 3
Letter to the Fifth Church
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis (fifth church) write; These things says he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou live, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou do not “watch“, I will come on thee as a “thief“, and thou shall not know what hour I will come upon you.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in “white raiment“( robes); and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.
Revelation Chapter 3 continued
Letter to the Sixth Church
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; (sixth church) These things says he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens;
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
9 Behold, I will make them of the “synagogue of Satan“, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the “hour of temptation“, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.
12 Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation Chapter 3 continued
Letter to the Seventh Church
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches. 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodicea’s (seventh church) write; These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. 16 So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.
17 Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and do not know that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold that has been tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white clothing, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye-salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, “I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me“. 21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.
Revelation Chapter 4
Jesus reveals future world events
1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show you things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
John was transported “in the spirit” to heaven in order to witness, from that perspective, the events that would be occurring simultaneously in both heaven and on the earth during the time period leading up to the return of Jesus.
The apostle Paul also had a similar experience which is recorded in 2nd Corinthians chapter 12. In Paul’s encounter, he also said that he was given certain revelations from God, but did not know if he was in his body or in the spirit when he was caught up into heaven to receive his visions.
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightning and thundering and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9 And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who lives for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fell down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation Chapter 5
Opening the book that reveals our future
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders said unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of aromas, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that lives for ever and ever.
CHAPTER 7
Major events of the last Seven Years
leading to the return of Jesus
Each of the seven seals not only represent a year in the seven year period of the reign of the Syrian Antichrist, but they also correspond with certain portions of the writings to the seven churches.
When comparing the letters to the seven churches with the opening of the seven seals, it becomes evident that these events are relevant to each other. Therefore, in order to give a better understanding of how the seven churches and the seven seals are so closely related, the verses that pertain to the churches will be added, in their appropriate places of order, to each of the writings of the opening of the seven seals.
Revelation Chapter 6
Opening of the First Seal
Major events of the First Year
The Great Deception
The Syrian who later becomes the Antichrist
comes into Israel on the pretense
of being a peacemaker
Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals (First Seal), and I heard, as it was the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him ( Syrian ): and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
The Syrian is portrayed as riding on a white horse because he will be a pseudo-type impersonator of Jesus, the Messiah who is to come. The same symbolism is used in Revelation 19:11 to portray the true Jesus who is also symbolized as coming on a white horse, which is the symbol of a conqueror.
The Syrian is also portrayed as holding a bow, but it does not have an arrow in it. The bow symbolizes that he will be a military man and the missing arrow is a disguise to make him appear as non aggressive towards Israel, and as coming in peace.
When the Syrian first comes upon the world scene his peace initiative towards Israel will not only convince many of the Jewish people that he is the predicted Messiah who will liberate Israel from all of it‘s enemies, but also many Christians around the world will be convinced that he is Jesus.
The Syrian will bolster his deception of Israel by sharing the massive amount of wealth that he has gained, not only through his military power in the Mid-East ,but also through the support given to him by ten major western nations as will be described later in this writing.
This deception is predicted in the book of Daniel as follows: Daniel 11:24:.He (the Syrian) shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest (affluent and influential) places of the province (Israel) ; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them (Israel) the prey, and spoil, and riches: The Syrian will successfully deceive Israel into believing that he is the Messiah by this move.
The Syrian will continue to deceive the people by attempting
to fulfill the prophecies predicted of the true Messiah
who is predicted to dominate the world
The Syrian’s ultimate goal is to sit in the temple in Jerusalem and to rule the world from the throne of God as predicted of the true Messiah in Isaiah chapter 2: And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain(symbol of world ruler ship) of the Lord's house.(Temple in Jerusalem) shall be established in the top of the mountains, (above all nations) and shall be exalted above the hills (other nations); and all nations shall flow unto it (all nations of the world will be ruled from Jerusalem). As we will also see, in an effort to convince the Jewish people that he is the Messiah, the Syrian will also rebuild the temple in Jerusalem that was destroyed almost two thousand years ago.
It is predicted that Israel will eventually be so convinced that the Syrian is the Messiah, they will no longer fear their enemies, and will be proclaiming “peace and safety” under his leadership, just as written in First Thessalonians chapter 5.
The Syrian will establish a covenant with Israel
This covenant was predicted by Isaiah when he warned the Jewish people that their acceptance of this covenant would be based upon deceit and lies that would destroy them. This is in Isaiah 28:15 as follows: We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: (they are even lying to themselves in order to believe the Syrian)
Daniel 11:23 And after the league (covenant or agreement) made with him (prince of the covenant or leader of the nation of Israel) he (Syrian leader) shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong (or “popular”) with a small people.
The Syrian will immediately be accepted by a majority in Israel. The description, “small people or nation”, is a reference to the nation of Israel which is found in the ancient writings in chapter 7 of the book of Deuteronomy. Even today, Israel remains as one of the world’s smallest nations.
The Syrian will come on the pretense of liberating Israel,
and to convince the nation, he will share
his wealth with them
Daniel 11:24 He (the Syrian) shall enter peaceably into Israel
The Syrian dictator will actually be pretending to liberate Israel and for that reason be will become very popular and be accepted by a majority in Israel. The Syrian dictator will deceive the nation of Israel by pretending to come as a liberator and will convince the people by spreading his wealth with the Jewish nation, making his gesture to appear as though he is the fulfillment of the writings of the ancient prophet Isaiah who wrote of such a deliverance of Israel in Isaiah chapter 60.
This game of deceit will last for a period of three and one half years as we will see, and then, in the end. this prophecy written in First Thessalonians 5:3 will be fulfilled as stated: “when they (Israel) say peace and safety, destruction will suddenly come upon them“
Daniel 11:24 continued: (the Syrian) will even (also) enter upon the fattest (richest) places (he will not only appeal to the average Jewish person but will also be popular among the most affluent and influential) of the province (nation of Israel); and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers (referring to his last two generations); he shall scatter among them (Israel) the prey, and spoil, and riches:
This move by the Syrian will be the final move that will convince the nation of Israel that he is the deliverer that will bring prosperity to Israel as predicted in Isaiah 66:12 as follows: Prosperity shall overflow Jerusalem like a river, says the Lord, for I will send it; the riches of the Gentiles will flow to her. Her children shall be nursed at her breasts, carried on her hips and dandled on her knees.
The Syrian dictator will bring both peace and prosperity, and elevate the nation of Israel to a prominent position among the nations of the world, and by this act, the Syrian will convince the majority in Israel that he is their deliverer, the messiah, just as the ancient prophets predicted.
Israel was warned by the prophets of this great deceit
The covenant is predicted to fail as written in Isaiah 28:18: And your covenant with death shall be dis-annulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. (you will be destroyed by this Syrian) 19 From the time that it goes forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.(though the Syrian puts up a good front, in time he will ultimately become a continual vexation to the nation of Israel)
The end result of this covenant was also predicted in Daniel 8:25 as follows: And through his (the Syrian’s) policy also he shall cause craft (deceit) to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by (the promise of) peace shall destroy many.
A clue is given in prophecy as to when the Syrian
will first come into Israel
There is a key found in the previous verse of Daniel 11:24 that also provides a clue as to “when” the Syrian could possibly show up on the world scene and make his first advance on the nation of Israel. The key is revealed by the statement in Daniel 11:24, “his fathers and his father’s fathers”, which would be two generations. This would be the number of generations that the Syrian’s people have been associated with the Jewish people since the establishment of the Nation of Israel in 1948.
Since the Syrian would be part of the next, or third, generation, it would be at some point in time following the second generation in which he would appear on the world scene and begin to spread the wealth with Israel.
In order to determine a general time period in the future that the Syrian could possibly appear can be determined simply by adding two prophetic generation time periods of forty years each. These “two generations” would be eighty years, which, when added to the year 1948, would take us to the year 2028.
If this “two generations” time period was based on this formula it would mean that the Syrian could possibly begin to spread the wealth with Israel as soon as the year 2028. However, it should be noted that this is not an attempt at “date setting”, but only to point out that if these “two generations” are forty year periods, this prophecy in Daniel 11:24 would indicate that the fulfillment of the prophecy can now be seen as becoming a reality in the “not too distant” future.
The acts of the Syrian will convince most of the nation of Israel
to totally accept his leadership
Considering the animosity that has existed for generations between Syria and Israel, the act of the Syrian spreading the wealth with Israel, plus the fact that the Syrian had also given the nation it’s freedom, will convince Israel that he is the one bringing about the fulfillment of the promise in chapter 60 of book of Isaiah, where it is predicted that Israel will rule over the world and the wealth of the world will be brought to Israel at an appointed time in the future.
The promise of peace to Israel is also in the Isaiah prophecy and the Syrian will use this to further convince Israel to believe these prophecies are actually being fulfilled, when in truth, the Syrian is gradually setting Israel up for his own vile purpose, which is to ultimately lure the nation of Israel away from their relationship with God, and once this is accomplished, the Syrian will then demand that all of Israel accept him as God.
Jesus personally warned the Jewish leaders of this deceit
two thousand years ago
Jesus predicted this very act by the Syrian when speaking to the Jewish religious leaders two thousand years ago. At that time he made this statement which is written in chapter 5 of the book of John: “ I have come (to the Jewish people) in my Father’s name and you have not received me, but another will come in his own name and you will receive him”.
Beginning of the reign of the
Syrian over Israel
The time period that begins with the Syrian spreading the wealth with Israel and ends at the return of Jesus is mentioned in chapter 9 of the book of Daniel as a prophetic “week” of seven years in which the Syrian will go from playing the role of “messiah” to actually becoming the Antichrist, blaspheming God and seeking to destroy all of the Jewish people who will not accept him as God.
This is also the basic theme in the book of Revelation which reveals the progression of major events occurring in each of those seven years.
Jesus made a statement about the actual length
of this coming Seven year period
Jesus made a statement in Mark 13, verses 19 and 29, which is as follows: 19 For in those days shall be affliction (anguish, persecutions, and troubles, including wars) such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened (does shorten) those days, no flesh should (would) be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath (will) shortened the days.
This statement by Jesus would prevent anyone from using this period of time to predict a future date of his return, for this time period will not be an exact seven year period, as we will see later. Also, another reason for cutting this time period short is that if it wasn’t cut short the human race would be completely destroyed.
The Syrian will continue to make moves that will thoroughly
convince Israel that he is their long awaited Messiah
Daniel 11:24 continued: yea, and he (Syrian) shall forecast (plot) his devices (intentions on how he will attack or go) against the strong holds (powers of other nations or countries), even for a time (for a period of time).
The Syrian, having been accepted by most of the leaders of Israel and the people of Israel, will continue his efforts to plot militarily against other countries that are not in agreement with him. This action will further convince the Jewish people and their religious leaders that the Syrian is the long awaited messiah, for they will see this as a fulfillment of prophecy.
There are many prophecies, such as Isaiah 41:2, where it is written that the messiah will deliver Israel and rule over all the other nations. Other prophecies not only predict that the messiah will conquer other nations with the sword (war), but at the same time there will be peace and prosperity in Israel.
The Syrian will build the long awaited
Temple in Jerusalem
Another major prophecy that the Syrian could pretend to fulfill is to rebuild the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. In doing this he would appear to be fulfilling a major prophecy predicting that when the Messiah comes he will build the temple as written in Zechariah 6:12 and 13 as follows:
Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH (a reference to Jesus, the coming Messiah); and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne.(speaking of Jesus when he returns).
To date, the Jewish temple in Jerusalem has yet to be built because of the contention between the Jewish and Muslim religious leaders about the possible location of the new temple. The problem of locating the new temple would be that the Muslim temple is presently located where Jewish tradition says that the new temple would have to be built.
The rebuilding of the temple by the Syrian, wherever it will eventually be located, will be another major factor in convincing the Jewish people that he is the messiah predicted in the messianic prophecies written in the book of Zechariah.
The Syrian will restore the land of Israel
to its original boundaries
An additional action that would add to the credibility of the Syrian is that during the first half of his reign, he will also mimic what the true messiah will do at his return, and that is to fight against and remove the populated areas of non-Jewish people living on land that was once part of the original boundaries of Israel.
One such area that the Syrian could possibly restore to Israel is the areas predicted in Zephaniah, chapter 2, verse 2, as follows:, Before the fierce anger of the Lord comes upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger comes upon you.(this is the beginning of a warning that is speaking to the non Jewish people living along the coastline of Israel that predicts the Messiah will remove them and give their land, which had been taken from Israel in the past, back to Israel)
This description of how the Messiah will remove the various countries along the coastline of Israel and give the land back to Israel is described in Verses 4 to 7 as follows: For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up. Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the Lord is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines.
There shall be no inhabitant (no non-Jewish inhabitant of those areas will be left). 6 And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks. 7 And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah (referring to a tribe of Israel). Most of the areas noted in this prophecy are within, or in close proximity to, the area of modern day Gaza, which is within the original boundary of Israel.
Actions by the Syrian to fulfill these prophecies would be very convincing to the Jewish people, and even more so when, as we will see, he goes against even the most prominent of nations to solidify his relationship with Israel.
Daniel warned the Jewish people twenty six hundred years ago
of the consequences of accepting this false messiah
As we will see later, the peace and prosperity is destined to last only through the first half of the seven year period as predicted in Daniel 9:27 which is written as follows: And he (Syrian) shall confirm the covenant (of peace and temple worship) with many (in Israel) for one week (seven years): and (but) in the midst of the week (half way through his reign) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, (stop the temple worship).
Despite the warnings given to Israel by their prophets,
the Syrian’s actions will convince the Jewish people
that he is the Messiah
Though not all of Israel will accept the Syrian, a majority will be convinced that he is the Messiah as the results of his actions. However, there could still remain the question of why will most of the Jewish people accept a Syrian as their deliverer when they have been at odds with the Syrians for generations?
The fact that he is a Syrian would be no problem if the Syrian was of the same decent as Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people, who himself was a Syrian as written in Deuteronomy 26:5. “A Syrian ready to perish was my father (Abraham). Apparently the Syrian will be of appropriate decent for him to be accepted by the Jewish people.
Another question that could be asked in reference to the Syrian is: how will he have the ability to convince most of the Jewish people in Israel that he is their Messiah, for this would be no easy task?
It is probable that, though he appears to be a man, he is no ordinary man and possibly not fully human; for he is described in the book of 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 as the “son of perdition”. The only other time the term “son of perdition” is used in the ancient writings is in the book of John 17:12, where Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus to his death, was also referred to as “son of perdition”.
It is written in John 13:26 that Satan “entered into Judas” to cause him to do what he did, but in Thessalonians the term “son of perdition” is a reference to the coming Antichrist as being a “personality of total corruption of which there is no hope of changing”. as though he was not born as a human that could possibly be redeemed.
It is possible that the Syrian will literally be born of a woman, as a human “son of Satan”, in an attempt to mimic the position of Jesus who was the Son of God in human form. This would be Satan’s attempt, through both cunning lies and supernatural powers to rule the world through his human son, the Syrian Antichrist; for it will be through the Antichrist that Satan will attempt to do what the prophets predicted that God will ultimately accomplish, and that is to rule the world through his son Jesus.
This is a possibility, for, as we will see later, the Syrian will actually be killed and then be raised from the dead, which will even mimic the death and resurrection of God’s son, Jesus.
The Syrian continues to play the role of Messiah by
bringing Israel into a time of prosperity
There is another attribute of the Syrian that has often been ignored when speaking of his rise to power, and it is the attribute that solidifies his great control over the world. Though the Antichrist has always been thought of as an evil tyrant who is coming to take over the world militarily, there are prophecies that also liken the Syrian to the prince of Tyre who ruled over the ancient world of trade and commerce.
Though the Syrian Antichrist is mentioned in Daniel 11:24 as having great riches and sharing his wealth with Israel, the commercial aspect of his ruler ship is not described in detail in the prophecies. However, the commercial aspect of his reign as the Syrian, and then his rise to that of Antichrist, is predicted in the prophecies of Ezekiel and Revelation.
The prophecies in both of these books reveal how the relationship between the Syrian messiah, and the nation of Israel becomes such a great commercial venture that it will elevate Israel to the position of a major commercial power and will solidify his control over many other countries of the world,
The Syrian is likened to the ancient “prince of Tyre"
As the writing in Ezekiel chapter 28 begins, it addresses a person called the “”prince” of Tyre, and then in verse 12, the writing addresses another personality called the “king” of Tyre. As the prophecy progresses, it becomes evident that the prince of Tyre is a description of the coming Syrian Antichrist and the king of Tyre is Satan, the power responsible for the original rebellion against God, and the power behind the Antichrist.
As we have already seen, Tyre was the commercial center of the known world at the time of Ezekiel’s writing and was used as a prophetic “type” of the future “commercial center” that would exist in the Mid-East at the “end of days“. Therefore, just as Israel was closely connected with that commercial center in past history, so they will also be directly connected to a similar commercial center in the “last days”. This connection is predicted to be through the Syrian who, in the writings of Ezekiel, is addressed as the “prince of Tyre”.
Another confirmation that Israel will be closely connected to a commercial system which will be controlled by the Syrian Antichrist is predicted in chapter 18 of the book of Revelation. In verse 8, it is written that Israel will become a major commercial center under the rule of the Antichrist.
It is also predicted that Israel will become a materialistic society just as that of ancient Babylon. Israel is even called Babylon in the prophecy in Revelation because their society and commercial ventures will be comparable to that of ancient Babylon. This aspect of Israel during the reign of the Antichrist will be discussed in more detail later in this book.
The Syrian is predicted to become the Antichrist
In order to establish that the Syrian is actually the one who will become the Antichrist, and the one who will be the head of this future commercial system; we will first begin with the prophetic writings that describe the Syrian leader and other nations that will be associated with the Syrian. These writings are found in Ezekiel chapter 28, verses 1 to 10, as follows:
1 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus (Tyre), Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because your heart is lifted up, and you have said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet you are a man, and not God, though you Set your heart as the heart of God
3 Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from you: 4 With your wisdom and with your understanding you have gotten riches, and have gotten gold and silver into your treasures: 5 By your great wisdom and by thy (commercial) traffic hast thou increased your riches, and your heart is lifted up because of your riches.
6 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD; Because you have set your heart as the heart of God; 7 Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon you, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom, and they shall defile your brightness. 8 They shall bring you down to the pit, and you shall die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas.
9 Will you yet say before him that slays thee, I am God? but you shall be a man, and no God, in the hand of “him” that slays thee. 10 You shall die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, says the Lord GOD.
In verse 1, the prophet first addressed the “prince of Tyre, and then addressed the one who would sit in the seat of God in the midst of (or between) the seas. This vision reveals that the Syrian is a “type” of the prince of Tyre, He will also be the one who will take over the temple in Jerusalem as the Antichrist, and will them claim to be God.
It is to be noted that there is a parallel between the description of the prince of Tyre as described in verse 1 of Ezekiel 28 and the prophecy predicting the end of the Antichrist in Daniel 11:45, which is written as follows: And he (Antichrist) shall plant the tabernacles of his palace (temple in Jerusalem) between the seas in the glorious holy mountain (speaking of the temple mount in Jerusalem, which is between two seas, the Mediterranean sea and the Dead sea); yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him (he will be destroyed by Jesus at his coming).
The word “seas“ is written as plural in both writings, even though the principal location of ancient Tyre was thought of as being on an island in the Mediterranean sea, the island of Tyre was separated from the smaller mainland city of Tyre by another smaller body of water called the Egyptian harbor. The word “seas” was used to provide another prophetic link between these two persons.
The ancient prince of Tyre was actually a “type” of the Antichrist who is to come, and when he does, he will also be associated with a large commercial system based in the Mid-East, just as it was in the days of Tyre. He will also establish his seat of ruler-ship between two seas as described above. These seas will also be identified later in this book as the Mediterranean sea and a smaller body of water called the Dead Sea.
Biblical history records that the nation of Israel was also commercially associated with Tyre in that distant past, and this is verified in the book of kings as follows: 1 Kings 9:11 Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire, that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.
It should also be noted that a large portion of the trade in the past was with the areas around the Mediterranean and beyond, which today, would be considered as western nations”. It is also recorded in Daniel chapter 2 and Revelation chapter 17 that, during the reign of the Antichrist, there will be ten “western nations” supporting him as he reigns over Israel’s commercial power in the “last days”.
In the reference to Daniel 28, verse 3 as quoted above, there is a statement that is also similar to a statement in the book of Daniel chapter 8, verse 5, where a description of the Antichrist is written as follows: And through his (Antichrist’s) policy he shall cause craft (deceit) to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace (original meaning is prosperity and abundance) shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes (Jesus) ; but he shall be broken (destroyed) without hand (no human shall be responsible for destroying him).
It is interesting to note that when describing the future destruction of the prince of Tyre in verses 7 and 8 of Ezekiel 28, the way the prince of Tyre is predicted to be destroyed is written two different ways. In verse 7 it is written that God will bring strangers in to destroy the prince of Tyre, and this came to pass, just as predicted, for ancient Tyre was destroyed by the Babylonians.
However, in verse 9 there seems to be a contradiction to this statement, for there it is written that a person, referred to as “him” will slay the prince of Tyre, and, as we will see later, that person is predicted to be Jesus, who will destroy the Antichrist.
The description of the force behind the ancient “King of Tyre"
is the same force behind the Antichrist, for both match
the attributes written of Satan before his fall
Ezekiel 28 continued
12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre, and say unto him, Thus says the Lord God; You seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that you were created. 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covers; and I have set thee so: you were upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
Ezekiel 28:15 You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, untill iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise (traffic in trading) they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. This is a description of Satan before his fall and the coming consequences of his rebellion.
17 Your heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick (commercial ventures, merchandising); therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
God’s judgment of Satan and the Antichrist
in the future
The Antichrist and the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire as written in Revelation 19:20.
And the devil (Satan) that deceived the world will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast (Antichrist) and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10
2 Thessalonians chapter 2
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin (Antichrist) be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God (Antichrist) will sit in the temple of God, showing himself (proclaiming) that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what now withholds that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now allows will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked one (Antichrist) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy (the Antichrist) with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, (Antichrist) whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.
A description of how the First Church
relates to the First Seal
Revelation chapter 2
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus (First Church) write ; These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you cannot bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them to be ”liars“:
There is a key word found in this warning, that is not only to the church, but also to the Jewish people as well. That word is “liars”, which is very appropriate, because the Syrian will gain power the first year by deceitful “lies“; and all who believe him will become part of his system of lies based upon the lie that he is the Messiah.
Opening of the Second Seal
Major events of the Second Year
Revelation chapter 6 continued
World wars begin
3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they (the nations of the world) should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.(power to destroy)
Just as Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:6, wars and rumors of wars will begin to increase preceding his return.
How the Second Church relates
to the Second Seal
Revelation chapter 2 continued
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna (Second Church) write; These things says the first and the last, who was dead, and is alive; 9 I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, but you are rich and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.(referring to the temple in Jerusalem that has been built by the Syrian)
The temple, or Synagogue, will be rebuilt by the Syrian as another deception to convince the nation of Israel that he is the Messiah that is predicted in Zechariah 6:13. However, though the temple is rebuilt, God calls it the synagogue of Satan, for all of the Jews who accept the Syrian as Messiah will actually be worshiping Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which you will suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
The key words found in this warning to the faithful Jewish people, and also to the Christians are “tribulation”, and “faithful unto death”. All who do not accept the Syrian as the Messiah will suffer great persecution.
This will be true for both Jews and Christians living in Israel who do not accept the Syrian, for they will suffer great persecution, which will begin in Israel and spread around the world. This will also be true for the Christians living in the ten western nations that are supporting the Syrian, for these nations will be in agreement with all of the dictates of the Antichrist.
There will be a faction of Jews
who will resist the Antichrist
The Antichrist will be assassinated in the seventh year, as we will see later, and it is possible that the assassin will be someone from the Jewish resistance. It is predicted in Daniel chapter 11 that when the Antichrist, acting under the pretense that he is the long awaited Jewish Messiah, takes full control of the temple in Jerusalem, there will be a body of devout Jews in Israel who will rebel against the Antichrist for making this move.
This rebellion by the Jewish resistance against the Antichrist is predicted in Daniel 11:32 as follows: And such as do wickedly against the covenant (Jewish people who forsake their covenant with God) shall he (Antichrist) corrupt by flatteries (a majority of the Jewish people will agree to honor the covenant with the Antichrist and will be encouraged by the Antichrist to turn against their own people who oppose the Antichrist).
But the people (Jewish minority) that do know their God (and know that the Antichrist is not the Messiah) shall be strong, and do exploits.(the true Jewish followers of God will rebel against the Antichrist and perform “exploits” or heroic feats, and one of their most heroic feats could very well be the assassination of the Antichrist)
Daniel 11:33: And they (Jews) that understand (know that the Antichrist is not the true Messiah) among the Jewish people shall instruct many.(seek to convince others): yet they (those who resist the Antichrist) shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days (those who will not support the Antichrist will be hunted down and killed or imprisoned).
Opening of the Third Seal
Major events of the Third Year
Revelation chapter 6 continued
5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny (a day‘s wages); and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
This is a prediction that world conditions during the reign pf the Antichrist will consist of many people in the world who will hardly be able to buy enough to eat, as symbolized by a small amount of food costing a day’s wage; and yet there will also be those who are represented by the oil and wine, which means they will be thriving in the Antichrist’s commercial system.
How the Third Church relates to the events happening
as described in the Third Seal
Revelation chapter 2 continued
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos (Third Church) write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes (those depending on the Lord) will I give to eat of the hidden manna, (God will provide food for his followers when they face the coming food shortages).
Opening of the Fourth Seal
major events of the Fourth Year
mid-point of the 7 year reign of the Syrian
Luke 21:9 when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken (a reference to the removal of the presence of Satan and his angels from heaven).
Satan and his angels are cast out of heaven
Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Satan gives the Syrian power to
become the Antichrist
Revelation 13 1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast (this beast is the Antichrist and is not to be confused with other figures also referred to as beasts) rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy (the true nature of the Syrian will now be revealed to the world).
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon (Satan) gave him (Syrian) his power, and his seat, and great authority.
The seventh head represents the Antichrist who will be supported by ten “western” nations which are represented by the ten horns. The leopard, bear and lion are representations of the prophetic progression of major powers in past history that have led to the reign of the Antichrist as predicted in Revelation chapter 17, and also in prophecies predicting the progression of world powers leading to the Antichrist as written in chapter 7 of the book of Daniel. It is to be noted that the progression of these major powers have been previously discussed.
The Antichrist will be challenged by Egypt as his power
in the Mid-East begins to increase
Daniel 11:40 And at the “time of the end” shall the king of the south (Egypt) push at (attack) him: (Antichrist) and the king of the north (Antichrist) shall (counterattack and) come against him (Egypt) like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow (overwhelm) and pass over (the invasion of Egypt by the forces of the Antichrist, backed by the 10 western nation coalition, will be by land and by sea. Also the words “pass over” could mean “by air”),
The Antichrist will also take advantage of the conflict with Egypt by mounting a surprise move to occupy and take complete control of Israel:
41 He (Antichrist) shall enter also into the glorious land (glorious land is a reference to the nation of Israel, and the Antichrist will no longer continue his pretense of Messiah and will invade and completely take over Israel militarily, as is written in verse 45 of this chapter as will follow), and many (Mid East) countries shall be overthrown by his invasion: but these (areas in the Mid East) shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
(these areas today are part of the neutral nation of Jordan that borders Israel to the east, and Ammon today is the capital. It is interesting to note that there will be no military conflicts in these areas throughout the reign of the Antichrist).
The fact that these countries will be the only ones to escape his attacks would indicate that the Antichrist will also invade other countries in the Mid East areas east of Israel, such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, all of which will be part of the “many” countries that will fall under his control
42 He (Antichrist) shall stretch forth his hand (power) also upon the countries (as noted in verse 41) and the land of Egypt shall not escape (Egypt will also be among the nations that fall to the Antichrist).
43 But he ( Antichrist ) shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans (Libya) and the Ethiopians (north African area south of Egypt) shall be at his steps (areas in northern Africa that his army is advancing towards after passing through Egypt. However, at this time he stops short of invading these countries for the following reason ).
44 But tidings (disturbing news) out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away (utterly destroy) many.
This reference to “north” is referring to “north” of Egypt, for the Antichrist has just invaded Egypt, therefore the area referenced as north is Israel, which borders Egypt on the north. Apparently there will be something happening in Israel that causes the Antichrist to react violently against that nation. The “news from the East” will be discussed later.
Since resistance to the Antichrist by certain groups in Israel will continue from the beginning of his reign over Israel, it is possible that a certain event by this resistance will prompt this reaction by the Antichrist, which will be at a opportune time for him. This is verified by the next verse that describes how the Antichrist takes advantage of this reaction to completely take control of Israel.
45 And he (Antichrist) shall plant the tabernacles (centers of operation) of his palace (headquarters) between the seas in the glorious holy mountain (speaking of the temple mount in Jerusalem, which is between two seas, the Mediterranean sea and Dead sea); yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (A prediction of his future defeat)
The Antichrist goes back into the “pleasant land” (Israel ) and then establishes total control of the nation which is symbolized by him setting up his headquarters in Jerusalem. Yet, the Antichrist will come to his end on this very spot in the future.
Antichrist will stop short of invading Libya and
Ethiopia because of news coming from north
of Egypt and from out of the “East”
The Antichrist reacts immediately upon hearing the news from the north because this is directly related to the developments taking place in Israel. The perspective of “north” is a reference to “north” of Egypt, for the armies of the Antichrist had invaded Egypt, which is to the south of Israel. Therefore, the area referenced as north is Israel, which borders Egypt on the north.
Though the news from the “East” is also threatening
the Antichrist first makes a surprise move
to take complete control of Israel
Apparently, there will be something happening in Israel that causes the Antichrist to react violently against Israel. Though the reason for the reaction of the Antichrist is not written in this prophecy, it is most likely his response is against those in Israel who have resisted him and his association with Israel, as previously mentioned. It is also predicted, though the Antichrist puts down this resistance, it will be temporarily, for factions of Jewish resistance will continue until the end of his reign
Since resistance to the Antichrist in Israel has continued throughout the first three and a half years of his reign, this would be a perfect time for the resistance to increase. However, it would also be a perfect time for the Antichrist to use the resistance as an excuse to take full control of Israel.
The fact that the Antichrist will take control of Israel at this time is verified by the following verse: 45. And he (Antichrist) shall plant the tabernacles of his palace (central headquarters symbolizing control) between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.(speaking of his future demise at the return of Jesus)
The Antichrist will go back into the “pleasant land” (Israel) and establish total control over Israel, which is symbolized by the Antichrist setting up his headquarters in Jerusalem at that time. We know this is a reference to Jerusalem because of its location being “between the seas“, whish is a reference to the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Also mentioned is the “glorious holy mountain”, which is a biblical term used as a reference to the location of the temple in Jerusalem.
The armies of the Antichrist will take over the nation
of Israel and the Antichrist will personally
take over the temple in Jerusalem
in the middle of the fourth year
of his seven year reign
Revelation chapter 11
1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure (in order to allot) the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein (the inner court). 2 But the court which is outside of the temple (outer court) leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto (or allotted to) the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
The ten Gentile nations led by the Antichrist will take control of Israel, including the outer court of the temple, but the temple itself and the inner court will be allotted to the Antichrist and the Jewish people who have accepted the Antichrist as Messiah).
To understand the meaning of this allotment it is necessary to understand the significance of the symbolism used in the prophetic writings. The temple, the alter and the inner court of the temple have always been the areas reserved for the Jewish people who were given a special place in the temple in Jerusalem. The Jewish people were assigned an area within the temple itself as compared to the court area, which was adjacent or outside of the temple.
The outer court was separated from the inner court by the temple wall, and this court was an area that the non-Jewish, or gentile people were allowed to congregate, in order to hear what was being said in the temple. This allotment, according to this statement, was determined by God himself, and it was made as though God was giving the Jewish people that supported the Antichrist their desire, which was to accept the Antichrist as their Messiah, who would also now reign in the temple.
God’s allotment was made in such a way that it was as if God was saying to the Jews in Israel who had accepted the Antichrist: “not only is the court outside now given to the Gentiles, but your entire nation is now given to the Gentiles“.
The Jewish people will lose control of their nation, and all that will be left for them will be a false messiah, and a temple with an alter where there is no presence of God: and it was also stipulated that this allotment by God would last for three and a half years. This confirms that this will take place in the middle of the seven year period.
World conditions intensify and
become progressively worse
Revelation 6 continued
7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. 8 And I looked, and behold a pale (green) horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword (war), and with hunger (starvation), and with death (disease), and with (devoured by) the beasts (wild animals) of the earth.
Twenty five percent of the world’s population will die from the violence, hunger and disease which will be the result of Satan being confined to the earth for the last half of the seven year period. Even the wild animals will be affected by these spirits of death and will begin attacking and eating people.
A nation of Jewish Christians is birthed
during a time of great persecution
In Israel
Revelation chapter 12
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
The woman is a symbolic representation of those of the nation of Israel who will be the “first-fruits”, or the fist ones in Israel to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the one who came out of the woman Israel, and was caught up to heaven.
The sun, moon and twelve stars were used to confirm that they were Jewish, because they are identified by these symbols: the sun represents God, the moon represents the Jewish people who are called by God to reflect the light of God to the whole earth. Also, the meaning of the twelve stars is that all twelve tribes of Israel will be represented in this group of Jewish people who have accepted Jesus.
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon (Satan), having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads (a representation of the Antichrist). 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. This is a conformation that Jesus was caught up into heaven after his resurrection and is now seated with God on his throne.
At this point, Isaiah 66:8 will be fulfilled as predicted: Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion (Jerusaleml) travailed, she brought forth her children.(a whole nation of Jewish people will accept Jesus on that day)
The Jewish Christians in Israel
will flee to the wilderness
Revelation 12 continued
6 And the woman (nation of Jewish believers) fled (will flee) into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they (angels) should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days (approximately three and one half years, or until the return of Jesus).
Verses 7 to 10 were previously noted.
11 And they overcame (Satan the dragon as noted in verse 9) him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (there will also be followers of Jesus who will be put to death). 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and you that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time. (This is a warning to all Christians that the persecution of Christians will not only be in Israel, but the entire world).
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.(This is a reference to the Jews who will flee to the wilderness)
15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman (Christian Jews), and the earth opened her mouth (God will provide them a safe haven where they can hide), and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (As we will see later these Christian Jews will number 144,000, with twelve thousand being from each tribe of Israel. They will all have to flee to the wilderness, and will remain there under God’s protection for three and one half years).
17 And the dragon (Satan) was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.(there will be other Christian Jews remaining in Israel at this time who will suffer great persecution)
CHAPTER 8
How the Fourth Church
relates
to the Fourth Seal
Revelation 2 continued
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira (Fourth Church) write; These things says the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because you allow that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.(this is a parallel to what will happen to the Jewish people under the Antichrist, for when he takes control of the temple in Jerusalem, he will demand. that the Jewish people make sacrifices to the idols that he sets up in the temple).
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he (Jesus) shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
The Antichrist takes over the temple in Jerusalem
at the mid point of his 7 year reign
Daniel 9
27 And he (Antichrist) shall confirm the covenant with many (as we have already seen at the opening of the first seal, the Syrian was accepted by most of the Jewish people) for one week (week of years or seven years): and in the midst (middle) of the week (at the mid point of the fourth year of the seven year period) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation (offerings in the temple) to cease, (he will shut down the normal sacrifices in the temple in Jerusalem) and for the overspreading of abominations (which will include the abomination of desolation near the end of the seven tear period as will be described later) he shall make it desolate (sacrifices will no longer be allowed to worship God), even until the consummation (the end), and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.(when that comes God will pour out his vengeance and destroy the Antichrist)
A clue is given as to the number of days there will
be from the time that the Antichrist takes over
the temple until the Abomination of
Desolation is set up in the temple
Daniel 12
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away (half way through the seven year period, which will be the 3 1/2 year mid point), and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. (there will be 1290 days from the 3½ year mid point until the abomination of desolation is set up) 12 Blessed is he that awaits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. (45 days after the Abomination of Desolation is set up in the temple in Jerusalem. The reason the end of this time is called “blessed“ is because Jesus will have taken control as ruler of the world by that time)
Israel’s acceptance of the Antichrist as the Messiah
is Israel’s Covenant with Death and Hell
according to the prophet Isaiah
Isaiah 28
14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. 15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion (Jerusalem) for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. 17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
18 And your covenant with death shall be dis annulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. 19 From the time that it goes forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. 20 For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it. (This is God’s way of saying that Israel’s acceptance of the Antichrist will only bring misery to the people, and will lead to a tragic ending).
21 For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth (the coming wrath of the Lord) as in the valley of Gibeon, (speaking of a time in the past during a battle fought by Joshua when the earth and moon stood still and there was a great hailstorm) that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act. 22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth (the wrath of God will fall upon the entire earth at the time of the Antichrist}.
Revelation 13
4 And they worshipped the dragon (Satan) which gave power unto the beast: (Antichrist) and they worshipped the beast (Antichrist), saying, Who is like unto the beast (Antichrist) ? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. (3 1/2 Years or until the end of the 7th Year)
It is written in Daniel 11:31 that the Antichrist will take over and pollute (profane by setting up many idols) in the temple in Jerusalem, beginning at the mid-point of the 7 year period.
The final act of pollution will be when the Antichrist sets up the Abomination of Desolation, which will be a statue made in the image of himself. The entire world will then be required to worship the image of the Antichrist which will be placed in the temple 1290 days after the Antichrist takes over the temple, as written in Daniel 12:11.
6 And he (Antichrist) opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him (Antichrist) to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all races, and languages, and nations
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
There is a parallel in Jewish history similar to the actions of
the Antichrist and that was when the Jewish king
Manasseh also profaned the temple of God
by setting up an image to worship
2 Kings 21:1 Manasseh reigned as king fifty and five years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, 3 For he built up the high places and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served false gods.
4 And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, my name only will be put in Jerusalem.. 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.
6 And he observed times (Horoscope), and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. 7 And he set a graven image that he had made in the house of the Lord.
CHAPTER 9
Mystery Babylon is revealed
Revelation 17
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials (these angels will be discussed later), and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show you the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters (“waters” is a reference to the nations of the world). 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration (wonderment).
7 And the angel said unto me, Why do you marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that thou saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains (symbols for world powers), on which the woman sits 10 And there are seven kings (the seventh is the Antichrist): five are fallen, (As previously mentioned, the fifth power to fall will be the United States of America). and one is (the sixth, which is the Antichrist who will be supported by the ten nation coalition), and the other (the seventh), is not yet come (speaking of the Antichrist when he comes back from death as described in verse 11); and when he cometh (Antichrist after he comes back from the dead) he must continue a short space (his time will the be limited).
11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of (the same as) the seven (seventh), and will go into perdition. (the “seventh” king is a reference to the Antichrist who will be assassinated, and shortly thereafter will be resurrected as the “eighth”, all of which will be described later in this book),
12 And the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet (these ten world powers are supporting the woman Israel, and have made her, Israel, a world power) ; but receive power as kings one hour (a short time) with the beast.(Antichrist). 13 These (will) have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast (Antichrist). 14 These shall make war with the Lamb (they will fight against Jesus when he returns), and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
15 And he (the angel) said unto me, the waters which you saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns (ten nations supporting the Antichrist) which thou saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore (Israel), and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (the ultimate goal of the Antichrist is to corrupt Israel as much as possible, while at the same time, stealing the nation away from God and then totally destroying every Jewish person from the face of the earth)
17 For God hath put in their hearts (ten nations supporting the Antichrist) to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast (Antichrist), until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman which you saw is that great city, which ( will ) reign over the kings (of all nations) of the earth.
Identifying the Woman
The identification of the woman is also defined in Revelation 18:8 as the city “where our Lord was crucified”. This would be Jerusalem, which in essence would also be referencing the Jewish nation of Israel. Another aspect of the woman Israel is that she is also likened to the great ancient city Babylon, which was known for it’s gold and great riches, and the city that ruled over the then known world in that distant past.
The woman (Jerusalem) is said to be rich and holding a golden cup in her hand that was full of abominations and filthiness which is a description of Israel turning away from God to idol worship and committing every filthy act that is associated with that lifestyle.
In Revelation 11:8, Jerusalem is likened to Sodom, which identifies Israel as having the same perverted sexual lifestyle as the people of Sodom, who became so perverted that the Lord totally destroyed them and their city.
Another aspect of Sodom that is a parallel to Jerusalem is written in.Ezekiel 16:49 as follows: Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she help the poor and needy.
In the same verse, Jerusalem is also likened to Egypt, because in Egypt, the king was worshipped as God. In Israel the Antichrist will be accepted as God and most of the Jewish nation will accept him as God.
God will see the woman, Jerusalem, as committing
adultery, just as she did as described in the
Book of Ezekiel; and she will be judged
just as Israel was judged in the past
Ezekiel chapter 16
32 But as a wife that commits adultery, which takes strangers instead of her husband! 33 They give gifts to all whores: but you give your gifts to all of your lovers, and hire them, that they may come unto to you on every side for your whoredom. 34 And you are contrary (different) to other women in thy whoredoms, because none follow you to commit whoredoms: and then pay you, for you do not even get paid for your whoredom, you just do it for your own pleasure.
35 Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the Lord: 36 Thus saith the Lord God; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, and by the blood of thy children, which thou did give (sacrificed) unto them;
A prediction that Jerusalem will be taken over by, not only
those nations that are considered as enemies, but also
those nations that have been their friends
37 Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will expose your nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness. 38 And I will judge thee, as women that breaks wedlock and sheds blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.
The Antichrist is likened to the king
of ancient Babylon
In Revelation 18:8, it is recorded that Israel, under the rule of the Antichrist, is likened to ancient Babylon, because Israel, like Babylon, will be a world commercial power at that time. This position will give the Antichrist the power to require every nation to worship him as God. This position will also be a parallel to the writing in Daniel chapter 3 where Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, required the people of the nations that were under his control, to worship an image of himself. or be killed.
The king of ancient Babylon dreamed of a statue that
represented the course of world nations
leading to the last days
Daniel chapter 2
28 The prophet Daniel interprets the dream of the king of Babylon as follows: There is a God in heaven that reveals secrets, and makes known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. (referring to the last days leading up to the return of Jesus). The dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;
29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he (God) that reveals secrets makes known to thee what shall come to pass.(in the last days) 30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes (those who will be living in the last days) that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou might know the thoughts of thy heart.
31 Thou, O king, saw, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. 32 This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.
34 You saw till that a stone was cut out without hands (a symbol referencing the coming of Jesus who will destroy all world powers and rule in their stead), which struck the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces.
35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone (which represents Jesus) that struck the image became a great mountain. This mountain is symbolic of the coming kingdom of God as referenced in Isaiah 11:9 as follows: Nothing shall hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea)
36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wherever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into your hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.
The king of ancient Babylon set up an image and demanded that
the nations worship it, thus becoming a symbolic forerunner
of the Antichrist who will demand that the world
worship him near the end of his 7 year reign
Daniel 3 continued
3 Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon made an image (resemblance of himself) of gold, whose height was threescore cubits (about 105 feet) , and the breadth thereof six cubits (about ten feet): he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, All people, nations, and languages 5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 6 And whoso does not worship the image shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
As we will see later, the king of Babylon is symbolic of the coming Antichrist, who also will demand that all of the world worship him.
As the Antichrist takes control of Israel,
the “threats from the East”
are continuing
The Antichrist will now have control of most of the Mid East countries, but threats from the East will now begin to increase, and he will eventually be facing an invasion that will force him to defend all of the countries in the Mid East that are now under his control
The “disturbing news” from the “East”, that the Antichrist had previously received ,will now become a reality as the forces from the Far East begin to move into the country of Iran, which would be the most likely area, as we will see. This invasion will be a fulfillment of the invasion of the “kings of the east“ as predicted in Revelation chapter 16, verse 12, and though we are not told in the prophetic writings exactly whose armies from the East will be involved, we are given a clue in Revelation 9:16 that predicts there will be a two hundred million man army in the invasion.
Knowing that the invading army will be that large, we can assume that China will be the leader of the invasion, and the other armies which are not identified will be armies from the other major Far East countries such as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and possibly even Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Japan.
The reason most of the Far East nations are mentioned here as possibly being in the invasion is that it is predicted in Joel 3:2. There, God said that He I will eventually gather “all” nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat (in Israel), and will plead with them there for his people and for his heritage Israel (Jewish people), whom they(speaking of the nations of the world) have scattered among the nations, and parted my land (referencing the last two thousand years when Israel did not exist as a nation).
This invasion from the Far East is only the first of the invading forces that are predicted to be invading the Mid East, but as time progresses, all of the other nations of the world will join together in the invasion of the Mid East shortly before the return of Jesus.
China would be the most likely leader of this invasion for two reasons: China alone, now has a two hundred million man army, and also, an invasion from the Far East could easily be accomplished today because China has recently completed construction a major highway that leads from China to the country of Pakistan, which borders with the Mid East country of Iran.
The possibility of such an invasion of the Mid East by the armies of the Far East has always been though of as being impossible because of the logistics of an army having to cross the massive mountain ranges that separate the Far Eastern countries from the Mid East. However, such an invasion can be seen as a possibility today because of the completion of the highway built by China.
This modern highway was constructed on such a scale, even though much of it was through great mountain ranges, that it will allow even the largest of military vehicles to travel the entire route. Construction of this highway, called the Karakoram Highway, was begun in China in the late 1950s, and was completed into Pakistan in the late 1970s. The original purpose of the highway, according to the Chinese, was to provide China an access path to the Mid-East for trading purposes, even though it was built to much greater specifications than that for ordinary traffic.
Since it is predicted that the invasion forces will be headed towards the Euphrates river, which is in Iraq, the most logical route would indicate that the invasion forces will enter eastern Iran at the western border of Pakistan. The forces of the Far East would then have to fight their way through the entire nation of Iran and a portion of Iraq in order to reach the Euphrates river in Iraq. There the Far East armies will be stopped for a period of time, as predicted in Revelation chapters 9:14 and 16:12. In order to reach the Euphrates river, the Far East armies will have to advance about 750 miles through Iran, and then another 150 miles into Iraq.
In order to determine the possible length of time that it would take the Far East armies to fight their way to the Euphrates river, there can be found several clues that are given in prophecy that reveal a general time frame for the armies to reach the Euphrates river.
Since we have already seen that the Antichrist will take control of Israel in the middle of his seven year reign, this would mean that he will have approximately three and a half years left to reign, which will end at the battle of Armageddon.
Assuming that the invasion of the Far East armies started shortly after the Antichrist took control of Israel, this would mean that the Far East armies will be fighting in Iran and Iraq for at least two years before they reach the Euphrates river in Iraq. This time frame is revealed in in Revelation 16:12 where it is predicted that the Far East forces will be stopped at the Euphrates river until they are allowed to continue.
It is revealed in Revelation 9:15 and 16 that they will be allowed to continue when four demonic angels will be loosed from the Euphrates river and the river will dry up. At this point the Far East invasion forces will continue their invasion of the Mi East after they finally cross the Euphrates river. In order to fight their way to Jerusalem from the Euphrates river it is predicted that this battle will last for a year, a month and a day and an hour after they cross the Euphrates. This battle is then predicted to end at the battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus.
By subtracting this one year and a month from the three and a half year time period from the three and a half year time period that the Antichrist will reign would mean that the Far East forces will fight in the Mid East more than two and a half years before crossing the Euphrates river. This would also include an unknown period of time that they will be temporarily stopped at the Euphrates river as written in Revelation 16:12.
The Euphrates river will be a key element in the movement of the Far East armies into the Mid East, and the timing of this invasion will be orchestrated by God, himself, for the armies from the Far East will not be permitted to continue their invasion until God calls for an angel to dry up the Euphrates in order to allow the Mid East armies to cross and continue the invasion that will then last another “ year, a month, a day, and an hour”, ending at the battle of Armageddon at the end of the seven year period predicted in Revelation.
Having reviewed the projected time line for the invasion of the Far East armies, it is necessary to go back to the mid-point of the reign of the Antichrist in order to understand what will take place in Israel after the Antichrist takes over Israel and the temple in Jerusalem. The time line of the invasion of the Far East forces will be continued later in this book, and will be continued in the chronological order in which it will occur.
After the Antichrist takes over the temple in Jerusalem
two prophets will appear on the streets of Jerusalem
and begin to speak against him in public
To make matters even more complex for the Antichrist, he will now be facing two prophets sent by God to speak against him during the entire time of his last three and a half year reign.
Revelation chapter 11 continued:
3 And I (God) will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, (1260 or about 3 years and 2 months) clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are (represented by) the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
Since the Antichrist will reign about three and a half years, the two witnesses will come upon the scene a few months after the Antichrist begins to reign. As we will see later, they will then prophesy until three days before Jesus returns at the end of the reign of the Antichrist.
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire will proceed out of their mouths, and devour their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
As we will see later, the most devastating plagues that these two prophets will bring against the kingdom of the Antichrist are those that will be pronounced after the Antichrist is proclaimed to be God.
Identifying the two prophets
These two mysterious prophets will speak against the Antichrist until the return of Jesus, and it becomes obvious that these two are Elijah and Moses when their actions recorded in the ancient writings are compared to the actions of these men as recorded in Revelation.
When comparing the actions of these prophets in the past, it is found that they are very similar to the actions that the two prophets will take when confronting the false prophet and the Antichrist.
The two prophets are mentioned here, not only to identify who they are, but to note that they will begin to speak against the Antichrist at the mid point of the seven year period. However, the major feats that they will perform will be during the seventh year, all of which will be described later in this book.
The attributes of the two prophets
Elijah was known for his conflict with the false prophets of the king of Israel as recorded in 2nd kings, and it is to be noted that the bad prophets of those days are a type of the one called the “false prophet”, who will be a major figure during the reign of the Antichrist.
In 2nd Kings, chapter 1, Elijah called fire down out of heaven in response to the false prophets of those days, and in 1st Kings, chapters 17 and 18, Elijah stopped the rain for three years. In Revelation 11:6, one of the prophets mentioned will have power to stop the rain just as Elijah did. Also, in Revelation 11:5 records that fire will come out of the mouths of both witnessing prophets, which would also mean that they could call down fire upon their enemies, just as Elijah did in the past.
Moses was known for his conflict with the Pharaoh of Egypt, who was a type of the Antichrist, for the Pharaoh was also looked upon as a god. In the book of Exodus Moses pronounced seven different plagues against Egypt, many of which are very similar to those that he will proclaim against the Antichrist, as we will see later.
According to the ancient writings, Both Elijah and Moses mysteriously disappeared. Elijah was said to have been “taken up” by the Lord, and Moses was buried by the Lord, but no-one has ever known the location of Moses’ grave. These two events are recorded in the following writings:
Elijah was taken into heaven
over 2700 tears ago
2nd Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they (the prophets Elisha and Elijah) went on, walking and talking, , behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
It is written that Elijah will come back
to Israel in the last days
In Malachi 4:5 there is a prophecy stating that Elijah will come back in the last days, and this prophecy is as follows: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
The death of Moses is recorded as being
over 3400 years ago
In Deuteronomy 34:5 Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6 And he (the Lord) buried him (Moses) in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knows (the location) of his grave unto this day
It is written that Satan attempted
to get the body of Moses
after Moses died
Jude 1:9 Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil about the body of Moses, did not bring against the Devil a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you. The archangel would not allow Satan to have access to the body of Moses, and no-one has ever been able to determine where Moses was buried.
Opening of the Fifth Seal revealing
major events of the Fifth Year
Revelation chapter 6
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain (martyred) for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, will it be before you judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season (short period of time), until after their fellow servants also and their other brethren, are also killed just as they were, and then it will be fulfilled.
Those who have been martyred as followers of Jesus are not mentioned as being from any particular country, but from the “earth”, as though they were from various areas of the world. This is an indication that Christians will be martyred worldwide during this time period.
Those martyrs are told there will be more Christians martyred before Jesus returns. They are also told that time is now getting shorter as the return of Jesus is drawing near, and they will now have to wait for only a short period of time until his return. The martyrs are then all given white robes which are the same attire as that of the celestial beings called angels. These are the same garments of light that are referred to as “robes of righteousness” by the ancient writers. As we will see later, all of these people are given robes to wear when they come back with Jesus when he returns.
How the Fifth Church relates to the Fifth Seal
Jesus tells his followers that he will come “as a thief”
to those who are not expectantly watching
Revelation 3
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis (Fifth Church) write; These things says he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and are dead (considered as dead because you are not really expectantly watching for me). 2 Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you do not watch, (if you are not watching) I will come on you as a “thief“, and you will not know what hour I will come.(this is not speaking of the actual return of Jesus, but is made in reference to Jesus coming like a “thief“ before his return, to those who are not actually watching for him).
Believers are told to begin “watching” for this event, and that they should seek to understand the meaning of him coming “like a thief”. It should be noted that it is obvious that this event is not speaking of his return, because, as we will see later, when he actually does return, the entire world will see him coming.
4 There are a few names (persons) even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white (a reference to the white robes that they will be given): for they are worthy. 5 He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Jesus warns his followers to be alert, for
many will be unaware when these
warning signs occur
Prophetic warnings
Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord will come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman (head of the household or family) had known in what watch (time of day or night) the thief would come, he (that person) would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as you think not, the Son of man will come.
Luke 12:39 And this know, that if the Goodman (head of the family) of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have allowed his house to be broken through, (broken up or divided). 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not
Luke 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware (this will happen because the person is not expecting, or diligently watching, and will not be aware until after it happens), and the Lord will cut him in sunder (reject that person), and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
Prophetic writings reveal the coming of Jesus “as a thief”
to be shortly before the “Day of the Lord” begins
It is to be noted that the term “day of the Lord” has two different meanings in the prophetic writings, both of which are briefly described as follows: One common use of the term in prophecy is to describe the actual day that Jesus will return, and the other use is to denote the last year of the seven year period of events predicted in the book of Revelation.
This same seventh year is also defined in the book of Isaiah, chapter 34; verse 8, as “the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recompenses (retribution) for the controversy over Israel“. This last, or seventh, year is the year God will pour out his vengeance on all nations and will also punish those who are seeking to destroy Israel.
The following prophecies, likening the coming of Jesus to be as a “thief“, are written in First Thessalonians and Second Peter. Both writings predict that this event will occur just before the “day of the Lord”:
1 Thessalonians 1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the “day of the Lord” so cometh (this seventh year will be ushered in) as a thief in the night. 3 For when they (the nation of Israel as written in Isaiah 13:8) shall say, “Peace and safety“; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day (day of the Lord) should begin without you being aware and overtake you as a thief.
2 Peter 3:10 The day of the Lord comes (will be ushered in) as a thief in the night. The word “thief” is used to imply that this will be an event that will happen just before the beginning of the Day of the Lord. It will occur in silence, and the world, in general, will not be aware when it happens. This event will be the opposite of the lightning and brightness that will occur on the Day of the Lord (day that Jesus returns).
The fact that the Lord will first come as a thief has two implications: In Matthew and Luke it is implied that he will come to individual households, and in the writings in Thessalonians and Peter his coming as a thief will “usher in”, or precede the “Day of the Lord”
In these predictions, it is the Lord himself who is likened to a thief and he comes to “take” something for himself from his “servant’s” house, which is to imply a “house” of believers. The words “broken through” (broken up or parted) are written as though the thief does not take “all” that could be taken, but “some or part of”, that which could have been taken, insinuating that there will be some who will not be taken.
The Lord is also likened to someone who is taking something from the house and his servant, the goodman or head of the house, was unaware of the event until after it had happened. The goodman of the house is criticized by the Lord for not being alert enough to watch for the thief (the Lord), especially when the Lord had told him in advance to “watch”. The goodman will then be punished for not obeying his Lord, for it is the responsibility of the goodman of the house to watch over the “whole” house.
The timing of this prediction is also keyed to the words “peace” and “safety”, which are referenced in Daniel chapter 8 as the time in the future when not only the nation of Israel, but also many of the nations of the world will accept the Antichrist as the one who will finally establish peace on earth.
CHAPTER 10
Opening of the Sixth Seal Events occurring near the ending of the Sixth Year preceding the dawning of the Seventh Year How the Sixth Church relates to the Sixth Seal Jesus tells the sixth church that he will be coming “quickly” to deliver them before the soon coming wrath Revelation 3 continued 7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia (Sixth Church) write; These things says he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan (a reference to the temple in Jerusalem being used by the Antichrist to exalt himself) which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep (deliver) thee from the hour of temptation (this is a promise from Jesus that his followers will not have to go through the coming wrath of God which is the time period called the Day of the Lord), which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown (Jesus adds another encouraging warning that he is coming quickly). 12 He that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches. Revelation 9 The two-hundred million man army from the Far East will now begin crossing the Euphrates river to continue their invasion of the Mid East 13 And the sixth angel (with the sixth trumpet) sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. (a great portion of the word’s population will be destroyed in these battles). Revelation 9:14 & 15 are actually from the verses listed under the opening of the “sixth seal”, but are placed here for clarity, since they reference a time-line that actuall starts near the end of the sixth year and continues through all of the seventh year. These two verses give an exact time line that begins near as the sixth year is closing and ends near the closing of the seventh year. This time line is predicted to be a year, a month, a day and an hour. and during this time there will be continuous warfare that will gradually increases to the point of destroying one third of the world’s population, as will be described under the seventh year. Revelation 16 12 And the sixth angel (with the vial of wrath) poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. (the major king will be China as previously mentioned) 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon (Satan), and out of the mouth of the beast (Antichrist) , and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings (leaders of world nations) of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty (which will be the battle of Armageddon). Once the armies fr0m the east cross the Euphrates river they will then have access to the entire Mid East countries from Turkey to the Arabian peninsula, which comprises a major portion of the Mid East. Since they will be fighting for over a year before attacking Israel it is most likely that many of the battles leading up to Armageddon will be fought in these areas. It is also possible that Egypt could be attacked by these Far East forces, for Egypt will suffer greatly from the Mid East war as we will see later. Jesus will be revealed in heaven near the end of the sixth year and all who are not followers of Jesus will hide from his appearance Revelation, chapter 6, continued 12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; (There will be an eclipse of the sun and the moon will appear red as blood). 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casts her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together;(the celestial heavens will be drawn back as a curtain on a stage to “reveal” the throne room in heaven and Jesus sitting on the throne) and every mountain and island were moved out of their places (caused by an earthquake that will be worldwide). 15 And the kings (leaders of nations) of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the “wrath of the Lamb” Jesus predicted that there would be two major events about a year apart that would lead to his return Matthew, 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: (Jesus will be revealed from heaven at the ending of the sixth year) and then (about a year later, as the seventh year is ending) shall all the tribes of the earth “mourn” (wailing and weeping), and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (speaking of the return of Jesus near the end of the seventh year). 31 And (at his return) he shall send his angels (from heaven) with a great sound of a trumpet, and they (angels) shall gather together his elect from the four winds (the four quarters or all of the earth, or worldwide), and from one end of heaven to the other (from the entire extents of heaven). When Jesus returns he will bring together all of his followers, from both heaven and earth, to be with him at the invasion of planet earth. The prophecy in Matthew 24:30 and 31 reveals that there will be two different events. First, Jesus will be “revealed”, from heaven, and after a certain period of time, as will be described later, he will then “return“. The event described in verse 31 predicts that at the “return” of Jesus, a trumpet will sound to announce his return. This is also verified by predictions in other writings that describe his return as being announced by the “sound of a trumpet“. This prediction is also found in the following verses from writings in Corinthians and Thessalonians: 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (this is the resurrection of the dead in Christ that takes place at the sound of the trumpet of the seventh angel as written in Revelation 10:7). 1 Thessalonians 4:5 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep (have died). 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air (as he returns): and so shall we ever be with the Lord. There will be many who will mourn at the coming return of Jesus The statement made in Matthew 24, verse 30, in reference to many around the world will be “mourning” at the return of Jesus is verified by a statement found in Revelation chapter 18, verses 15 and 19, that predicts a great “mourning” of the people of the world at the return of Jesus. This statement is a parallel to the statement made in Matthew chapter 24, verse 30 that states this will be a time when many will weep and mourn. In Revelation 18:15 and 19, it is written that one reason many will be “mourning” is that at that time when Jesus returns, he will destroy the vast commercial system that the Antichrist has set up in the world, and those who had acquired great wealth in promoting this system, and all of the people who participated in the system by buying or selling, when seeing the destruction of the system, will be “mourning” the great loss by crying, weeping and wailing. We know that this commercial system will continue in the world regardless of the Mid East wars because, as we will see later, the Antichrist will seek to establish his control over this system by requiring everyone to receive his mark before they can buy or sell. This prediction speaks of similar times that are even prevalent in the world today, where many people are primarily concerned about their commercial benefits, and as long as the economy is thriving, most could care less about who is running the world’s commerce, even if is the Antichrist. Matthew, chapter 24, gives the followers of Jesus a major clue as to what event will take place shortly after he is revealed 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise, when ye shall see all these things (begin to come to pass), know that it is near, even at the doors. Luke chapter 21, verse 28 clarifies this statement by including the words “begin to come to pass”, which is written as follows: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption is drawing near. The statement Jesus made about the fig tree in Matthew 24:32 and 33, was given to alert his followers to be aware of the times following the “revealing” of Jesus in heaven. The “sign of the fig tree“ is given that we may know how close his return will be after he is “revealed”, and also to encourage the followers of Jesus by telling them that when Jesus is “revealed“, the time for their deliverance will soon be “at the doors”. It is to be noted that the word “doors” was written as “plural” for a reason, for each door is symbolic of the doors of the residences of those who are followers of Jesus. Though the parable of the fig tree in verses 32 and 33 is listed second in order to verses 30 and 31 in Matthew chapter 25, this event will actually take place shortly after Jesus is “revealed”, and will occur at the beginning of, and will usher in the seventh year, which is called the “Day of the Lord“. The return of Jesus described in verses 30 and 31 will actually be the last event to take place, and is predicted to occur at the end of the seventh year. All of the events that are predicted to occur between the time Jesus is “revealed”, and the time of his “return” at the end of the seventh year, will be described later in this book. When Jesus is “revealed“ from heaven at the end of the sixth year, this will be a sign to the entire world that he will soon be returning. However, most of the people of the world will be so frightened by his appearance when he is revealed, they will seek places to hide in order to avoid having to face him. Also, their fear of having to face Jesus will be so overwhelming that they will even go into caves and call for the rocks to fall on them. At that time, the world will recognize and know that he is Jesus, and will also know that they will soon be facing his coming wrath unless they repent. Yet, instead of calling upon the Lord in repentance, or even questioning how they could possibly be saved from his coming wrath, most of the people of the world will hide from the sight of Jesus. This statement is proof that within all people, regardless of their beliefs, when they ever come face to face with the Lord, they will immediately recognize him as the Lord, whether they accept him or not. As the beginning of the seventh year approaches, Jesus will be revealed in heaven and will then deliver his followers from the horrors that are soon to come upon the world. As bad as it has been for the world up to this point, from this point in time until his return, every aspect of life on planet earth will totally deteriorate into a world out of control. However, though the entire earth will see the warning “sign” of Jesus revealed from heaven, and though the world will be frightened for a short period of time, when the memories of this sign begin to wane, the people of the world will promptly revert back to their basic attitudes, which are described in the book of Timothy. In 2nd Timothy , chapter 3, the general attitude of people in those days, is predicted to be as follows: 1 In the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent and without self control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Some will even have a form of godliness (they will be religious), but will deny the power of God. The followers of Jesus are promised a way of escape from what is coming upon the earth during the seventh year Jesus speaks of the warning signs that will precede his return It is written in the book of Luke, chapter 21, that Jesus made a statement saying that not all who profess to be his followers will heed this “sign“ when he is “revealed”. This warning was made by Jesus to alert his followers to be ready when he is revealed, a way of escape will be offered to all of his followers, However, there will be a portion of his followers who will ignore the sign. Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; (following the time that Jesus is “revealed”) and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring (the nations of the world, which are represented by the sea, will be in constant turmoil and at war against each other); 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear (fear in general), and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth (fear of the future): for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then (after all of this turmoil) shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud (speaking of the “return of Jesus) with power and great glory. 28 And when these things “begin” (which is the sign of the fig tree as we have previously seen) to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption is drawing near (when these things begin to happen, your way of escape will be provided within a small window of time, so be ready) 29 And Jesus spoke to them a parable; Behold the “fig tree“, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass (the sign of the sign of the fig tree will usher in a one year period called the Day of the Lord, which will end with the return of Jesus), know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand (speaking of the return of Jesus and the establishment of his kingdom). 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till “all” be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (loose living), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted “worthy to escape” all these things that shall come to pass (to escape all of the horrors of the seventh year), and to “stand” (the word “stand” is a key word from Revelation 7:9 which, as we will see later, is used for a conformation that all who escape from the earth will next be “standing“ in heaven) before the Son of man (a way of escape will be provided, but his followers must be ready to go immediately). It should be noted that it is not God’s wish that any of his followers remain on this planet during the seventh year, with the exception of those who are specifically appointed to stay. This promise of God is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 as follows: For God has not appointed us to “wrath” but to obtain salvation (to be saved from his wrath) by our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus uses Lot's wife as one example of his followers who will not be prepared when he comes to take them before the wrath to come In the Book of Luke, chapter 17, verses 30 to 32, Jesus speaks of that time when he will be revealed by emphasizing the urgency and importance of his followers being prepared to respond to what will take place after he is revealed: 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife The example of Lot’s wife was used in this prophetic warning because Lot and his family were typical for many followers of Jesus who will be living on earth as the return of Jesus draws neas. Though Lot and his family were aware of the godless society of violence and corruption in which they were living, when they were prompted by angels to leave before God destroyed Sodom, Lot’s wife was very hesitant. Lot’s wife was hesitant about leaving Sodom simply because she was content to ignore the corruption and violence in that town because of the commercial benefits of living in the town afforded her family a comfortable lifestyle. Lot’s wife was used as an example of the response of those who will be living in similar circumstances in many areas around the world preceding the return of of Jesus. Angels will came to their houses to deliver them from the destruction that is coming, but just as Lot’s wife did not want to go, there will also be those who will not want to go when the angels come to their door. Lot’s wife was also mentioned in the book of Luke to emphasize that there should be no hesitation when the time comes. Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Jesus said whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it -Luke 17:33 Those who are satisfied with living in a perverted generation will lose their lives for they too, like Lot’s wife, will not want to give up their lifestyle. It is pointed out in this verse that those who do not heed this warning will lose their lives just as Lot’s wife did. for she was actually taken out of her town by angels, but she then stopped as though to go back, and it was this hesitation that caused her to lose her life, for she was killed by the same fire that destroyed Sodom. It should also be noted that when the angels come to the doors in the future, they will not necessarily look like the angelic beings in white robes that we are accustomed to imagining. Most likely they will be in the form of ordinary human beings, just as those who went to Lot’s house. We know that they looked like ordinary humans, for it is written in Genesis, chapter 19, that the men of Sodom called them “men” that they wanted to have sexual relations with. Jesus reveals that his followers will be taken from all parts of he earth in a short period of time Luke 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed (indicating this will be at night); the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together (indicating that this will be in the evening); the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field (indicating that this will be during the day); the one shall be taken, and the other left. This event of gathering the people together will be worldwide and will be accomplished in one short period of time, and at various times of the “day” as determined by where one is living on planet earth. It mentions those who will be “sleeping” which is at night, those who will be “grinding” which is in the evening and in the “field” which is during the day. 37 And they answered and said unto him, Where (will they be taken), Lord? And he said unto them, Wherever the body (one or more believers) is, there will the eagles (original meaning is “wind-like” flight) be gathered together (all will be taken by flight to one place, which will be where Jesus is). It is possible that all the followers of Jesus will be taken to heaven in the same manner that Jesus was taken following his resurrection Jesus was taken to heaven by a “cloud”. which is described in Acts 1:9 as follows: As his disciples looked on, Jesus was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Another example of how the followers of Jesus will be taken is that of Elijah and Moses after they are killed in Jerusalem near the end of the reign of the Antichrist. After they are killed, they will be raised from the dead and will be taken into a “cloud”, as written in Revelation 11:2 as follows: And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. Jesus will return with in the same type of clouds with all of his followers, which will require many “clouds” to bring them back. As written un Matthew 26:64: Jesus said, (speaking of his return) hereafter shall you see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and (then) coming in the clouds of heaven (at his return). When Jesus and his followers return to earth, they will be in the same type of clouds described in the following verses: Exodus 13:21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. The wording, “pillar of a cloud”, indicates that there are two elements associated with the cloud. First there was a vertical shaft of light coming from the bottom of the cloud and there was the cloud itself at the top of the shaft of light. This shaft of light coming from the bottom of the cloud appeared as a shaft of fire at night and was so bright that it appeared in the day as a “cloudy pillar” of light. This shaft of light was also retractible as described in Exodus 33:9. This cloud is also mentioned in Nehemiah 9:12 as follows: Moreover God led them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go. In this writing the word pillar of a cloud was not used, only the pillar itself was mentioned. A detailed description of what was considered as a storm cloud from a distance reveals that the cloud is only a covering for a mysterious aircraft Ezekiel 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, 3 The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him. 4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they resembled a man. 6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. 7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the color of burnished brass. 8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. 9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. 11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. 12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. 13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 14 And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning. 15 Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with four faces. 16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color of a beryl (a light greenish blue gray metallic color): and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. This would indicate that a side view of the craft was two tiered, with the center portion of the craft being smaller in circumference than the lower portion, and protruding up higher than the lower portion of the craft. A side view of this craft would be very similar to descriptions of unidentified flying objects that have been sighted around the world for many years. 9 When they went, they went (each one went) upon their sides (which would also be similar to an unidentified flying object or craft sighted in recent years): and they turned not when they went. 18 As for their rings (circumference), they were so high (large in circumference) that they were dreadful; and their rings (along their circumferences) were full of eyes round about them (all) four. The eyes could have been a reference to portholes along the sides of the craft). 19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. 20 Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.(they seemed to be guided by an intelligent force). 21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 22 And the likeness of the firmament (sky) above the heads of the living creature was as the color of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. 23 And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side of their bodies. 24 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: and when they stood, they let down their wings. 25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings. 26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. 27 And I saw as the color of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his waist even upward, and from the appearance of his waist even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. 28 As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. The cloud that led Moses and his people out of Egypt was also instrumental in destroying the Egyptian army When Moses led his people out of Egypt, they first had to cross the Red sea in order to proceed towards their destination that is the land known today as Israel. As they approached the Red sea the Pharaoh and his army came up behind them with the plan to totally destroy Moses and all of his people on the edge of the Red sea. Moses and his people were seemingly trapped between the sea and the Egyptian army. The following is a brief account of how Moses and his people were saved by the cloud that was leading them as they approached the Red sea. Exodus 14:19 And the angel of God (who was in the cloud), which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them (the cloud with the pillar or shaft of light coming from the bottom of the cloud moved between Moses and his people and the Egyptian army). 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud of darkness over them (the Egyptians) but it gave light by night to these (Moses and his people): so that the one came not near the other all the night.(the cloud was capable of giving light to Moses and his people while, at the same time, causing a darkness over the Egyptian army that was so thick that it totally separated the two groups and prevented the Egyptians from seeing the people of Moses.) 21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord (who was in the cloud) caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea (bottom of the sea) dry land,(the wind caused the bottom to dry up so that the people could walk on it) and the waters were divided (it is not described how the waters were divided, but apparently there was some force from the cloud that congealed the water into a solid wall on both sides as described ). 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drove them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fought for them against the Egyptians. It is apparent by this writing that the wheels of the chariots were shot off by some force, or possibly from a weapon, that was within the cloud. In the thirteenth chapter of the book of Isaiah similar forces or weapons are referred to as “weapons of indignation” that the Lord will use against those who will fight him at his return. Similar forces of great power used by God in the past are mentioned throughout the ancient writings, such as those listed below These same powers will also be used against the inhabitants of the earth that resist the return of Jesus Nahum 1 2 The Lord revenges, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserves wrath for his enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 4 He rebukes the sea, and maketh it dry, and dries up all the rivers. 5 The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. 7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him. 8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place of his enemies, and darkness shall pursue his enemies. Habakkuk 3 3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns (powerful rays of light) coming out of his hand: and ln that was concealed the secret of his power. 5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. 6 He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. 9 God didst cleave the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw Him, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high. 11 The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of God’s arrows (like lightning) they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. 12 Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger. 13 Thou went forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with your anointed. Jesus also likens his “coming to be as a “thief” because it will also be in stealth, and the example of a thief is used to warn his followers to be vigilant over their entire family concerning the warnings of this phase of his coming return Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (this is not to be confused with his “return”, which will be at the end of the seventh year, as will be described later) 43 But know this, that if the goodman (head of the household or family) had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Since there will undoubtedly be some families that have both believers and non believers, this household could also be considered as possibly being broken up because of differences of opinion. This was the case of Lot’s family, for it is recorded in Genesis 19:12 that there were other members of his family living in Sodom who refused to leave with Lot. Luke 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware (allows it to happen because the person is not expecting nor diligently watching for the thief and is only aware after it happens), and will reject him, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 1 Thessalonians 1. But of the times and the seasons , brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.(for I do not know when this will take place) 2. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh (will come upon the world when no-one is expecting it) as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety (when the world is proclaiming peace has finally come); then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day (Day of the Lord) should overtake you as a thief. 2 Peter 3:10 The day of the Lord comes (arrives or will begin) as a thief in the night. The word “thief” is used to imply that this will be an event that will happen in silence. It will be the opposite of lightning and brightness and the world, in general, will not be aware when it happens. The fact that the Lord will come as a thief also has two implications. In Matthew and Luke it is implied that he will send his angels to individual households, just as he did in taking Lot and his family out of the area when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, and in the writings of Thessalonians and Peter it is stated that his coming as a thief will also “usher in”, or precede, the “Day of the Lord” Also, the Lord will send his angels who will come like a thief to “take” something for the Lord from his “servant’s” house, which is to imply a “house” of believers. The words “broken up or “parted” is written as though the thief does not take “all”. that could be taken, but some that could have been taken will be left. This parable is also likened to someone who is taking something from the house and his servant, the goodman or keeper of the house, was unaware of the event until after it happened. The goodman is criticized by the Lord for not being alert enough to watch for the thief (in this case, a reference to the Lord’s angels), especially when the Lord had told him in advance to “watch”. Another reference as to that time when the Lord’s people will be offered a way of escape from what is coming upon this world is also keyed to the words “peace” and “safety”. These words are a reference to that time in the future, as recorded in Daniel chapter 8, when the nation of Israel and even, many people around the world, will be depending on the “false peace” of the Antichrist , which will not be long lasting.. It is predicted that Jesus will come in an appointed “hour” It is to be noted that some of the following verses are the same verses that are used in other parts of this book. These are repeated because the words “day” and “hour” are so interwoven within the prophetic writings that it necessary to repeat the verses in order to separate the events of the “hour” from the events of the “day” that Jesus is predicted to come. This also shows how these verses will seemingly run together into just one event in the mind of the casual reader who is not diligently studying the verses. Prophetic writings referring to that “hour” Matthew chapter 24: 39 so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what “hour” your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore you also are to be ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man cometh. In these verses are found three key words that reference this event, the words are “thief” “hour” and “taken”. The “thief” represents the angels sent by Jesus, who will come in silence within a certain “hour”, and will “take” only those who are watching for him. What these verses do not address is the destination of those who are “taken”, which will be answered later. Also, many of his servants will be left behind, because they will not be watching for his coming. Starting in verse 39, the reference made was pertaining to the “hour” only. Therefore, verses 39 to 44 are separated from those previously mentioned that pertained to the “day”. In verses 45 to 51 as listed below, the writer sums up the punishment that will be meted out to both those who were addressed under the “day” and those who were addressed under the “hour”. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayed his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Luke chapter 17 Associated verses where the “hour” is not mentioned 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wherever the body is, there will the eagles be gathered together. In both Matthew and Luke it is evident that the writings are speaking of the same event when referencing “one will be taken and the other left”. However, both writings add different relating elements, such as Lot’s wife which is mentioned in one and not the other. These differences require both writings to be read in order to get a clearer understanding of the scope of the events. In the writing in Luke, the event that is described as “one will be taken and one will be left”, is linked with an event described as “when the Son of Man is revealed”, which, when compared to Matthew, was added to establish the time period in which this event will take place. The event where one will be taken and the other left behind, will occur either simultaneously or shortly after the Son of Man, Jesus, is revealed to the entire world. The word “hour” is not mentioned in Luke as it is in Matthew, but the words “day and night” are used, adding another dimension to the prophecy. The reason day and night are used is to establish the fact that this will be a world-wide event. This is made evident by the statement declaring some will be taken from their bed, which would be at night, and some will be taken after they had gathered grain from the field to grind in the evening ,and others will be working in the field during the day. Since all of these people will be taken within the same “hour”, it is evident that this is a world-wide event because it happens when it is daylight in one part of the earth and dark in the other part. It should be noted that the prevailing knowledge in the times that this was written was that the earth was considered to be flat with either day or night occurring over the entire earth at the same time. The fact that the earth was a sphere, where daylight occurred on one side while the other was dark, was not known until centuries later. The last question in Luke 17:37 was “where would these people be taken”. Jesus answered this with “wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together” (or the eagles will take them to the place where the whole body is). The original meaning of the word “body” meant the “whole body”, which is referring to the whole body of people who are followers of Jesus. In this case the eagles, which means “wind-like flight” represents the angels who are responsible for “taking up” each individual and transporting these individuals to where the whole body will be assembled; which in this context, would be heaven.
CHAPTER 11
Opening of the seventh seal How the Seventh Church relates to the Seventh Seal Revelation chapter 3 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans (Seventh Church) write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. 16 So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he will dine me. Whoever accepts Jesus will have a close relationship with him and will ultimately “dine’’ with him at the “wedding supper of the Lamb, which will be described later in this book. Opening of the Seventh Seal revealing events of the Seventh Year The year begins with silence in heaven Revelation chapter 8 1 And when he had opened the seventh seal (representing the beginning of the 7th Year), there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. It is implied that the reason for the silence in heaven is because all of the angels that are normally standing around the throne of God, worshipping and singing, as noted in Revelation 17:11, are evidently not there at this time. The silence is broken when all of the angels return to heaven with a great multitude of people that were taken from the earth Revelation chapter 7 9 After this (after the silence was broken) I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, (a vast amount of people) “which no man could number“, from all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels (all of the angels have now returned to heaven) stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. A question is asked about this vast amount of people who suddenly appeared in heaven at the return of the angels Revelation chapter 7 13 And one of the elders asked, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and where did they come they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of “great tribulation“, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. These people were taken out of the earth by the angels to escape the coming “wrath of God” as predicted in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, For God hath not appointed us (speaking of his followers) to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. However, as we will also see later, there will be a select group of Jewish people who will be appointed to remain on earth during the wrath of God , and these people will be given special protected from the wrath. The seventh, and final year will begin shortly after Jesus is revealed to the world, and after he has taken his followers off the earth Revelation 6:17 For the great “day of his wrath” is come; and who shall be able to stand? The seventh year is also called the “Day of the Lord” which is predicted in the book of Isaiah to be a year This “Day” is described In Isaiah 34:8 as being a period of time in which God will punish all of the nations of the world. For it is the day of the Lord's vengeance (wrath), and the year of recommence (retribution or punishment of all nations) for (and to settle) the controversy of Zion.(controversy over Jerusalem). In other words, it has come time for the Lord to punish all nations of the world, and especially those who will be coming against Jerusalem which would also include the whole nation of Israel. The Day of the Lord is also a reference to that last period of time when all prophecy concerning the second coming of Jesus will be completed and totally fulfilled. This time period is described in Revelation 9:15 as actually being a year, a month, a day and an hour of world wide turmoil and wars that will be brought to an end at the return of Jesus. The 144,000 Jewish followers of Jesus who were chosen to remain on the earth will be “sealed” to protect them from the coming wrath Revelation 7 1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. This will result in an eerie stillness in the entire earth, for there will be no waves on the lakes and oceans, and all trees will be totally motionless during this period of tome. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Angels will come to earth and place a special mark on the 144,000 that will identify and protect them from being killed during the judgments of God that are coming upon the world during his wrath. 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. It was also predicted by the prophet Isaiah that the 144,000 would be specifically chosen to be witnesses of God’s judgment of the nations In the following prophecy from the book of Isaiah, God makes reference to giving “water in the wilderness to his chosen”. This is a reference to the 144000, who will flee to the wilderness in order to survive the persecutions of the Antichrist. During this time they will be cared for by God as previously described in Revelation chapter 12, verses 6 to 16. There is also a prediction in Isaiah chapter 43:16 & 17 that speaks of the time in the past when the Jews crossed the Red sea fleeing from the Egyptian army, and all of the army along with their chariots were destroyed in the sea. Then in verse 18 it is written that we should not forget what happened in the past because God will also do a “new thing” for the Jews in the future that will also take place in this same wilderness. There is coming a time in the future when God will, once again, take care of a chosen group of his people, who he will provide for while they are in the wilderness. A description of this future wilderness journey is described in Isaiah 43:19 as follows: Behold, I will do a new thing;(speaking of the new group of Jewish people who God will, once again lead through the wilderness) now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even, make a way in the wilderness, and rivers (provide water) in the desert. 20 The beast of the field shall honor me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to “my people, my chosen“. 21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise. 22 But you (speaking to the nation of Israel as a whole) have not called upon me, but you (Israel) have been weary of me (rejected me). A reference to the fact that the Nation of Israel will reject God and accept the Antichrist. The following verses in Isaiah 43 predicted that the Jewish people would come back to Israel after having been dispersed all over the world, and at some point after they returned, they would then be “witnesses” to God’s judgment of the nations. This prediction was partially fulfilled in 1948 when Israel was re-established as a nation, which leaves only the coming “judgment of the nations” for this prophecy to be fulfilled. The second part of the prophecy will begin to come to pass in the future, after the 144,000 witnesses flee to the wilderness. Just as God chose Israel to be his special people it was also God who was responsible for the restoration of the nation of Israel in 1948 Isaiah chapter 43 Since thou (nation of Jewish people) were precious in my sight, thou hast been (declared) honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give (provide) men for thee, and people for thy life. God promised to provide the people to repopulate the restored nation of Israel, even though the nation had not been in existence for two thousand years. This promise has now been fulfilled, for since 1948 Jewish people from around the world have been continuously flowing into Israel. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed (the Jewish people who will populate Israel) from the east, and gather thee from the west; 6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; The 144,00 will be chosen as witnesses to God’s justice at the time of his coming wrath 10 You are my witnesses, (God speaking of the 144,000) says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. The 144,000 will be selected proportionately from all twelve tribes of Israel, to assure that the whole nation would be represented as a “witness” to the coming wrath of God that will fall upon the world. They will also be his “witnesses” to the truth that God’s coming punishment of the nations will be of “justifiable cause” for God’s wrath when he brings these judgments against, not only all people and nations that come against Israel, but also all who reject his truths. During this coming time of wrath, God’s plan for Israel as a nation will prevail, even though the nation of Israel will be called a whore by God when most of the nation accepts the Antichrist. Though God will condemn this action by Israel, as we will see, he will fight against all nations that come against Israel in the last days; for God sees anyone that comes against Israel as coming against his “chosen” nation. The following verses from the book of Hebrews also confirm that just as there had to be witnesses to those that died for breaking the laws of God written in the Old Testament, there will also be witnesses to those who will be destroyed for deliberately rejecting the truths brought to the world through Jesus by rejecting his Spirit of Grace that has been freely given to all of the world. Hebrews chapter 10, verse 28 He or whoever (speaking of any person) that despised Moses' law (the Laws of God in the Old Testament) died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much greater punishment should there be on those who have trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of Jesus and the covenant that sanctified them an unholy thing, and have done so despite the Spirit of (God’s) grace? Beginning of wars that will continue throughout the seventh year The Kings of the East Are now allowed to cross the Euphrates river to continue their invasion of the Mid East Revelation 16 12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. (The leader of these kings of the East will be China as previously mentioned) Revelation 9 14 And it was said to the sixth angel that had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. These Satanic angels who have been bound in the Euphrates river will now be free to lead the Far East armies which had previously been stopped at the Euphrates. This massive force of two hundred million soldiers will now continue their invasion of the Mid East in a war that will last until the return of Jesus. Revelation 9:14 & 15 are actually from the verses listed under the opening of the “sixth seal”, but are placed here to describe what will be taking place at the Euphrates river at this point in time. These two verses reveal a time line of the invasion of the forces from the Far East that began near the ending of the sixth year and will continue through the entire seventh year. The ending of this invasion will actually coincide with the return of Jesus and the battle of Armageddon.. The time line for this warfare is predicted to be a year, a month, a day and an hour, and during this time the intensity will gradually grow into a war that will ultimately involve the armies of all of the nations of the world. The angel with the “sixth trumpet” will also pronounce many of the other events that will begin near the ending of the sixth year and continue to the end of the seventh year. These events will be listed later in this book when each of the seven angels sound their trumpets to pronounce the last seven plagues that will precede the coming of Jesus. There will be a faction from the Jewish resistance who will assassinate the Antichrist The Antichrist will be assassinated in the seventh year, and it is most likely that the assassin will be someone from the Jewish resistance according to the book of Daniel. In chapter 11 of Daniel it is written that when the Antichrist, acting under the pretense that he is the long awaited Jewish Messiah, takes full control of the temple in Jerusalem, there will be a body of devout Jews in Israel who will rebel against the Antichrist for making this move. This rebellion by the Jewish resistance against the Antichrist is predicted in Daniel 11:32 as follows: And such as do wickedly against the covenant (Jewish people who forsake their covenant with God) shall he (Antichrist) corrupt by flatteries (a majority of the Jewish people will agree to honor the covenant with the Antichrist and will be encouraged by the Antichrist to go against their own people who oppose the Antichrist). But. the people (Jewish minority) that do know their God (and know that the Antichrist is not the Messiah) shall be strong, and do exploits.(the true Jewish followers of God will rebel against the Antichrist and perform “exploits” or heroic feats, and one of their most heroic feats could very well be the assassination of the Antichrist). Daniel 11:33 And they (Jews) that understand (know that the Antichrist is not the true Messiah) among the Jewish people shall instruct many.(seek to convince others): yet they (those who resist the Antichrist) shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days (those who will not support the Antichrist will be hunted down and killed or imprisoned).
CHAPTER 12
After the Antichrist comes back from the dead, he is called the “beast”, meaning he is likened to a “venomous wild animal” which will also be true for the false prophet who is also called “beast” Revelation 13 3 And I saw one of his heads (referring to the beast who is the Antichrist) as it were wounded to death, and his deadly (fatal to death) wound was healed (after the Antichrist is killed he will be miraculously raised to life again): and all the world wondered after the beast. (Many around the world will be convinced that he is not a mere man) A “false prophet” rises in Israel and calls for the world to accept the Antichrist as God Revelation 13 11 And I beheld another beast (referring to the false prophet) coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, (his appearance was not threatening) and he spoke as a dragon (the original word means “fascinating”, as associated with a serpent speaking, just as the serpent tempted Eve in the garden of Eden spoke with words that were cunningly convincing). 12 And he will exercise all the power of the first beast (referring to the Antichrist after he comes back from the dead) before him, and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. (This will convince more people to believe that the Antichrist is God. However, this will not convince the nations of the Far East for they will continue their invasion of the Mid East). The idol of the Antichrist will be placed in the temple in Jerusalem Daniel 11 45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. As we have already seen, this is a reference to the location of the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the Antichrist has been ruling from this location since the middle of his seven year reign of Israel. The reference to this location again is to show that when he is proclaimed as God he will not only maintain his seat here , but as we will see, he will place an idol of himself in this same place for all of the world to worship. The False Prophet will convince many in the world that the Antichrist is God and will make an idol of him for all to worship Revelation 13 13 And he (false prophet) will do great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast (Antichrist); saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image (idol) to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he (false prophet) had power to give life unto the image (idol) of the beast (Antichrist), that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast (Antichrist) should be killed. 16 And he will cause all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, unless he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.(6-6-6). Keeping this number 6-6-6 in context with the writings in Revelation, there is a reference to the Lord God Almighty which is described in a similar three term statement in chapter 4, verse 8. There the Lord God himself is described as the one who “was”, “is” and “is to come”. The Antichrist is also described in a three-term statement to bring attention to his attempt in seeking to be equal to God. The number 6 is used because it is the number that represents “man” in the ancient writings. In Revelation chapter 17, verse 8, there is a statement that addressed the significance of the number 6 being repeated 3 times, which is in reference to the Antichrist, and his arrogant attempt to be as God, when he is only a man. This verse predicts that his attempt will fall far short of him being as God, for here the Antichrist is addressed in three terms as the one who “was” and “is not”, and “and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit and go into perdition” The meaning of these three terms is as follows: “Was” is a reference to his head wound that will kill him. “Is not” is a reference to him being sent out of this world into the bottomless pit. “Shall come out of the bottomless pit to go into perdition” is a reference to him when he will come out of the bottomless pit and enter back into his dead body. At that time the Antichrist will come back to life and continue to reign as the “beast” until the return of Jesus, at which time he will then be cast back into eternal damnation and destruction. The time known as the “Great Tribulation” will now begin Daniel 12 1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt, 3 And they that be wise shall shine as brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. It was predicted by Daniel that these prophecies would take place in an age when transportation and knowledge was increasing at an accelerating rate in the world 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased (it is to be noted that this is the time period in which we are now living). 5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and swore by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; (three and one half year reign of the Antichrist) and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people (devastate the Jewish nation), all these things shall be finished. Daniel was told that no-one will understand this prophecy until the time of the end. Daniel 12 8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. We are the generation that can understand, for we are now living in that time period of great increase in both knowledge and fast travel predicted by Daniel A key is given as to the number of days the Antichrist will reign as God before Jesus returns Daniel 12 11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away (removed from the temple in Jerusalem), and the abomination that makes desolate (which will be the idol of the Antichrist) set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.(this is 45 days difference ,which would be the number of days that the Antichrist will reign as God) 13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for you shall rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. Jesus warned his followers that this idol called the Abomination of Desolation would be set up in the temple Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, let him that reads this understand, then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: The imminent return of Jesus is assured when the Antichrist is proclaimed as God The actions that the Antichrist takes after being raised from the dead will fulfill the prophecy that is written in 2nd Thessalonians, chapter 2, verse 1, which is as follows: Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,(many will fall away and accept the Antichrist as God) and that man of sin (Antichrist as God) be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits (shall sit) in the temple of God, showing himself (claiming) that he is God. There will now be a major confrontation in Jerusalem between the two witnesses of God and the Antichrist As described before, these confrontations will be similar to the confrontation that Elijah had with the false prophets 3000 years ago and also the confrontation that Moses had 3500 years ago with the king of Egypt, who was also proclaimed to be God. This will be a similar situation where both the false prophet and the Antichrist, after he is proclaimed as God, will be confronted by Elijah and Moses. Revelation 8 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. 5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thundering, and lightning, and an earthquake. 6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The trumpets were given to the angels to be blown each time the judgments that the two witnesses make are proclaimed against the Antichrist. In ages past trumpets were used as a means to get people’s attention when a great proclamation was to be announced. In this writing trumpets are used to represent the proclamations of God’s judgments. Elijah and Moses will now begin to speak these judgments against, not only the Antichrist, but also all of the people of the nations in the world that have accepted the Antichrist as God. After the proclamation of each judgment is made by the prophets, these judgments will be poured out onto the earth by the angels. Following each judgment a vial representing the wrath of God will also be poured out on the world Elijah and Moses begin to pronounce the Judgments of wrath against the kingdom of the Antichrist It is to be noted that Elijah and Moses will be brought back to planet earth to play a major role in the final destruction of the forces of darkness that have plagued the earth since the fall of Adam and Eve, and they will do this by using the same powers that God gave them when they were on the earth more than three thousand of years ago, Those feats of the past as compared to the feats they will perform in the future are as noted below: In 2nd Kings chapter 1, Elijah called fire down out of heaven in response to the false prophets three thousand years ago. In 1st Kings chapters 17 and 18 Elijah stopped the rain in Israel for three years. In Revelation 11:6 one of the prophets mentioned will have power to stop the rain, and Revelation 11:5 records that fire will come out of the mouths of both witnesses, which would also mean that they possessed the power to call down fire upon their enemies. In the book of Exodus it is recorded that Moses brought the following plagues on Egypt: Exodus 7 -Rivers turned to blood Exodus 8 -Plague of frogs Exodus 8 -Plague of lice and flies Exodus 9 -Plague of sores Exodus 8 -Plague of thunder, lightning and hail Exodus 10 - Plague of locusts, green trees destroyed Exodus 10 - Plague of darkness Though all of the feats by both Moses and Elijah have been mentioned previously, they are repeated, in brief, above to show the similarities between the plagues that they pronounced thousands of years ago as compared to those represented by the vials of wrath containing the plagues that will be brought against the kingdom of the Antichrist. Another aspect of this last seventh year time period is that the destruction occurring at each judgment of wrath will be occurring at the same time that the world, and especially the Mid East, will be engulfed in continuous warfare and turmoil, including the invasion of the armies from the East‘. The judgments pronounced by the two witnesses, Moses and Elijah, are represented by the trumpets and the vials of wrath and will all occur in sequences during the final forty day reign of the Antichrist after he is proclaimed to be God All of this will be taking place at the same time the armies of the East are invading the Mid-East During this time God has provided one last chance for the rebellious people of the world to be saved A way has been provided for anyone who calls upon the Lord to be saved from God’s wrath and judgments, and this way of escape was promised in the following verses from the book of Acts. No matter how destructive these judgments may be, God will give the people of the earth an opportunity to be protected. There will be an eclipse of the sun and the moon will turn red to usher in the wrath of God Acts 2:19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke (speaking of His coming Wrath): 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness (there will be an eclipse of the sun), and the moon into blood (the moon will turn red) , before the great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved“. This means that even during the period of the wrath of God, if anyone repents and calls upon the Lord, they will be protected and “saved from his wrath“. The trumpets begin to sound signaling the beginning of the wrath of God First Trumpet sounds Revelation 8 7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees were burned up, and all green grass was burnt up. First Vial of Wrath Revelation 16 1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. 2 And the first angel went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. Second Trumpet sounds Revelation 8 8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain (asteroid) burning with fire was cast (fell from the sky) into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. Second Vial of Wrath Revelation 16 3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. This is a broad statement that was described in more detail in the previous verse. Third Trumpet sounds Revelation 8 10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star (comet or meteor) from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; 11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. Third Vial of Wrath Revelation 16 4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and was, and shall be, because thou hast judged thus. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. 7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. Fourth Trumpet sounds Revelation 8 12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. The light from the sun, moon and stars will be reduced by one third, which will greatly reduce the light levels of both days and nights. 13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! Fourth Vial of Wrath Revelation 16 8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, who has power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Instead of calling upon the Lord for mercy, the people of the earth will blaspheme God for these plagues. Fifth Trumpet Revelation 9 1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. In Revelation 1:18 Jesus is said to have the key to this pit. “I, Jesus, am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of Death”. In Isaiah 14:15 the pit is described as being hell. “Yet thou shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit “. Since stars falling from heaven have previously been discussed as being symbolic of Satan and his angelic followers who were removed from heaven in the middle of the seven year period, it could be assumed that this falling star was an angelic being that opens the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. A demonic horde comes out of the bottomless pit to invade the earth This occurs about four months before the idol of the Antichrist is set up in the temple 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them (by Jesus) that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. 5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he strikes a man. 6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. 7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. 8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. 9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. 10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. 11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon (which means Destroyer). It is interesting to note that this demonic horde will even be willingly destroying their own kind and the very people of the human race who are in league with them 12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. The fifth Vial of Wrath is poured out on the kingdom of the Antichrist Revelation 16 10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, 11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. Sixth Trumpet Revelation 9 The two-hundred million man army from the Far East continues their invasion of the Mid East This is a description of the continuation of the Far East invasion and is written here to show that though this army crossed the Euphrates river as described in the sixth year reign of the Antichrist they are still continuing their invasion of the Mid East 13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. (a great portion of the word’s population) 16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand- thousand and I heard the number of them (a two hundred million man army). This vast army will actually be led by four demonic angels, and the invasion of the Mid East by armies coming from the Far East will most likely be led by the Chinese, because the nation of China now has a two hundred million man army. This invasion by China will be the continuation of warfare in the Mid East that started in the sixth year and will continue until it is ended by Jesus at his return. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. 18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. 19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. Since the descriptions of the warfare in verses 17 and 18 were written by a person who could not identify with the mechanized warfare of the twenty first century, the writer could only describe in very primitive terms what could have been a vision of tanks firing guns from their turrets that resembled the head of a lion or rockets being fired that, to the writer, resembled his minds view of “fiery” serpents. The writer also referred to the soldiers as “horsemen”, which was possibly because the soldiers were seen as riding on vehicles that could only be described as riding on horses. 20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues (a reference to the remainder of the people of world who were not involved in the warfare) yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries (drug abuse lifestyle), nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. Sixth Vial of Wrath The continuing invasion of the Mid East by the Far East forces crossing the Euphrates will bring about the last world war Revelation 16 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings (leaders of world nations) of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.(a reference to the coming battle of Armageddon) Jesus made two predictions about his coming first he said he would be coming as a “thief” then he said it would be at the battle of Armageddon Jesus made the following remarks to alert us to the fact that his coming will consist of two separate events that will be closely tied together 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16 And he gathered (will gather) them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. As we will see, the words “I come as a thief” and “gathering together for the battle of Armageddon” are used here by Jesus to alert us to the fact that these two events are closely related to each other, as will be explained in more detail later in this book. Also, the words “coming as a thief” are not to be confused with the same words “come like a thief” in Matthew chapter 24 which were written to describe the event that would deliver his followers from the coming wrath of God. The return of Jesus is now imminent, for he is predicted to come at the “last trumpet”, which is the seventh and last trumpet described in the following prophetic writings Revelation 10 1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: 2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. 5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 And swore by him that lives for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: 7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the “mystery” of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. This mystery is described in the following verses: 1 Corinthians 15: 51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the “last trumpet“: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Matthew 24: 30 and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (all of his followers will be gathered together from both earth and heaven) 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain (alive on earth) until the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep (prevent them that have died in Chris from also rising). 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
CHAPTER 13
The Seventh Trumpet and third woe Events that will take place near the end of the seventh year As time begins to grow short for the Antichrist, and world conditions are rapidly deteriorating, a prophetic warning given by Jesus to the Jewish followers in Israel will now be fulfilled. This warning was made by Jesus to assure his followers that they would have a way of escape, but, he also warned them not to be hesitant about acting on what Jesus had said to do. The Jewish followers were also told by Jesus that they should act as soon as the Antichrist sets up an Idol of himself in the temple in Jerusalem The prophecies concerning the way of escape that Jesus gave to his followers emphasized the urgency Mark 13 14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that reads this understand) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: 15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment. 17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. 19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord shortens those days, no flesh would be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. Jesus will not let this time period continue very long before he intervenes. Matthew 24: 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads this, let him understand). 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: (traveling on the Sabbath is extremely limited in Israel , even in these modern times. Apparently this custom will even be continued during the reign of the Antichrist) 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.(by the return of Jesus) 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. A clue is given as to the location of the place to which the followers of Jesus are to flee This prophecy is also found in Zechariah 14, that reads as follows: 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. The location of this valley will be discussed in more detail later in this writing Revelation 11 14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded (last trumpet); and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are (now quickly to) become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty (Jesus), which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come (speaking of the wrath of Jesus when he personally comes), and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou should give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth. 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there was lightning, and voices, and thundering, and an earthquake, and great hail (on the earth). Jesus likens his coming to a “harvest” In Matthew chapter 13 Jesus referred to his coming as being similar to a “harvest”, which is written as follows: 36 The disciples of Jesus said unto him, declare to us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares (useless grass that resembles wheat) are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the “harvest” is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. The “first fruits” will be taken at the Beginning of the world harvest The word “first fruits” are used to compare what part of a harvest belonged to God and what part belonged to man when harvest time came. The first portion of the harvest always belonged to God as described in the book of Exodus as follows: Exodus 23:16 And the feast of harvest, the first fruits of thy labors, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labors out of the field. Exodus 23:19 The first (portion) of the first fruits (first harvest of the harvest season) of thy land you shall bring into the house of the Lord thy God. The first harvest of the season was always the best of the crop and for that reason a portion of the best was dedicated to God. The 144, 000 Jews who have remained on the earth until the end are called the “first fruits” of the “harvest” The 144,000 are given the special honor of being with Jesus in heaven as he makes the final preparations for his return Revelation 14 1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. Mount Zion is a reference to the city of God in heaven as described in Hebrews 12:22 as follows: But ye are come unto mount Sion (Zion), and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels) 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, (taken off of the earth) being the “first fruits” unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. At this time Jesus will gather all of his elect together from both heaven and earth Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.(his coming will be seen by the entire world) 28 For wherever the carcass (body) is, there will the eagles be gathered together.(speaking of the angels gathering his followers together from heaven and earth as predicted in verse 31) 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the “sign” of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. This “sign” will be a warning sign to the world A view of the activity in heaven just before the final portion of wrath is poured out on the earth Seven angels with the seven last plagues Revelation 15 1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up (the last portion of) the wrath of God. 2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast (Antichrist), and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, (referring to the 144,000 Jews called the “first fruits”) stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (Note that they were not given white robes at this time) 3 And they sing the “song of Moses” the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. 5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: 6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. 7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. The Song of Moses is a reminder to Israel that they had rejected God just as predicted by the prophets Deuteronomy 31 16 And the Lord said unto Moses (just before he died 3500 years ago), Behold, you shall sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. 17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? 18 And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods. 19 Now therefore write ye this “song” for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. 20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore unto their fathers, that flows with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant. This warning was given to Israel that they should be aware of false gods throughout all generations 21 And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed (all generations): for I know their imagination which they go about (which they are planning to do), even now, before I have brought them into the land which I swore. Moses therefore wrote a long discourse to the children of Israel that was to be proclaimed to every generation. The entire discourse is in Deuteronomy 32. It predicts how the nation of Israel would accept many false gods throughout the ages , but God would always deliver them from their enemies in the end. It is it be noted that Jesus made a statement in the fifth chapter of the book of John that records his conversation with the Jewish leaders about who he actually was. Jesus said that he had come in the name of the Father God, and then continued by saying; though they had rejected him, there was one who would come in his own name in the future and Israel would accept him for who he would claim to be. Jesus was speaking of the Antichrist who will claim to be God. However, even though Israel accepts him, and pays a heavy price under his rule, as we will see, God will, once again as always promised, deliver Israel in the end. Jesus prepares for his return The coming judgment of the Antichrist and the world system of corruption that he has created Revelation 19 1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore (a reference to Israel under the reign of the Antichrist, whose social and commercial system is likened to Babylon), which did corrupt the earth (has been a corrupting influence on the entire world) with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever (the system formed by the Antichrist will never exist again). 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thundering, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns. The bride of Jesus is made ready for the marriage of the Lamb (Jesus) Israel is called the children of the bride chamber Matthew 9 14 Then the disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples fast not? 15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride (speaking of the Jewish followers of Jesus) chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom (speaking of Jesus) is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. The bridegroom will marry a virgin bride Israel is called the bride Isaiah 62 1 For Zion's (Israel’s) sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that is burning. 2 And the Gentiles shall see your (Israel’s) righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. 3 Thou (Israel) shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. 4 Thou shall no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shall be called Hephzibah (delight), and thy land Beulah (married) : for the LORD will delight in thee, and thy land shall be married (married to the Lord). 5 For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your “sons” (of Israel) marry you (speaking of Jesus): and as the bridegroom (Jesus) rejoices over the bride (Israel), so shall your God rejoice over you. 6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, 7 And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. The word “sons” is used in verse 5 above, but this does not mean males only. This is also a reference to both males and females as defined in Galatians 3:28:28 as follows: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. The church, or followers of Jesus, are likened to being the body of Jesus Ephesians chapter 5 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body (body of Jesus), of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife (who has been identified as the Jews), and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Revelation 19 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb (Jesus) is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The bride of Christ is identified The Jews are likened to the wife and bride of Jesus Romans 7 4 Therefore, my brethren,(speaking to the Jews) ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ (his sacrifice); that ye should be married to another, even to him (Jesus) who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Jeremiah 3 4 Turn, O backsliding children, (speaking to the Jews) saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion (speaking of the coming new Jerusalem) Jesus gives warning to all who are to be involved in his wedding to be vigilant and not to be left out of his calling Matthew 25 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 22 1 And Jesus answered and spoke unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he said unto him, Friend, how did you came in here not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. A wedding garment was always provided by the host in Jewish culture, but the guest chose not to wear it, which is the equivalent of Jesus providing free salvation to all, yet many do not accept it. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. Jesus returns to planet earth 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse (symbol of a conqueror); and he (Jesus) that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he will judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he shall tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. The armies of the Antichrist and armies of the world will stop fighting each other and now join forces to fight against Jesus and his army as he returns 19 And I saw the beast (Antichrist), and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. A final opportunity is given to the world in rebellion that they might turn to the Lord before it is too late. Revelation 14 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. This last opportunity for the world to turn to God is typical of his grace towards mankind as written in 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is longsuffering to mankind, and is not willing that any should perish, Jesus will return after the gospel of the kingdom is preached to all the earth; Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on earth, and to every nation, and kindred and tongue, and people. 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 Identifying the times of the return of Jesus 1 We beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed (exposed or take off the cover and see who he actually is), the son of perdition; 4 Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked (the Antichrist) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming, Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: Matthew 24 Jesus predicts the times of the end 1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Jesus tells his followers In Israel to flee to the mountains at that time 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation (image of the Antichrist), spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads this, let him understand) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28 For wherever the carcass (referring to his elect, which is a person or persons who are followers of Jesus) is, there will the eagles (angels - refer to verse 31) be gathered together. 29 t, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation (the generation that sees this happening) shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Before Jesus returns he will first come as a thief to take his own 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the “thief” would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore you should also be ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man will come. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he is not looking not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Revelation 14 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment will ascended up for ever and ever: and they will have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name. 12 This is the patience of the saints: these are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from this time on: Yea, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe When Jesus returns to earth the remaining followers of Jesus plus all of his followers who are asleep in the graves will be taken up by Jesus and will join him as he returns This will be the fulfillment of a prediction made in 1st Thessalonians 4, verses 13 to 15, as follows: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. There will be a certain number of followers of Jesus remaining on earth up until the day that Jesus returns 1 Thessalonians 4 continued: 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and are on earth shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. This same event is also recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:52 as follows: In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. This brief description of what will take place at this point in time will be such an event that it is almost impossible to comprehend; for it speaks of all of the followers of Jesus who are alive on earth and all followers that are in the graves all over the world will instantly be caught up to where Jesus is.
CHAPTER 14
The Antichrist and his supporting nations will all suddenly turn against Israel in an attempt to totally destroy the nation Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns (ten nations supporting the Antichrist) which you saw upon the beast (Antichrist), these *nations” shall hate the whore (Israel), and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. The ten nation supporters of the Antichrist will be the first to turn against Israel and eventually, as we will see later, all of the nations of the world will come against the land of Israel. This is predicted in Zechariah 12:9 as follows: And it shall come to pass in that day, that I (God) will destroy all of the nations that come against Jerusalem. In the end, as we will see, all of the nations of the world will come against Israel, and especially the city of Jerusalem. Moses and Elijah will be killed by the Antichrist three days before the return of Jesus and then they will be raised to meet the Lord when he returns Revelation 11 7 And when they (two witnesses, Moses and Elijah) shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascended out of the bottomless pit (a reference to the resurrected Antichrist) shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies (Moses and Elijah) shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. (a reference to Jerusalem) 9 And they of the people and races and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not allow their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city (Jerusalem) fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven When Jesus returns he will gather his followers from both heaven and earth in order that they “all” will be with him when he returns to earth. Prophetic Writing Matthew 24:30 and they (the entire world) shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds (reference to whole earth), from one end of heaven to the other. Mark 13:26 And then shall they (the world) see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds (world wide), from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. The key as to the timing of this event is that Jesus will come in the “clouds of heaven” and will be witnessed world-wide. The event will be accompanied by the sound of a trumpet which is referred to as the “last trumpet”. At that same time the angels will gather the elect, or chosen ones, his folloers, together unto himself as he returns to earth. There will be a resurrection of the dead at the return of Jesus . Daniel 12 1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. JUDGMENT BEGINS AT THE HOUSE OF THE LORD 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. A reference to the fact that this prophecy will not be understood until this time of the end. 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Jesus, when he returns. There will be followers of Jesus remaining on the earth even until the day that Jesus comes and they will be caught up with him in the clouds as he returns 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent 9 (will also include) them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words 1 Corinthians 15 51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Other writings that promise when Jesus returns to earth he will bring all of his followers with him. Psalm 50 3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. 4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. 5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. Psalm 75 2 When I shall receive the congregation (gather his followers or saints together) I will judge (the people of the earth) uprightly. 3 The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. (foundation of the earth). 7 God is the judge *of the people of the earth): he puts down one, and sets up another. Psalm 75 1 Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. 2 When I shall receive the congregation (gather his followers or saints together) I will judge (the people of the earth) justly. Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of this time (his coming retutn), saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 1 THESSALONIANS 3:12 The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 13 To the end he may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. Zechariah 14 The battle for Jerusalem 1 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee (speaking of Jerusalem). 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with him. Jesus will come on a appointed “day” The “day” and the “hour” is mentioned many times by Jesus in reference to his coming, but there is a subtleness within the words of Jesus found in the prophetic writings that reveal these as separate events and not just one event that occurs during an hour of a certain day. A good example of the words “day” and “hour” representing separate events is found in Luke chapter 12 which is listed below, and If close attention is not paid to the reading, it is possible to miss the fact that they are two separate events. When reading the following comments, keep in mind that there is a “literal” day that the Lord comes back and this day is not associated with the predicted “hour” written in other prophecies. The return of Jesus is likened to him coming from his wedding Prophetic writing Luke 12 35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocks, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants (referring to the Jewish people in the household of God), whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 And this know, that if the goodman (head of a family) of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, are you speaking this parable only to us, or even to all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward (overseer), whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he has (speaking of the entire world). 45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord has delayed his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he is noy looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. It becomes obvious after studying the above verses that they are speaking of two events, because the first verses, 35 to 38, address those who are called “servants”, and when their lord returns he will knock with the expectation that they open the door for him “immediately”. The word “immediately” implies that if they do not heed his call of knocking on the door as soon as he knocks, they will not be “served” by him.. The fact that their Lord will have just returned from “the wedding” implies that he will serve them at the wedding supper following the wedding. Note that the statement used to define the wedding was “the wedding”, as if to set it apart from just any wedding, which in this case is referring to the marriage of the Lamb, Jesus, as stated in chapter 19 of the book of Revelation. The second event addresses the “goodman”, or owner of the house, who was told to be continuously looking for a thief. He was told this to prevent his household from being “broken through, fragmented or divided”, without the owner even being aware that it was happening. In the first event, Jesus will come to the door, and there will be a “sound” of knocking at the door. In the second event, the Lord will, like a thief, come in “silence” and the owner will be unaware that Jesus came, unless he is watching. In verse 46 the Lord addresses both cases in the same statement, but differentiates them by stating that the first servant was not looking for him in the “day” that he came and knocked, and the second servant ( goodman ) was not aware of the ”hour” that he came as a thief and broke up his house. In the following verses both servant types are addressed, the one that was not looking for the Lord and the one that was not aware that the Lord came. Both servants will be punished, and the punishment for the servants of God that did no heed his warning to “watch” are different from those listed in Mark 13:48 below. This would suggest that there will be different levels of punishments that will rangw from being chastised to actually being banished from the kingdom of God’. Matthew 24 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But no man knows that day and hour, no, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; Verse 33 in the writing above makes reference to “doors”, which coincides with the writings in the Luke chapter 12 above that state Jesus will come and “knock” at the doors of the houses that belong to his servants. Note that verses 40 to 44 are not included here for they refer to events that will occur within the “hour”, which are listed under that event. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord has delayed his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a “day” when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The following additional verses also refer to that “day” Mark 13: 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 45 But and if that servant says in his heart, My lord delays his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a “day” when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Luke 17:22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. 23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. 24 For as the lightning, that lightens out of the one part under heaven, shines unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his “day“. 25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the return of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Comment The word “day” represents the “day” Jesus comes to the doors of his servants houses and knocks, expecting the door to be opened “immediately” or in haste. This eventful “day” is also likened to the “day” that Noah entered the ark, and “immediately” after that came the destruction of the world by the flood. The world will be eating, drinking and giving in marriage, or in other words, life will be continuing as usual on planet earth even in the midst of the turmoil that will be taking place. This is a direct reference and parallel to the “day of the Lord”, which will end with Jesus coming back in vengeance to destroy, not only the Antichrist, but everyone on planet earth who fights against Jesus when he returns. Jewish people who are ruptured Revelation 15 1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. 2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast (Antichrist), and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (note that they were not given white robes at this time). 3 And they sang the song of Moses (indicating that these people who were raptured were Jewish) the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Marriage supper of the lamb Revelation 19 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunder, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Revelation 14: The reaping of the earth 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the distance of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. It is to be noted that the distance of a thousand and six hundred furlongs is almost 180 miles, which is based on a furlong being 600 feet according to ancient Greek measurements. The length of the coastline of Israel today is 177 miles including the Red Sea port area, which is almost the same distance written in this prophecy. Since Jerusalem will be encircled by the invading armies, as we will see next, it is possible that the previous verse referring to the blood of the battle being up to the horses bridle could be the result of a tidal wave from the Mediterranean Sea along the west coastline of Israel and mixing with the blood of battle? It is very possible that a tidal wave of this magnitude could occur as the result of the “star” or meteor called “wormwood” falling into the sea when the second angel blows the second trumpet as previously mentioned as occurring at the time of the wrath of God. The Day of the Lord’s anger is approaching Zephaniah 2:2 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you. 3 Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have practiced his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger The day that Jesus returns will be the day when the armies of the nations of the world will be gathering together in an attempt to totally destroy Israel Joel chapter 3 1 For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, This verse referring to the time when Israel would once again become a nation after being dispersed around the world. Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, after two thousand years of Jewish dispersion. 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat (located on the east side of Jerusalem) for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. 3 And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink. 4 Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? (today this would be the coasts of Lebanon and Israel). will ye render me a recompense? and if ye recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompense upon your own head; 9 Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: 10 Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Jerusalem will be encircled by invading armies just before Jesus returns 11 Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about (to encircle): thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord. 12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. (Jerusalem will be encircled by the invading forces, part of which will be in the valley of Jehoshaphat, which is on the east side of Jerusalem) 13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion (city in heaven), and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. When Jesus returns every person on earth will see him. Matthew 24:25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he (Jesus) is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he (Jesus) is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 30 they (the world) shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Mark 14:62 And Jesus said: and you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power (in heaven) , and (then) coming in the clouds of heaven. Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lightens one part under heaven, and shines unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day (when he comes).:27 And then shall they (the world) see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. The return of Jesus will be as obvious to those on earth as lightning traveling across the sky, for his return will be visible to everyone. In Mark 14:62 .Jesus made reference to two events within the same sentence, one referred to Jesus “sitting at the right hand of God” and the other “coming in the clouds of heaven”. Even though these will be separate events occurring at different times, they were included in the same sentence because they have one thing in common. When either event occurs it will be seen by the entire world. The events occurring on earth at the coming of Jesus are predicted to be similar to the events that preceded the great flood of Noah’s days. Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Jesus comes in the air to invade the earth and to end the battle of Jerusalem Psalms 68:33 To him that rides upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellence is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. These are the “clouds” that have been previously described, and they are also the “chariots“ mentioned next. Psalms 68:17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them. Psalms 50:3 Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous (as a great storm) round about him. 4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. 2 Samuel 22:7 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears. 8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth. 2 Samuel 22:9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured (his enemies): coals were kindled by it. 10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet. 11 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind. 12 And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies. 2 Samuel 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled. 14 The Lord thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice. 15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them. 16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils. The liberation invasion of planet earth begins Psalms 68:33 To him that rides upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and it is a mighty voice. 34 The strength of God is awesome: his excellence is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. 17 The chariots of God (that God travels in) are twenty thousand, and thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Habakkuk 3:3 God came from Teman (Edom), and the Holy One from mount Paran (Sinai) (areas to the southeast of Jerusalem). His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his (awesome) praise. 4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns (rays of light) coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.(this power came out of his hands in the form of a burning light). 5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. He stood, and measured the earth (his eyes surveyed the entire earth): he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked one (Antichrist) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him (referring to the Antichrist), whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, Isaiah 25:5 Thou Lord shall bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones (nations) shall be brought low (destroyed). Those referred to as the “terrible ones ” will be destroyed when the shadows of the clouds come over them. The followers of Jesus will be taken off the earth in the midst of the battle on the day of his return 2 Samuel 22:17 He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters (troubles); 18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me. The sounding of the last trumpet All of the followers of Jesus who have died in the past will be resurrected to join all of the followers of Jesus who are alive on earth at this time, And all will be changed to have celestial bodies 1 Corinthians 15 51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
CHAPTER 15
Isaiah 34 1 Come near, you nations, to hear; and hearken, you people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. 2 For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter. 3 Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcasses, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood. 4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falls off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. 5 For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment. 6 The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea The physical location of the area of ancient Idumea is South and East of the lower part of the Dead Sea in Israel, However, the purpose of calling out this area is to point out that those who once inhabited this area are mentioned throughout the ancient writings as being bitter enemies of the Jewish people. It is for that reason “Idumea” is specifically used in this prophecy, for this name is a representation of all of the world powers that are now seeking to totally destroy all Jewish people in this final battle. 7 And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness. 8 For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy over Zion (Israel). The original Hebrew meaning of unicorn was “wild bull”, which along with the other animals mentioned were symbolic of sacrifices and slaughter of those attempting to destroy Israel. In this case. this is viewed by God as being a great sacrificial slaughter performed by Him to save the nation of Israel Various symbolic descriptions of Jesus as he returns to destroy all evil Isaiah 61 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; Isaiah 63 1 Who is this that cometh from Edom (area southeast of Jerusalem), with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore why is your apparel red, and your garments like him that treads in the wine fat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. Isaiah chapter 2 10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. 12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: 13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, 14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, 15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, 16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. 17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. 18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish. 19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake terribly the earth. 20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of ? 1 Thessalonians 5 1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to (his) wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 3 1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: (speaking of the wor;d-wide flood og the days of Noah. 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering with us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Isaiah 41 2 The Lord raised up the righteous man (Jesus) from the east (to deliver Israel from being totally destroyed), called him to his foot, gave the nations to him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow. 3 He pursued them, and passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet. (when Jesus returns, he will destroy evil all over the world, as compared to two thousand years ago, when he basically walked throughout certain areas in Israel , and hardly ventured outside that area). 4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he. 5 The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came. 6 They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage. 8 But thou, Israel, are my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. 9 Thou whom I have chosen you from among all of the nations of the earth, and chosen you from the chief men of the earth, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 11 Behold, all they that are incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. 12 Thou shall seek them, and shall not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing that is of naught. 13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. 14 Fear not, thou worm (one that is eager to devoir) Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, says the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. 15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shall thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shall make the hills as chaff. 16 Thou shall fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shall rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel. The return of Jesus is the invasion of planet earth that will also bring the “Wrath of God” Isaiah 13 1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see. 2 Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles. 3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones to met out my anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. 4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations (of the world) gathered together: the LORD of hosts musters the host of the battle. 5 They will come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. 6 Howl you who resist God; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: 8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman in travail: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. 9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth (during the day), and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. 11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; (those on earth who survive the wrath of God will be few in number) even a man more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir. Those on earth who do survive will survive because of the promise made by God, which is as follows: Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall be shaken out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. Psalm 110 1 The LORD said unto my Lord (Jesus), Sit thou at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool. Jesus will be at the right hand of God in heaven until he comes back to earth at his return. 2 The LORD (God) shall send the rod (power to destroy) of his strength (Jesus) out of Zion (a reference to Jesus coming from the heavenly city of God): rule thou (speaking of Jesus) in the midst of your enemies (on earth) 5 The Lord (Jesus) at thy right hand (of God) shall strike through kings (world leaders) in the day of his wrath. 6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads (leaders) over many countries. The last battle that Jesus will fight will be the battle for Israel, the battle of Armageddon Joel chapter 3 17 So shall you know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers (un-Godly people) pass through her (Jerusalem) any more. Joel 2 1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is near at hand; 2 It is A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong people; there hath not been ever the like (anything like this is the past), neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. It is interesting to note that the end of this verse did not say that there would not be anything like this in the future. It said that there would not be anything like this for many generations in the future. As we will see near the end of this book, there will be one last battle, which will come at the end of the thousand year reign of Jesus on earth. All of this will be described later A prophetic picture of the armies of the world invading Israel 3 A fire devours before them; and behind them a flame burns: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. 4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. 5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. 7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: 8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. This indicates that a portion of this invasion would consist of soldiers that were not ordinary humans, but were of an alien demonic origin that cannot be killed by ordinary weapons. 9 They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. 10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: Jesus will now enter into this war and will also give those in Israel who still reject him a last chance to turn to him and be saved 11 And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he (speaking of those in the army of Jesus) is strong that executes his word (the words of Jesus‘ commands): for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? 12 Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forgives those who repent of evil. 14 Who knows what God will do if you will return to Him and repent and leave a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord , God will leave a blessing behind him; your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet (a reference to the coming marriage of Jesus and his bride). 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not your heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? 18 Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people. 19 Yea, the Lord will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: Jesus will destroy the northern Syrian army that had taken over Israel under the leadership of the Antichrist and God then promises to restore Israel 20 But I will remove far off from you the northern (Syrian) army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea (Dead Sea), and his hinder part toward the utmost sea (Mediterranean Sea), and his stink shall come up, and his ill odor shall come up, because he hath done great things. Here, Jesus singles out the “northern army” because Israel had been specifically under their control during the reign of the Antichrist. However, as we will see, every nation of the world will join the army of the Antichrist in an attempt to destroy Israel, and they will all be destroyed at the return of Jesus. 21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things. 22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree bears her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. 23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. 24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. 25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. 26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. 27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. The Lord Jesus will also deliver Israel from all of the other invading armies Zechariah 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, says the Lord, two parts (of Israel) shall be cut off and die (in the invasion); but one third (of Israel) shall be left. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. The travail of Israel before it is delivered Jeremiah chapter 30 3 For, lo, the days come, says the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, says the Lord: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it. 4 And these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah. 5 For thus says the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. 6 Ask you now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? 7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he (Israel) shall be saved out of it. 8 For it shall come to pass in that day, says the Lord of hosts, that I will break his (Antichrist’s) yoke from off your neck, and will burst your bonds, and strangers shall no more rule over Israel: 9 But Israel shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. 10 Therefore fear not, O my servant Jacob (Israel) , says the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save you from afar, and your children from the land of their captivity; and Jacob (Israel) shall return, and shall be at rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. 11 For I am with you, says the Lord, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of you: but I will correct you in measure, and will not leave you altogether unpunished. 12 For thus says the Lord, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous. 13 There is none to plead thy cause, that thou may be bound up: you have no healing medicines. 14 All thy lovers (former supporters of Israel) have forgotten you; they seek you not; for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of your iniquity; because your sins were increased. God declares the fate of all nations that turn against Israel 15 Why are you crying about your affliction? your sorrow is incurable because of the multitude of your iniquity: because your sins were increased, I have done these things unto you. 16 Therefore all they (the nations) that devour you shall be devoured (defeated); and all of your adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil you shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon you will I give for a prey. ‘ God’s promise that Israel will triumph in the end 17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, says the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion (Israel), whom no man seeks after. 18 Thus says the Lord; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwelling places; and the city (Jerusalem) shall be rebuilt upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. 19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. 20 Their children also shall be as before, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them. Israel will no longer be under other rulers 21 And their nobles (rulers) shall be of themselves (from Israel) and not from another country, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord. 22 And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. The Lord will totally destroy the wicked in the earth 23 Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord will go forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. 24 The fierce anger of the Lord shall not stop, until he hath done it, and until he has performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall see it happen.
CHAPTER 16
Zechariah 12 1 The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, says the Lord, which stretches forth the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him. 2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah (Israel) and against Jerusalem. 3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. 4 In that day, says the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. 5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hosts their God. 6 In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. 7 The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. 8 In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them. 9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me (Jesus) whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness (great mourning) for him, as one that is in bitterness (mourning) for his firstborn. The Jewish people will finally realize that Jesus is the one that they murdered and have rejected for two thousand years. 11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. 12 And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; 13 The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; 14 All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart. The day of the Lord’s punishment of all nations The armies of God, led by Jesus, will not only save Jerusalem but will also liberate the entire earth Isaiah 13: 3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. 4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts musters the host of the battle. 5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. 6 Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: 8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travails: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. 9 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. 11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogances of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. Zephaniah 1 14 The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hastens greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of waste and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. 17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. JESUS returns to earth Isaiah 30 25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters (representative of the cleansing of the land) in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers (nations of the world) fall. 26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord binds up the breach of his people, and heals the stroke of their wound. 27 Behold, the name of the Lord (Jesus) comes from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: 28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err. 29 Ye (people of God) shall have a song (of gladness), as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a flute to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel. 30 And the Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones. 31 For through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian (Antichrist) be beaten down, which smote with a rod. 32 And in every place where the grounded (appointed by God) staff (instrument of punishment) shall pass, which the Lord shall lay upon him, it shall be with (accompanied by the sounds of) tabrets (tambourine) and harps: and in battles of shaking will he (Jesus) fight with it. 33 For Tophet (place of burning, as associated with cremation, the punishment that is prepared for the enemies of God) is ordained (has been pre=ordained) of old; yea, for the king (Jesus) it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone, does kindle it. The fate of those who fight against Jesus when he returns Zechariah 14 12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. 13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult (confusion) from the Lord shall be among them (the armies that have been fighting against Jerusalem): and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor (the soldiers of the armies will start fighting against each other). 14 And Judah (Israel) also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together (and the wealth shall be captured by Israel), gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. 15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague (all of the beasts will also be captured by Israel). 16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left (those who are not killed) of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord (Jesus) of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, and those that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, Holiness Unto The Lord; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts. The fate of the armies that go against Israel Isaiah 17 12 Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! 13 The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. 14 And behold at evening there will be trouble; and before the morning he is not (will die). This is the portion of them that spoil us (spoil Israel), and the lot of them that rob us (rob Israel). A portion of Egypt will be destroyed for 40 years Ezekiel 39 The prophet Ezekiel predicts what to expect at the ending of the battle of Armageddon At this point the prophet Ezekiel continues in verses 17 to 20 with a prophecy that does not mention the armies of Gog or Russia that were destroyed seven years before, but speaks of the nations of the world that will be sacrificed at Gods’ table. However, there is a separate prophecy in verse 9 of this chapter that links these two events together. Verse 9 describes a seven year period of time that it will take the nation of Israel to burn the weapons of the Russian army that had invaded Israel seven years before. The way these two prophecies are written indicates that the battle of Armageddon will also be at the end of this same seven year period of time that it will take to burn the destroyed Russian weapons. This is the end of the seven year period of burning the destroyed Russian weapons remaining from the Russian invasion that took place 7 years before Ezekiel 38:8 &9 8 Behold, it is come, and it is done (all that God has said will come to pass), says the Lord GOD; this is the day whereof I have spoken. 9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the hand staves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years. This seven year period is also the week mentioned in Daniel 9:27 as being the “week of years” or seven year period in which Israel will be controlled by the Syrian Antichrist, and his reign will end at the return of Jesus as described in verse 17 below. This is also the same seven year period that the book of Revelation is based on, as we will see later in this writing. Ezekiel 38:17 to 20 are continued here is as follows: 17 And, you son of man, thus says the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood. 18 You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them ( rams, lambs, goats and bulls represent people both small and great ) fatlings of Bashan (to be given to the slaughter). 19 And ye shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. 20 Thus you shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, says the Lord GOD. Verses 17 to 20 in this chapter of Ezekiel are similar to verses 9, 17 and 18 in chapter 19 of the book of Revelation which are prediction of the events that will take place at the return of Jesus, which will result in the slaughter of “all mighty men and all men of war”. Verses 9, 17 and 18 of Revelation are as follows: The Wedding Supper of the Lamb “Blessed are they who are called to the wedding supper of the Lamb. And I saw an angel standing in the sun and he cried to the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, come gather yourselves to the supper of the great God: that you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, an the flesh of horses and them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great”. Another confirmation that the last verses of this chapter of Ezekiel are speaking of the time of the return of Jesus is found in the next verses 21 to 29, for they too are also speaking of events that will take place at the return of Jesus. At that time, not only Israel, but the entire world will see the glory of the Lord, and will no longer pollute his Holy Name. Ezekiel 39: 17 And, you son of man, thus says the Lord God; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood. 18 Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan. 19 And ye shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. 20 Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord God. 21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. This prediction was not to take place in Israel in the distant past But was to occur after the Jewish people have been brought back from a world-wide dispersion and are once again living in the land of Israel Just as they are today 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward. 23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them. 25 Therefore thus says the Lord God; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; 26 After that they (Israel) have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid. 27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; 28 Then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. 29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, says the Lord God. Prophecy declaring the final restoration of Israel Ezekiel continued 21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them. 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God from that day and forward. 23 And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions have I done unto them, and hid my face from them. 25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity (those who have been captives) of Jacob (Israel), and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; 26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid. 27 Then I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; 28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. 29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, says the Lord GOD. Seventh Vial of Wrath, plus Third Woe Revelation 16 17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightning; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city (Jerusalem) was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon (world system formed by the Antichrist) came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away (vanished), and the mountains were not found (the mountains were flattened by the earthquake). 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent (approximately 75 pounds): and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. The day Jesus will finally walk the earth again after two thousand years, as he lands on the mount of olives in Jerusalem Zechariah 14 1 Behold, the day of the Lord has come, and your spoil (wealth of Jerusalem) shall be divided in the midst of you (Jerusalem). 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled (plundered), and the women ravished (raped); and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from (will remain in) the city. 3 Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations (that have taken Jerusalem), as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south (there will be a great earthquake that will cause the mountainous area where the city of Jerusalem is located today to be lowered, forming a large flat plain). 5 And ye (Jewish people that can flee) shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. 6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: 7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. 8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea (a reference to the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea) in summer and in winter shall it be (the living water shall flow out continuously) . 9 And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. 10 All of the land (where Jerusalem is now located, including all of the surrounding mountains) shall be turned into a plain (large flat area) from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: (an area about thirty six miles long running north and south and about twenty miles wide) and it (the area known today as Jerusalem) shall be lifted up (that area will rise up to be a prominent mountain in the middle of that large plain), and (on this mountain it will once again be) inhabited in her place (in place of the city of Jerusalem that will be destroyed. Jesus will build a new Jerusalem and a new temple, all of which will be patterned after the original city of Jerusalem as described in the Old Testament) from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. 11 And men shall dwell in it (Jerusalem after it is rebuilt), and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. Jesus will build a new temple in Jerusalem Zachariah 6:12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus says the Lord of hosts, Behold the man whose name is The Branch (a reference to Jesus); and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: 13 Even he (Jesus) shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. Isaiah 30:17 In the end you (Jerusalem) shall be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain and a sign on a hill. Jerusalem will become a shining example to the whole world at that time. The Lord will show mercy even until the end Isaiah 30 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion (Israel) and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. All of the armies of the Antichrist will be totally destroyed at the return of Jesus Joel 2 20 But I will remove far off from you (Israel) the northern army (the army of the Syrian Antichrist which would also include his ten nation supporters), and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea (dead sea), and his hinder part toward the utmost sea (Mediterranean sea), and his stink shall come up, and his bad smell shall come up, because he hath done great things. The armies of the Antichrist will be parted and pushed two opposite directions. Half will be destroyed in the area of the Dead Sea and the other half will be destroyed along the Mediterranean Sea. . The world commercial system centered in Israel and controlled by the Antichrist will be destroyed at the return of Jesus Revelation 18 1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen (a reference to Jerusalem and the entire commercial system of all nations under the control of the Antichrist), is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the place of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. 6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she has filled fill to her double. 7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she said in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. 9 And the kings (leaders) of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10 They will stand far off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon (Jerusalem), that mighty city! for in one hour the judgment of God came upon it. 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man can buy their merchandise any more: 12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all of your wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 And cinnamon, and incense, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14 And the fruits that your soul lusted after are departed from you, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nothing. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! (a reference to Jerusalem being the center of world trade controlled by the Antichrist) 19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! (magnificence) for in one hour she has been made desolate. 20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in you; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in you; and the sound of a millstone (a reference to the sound of industry run by the corrupted commercial system of the Antichrist) shall be heard no more at all in thee; 23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in you: for your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your sorceries (a reference to drugs and deceit that is likened to witchcraft) were all nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. The fate of the Antichrist and his followers Revelation 19 20 And the beast (Antichrist) was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse (Jesus), which sword proceeded out of his mouth (Jesus pronounced their punishment): and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. A prophecy of the coming doom of Satan and his followers Isaiah 14 12 How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how are you cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will (Satan said when he first rebelled against God, as described in the beginning of this book ) exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High God. 15 Yet you (Satan) shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16 They that see you shall narrowly look upon you, and consider you, saying, Is this the man (at this point the Antichrist is also addressed) that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; 17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? 18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. 19 But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet. 20 You shall not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed the land, and slain your people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned. 21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers; that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the world with cities. 22 For I will rise up against them, says the Lord of hosts, and cut off from Babylon (all involved in the commercial system of the Antichrist) the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, says the Lord. 23 I will also make it a possession for the bittern (as an uninhabited marshy area where the bittern birds live), and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom (a broom) of destruction, says the Lord of hosts. 24 The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: 25 That I will break the Assyrian (Antichrist) in my land, and upon my mountains (of Israel) tread him under foot: then shall his yoke (heavy burden) depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. (speaking of not only Israel, but all the people of the world that have been under the bondage of the system formed by the Antichrist) 26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back (or stop it from coming to pass)?
CHAPTER 17
Satan will be bound for a thousand years
Revelation 20
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years (of peace on earth) were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Satan will be loosed for a short time
7 And when the thousand years (of peace on earth) are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
The Great Judgment
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
The coming one thousand years
Of world peace
Hosea 2:18 And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.
19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shall know the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, says the Lord, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth; All of the eath will have direct communications with heaven.
Isaiah 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 And the small child shall play on the hole of the asp (snake), and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' (snake) den. 9 They shall not (nothing shall) hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain (kingdom): for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse (the remnant of faithful Jewish people still remaining in Israel), which shall stand for an ensign (great sign) of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. 11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the “second time” to recover the remnant of his people (the Jews, just as he began bringing the Jewish people back to Israel in 1948), which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea (worldwide).
16 And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.
Isaiah 19:22 And the Lord shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be intreated of them, (God will intercede for them) and shall heal them.
23 In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. 24 In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: 25 whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.
The future new heavens and new earth
Revelation 21
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 22
1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and makes a lie.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20 He which testifies these things says, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Never The End
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