Thursday, March 10, 2011

WHAT IS NEXT ON THE PROPHETIC CALENDAR?

Of course, I can’t be sure. My opinion—It will either be a war against Israel by the surrounding nations that will result in a great victory for Israel and probably the destruction of Damascus or the rapture.

This war between Israel and the nations surrounding her seems to be the subject of Psalm 83. Research indicates that though Israel has experienced attack from the surrounding nations, they have not yet been attacked with a coalition of nations as outlined in this psalm. That coalition would seem to include the following: Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon/Hezbollah, and Hamas/PLO. Psalm 83:4 screams the headlines broadcast often throughout the world from Muslim leaders in these nations.

Psalm 83:4 “They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.”

Recent uprisings throughout the Middle East seem to be preparing the political climate for just such a coalition. The Muslim Brotherhood seems to be poised to take control in Egypt. Hezbollah seems to have the upper hand in Lebanon. Both groups are outspoken in their desire to destroy the nation of Israel. The people of Jordan and Saudi Arabia are restless, and their leaders are taking preemptive actions in hopes of maintaining control. I can’t help but be reminded of the adage, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” It wouldn’t surprise me at all for the leaders of these nations that want to maintain control and authority to conclude that joining together in an assault against Israel would be an effective means to quelling unrest and promoting unity.

If things unfold according to this scenario, I believe that the prophecy of Isaiah 17 concerning the destruction of Damascus will also be fulfilled as a result of this war.

Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

Damascus is known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in existence. Though it has experienced defeat at the hands of its enemies, the city has never ceased to be or made a ruinous heap. As I understand it, Isaiah indicates that Israel will be the one that destroys Damascus, and the nations of the world will be outraged. The prophet is clear, however, in declaring that the LORD will intervene on behalf of His people.

It would seem to me that this would set the stage for Israel to be dwelling with an increased sense of security that would answer to the description given of her in Ezekiel 38.

Ezekiel 38:8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.


This is the description given of Israel prior to the time that she is attacked by the coalition led by Gog that is described in Ezekiel 38-39. I think it is likely that this war against Israel will also occur prior to the 70th week of Daniel and will in turn set the stage for the Antichrist to rise to power in its aftermath and possess the authority to sign the 7-year covenant with Israel.

2 comments:

webchyck said...

I agree with you. I think this is the next event on the prophetic calendar. Very nice outline of how it could take place. The past couple of weeks have surely destabilized the region.

Clive Campbell said...

Grace and peace, Sharon. I also think that you are correct about a Mideast war being the next thing on the prophetic horizon. I have written about this under my name at www.faithwriters.com. I think that this war will most likely be this year, 2014. Bombing Iran may be the catalyst or a number of other possibilities. I believe that Israel will viciously expand 60 miles past Damascus, onto the East Bank and into southern Lebanon. They will also unjustly drive the Palestinians into Jordan, making way for the fourth Jewish temple (after Solomon's, Zerubbabel's and Herod's) to be built, completed around 2020, I believe. By 2016, I believe, Christians will need to start stockpiling food in Israel for Jews who will come to Christ during the 7-year tribulation, beginning at the resurrection and rapture in 2023, I believe. Love in Jesus, Clive Campbell