Prophecy Series- Message # 14

By Gary "Gabe" Hulin

 

“Dukes of Edom:  Fate of the Palestinians”

 

 

“Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.   For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.  They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.  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.  For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:  The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah. Do unto them…O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.   As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.  Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH,, art the most high over all the earth.”  (Psalms 83)

 

“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired 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.  Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger 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, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.  And the seacoast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.  And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.   I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.  Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.   This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.   The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even  all the isles of the heathen.”   (Zeph 21-11)

  

preface

 

The above passages from scripture have incredible implications considering the perilous time in which we live and the current situation in the Middle East   We can determine from the above verses that there is going to come a time when the evil enemies of God’s chosen people, Israel, will “lift their head and conspire together with the intentions of “making Israel a nation no more.”

 

Joining the Palestinians in this series of wars will be the modern day nations of Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Egypt.   It seems highly probable, in light of scripture, that it will ignite a Holy war leading to the prophesied total destruction of Kuwait, the ruin of Damascus, nuclear destruction on Iraq, devastating destruction in areas of Israel and Jordan, and, the decline of the United States leading to a forced military arming of the European Union under the anti-christ. 

 

It is important to distinguish the difference between these wars and the war between Russia and her allies that will follow near the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation.  It is our belief that the “wars and rumors of wars” spoken of in this message are currently preparing to unfold. These wars are only a part of a campaign that eventually gathers all nations to Armageddon.  Many of these wars (battles) occur in the beginning of the tribulation or even before the tribulation begins. 

 

God will bring judgment on the specific peoples mentioned above.  The reason for His judgment is clear: He will be known among the nations as the only God, the One capable of protecting His chosen people against their enemies in this dying world.  The Dukes of Edom, the Palestinian terrorists and those nations that support them will soon be “consumed” by God’s wrath. The prophets have revealed many sorrows both past and present that have been the result of Gods judgment upon the enemies of Israel. This message seeks to reveal some of the soon to come judgments upon the descendents of Essau and Ishmael.  Beyond these early tribulation “battles” the ultimate wrath of God will further cleanse the world from sin at the second advent of Jesus Christ. See message #12: "The Second Coming of Jesus Christ"

 

Historical Connections/Abrahamic Covenant

 

The covenant between God and Abraham establishes an area of the Mid-East, which God Himself has determined is the birthright of His chosen people. This geographic area so much in contention today was given to Abraham’s descendants Isaac and Jacob (Israel) and to their succeeding generations.  The following scriptures detail this covenant and make clear God’s intentions to allow Israel possession of the land forever.

 

“As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.   Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.   And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.   And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God  And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.  And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.   But my covenant will I establish with Isaac… (Gen 17:4-8, 19-21) 

 

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”   (Gen 12:1-3)

 

 

God has clearly revealed that those nations which war against the Nation of Israel will be cursed and those that bless Israel will be blessed.  Thus the United States has been blessed as we have supported Israel, for the most part, through her modern existence.  May God help us to remain steadfast in our support of Israel lest we also be cursed.  Any support for a Palestinian state should be viewed against God’s Word.

 

In 1948 Israel was reborn again after over 2000 years of being dispersed among the nations of the world (See Message # 2: “Re-establishment of Israel as a Nation”).  Since that time the Palestinians have become dependant upon the Israelis for employment. 

 

“For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.   And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids...”  (Isa 14:1-2)

 

Further clarification of Gods covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel) is revealed in the following scripture, Genesis Chapter 28: 

 

“And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.   Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother's brother.   And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.  And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother.   And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.   And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.   And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”     (Gen 28:1-15)

 

Israel becoming a nation again in 1948 began Gods revealing of the prophesies pertaining to the “end times” or “later days”.  The enmity, that age old hatred between the descendents of Isaac and Ishmael again lifted its ugly head (See Message #3 “Mid-East Stumbling Stones”).  This enmity has been festering and poisoning the hearts of many in these last days as can readily be seen in your nightly news. “Thorns and briers” (terrorists) fill the television networks with homicide bombings and other evil activities born of the devil himself.

 

Throughout history there are examples of the intense hatred born of this age-old feud.  Many may remember reading childhood bible stories concerning Israel’s continual battles with the Philistines.  The scriptures below are only two examples of this hatred being directed by the Philistines toward King Saul, and by the Edomites toward Moses when he was guiding his people to the Promised Land.

 

So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them.”   (1 Sam 14:47)

 

“Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.   And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.”.   (Num 20:17-18)

 

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:) Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:”   (Num 34:1-3)

 

The Dukes of Edom

 

The following scriptures are intended to focus on the recipients of God’s coming wrath in the Mid-East.  There will be many “wars and rumors of wars” that lead up to the final battle of Armageddon as we have learn from the discourse given by Jesus to His followers in Matthew 24.  The following scriptures refer to SOME of these wars, which will see the enemies of Israel brought to justice for their hatred and vengeance upon the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people.

 

“Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.  Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.   And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Bashemath bare Reuel; And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.   And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob.   For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle. Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.   And these are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir:  These are the names of Esau's sons; Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Reuel the son of Bashemath the wife of Esau.   And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.   And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau's wife.   And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.   And these were the sons of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife: and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.   These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah…These are the sons of Esau, who is Edom, and these are their dukes…”  And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth, Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the Edomites.”  (Gen Chapter 36:1-19, 40-43)

 

Today’s news reports out of Israel often refer to Palestinians “taking vengeance” for a previous act that may have been done by the Israelis.  Although Israel only responds to terrorist acts as a means of survival, many legions of “thorns and briers” are forcing the Israelis to become the hand of vengeance of God Almighty (Ezk 25:14).  This cycle of vengeance is perpetual, never ending and continues to escalate “waxing worse and worse”.  God, however, say’s “vengeance is mine  (Rom 12:19).

 

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them; Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.  And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.  Thus saith the Lord GOD;.”    (Ezk 25:12-14)

 

The  “Dukes of Edom” can clearly be traced from scripture to the modern day Arab nations.   They are descendants from Abraham through the lines of Ishmael and Esau; thus, they are not heirs to the birthright given only to the descendants of Jacob who is Israel (Gen 35:10).

 

The failure of the Oslo peace process in 2000 and the current uprising reveal poignant issues involving the Palestinian leadership.  The most obvious is the fact that the Palestinian Authority has no intentions of peace with Israel.  After being offered 93% of all that they asked for, the Palestinian leadership refused the far reaching concessions offered by Israel and have chosen instead a path that will force Israel to react  as a means of self-survival.  There seems to be no logic to Arafat’s choice that will lead to the destruction of many of Israel’s enemies.  The issue of Jerusalem is the one stipulation that Israel is not willing to give up.  Jerusalem represents their very existence.  It is the “stumbling block” and the “burdensome stone” which God says will perplex the nations in the last days. “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.”  (Zech 12:3)

 

Philistines   (Palestinians)

 

“And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.”  (Zech 9:6)  Yassar Arafat was born in the Gaza strip in 1929.

 

Modern day Palestinians are the direct descendants of the Philistines that were at constant war with Israel in biblical history.   The fate of the Palestinians, in the context of the “last days”, is clear according to God’s Word.  They are going to be dissolved or consumed and made to “be no more”.  Very soon Israel is going to be forced into making this decision in order to survive as a nation.  They have offered the Palestinians a return of most of the land they have won by wars started by the Arabs in exchange for “peace”.  However, the scripture is also clear that the Palestinians seek to “MAKE ISRAEL A NATION NO MORE.”  Because these nations seek to destroy Israel there are also those who still feel that Yassar Arafat, the illegitimate “leader” of the Palestinian cause, should be allowed to continue his deceitful and insane policy of terror.   Thus, the sealed fate of the Palestinians has been the result of these policies that reflect little wisdom and fails to quench the several millennia of hatred embedded in man’s sin nature nor the ongoing enmity that began as a family dispute over a birthright.   The destruction of the Palestinians is seen as final and total being the result ofa consuming fire coming from out of the center of Israel”.

 

“Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.   And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.   Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.   What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.”  (Isa 14:29-32)

 

“The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.  Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. ….” (Obadiah 1-2)

 

“How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!  All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; that they eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.  Shall I not in that day, saith the LORD, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?   And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter. For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever….”  (Obadiah   6-10)

 

“…and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.  And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it.  And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines:…    (Obadiah 18-21)

 

There will come forth a fire out of the center of Israel, which will destroy the Palestinians.  Many cities mentioned in these scriptures are yet to receive the level of judgment and destruction, which God clearly says, will come upon them.  Thus, these scriptures are yet to be fulfilled   Please refer to the attached diagrammatic map, which seeks to locate some of these cities and areas that will be destroyed by the weapons of God’s Indignation (Israel) during the tribulation, and, ultimately by the Son of God at the end of the tribulation at the final battle (Armageddon).

 

“Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.   Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?”   (Jer 47:4-5)

 

“for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him,  the time that I will visit him.   If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough.   But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours,  and he is not.   Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me.   For thus saith the LORD; Behold, they whose judgment was not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken; and art thou he that shall altogether go unpunished? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink of it.  For I have sworn by myself, saith the LORD, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes.   I have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle.   For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men.   Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.  Also Edom shall be a desolation: every one that goeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues thereof.   As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it.   (Jer 49:7-18)

 

The cause of God’s judgment upon the Philistines is again made clear. 

 

“Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.  And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.”   ( Ezk 25:15-17)

 

Canaanites

 

Throughout this message many references are made to the “Canaanites” and the land of Canaan.   The following is but one scripture referencing their demise as a people.

 

“The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.   Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.   Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.  Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, In the Sanctuary, O LORD, which thy hands have established.   The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.”   (Ex. 15:14-18)

 

Teman

 

Teman is an ancient city found in Southeast Edom on the route from Damascus to Mecca in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula toward the Syrian Desert.  Today the city survives as Teyma about 250 miles southeast of Damascus.  This area also is mentioned in scripture as receiving God’s wrath as he deals with the descendents of Ishmael and Esau.

 

“But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.”   (Amo 1:12)

 

“Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? Is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?”   (Jeremiah 49:7)

 

“These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, … (Genesis 36:15)

 

“Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.” (Jeremiah 49:20)

 

 

“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.”   (Ezekiel 25:13)

 

“And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.”   (Obadiah 1:9)

 

Amelek

 

Enmity between the Israeli descendants of Jacob and the descendants of Ishmael and Esau has continued for nearly 4000 years.  Hal Lindsey has correctly stated,   “This hatred is the flame that will ignite the fuse of Armageddon”.  The “latter end” will be that they will “perish forever”.   Amelek, the grandson of Esau, is still another Arab descendent that will perish in the “latter days”.

 

 “the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.   (Exodus 17:16)

 

“Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.”   (Genesis 36:12)

 

“Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee  (Israel) rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.”   (Deuteronomy 25:19)

 

“And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.”   (Numbers 24:20)

 

Gaza and Tyre

 

The Gaza strip today is the home of thousands of refugees displaced from previous Arab/Israeli wars.  The plight of these descendents of Ishmael and Esau is not the result of  “Israeli occupation or oppression”, as presented by the anti-christ media; but, rather, it is the result of insane policies by rogue nations that seek only the destruction of Israel.  The ultimate power of the wicked is found to be in Satan who struggles to influence the policies of nations:  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  (Eph 6:12)  The rulers of this world are leading us into what will be a series of wars at the beginning of the tribulation that among other equally devastating events will result in a  “consuming” of the Philistines living in the Gaza strip. The Gaza strip has become a breeding ground for Islamic terrorists and homicide bombers.   Decades of lies and indoctrination of the Palestinian children has a whole generation of “thorns and briers” ready to do the bidding of the Islamic devils who rule from high places and seek to utterly destroy the  nation not desired  (Israel). However, the “remnant” of Israel that comes to know Jesus Christ as their Messiah at the middle of the tribulation will be given the “promise of the birthright” in full in the Kingdom of God at the return of Jesus Christ (the Advent).    His exhortation is clear that they (Israel) should seek the Lord before it is too late.  By accepting Christ as savior now one may avoid the coming tribulation on earth.

 

“And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.   Behold, the LORD will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.   Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited” (Zech 9:3-5).

 

“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; 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.  Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger.  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, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.  And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.  And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.”   (Zeph 2:1-7)

 

Ammon/Moab (Jordan)

 

The land of the Ammonites refers to the modern day area of Northern Jordan while Moab is mainly the area of Southern Jordan.  These descendents of Esau today have many living in the West Bank and Golan Heights constituting perplexing problems for those who would seek peace in the region. Modern day “Ammonites” seek to push back the Israeli settlements near the border.  This area is very strategic considering our military plans for war in Iraq.  It is the only buffer between Iraq and Israel and is a part of the land given in the covenant to Abraham.  It is today a breeding ground for Islamic terrorist recruiting as well as a number of terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah.

 

“Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why then doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities?  Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites; and it shall be a desolate heap… and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir unto them that were his heirs, saith the LORD.  Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled: cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth; lament, and run to and fro by the hedges… And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD”  (Jer 49:1-6)

 

“I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.  Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.  This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.”   (Zeph 2:8-10)

 

“The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them;  And say unto the Ammonites, Hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou saidst, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity;  Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk.  And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couching place for flocks: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.  For thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast clapped thine hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all thy despite against the land of Israel; Behold, therefore I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and will deliver thee for a spoil to the heathen; and I will cut thee off from the people, and I will cause thee to perish out of the countries: I will destroy thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD…    And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am the LORD.   Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them; Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.   And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.   Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.   And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.”   (Ezk 25: 1-7,11-17)

 

“Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.   Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?  Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off?  and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?   Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.   Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.”   (Psalms 60:8-12)

 

 

Mt. Seir

 

Mt. Seir is an area in Edom that will also receive judgment for what is specifically referred to as a “perpetual hatred” clearly revealed in the house of Esau toward the people of Israel.  It is easy to relate the daily graphic scenes of murdered Israeli children and the blood of innocents to the following scripture.  Note also that God tells us the reasons for the harsh judgment that is to come upon this people who are the descendents of Esau:  Mention is made that they seek to possess two nations (both Jacob and Esau); and, they are wrought with blasphemies against the True God.  Envy, Hatred and Strife are the fruits of Satan and are followed by blasphemy against the God of Gods.  I can think of nothing more blasphemous than a statement I heard recently from one Muslim who proudly claimed  “Allah killed your God”.  Another blasphemy of equal respite is Islam’s claim of killing innocents in the name of Allah, their God.   Those who do not believe we are in a religious WAR, and, that Islam is a peaceful religion I say WAKE UP!!  It may already be too late for America as a nation. Ultimately, judgments on the Dukes of Edom will have the effect of bringing the remnant in Israel to rely upon the “Lord of Hosts”.  This acceptance of Jesus Christ as their messiah, by the REMNANT will finally occur at the midpoint of the tribulation.  Until then Antichrist will arise to power until he exalts himself as God in the Temple of God referred to as the “Abomination of Desolation” in Daniel  (see message #6:"Daniel's Vision of the Seventy Weeks").

 

“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it, And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I am against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.  I will lay thy cities waste, and thou shalt be desolate, and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.  Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end:  Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee.  Thus will I make mount Seir most desolate, and cut off from it him that passeth out and him that returneth.  And I will fill his mountains with his slain men: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword.  I will make thee perpetual desolations, and thy cities shall not return: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.  Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there:  Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will even do according to thine anger, and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of thy hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I have judged thee.   And thou shalt know that I am the LORD, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume.   Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them    Thus saith the Lord GOD; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate.   As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it: and they shall know that I am the LORD.”   (Ezk  Chap 35)

 

The perpetual hatred spoken of by Ezekiel is a hatred born out of the bowels of Satan.  This enmity is even recognized by some Arabs such as the founder of Saudi Arabia, al Riyadh Saud, who said, “The power struggle between Israel and the Arabs is a long- term historical trial. Victory or defeat is for us questions of existence or annihilation – the outcome of an irreconcilable hatred.”

 

Kuwait (Kedar)/Iran (Elam)

 

The modern Arab nation of Kuwait sits in an area, which ancient maps refer to as Kedar.  These descendents of Ishmael were primarily Bedouin tent dwellers that extended across the northern portion of Saudi Arabia to the area of Kuwait.  The self- proclaimed reincarnation of Nebuchanezzar (Sadam Hussein) has more than once tried to invade Kuwait.  One can recall the graphic images of burning oil fields against the dark desert sky of Kuwait at the end of the 1991 Gulf War.  Hussein may yet destroy the palaces of the princes that rely on the protection of the United States.  The following scripture reveals that will happen “in the latter days” (v. 39). In the 1991 Gulf War he attempted to destroy as much of Kuwait as he could before being driven out by coalition forces lead by a “wealthy nation”.   Saddam attempted to destroy the oil fields of Kuwait by setting them on fire, so, it should not surprise us if he is more successful a second time.  Note also, the scripture refers to Elam (modern Iran) as also undergoing judgment; and, it gives the time element of the fulfillment of this prophecy as “the “latter days”.

 

“Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite, thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.  Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side.   Flee, get you far off, dwell deep, O ye inhabitants of Hazor,  saith the LORD; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you, and hath conceived a purpose against you.   Arise, get you up unto the wealthy nation, that dwelleth without care, saith the LORD, which have neither gates nor bars, which dwell alone.  And their camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil: and I will scatter into all winds them that are in the utmost corners; and I will bring their calamity from all sides thereof, saith the LORD.   And Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons, and a desolation for ever: there shall no man abide there, nor any son of man dwell in it.”    The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.   And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.  For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them: And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD.  But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.”   (Jer 49:29-39)

 

Damascus

 

“Concerning Damascus.   Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.   Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail.   How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!   Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts.   And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad”   ( Jer 49:23-27)

 

When God uses such terms as “latter days”, “at that time”, “in that day”, etc., reference is being made to the last days of this age prior to the implementation of a new dispensation wherein Christ Himself will dwell among men (Rev. 21:3).   It further refers to a period of time, which roughly equates to when the end time prophecies began literal fulfillment.  This can be recognized by most students of prophecy as beginning in 1948 with the return of Israel as a nation  (refer to message #2: “The Reestablishment of Israel as a Nation”).  The point is that the utter destruction mentioned in the verses above and below refer to a time at the end of this age.  The fact is that given all the wars throughout history that have been fought in and around Damascus at no time has the city been made “a ruinous heap”.  Some of the prophecies presented in this message, while historical in context, are nevertheless, duel prophecies that have their literal fulfillment in the near future  (i.e. in the “last days”).  Thus, the following prophecy is yet to be fulfilled and I submit will be one of a campaign of Middle East battles that will lead up to the final battle of Armageddon.

  

 “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.  The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.  The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.   And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.   And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim.   Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel.   At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.  In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.  Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:  In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.   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!  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.  And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.”   (Isaiah Chapter 17)

 

Babylon

 

The approaching wars centered in the Middle East will greatly affect the existence of modern day Iraq.  Before that great battle of Armageddon, which pits the God of the universe against the accumulated forces of the power of darkness, it appears that Modern Babylon, the city and political entity, will experience a devastating war which occurs about seven years prior to the final battle at the beginning of the tribulation.   It is very plausible that given the timing of other related prophecies that the devastation of physical Babylon, the land of the Chaldees will occur at or near the time of the rapture of the church.  One cannot be dogmatic about this.  However, it is as sure as God’s Word is Truth that as these things continue to unfold we are being given enlightenment by His prophets first.  Physical Babylon will be destroyed by what appears to be some form of weapon of mass destruction (WMD)  Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind;” (Jer 50:51)

 

 

Today, the physical land of the Chaldees is ruled by a self-proclaimed reincarnation of Nebuchadnezzar.  Saddam Hussein has been exposed to the world for the atrocities he has committed; yet, his obvious evil escapades are often ignored by a world that has made  “right to appear wrong” and “evil to appear good”.  The murder of his own people and the threat of WMD is overlooked by many nations that are dependent upon Iraq for their oil; therefore, it appears that It has become incumbent upon the United States to bring military havoc on Babylon.  Israel, however, God’s “weapon of Indignation”, may yet be the source of the destruction of literal physical Babylon.  Regardless of what happens in this early battle one thing remains clear.   The ULTIMATE destruction of physical Babylon will come in the Day of the Lord.   At the second Advent of Jesus Christ God will bring final judgment upon these major enemies off His Plan.  We who are the children of God will be with Christ at the Advent having been raised (raptured) at the beginning of the tribulation (refer to the message #12:"The Second Coming of Jesus Christ"

    The following scripture describes what is to be the final fate of literal Babylon in the Day of the Lord:

 

The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.   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.   I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.  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 mustereth the host of the battle.  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.   Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt:  And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.  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…”  (Isa 35:1-9).)

 

In the verses above the prophet Isaiah has described the terrible Day of the Lord when Jesus Christ will return to earth, with His saints, as the nations gather in the valley of Megiddo.  This is seen as the ultimate destruction of Babylon, judgment from Almighty God upon both the physical land of the Chaldeans as well as the entire fallen world society. It would be well to mention again that Babylon in scripture is seen as “a religious whore” in Revelation Chapter 17 (refer to message #8:"Mystery Babylon - The Mother of Harlots"

   In Revelation Chapter 18 Babylon is described as a powerful economic system represented by a “great city” that is twice fallen (New York?).  In the Tribulation, prior to the establishment of His Kingdom, God’s judgments are to be poured upon the physical land around Babylon.  In the broadest sense, however, it is seen as calamity brought upon the whole earth and judgment upon a world that has rejected God’s provision of salvation.  This judgment upon mankind is a final part of God’s Plan of cleansing the Iniquity of Man and returning to that special relationship with him that existed in the garden before the fall.

 

Unlike the Isaiah scripture above which described Babylon in the day of the Lord, Jeremiah references what appears to be a day of destruction upon Babylon that will come prior to the day of the Lord perhaps at the “time of His visitation” (Jer 50:27), the rapture of His Church.  The words visit and visitation may describe the Rapture.  When Jesus returns to earth to establish His millennial kingdom He will then remain and dwell among men.  At the “rapture” He visits earth to “raise the dead” and those “alive in Him” to meet Him in the clouds and forever be with the Lord (1 Thess 4:16).  There is a difference between the words establish and visit.  “Establish” is a coming to stay while on the other hand “visit” means a very brief time.

 

Often scriptures can be viewed from both historic and future prophetic points of view.  Often prophecy will have double meanings.  When this occurs the Truth revealed in one understanding of the prophecy does not offset nor diminish Truth that is revealed in the other understanding.  In light of the fact that many would see the above scripture as being historical only, attention should be drawn to the fact that verse 42 refers to the “daughter”: of Babylon.  The “daughter” implies a prophecy to occur in the latter days. A similar dichotomy is often used in prophecy.  Another example is the use of the “remnant” of Israel referring to those Jews who have come to realize Jesus Christ as their Messiah in the last days, i.e., those who will ultimately receive the fullness of the “promise to Abraham” in the Millennial Kingdom of God.

  

United states Involvement

 

Serious students of bible prophecy have often debated where, or if, the United States is mentioned in the thousands of prophetic verses of scripture pertaining to “the latter days”.  As a current major player in the Mid-east, the United States is certainly “involved” politically and economically as we prepare for war in Iraq.  We should be concerned and act to ensure that our nation does not waiver in our support of Israel.  We should rethink our support for a Palestinian state in the land that God has so clearly given to be a continual possession to Israel.  As long as the United States is supportive of Israel we may well continue to prosper.   However, the scripture is clear that there will come a time when ALL nations will gather against Israel.  It would appear that our country is solidly behind Israel now.   I would only caution that WAR inevitably brings unexpected politics, and, certainly, the imminent rapture of the church will change the political strength of the New World population that will so rapidly be devoured by the antichrist  (see message #5:"The Antichrist - Who is He?"

).  It further should be understood that our nation is somehow to be “weakened” as a world power.

 

It is my belief that Christians should support the war to remove Hussein from power because God has told us to resist evil.  It is the right thing to do to resist evil in all its forms.  Some of the most diabolical plans ever devised are unfolding as the nations scurry to fulfill their roles in the closing of history.  God’s Plan in the Middle East is not dependent, however, on the United States of America, although He may choose to use us in his purpose.  More likely, however, He will control the last days series of wars with Israel being the “weapon of God’s indignation”.   It is believed by many who study prophecy that the United States will be reduced as a power “in the latter days” forcing the whole world against Israel and preparing the political vacuum required to elevate the status of the “little horn” (antichrist) out of the European union.

 

Pruning of America

 

The conspicuous absence of mention of the United States in scriptures pertaining to the last days may yet have been explained in Chapter 18 of Isaiah.  Most of the Book of Isaiah leading up to this prophecy as well as much of Ezekiel pertains to a series of wars that come to pass in close succession and appear to happen just prior to or perhaps as the Tribulation begins.   Among these wars there is a particular prophecy concerning a “far away” nation that is to be “pruned”.  In order to receive a correct interpretation of any prophecy one has to resolve ALL stipulations that pertain to the prophecy.   In light of the fact that America is not mentioned in scripture directly, and, it appears that only America can fulfill all the stipulations found in this prophecy. I submit that the following scripture can only pertain to the United States of America:

 

“Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia:  That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!   All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.   For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.   For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches.  They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.   In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under”.. (Isa 18:1-7)

 

A WOE is proclaimed on this nation.  The United States has the outspread wings of an eagle (shadowed) as a symbol used on currency as well as the presidential seal.  From the area of Israel where all reference points in scripture originate this nation is seen as being far away “beyond” the rivers of Ethiopia; so far that they bring ambassadors and messengers over the ocean.

 

The United States is “scattered” with Alaska and Hawaii being separate from the mainland.  This stipulation alone tends toward only a very few possibilities as to who this nation refers to.   The word “peeled” means “polished” which seems to fit also as we are rather refined in our endeavors.  Certainly, we have been strong  (terrible) from the time God chose to make us a nation until now.

 

The term “meted out” means “measured”.  Anyone ever having flown cross-country in an airplane can readily see that   our nation has been fully surveyed and platted and the rivers and roads traverse every mile. “When he (Uncle Sam) lifts up a sign to the nations and when this nation officially speaks (bloweth a trumpet) the nations (mountains in prophecy) listen!!  Our presence in the recent U.N resolutions on Iraq clearly demonstrates that the nations listen to us whether they agree or not.

 

The next verses declare a “detrimental happening” (woe) on the nation mentioned.  God gives two examples of pruning both of which are detrimental to the survival of a plant; yet, neither will completely destroy the plant.  This nation is “pruned” and there is great damage done to it, yet it appears that it will remain as a nation.

 

Finally, the last verse suggests a time frame in which the pruning will occur.   At the time of this “pruning” the Lord of Hosts (God) will bring this people into His presence.   I suggest that this refers to the rapture when Christians will be brought into His presence to forever be with the Lord.  Remember the rapture will happen at the beginning of the tribulation, which reinforces this scenario.   This may also explain why Israel will be left to face the nations of the world alone except for the guidance of God almighty.   Israel is currently being forced into that ominous position of having to defend itself from the world.   It seems America may not be around to help defend her much longer and Israel will be faced with making the tough decisions that will in their own eyes, ensure their existence:  The total destruction of those that will otherwise destroy them.

 

This message is not intended to suggest that we not act to try to correct past failed foreign policy by continuing on to Baghdad, even if the results may lead to America’s demise.  The fact remains that because it is God’s will…it will happen.  Our salvation as individuals does not depend on our military might, nor does it demand that we stop resisting evil or cower beneath the onslaught of terrorism, dictators and fundamental Islam. The ultimate worth of our nation is in how each of us responds to the call of Jesus Christ in our lives.  Like all nations we, too, wax  “worse and worse” (2 Tim 3:13) as the end of this age draws nigh.  We need to accept that incredible gift that God wants us to have in the form of His son.  Accept Him who has full control of the passage of nations as well as the destiny of each and every one who freely accepts that gift.

 

The  Day of the Lord

 

The “Day of the Lord” marks the end of this dispensation, or age, and refers to the time from the advent of Jesus Christ through His 1000-year reign on earth.  The Day of the Lord is also referred to as day seven in God’s Plan for the redemption of mankind.  “A day to the Lord is as a thousand years” (2Peter 3:8).  God’s cleansing of the earth and His Plan for the redemption of mankind is, therefore in it’s final stages prior to the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth.  In the Day of the Lord His Plan to bring mankind back in His presence is nearly complete.  The evil seed within man has now been purged, preparing his bride to accept a continued relationship with Him that will involve the healing of the nations during the Millennium and then an eternity in His service.  The Dukes of Edom and the Palestinians… indeed, all who never come to know the God of Israel will be omitted from God’s kingdom.  The teachings of Islam do not prepare the way to God!  As all “religions” lead man away from Christ and His salvation so, too, does a “relationship” with the Son of God lead a man back into the presence of the Godhead.

 

It is incumbent upon all Americans, and even more so those who call themselves by His Name, to recognize that we are in spiritual warfare; and, that Islam is a religion of Satan.  It is not for us to be “politically correct” and to shy away from this fact.  It is: however, correct for us to be true to the Word of God, which is the Sword of His Spirit.  The Dukes of Edom will come to know that the God of Israel and the God of the Bride of Christ is the One True God,” the Lord of Hosts is His Name”.   The ultimate elimination of the bad seed from the lineage of Edom (Esau), indeed, the cleansing of mankind, is seen below in the prophet Zechariah’s description of the Day of The Lord.

 

“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.   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.   Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.   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.   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 thee.   And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:  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.   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: in summer and in winter shall it be.  And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.   All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, 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.   And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.  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.   And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.  And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.  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.  And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.  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.   And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, 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.   This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.   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.   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.”  (Zech 14:1-21)  

 

“Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.  But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.   For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.”  (Joel 3:19-21)

 
Conclusion

 

God’s ultimate solution to terror imparted by Palestinian hate groups is described in terms such as “dissolve”, “melt away” and “consume”. No longer will the Islamic devils disrupt the lives of God’s Chosen people with their homicide bombings, mass murders and satanic acts of terror.  Israel, God’s weapon of Indignation, will be the instrument at God’s disposal to carry out much of His judgment upon the Dukes of Edom.  Ultimately, however, God will use the Rod of Iron spirited by His Son, Jesus Christ, to destroy Satan and his associates at Christ’s Second Coming (Advent).

 

“And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.   Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.   And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.”   (Ezk 28:24-26)

 

There will come a time in the very near future when the re-gathering of the nation of Israel will be completed in God’s Plan.  The fulfillment of His promise to Abraham and his descendents, Isaac and Jacob had it’s beginning in 1948 when Israel was re-established as a nation. It continued toward fulfillment in 1967 with the six-day war as Jerusalem was reoccupied by Israel for the first time since before Roman control.  The final re-gathering and complete fulfillment of the promise of the birthright will be realized in the Kingdom of God on earth during the Millennium having been given to the remnant of the people of Israel. 

 

Satan is the promoter of that age-old hatred between the twin brothers and their succeeding generations just as he is the cause of all of the turmoil in this world.  The destiny of God’s chief adversary is seen in the following scripture:

 

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!   For thou hast said in thine 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:  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.  Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.  They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof, that opened not the house of his prisoners?   All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house.   But thou art cast out of thy 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.   Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.   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.   For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD….   Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.   And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.   Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.   What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.”   (Isa 14:12-32)

 

The Fall of Lucifer  (Isa 14) is seen as the time when Satan will be cast to earth and will indwell the Man of Sin, the antichrist.  The antichrist will arise to lead the nations of the world during this time of “wars and rumors of wars” (tribulation).   The nations will gather to that great battle known as Armageddon where the antichrist will be destroyed by the “brightness of His Coming” (2 Thess 2:8).  The conclusion then will be the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom of God.   Note that verse 21 says that the Canaanite will no longer dwell in the house of God (New Jerusalem).

 

send questions and comments to:

ghulin@comcast.net
Return to Truths of Bible Prophecy