Mainstream media has seized the opportunity to make Turkey’s bid to embarrass Israel and Iran’s nuclear aim to destroy Israel front page news. This media blitz has played an instrumental part in creating a significant amount of recent Ezekiel 38 newspaper exegesis.
Certainly, there is just cause to consider the Ezekiel 38 – 39 prophecy in light of recent events, however, what about Hezbollah, Syria, Hamas, and the Palestinians? They also are at odds with Israel and likewise frequently dominate current Mideast headlines. Curiously, Ezekiel 38 describes nine distinct populations by their ancient names including Russia, Iran, Turkey, and Libya but omits the historic name equivalents of Hezbollah, Syria, Hamas, and the Palestinians
In light of the fact that these omitted populations are presently among Israel’s most observable enemies, some “EZEKIEL 38 NOW” advocates have attempted to identify them in Ezekiel 38:6 among the "many peoples with thee" of the Ezekiel 38 Magog confederacy. However, there are three potential problems with this line of teaching.
1. Hezbollah, Syria, Hamasand the Palestinians along with Egyptians, Saudis, and Jordanians are identified in a distinctly different Israeli War prophecy described in Psalm 83. The Psalm lists ten entirely separate members not included among the Ezekiel 38:1-6 invaders. Thus it is probable they are not the “many peoples with thee” in Ezekiel 38:6, but are “many peoples distinct from thee”, not listed in Ezekiel 38 among the invaders.2. The hordes of Ezekiel 38 invaders must cross over much of the land possessed by these Psalm 83 nations and / or territories presently occupied by the terrorist populations in order to invade the nation of Israel. This beckons the question; Why aren't these nations, terrorists, or refugees listed among the Ezekiel 38 invaders?
3. Most importantly, Ezekiel 38 identifies nine specific invading populations but oddly doesn’t mention any of the Psalm 83 Arab confederates among them. This conspicuous omission makes no sense when you consider that Ezekiel references all of the Psalm 83 members numerous times elsewhere throughout his prophetic book.
Case in point, Ezekiel lists Tyre 12 times. Tyre is a member of Psalm 83 and likely represents the Hezbollah today. He alludes to Philistia and / or Philistines 4 times. They are probably the Hamas. Edom or the Edomites are referenced 7 times. Asaph, the author of Psalm 83, calls them the tents of Edom and I interpret that as today’s Palestinian refugees.
The other Psalm 83 members like, Moab or Moabites,Ammon or Ammonites,Amalakites, Egyptians, Assyrians, Gebal (Lebanon), and the Saudis under the ancient banners of Dedan or the Ishmaelites, are also referenced elsewhere in the book of Ezekiel. In fact, all together the above Psalm 83 confederates are mentioned 89 times by Ezekiel.Not one of those 89 references shows up in Ezekiel 38-39, with the exception of a potential Saudi contingent represented by Dedan in Ezekiel 38:13. But in this instance, Dedan appears to abstain from enjoining with the Ezekiel invaders. This suggests they want no further part in an invasion of Israel. Ezekiel 25:13 declares many in Dedan will be killed in a war, which appears to be the result of the Psalm 83 war. If so, this could be the reason they apparently opt out of the Ezekiel invasion.
I believe the glaring omission of the Psalm 83 Arab confederates from the Ezekiel 38 list of invaders suggests they are not part of the Ezekiel 38-39 invasion. It is highly possible that they are defeated either prior to, or in the aftermath of, the Ezekiel 38 – 39 Israeli War prophecy. Listed below are a few of the reason I believe Psalm 83 precedes Ezekiel 38.
Ezekiel 38:8-13 mandates that Israel must be dwelling securely, without walls, bars, or gates, and in the center of the land, probably alluding to the Genesis 15:18 landmass. Additionally, the Jewish State must be in receipt of great spoil. In my estimation, Israel today is not fulfilling these conditions.
Israel is unable to dwell securely as a result of their surrounding Psalm 83 hostile Arab neighbors. Walls, bars, and gates exist in Israel today in order to protect them from being terrorized by certain members of the Psalm 83 confederates, like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinians in general. Additionally, the goal of the Ezekiel 38 invaders is to destroy Israel and take plunder and great spoil. Israel doesn’t’ presently appear to possess the great spoil that Russia and their coalition will someday covet.
However, in the aftermath of an Israeli Conquest over the Psalm 83 confederates, all of the above requirements could easily be met. A safe dwelling Israel could temporarily emerge. Arab spoils of war could be had, additional territory annexed, and walls, bars, and gates could be swiftly brought down.
Another important distinction between the prophecies of Ezekiel 38 and Psalm 83 is found in their differing motives. Psalm 83:12 declares that the Arab confederates want to destroy Israel to take over the Promised Land. Ezekiel 38:12-13 states the Ezekiel invaders seek to destroy the Jewish State and confiscate plunder and great spoil.
The Exceedingly Great Army of Ezekiel 37:10 Argument
Another important difference between Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 may be understood by identifying the purpose of the “exceedingly great army” of Ezekiel 37:10. The Ezekiel 38 invaders are destroyed divinely, but the Psalm 83 Arab confederates appear to be defeated by the Israeli Defense Forces according to Ezekiel 25:14, and Obadiah 1:18.
Interestingly, an exceedingly great army of Israel is mentioned in Ezekiel 37:10. This reference seemingly segues into the Ezekiel 38 – 39 prophecy. Logically, a reader might assume this army plays an instrumental role in the war of Ezekiel 38. However, Ezekiel 38:18- 39:6 teaches that this army plays little to no part in Ezekiel’s invasion.
Upon closer investigation, this army appears to be the tool empowered by God to defeat the Psalm 83 Arab confederacy. If so, the fact that the army of Ezekiel 37:10 is referenced prior to the Ezekiel 38-39 war passages infers that chronologically Psalm 83 precedes Ezekiel 38.
Some of today’s expositors teach that Ezekiel 37:10 alludes to a “multitude” rather than an army. However, there are some important interpretive details to consider when deciphering Ezekiel 37:10. The Hebrew word Ezekiel uses in verse 10 for army is, "chayil" and it is used 12 times elsewhere by Ezekiel and over 225 times throughout the Old Testament.
All of Ezekiel’s usages and many Old Testament renderings clearly depict it as either an army or riches acquired via the spoils obtained in the aftermath of a war. Nowhere else in the book of Ezekiel can it possibly be translated as a multitude. This establishes precedent that an army rather than a multitude is being described by Ezekiel.
Ezekiel’s 12 specific usages of the word “chayil” are as follows;
1. Ezek. 17:17 Pharaoh’s army
2. Ezek. 26:12 Babylonian army taking “riches” or spoil from victory over Tyre
3. Ezek. 27:10-11 armies of Tyre
4. Ezek. 28:4-5 riches acquired by the ruler of Tyre
5. Ezek. 29:18-19 Nebuchadnezzar’s army
6. Ezek. 32:31 Pharaoh’s army
7. Ezek. 37:10 Israel’s army
8. Ezek. 38:4, 15 armies of Gog of Magog.
SOVIET MILITARYFurther supporting the proper interpretation being an army, the following Bible translations interpret chayil to be an “army”: King James Version, New King James Version, American Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New International Version, New Living Translation, New Century Version, and The Living Bible.
Conversely, the Revised Standard Version translates the word as “host”. The New Revised Standard Version calls it a “multitude”. Obviously the reasons to interpret Ezekiel 37:10 as an army far outweigh the arguments for it alluding to a host or multitude.
In conclusion, the fulfillment of a Bible prophecy mandates that the episode meets the prophetic description of the event entirely and exactly. There can be no overlooking even the slightest detail given. The growing tendency amongeschatologists to recognize that current Mideast events are stage setting for the coming Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 wars is to be commended. However, newspaper exegesis can often cause us to overlook significant prophetic details and should be avoided.
Perhaps Ezekiel 38 will come soon and precede Psalm 83, but from the numerous points made above it is doubtful. There are ten members listed in Psalm 83 not listed in Ezekiel 38. These ten represent Israel’s most observable modern day enemies since becoming a nation in 1948. They should be considered carefully before elevating the Ezekiel 38 – 39 Gog of Magog invasion to an imminent event.
Joint exercises between China (Kings of the East) and Russia (Gog)
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ATTENTION ALL ACTIVE AND RETIRED MILITARY, IF YOU GO TO A VA HOSPITAL, YOU VERY WELL KNOW THAT THE FOLLOWING I AM ABOUT TO TELL YOU IS TRUE;
In recent years the VA Hospitals Nation Wide as well as Overseas are being flooded by Chinese Doctors. WHY? China has declared in their Country that they will attack the united states and I believe that Obama's ties to china is not a mistake about what you see going on in America right now.
I believe that Medical Record information is being gathered to know and mark certain individuals that could be a threat. It is a Fact that China and Russia have recently signed a unified Pact of Support and both China and Russia will play a major role in attacking Israel in the Last Days.
I believe that China is preparing for an Invasion of the United States and they have the ability to use EMP which when fired and exploded above the United States will send the United States back to the 1800's. It will knock out all communications, all lights, all electric power, no car, or truck will be able to drive.
Nuclear Weapons will not be able to fire back except those in our Nuclear subs overseas but will not have any communications ability to order an attack.
It would be critical for China or Russia to knock out our ability to launch any attack on them in support of Israel and with us out of the military picture, Israel will face a massive attack on their own....or well they?
Actually God says that He will fight Israel's battle and wipe out those invading armies
LOOK AT THE NEWSPAPERS, LOOK AT THE NEWS ON TV !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look at what is happening in the Middle East right now THE BIBLE WAS RIGHT ON AND WHAT THE BIBLE SAID WOULD HAPPEN IS COMING ABOUT NOW.
ARE YOU READY?
I am Ready and waiting.....Just don't know when.
Shalom
The bible said over 3000 years ago that the Country to the far East would have a 200 Million Man Army, 3000 YEARS AGO THERE WAS NOT EVEN HALF THAT NUMBER ON THE WHOLE PLANET
I didn't have a chance to read all the way through, but there is supposed to be a peace treaty with Israel that will be broken by the anti-christ . The anti-christ will have to rule first. With all the things Obama is passing and proposing, makes one wonder....
The word rapture is taken from the Latin verb (rapere) which is used in the Latin Bible in 1 Thess. 4:17. The English meaning is "to be seized" or "to be caught up".
The Rapture refers to an event which will mark the end of the Church Age and which will be an occasion of great joy to Christian believers. All believers, both those who have died and those who are alive at the time, will be taken up to meet Jesus Christ, who will have returned to "the air", earth's atmosphere. Then, the Christians and the Lord Jesus will return to heaven together. At the time of the Rapture, Christ will not set foot on earth; and He will be visible only to believers. READ 1 Thess. 4:17; Acts 1:11.
The Rapture is to be distinguished from the Second Advent of Christ. While the Rapture sets the stage for the Second Coming, these are two separate events. A chart giving comparisons between these two future appearances of Christ is found in a later section of this article.
There has been controversy for many generations concerning the timing of the final events in human history. The position held by the majority of categorical and fundamental Bible teachers is as follows:
* We are presently in the dispensation known as the Church Age, and we do not know when this age will end.
* The Rapture will ...
The word rapture is taken from the Latin verb (rapere) which is used in the Latin Bible in 1 Thess. 4:17. The English meaning is "to be seized" or "to be caught up".
The Rapture refers to an event which will mark the end of the Church Age and which will be an occasion of great joy to Christian believers. All believers, both those who have died and those who are alive at the time, will be taken up to meet Jesus Christ, who will have returned to "the air", earth's atmosphere. Then, the Christians and the Lord Jesus will return to heaven together. At the time of the Rapture, Christ will not set foot on earth; and He will be visible only to believers. READ 1 Thess. 4:17; Acts 1:11.
The Rapture is to be distinguished from the Second Advent of Christ. While the Rapture sets the stage for the Second Coming, these are two separate events. A chart giving comparisons between these two future appearances of Christ is found in a later section of this article.
There has been controversy for many generations concerning the timing of the final events in human history. The position held by the majority of categorical and fundamental Bible teachers is as follows:
* We are presently in the dispensation known as the Church Age, and we do not know when this age will end.
* The Rapture will occur at the end of the Church Age; and the day of the Rapture will be the first day of the sever-year period known as the Great Tribulation.
* The Second Coming of Christ will occur on the last day of the Tribulation period and will usher in the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ.
The statements above are part of a position, or viewpoint, concerning the chronology of the final events of human history, a doctrinal concept known as the Pre-Tribulation Rapture / Pre-Millennium Tribulation view. There are several other schools of though among Christian scholars; and this article does not attempt to sort out the differences in these viewpoints categorically.
The study of the various points of view, and an examination of the proofs that the Pre-Tribulation/Pre-Millennial position is the correct one, is indeed a fascinating study. But the students needs considerable background to handle such research, including a thorough knowledge of general prophecy, a good general orientation to the whole Bible, and a lot of practice in tracing threads of logic through interwoven networks of Bible doctrine. For the time being we will settle for ...
A Description of the Rapture
The Rapture was promised by the Lord Jesus Christ just before His crucifixion, John 14:1-3. At the Rapture, He keeps His promise and fulfills the prophecy. The Rapture completes the Redemption of the body because the believer receives a resurrection body at that time, Phil. 3:20,21; 1 John 3:1,2. It would be useful at this point to read the description of the Rapture in 1 Cor. 15:51-53 and then to note the comments below concerning the terminology used.
mystery -- a doctrine "hidden" from the Old Testament saints. The Rapture is pertinent only to the Church Age and was never revealed to believers living before the beginning of the Church Age.
we shall not all sleep --- i.e., there will be some believers alive at the time of the Rapture.
we shall all be changed - refers to the resurrection body.
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye -- a reference to the time element. The Rapture is not a long, drawn out process of evacuation. We will be with Christ instantly.
the dead shall be raised incorruptible -- the resurrection body does not include the decay and corruption of sin and death.
we shall all be changed -- another reference to the new physical body and new personal attributes associated with the resurrection body.
this corruptible must put on incorruption -the most important feature of the resurrection body is that there will be no Sin Nature.
this mortal must put on immortality -- the believer will not die but will receive an immortal body.
The dead in Christ (believers who have died previous to the Rapture) will be raised first. Then, those who are still alive will be taken up. 1 Thess. 4:16,17.
The Rapture is a rendezvous for living and dead Christians. Confidence in the Rapture is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Thess. 4:18.
In principle, the Lord Jesus Christ is the "first fruits" of the believer, as noted in 1 Cor. 15:20-23. Read this passage first, then note the following comments:
firstfruits -- pictures the resurrection of Christ which is a guarantee of our bodily resurrection.
by man came death -- through Adam came spiritual death with the end result of physical death for every human.
by man came also the resurrection -- by Jesus Christ, in His humanity, came spiritual resurrection (salvation) followed by physical resurrection, Phil. 3:21.
The word "hope", translated from the Greek word elpiV (elpis), meaning "confidence", is a technical designation for the Rapture in at least three Bible passages, including:
* The living hope, 1 Peter 1:3
* The blessed hope, Titus 2:13
* The purifying hope, 1 John 3:3
The Rapture takes the sting out of death, 1 Cor. 15:54-56. Therefore, the Rapture removes the despair of bereavement, 1 Thess. 4:13-18. This confidence in the Rapture comes through the obtaining of wisdom, discernment, and knowledge of the Plan of God, Job 19:25-27. The edified believer has confidence. The result is blessing, peace, a relaxed mental attitude, and stability.
The believer has a "reservation" in heaven, 1 Peter 1:4; Eph. 2:6. The Rapture takes the believer to the "mansion" which Christ has prepared in advance, John 14.
The testing which the believer and the Church endure during the Church Age is terminated with the Rapture. The Body of Christ is no longer a target of Satan in spiritual warfare.
It is not known, and cannot be predicted, when the Rapture will occur. Nevertheless, the Bible directs us to pursue certain activities while waiting for the Rapture. These are given in the last section of this article. Meanwhile, take a look at ...
What to do While Waiting for the Rapture
Stay in Fellowship. "And now, little children, abide in Him; that when He shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." 1 John 2:28
Employ the Faith-Rest techniques. "Now we beseech you, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by forged letters as from us, as that day of Christ is at hand." 2 Thess. 2:1,2
Have Confidence. "Being confident of this very things, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil. 1:6
Have Patience. "Be patient, therefore, unto the coming of the Lord..." James 5:7
Grow in Christ by continuing to be edified. "...be ye also patient, stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:8 See also Isaiah 33:4 and 2 Tim. 2:15
Contrasts Between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ
The Rapture
The Second Coming of Christ
Only believers see Christ. The Rapture is private. Heb. 9:28; Acts 1:11 Every eye shall see Him. The Second Coming of Christ is public. Rev. 1:7
Christ meets believers in the air, 1 Thess. 4:17 Christ sets foot on the Mount of Olives, Zech. 14:4
Believers are taken off the earth, John 14:3 At the Second Coming, unbelievers are taken off the earth, Mt. 24:37f
Believers go to heaven, 1 Thess. 4:17 At the Second Coming, believers come back to earth with Christ, 1 Thess. 3:13; Col. 3:4;, 2 Thess 4:13; Zech. 14:5
There is no timetable for the Rapture The Second Coming is seven years after the Rapture, Matt. 24:29-30
Believers are rewarded. 1 Cor. 3:11-15; Rev. 22:12 Unbelievers are judged at the Second Coming; the Baptism of Fire takes place, Matt. 25:31,32,46
The Rapture is a source of comfort to the believer, 1 Thess. 4:18 The Second Coming of Christ is a source of terror for the unbeliever, Rev. 6:15-17
There are no changes in nature associated with the Rapture There are many changes in nature associated with the Second Coming, Isa. 35
The world is not judged at the Rapture. The people of the world are judged at the Second Coming, Jude 15]
The Rapture is a mystery of the Church Age, 1 Cor. 15:51 The Second Coming is the subject of extensive prophecy in the Old Testament.
The unconditional covenants such as those with Abraham and David are not fulfilled at the Rapture. The covenants are fulfilled at the Second Coming; Israel inherits her possessions.
There is no dealing with Satan or demons at the Rapture. At the Second Coming, Satan is bound for a thousand years, Rev. 20:2
II Timothy 1:12