Prophecy and Current Events

Art Work by Bill Cristman, (c) 1993

"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst and to prepare for it." (Patrick Henry, 1775)

"History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic declines. There has either been a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral lapse, or an ultimate natural disaster." (General Douglas MacArthur)

This is part six of a multi-part series dealing with the nation of Israel. In the previous issue, we completed discussion of current events and how they related to the 38th chapter of the book of Ezekiel. We identified the timing, motivation and target of that invasion. We discussed how Saudi Arabia and the West, primarily the U.S., are apparently caught off-guard by that invasion and respond with what amounts to a diplomatic protest.

In this issue, we will discuss some recent developments and begin discussion of Ezekiel, chapter 39. This is a very important chapter. It records the method that God uses to judge Russia and "another country." It also describes the cleanup after the battle. The cleanup is significant because nowhere else in the Bible is the cleanup after a battle dealt with in such great detail. Since Romans 15:4 tells us that nothing in God's Word is trivial or incidental, we must deduce that God is communicating something of importance across the almost 2500 years of history that have passed since Ezekiel first recorded this prophesy.

It will become clear that God's judgment upon Magog, her allies, and upon another nation, "which lives in the safety of the far distant coastlands", most likely involves the use of nuclear weapons.

Does the mention of nuclear weapons cause an emotional response in you?

Just the thought of nuclear weapons makes most of us feel uncomfortable. We don't like dealing with negative issues. This is true of human beings, both as individuals and corporately as a nation. In fact, a psychological profile of the West done by Russia, indicates that the U.S. "does not want to know the truth." Jean Kirkpatrick, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., calls it "the will to disbelieve the horrible."

But God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity (2 Tim 1:7). Jesus does not expect us to put our heads in the sand when we see danger approaching. He told us to watch and to pray for escape from the judgment coming upon the world (Luke 21:36). The Bible does have a lot to say about judgment, both the final judgment upon the earth and judgment upon nations that have turned their backs on God. But the Bible also has much to say about God's protection. "The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps and delivers them; because they take refuge in Him." (Psalm 37:39-40) We need to be aware of what is coming, but we also need to trust in Him to protect us through it. Can we be sure that God will protect His children? We have only to read His Book.

Noah and his family were protected throughout the flood by the Ark that Noah built in obedience to God's command. During their exodus from Egypt, God fed the children of Israel with Manna in the wilderness and provided water out of solid rock. He parted the Red Sea to make a way of escape from the Egyptian army. Lot and His family were escorted out of the city by Angels before Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked through the fire of the furnace, because God walked with them.

God protects those who love Him (and are obedient to His commands). However, as the Israeli invasion force will soon discover, there is no escape for the enemies of God.

Things are continuing to move into alignment for this battle. The ongoing Chechnya conflict is proving to be of prophetic significance. Chechnya is located just north of the Caucasus mountains in the Russian republic of Georgia, biblically known as Magog. We know that God will draw Magog into this ill-fated invasion of Israel by putting "hooks in their jaw". It appears that the Chechnyian affair may prove to be one of those hooks.

On July 5, 1995 the "USA Today" reported that "talks between Russia and the break-away republic of Chechnya disintegrated Tuesday [July 4] when the Chechen negotiator condemned a Kremlin decree establishing a permanent army presence in the rebel area." This means that Russia has a burgeoning military presence just 900 miles north of Israel. The Russian bear is in position for its final plunge south toward Israel and the riches of the Middle East.

As discussed in previous issues, Russia has been negotiating with Iran, exchanging nuclear technology and weapons for both Iran's silence in the Chechnyian affair (the Chechnyians are Muslim) and to prevent radical Muslim agitation in the southern republics of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyztan. Russia is becoming hopelessly entangled in Muslim affairs. Furthermore, considering that every Arab state has expressed support for their Muslim brothers in Chechnya, Russia's predicament becomes more and more difficult. What price will they pay to maintain the relationship with their new-found Muslim allies? We know from God's word that it will be their direct involvement with and leadership of the Israeli invasion force.

Ehud Ya'ari, a Jew from a Caucasus city west of Chechnya, discusses this entanglement in an article entitled "The Northern Middle East" ("Jerusalem Report", June 29, 1995). He writes "The Caucasus, with Chechnya at its heart, is the new front line between Russia and the Islamic world; the new starting line for rising competition between Iran and Turkey; and the new point of contact between Israel and its Muslim environment. Whatever happens in the Caucasus will affect Moscow's stance toward Islamic powers far beyond...Jerusalem's current interest in the region is to rescue the 30,000 Jews from the Caucasus and, beyond that, is exporting goods in a limited capacity. Israel can only look on and watch the growing battle for influence, which our ancestors would have seen as something on the scale of Gog and Magog." An incredible choice of words and accurate prophetic assessment.

So the Russian army is now in strategic proximity to the countries with whom she will ally in the attempt to destroy Israel. To the west and southwest of Chechnya lie Turkey and Armenia, the House of Togarmah. To the south, en route to Israel, lie Iraq and Iran (Persia). Chechnya is also close to Russia's Black Sea naval facilities, which would be key to quick deployment to the south and to the west.

"Gomer and all his bands" are also part of the Israeli invasion force. Gomer was an immediate descendant of Noah who settled north of the Black Sea and then migrated westward into what is today Eastern Germany and Poland. So Israel will be hemmed in by the Mediterranean on the West, on the east by Iran and Iraq, to the north by Syria and Turkey. "Cush" (Ethiopia) and "Put" (Libya) to the south will complete the invasion force, making Israeli escape an impossibility.

Interestingly, Syria--though not mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39-- remains a major threat to Israel. Syria is the leading Arab country in the development of chemical weapons. They have thousands of chemical bombs and a well-developed delivery system of Scud-B missiles and attack aircraft. She also has recently begun to produce the longe-range Scud-C missiles, in cooperation with Iran, North Korea and China. With these missiles, Syria can strike every point in Israel.

Should Israel decide to launch a preemptive first strike against Syria (see Isaiah chapter 17; Damascus is destroyed, never to be inhabited again), Russia would be forced to retaliate on behalf of her ally. In this event, Russia's alliance with Syria would prove to be another "hook in the jaw", which would draw Russia into the Israeli invasion. This is especially likely given Russia's growing ties to the Muslim nations. If that were to happen, Israel would use all options available to defend herself--including nuclear weapons.

Israel has openly stated that she will never be conquered again and, if faced with annihilation, would use the "Sampson" option (nuclear weapons). "The Jerusalem Post" reported in the June 17, 1995 issue that Israel's new and improved Jericho missile has been deployed. The Jericho-2 missile has a range of 930 miles and can carry a payload of 500 kg with incredible accuracy. Considering Israel has a significant stockpile of nuclear weapons, Israel can now reach southern Russia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and Libya. Rest assured that this has not been overlooked by either Russia or the radical Muslim nations, who may use it as an excuse to invade Israel and protect their borders from this "growing Israeli threat."

Israel's recent discovery of oil south of the Dead Sea may also prove to be a factor in the dynamics of this invasion. Russia has plans to use the oil-flow from the Middle East, and the strategic metal resources of South Africa (now communist), as a weapon against the West. As discussed in previous issues, Iran is fortifying islands and deploying Russian-built submarines and anti-ship cruise missiles in the Straights of Hormuz, through which passes 25% of the world's oil. Israel's new-found oil, if it proves to be a massive strike, would render these tactics less effective and may be a factor in their decision to invade and "take a spOIL." (Eze 38:12). The radical Muslim nations would also see the discovery of oil as not only a threat to their oil cartel, but as a source of funding for Israel to continue to build her defense forces. Things are moving into alignment for this battle.

On the Russian homefront, Boris Yeltzin has recently been hospitalized with various health problems, including a mild heart attack. He has recovered; however, should he relapse and remain incapacitated, Prime Minister Viktor Cheromyrdin would take over. Cheromyrdin recently cut a deal with the Chechnyian rebels to defuse a hostage situation. Cheromyrdin has been growing steadily in popularity in Russia and, although he has said he would not oppose Yeltzin, he could find himself in charge. This is the same Viktor Cheromyrdin who has made veiled threats of war against the West. For example, he has made it clear that should the West come to Bosnia's aid, Russia would have no choice but to back the Serbs.

In any event, if Israel is put in a position of having to defend herself against overwhelming odds, or if she decides to launch a preemptive first strike, a nuclear disaster could certainly ensue. If this occurs, the world would want peace at any cost. Enter the "man of peace" (the anti-christ) and the One-World Government, stage left (to be discussed in a later issue).

Let's pick up with Chapter 39, continuing Ezekiel's prophesy.

"Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal." (Eze 39:1)

As we have extensively documented in this series, Ezekiel's prophesy is directed against Magog's head, the leader of an invading body which consists of the combined forces of the Russian army and their radical Muslim allies.

"And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel." (Eze 39:2)

God himself pulls Russia into the foray to execute judgment upon her, and that judgment results in almost total annihilation of the invading forces (5/6's are destroyed) on the mountains of Israel.

"And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand." (Eze 39:3)

As discussed a couple of issues ago, Ezekiel describes this futuristic scene in the Hebrew language of his day which, in turn, was translated in 1611 into the English language by King James' translators. What Ezekiel actually saw, from an examination of the original Hebrew, was "a piercing shaft that was projected like a thunderbolt from God." In 1611, this was interpreted as a bow and arrow; but in today's vernacular, we could easily translate this verse: "I will strike your missile launchers from your left hand and make your missiles drop from your right hand."

"Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD." (Eze 39:4-5)

The invasion force only makes it as far as the mountains of Israel, where they are slaughtered and lay in the fields for the beasts and ravenous birds to devour.

39:6 "And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel tells us that God will judge by fire both Magog (Russia) and another nation that lives "carelessly in the isles". The invasion force is also judged by fire, as recorded in Ezekiel 38:22-23. The fire is accompanied by an "overflowing rain, great hailstones, and brimstone." A nuclear burst could certainly result in these dynamics.

For example, a nuclear burst would expand and rise high into the atmosphere where it would cool, condense, and result in giant hailstones and an overflowing rain. The giant earthquake that occurs in the middle of this battle (Eze 38:19-20) could be the aftermath of a nuclear burst which, in turn, could cause the volcanic activity (brimstone) that Ezekiel described. It is also possible that the fire and brimstone that Ezekiel saw was nuclear fire or the heat shields of missiles entering the atmosphere.

In any case, it is a major cataclysmic event which will cause the world to acknowledge the existence of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The identity of this other nation is not disclosed by name. There are, however, some clues given and conjectures we can make as to the identity of this "other country" hidden in the text of Ezekiel 39:6. We know that this nation:

1) Is not identified by name.

2) Probably has intercontinental ballistic missile capability.

3) Has inhabitants who live in the far distant coastland.

4) Has inhabitants who dwell under a false sense of peace or security.

5) Is no longer one nation under God.

More importantly, whatever country this is, it merits God's judgment.

The U.S. is one of 180 countries in the world. There is no question that the U.S. is experiencing many of the "signs of judgment" enumerated in Isaiah 1-5, Deuteronomy 28, and Amos 4:6-8. We have also spilt innocent blood in the land (40 million aborted babies). If you do not have a copy of the three-part series entitled "What in Heaven is Happening to America", which discusses how the U.S. appears to be fulfilling the signs of God's judgment, please write to request it. Whether or not this other nation is the U.S. remains to be seen, but let's look more closely at what we do know about it from Ezekiel's prophesy.

This in itself is a clue to the identity of this nation. Genesis, chapter 10, is commonly referred to as the Table of Nations. Nations in the Bible are designated by the names of the sons of Noah who settled there. It is possible, therefore, that this unnamed nation was not directly settled by any of Noah's sons and thus is not on the Asian/European or African continents.

If we assume that God's judgment takes the form of a nuclear exchange, and that the "other nation" exists on another continent, then they must have intercontinental ballistic missile capability.

However, I.C.B.M's are not the only possibility. It could be the result of terrorist activity. Russia and the radical Muslim nations that invade Israel will know that the United States is Israel's ally. The invasion will be massive and swift, and the United States mounts only a diplomatic protest. Has the U.S. been caught off-guard?

There are other possibilities, as well. Acting CIA Director Admiral Studeman and FBI Director Perry recently told a Congressional committee that terrorist organizations opposed to the peace process not only have the ability to

produce chemical and biological weapons, but could also be acquiring nuclear weapons from the former Soviet Union. We know Iran has at least four nuclear bombs. In a recent article, "New Republic" magazine revealed that dozens of Hamas terrorists are receiving training in the United States in the preparation of car bombs. They disclosed the existence of secret Hamas training camps in the United States and even name the group's leaders and mosques.

Was it coincidence that about a month before the Oklahoma City bombing, we heard that the CIA had been put on alert because of reports that a nuclear weapon had been smuggled into the United States? Was the Oklahoma bombing a horrific diversion? Given Iran's hatred of the United States and the growing outcry against the United States for meddling in Muslim affairs, it doesn't take a physicist to surmise that one or two tactical nuclear blasts would be more than sufficient to distract the United States while the invasion of Israel is in full force.

A study of the Hebrew word transliterated "`iy" which comes from the Hebrew root word "ilya", is translated "isles" in this passage. It occurs 34 times in the Old Testament and is usually interpreted as island or coastland. The Hebrew root word means a remote, pleasant island or coastland.

In the last issue, we examined the scripture reference to "the merchants of Tarshish with all the young lions thereof." We learned that "young lions" was derived from the Hebrew word for "whelps" or "cubs" and, in the context of the passage, refer to future nations that result from the colonization activity of traders from Tarshish. The fleet of Tarshish was sometimes used in scripture to describe an ocean-going navy. We surmised that when Ezekiel mentions "the merchants of Tarshish and the young lions thereof", he was most likely referring to a future nation, with an ocean-going navy, that was associated with or colonized--directly or indirectly--as a result of the Phoenician's colonization activity. This activity includes the United States.

We discussed Isaiah chapter 60, verse 9, which tells us that, in the last days, some of the Jews return home to Israel in "ships of Tarshish." We identified the U.S. as having the largest concentration of Jews in the world and conjectured that when the mass exodus of Jews from the U.S. begins, undoubtedly many will seek transit by ships which can carry thousands of passengers at a single crossing.

Isaiah 60:9 refers to the departure point for this ocean-going navy that transports the Jews home to Israel as "il"', the same term used in Ezekiel 39:6 to describe the "other nation" that is judged with fire. This distant island or coastland is "in the lead" (which means, from the Hebrew, first in rank). The text also tells us that the ocean-going ships of Tarshish bring home the children of Israel from "afar" (which, in Hebrew, means a remote, precious place). In all cases, the United States is definitely a candidate.

"Surely the islands (Strong's reference number 0339, the Hebrew word transliterated `iy, meaning remote island or coast land) look to me; in the lead (Strong's reference number 7223, the Hebrew word transliterated ri'shown, meaning first in place, time or rank) are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your sons from afar, (Strong's Reference Number: 7350, the Hebrew transliterated word: rachowq, meaning remote, lit. or fig., of place or time; spec. precious) with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor." (ISA 60:9)

God tells us that this nation "is dwelling carelessly". The word carelessly is translated from the Hebrew word transliterated as "betach" (Stong's Reference number 983). We are familiar with this term. It is the same term that was used to describe the mental state of Israel just prior to the Magog Russian invasion. It refers to the state of mind of feeling secure (not actually being secure in a physical sense).

The United States does live in the safety of the far distant coastlands. Although we have endured two world wars, no foreign invader ever set foot on U.S. soil; we were effectively protected by thousands of miles of ocean on all sides. However, with the advent of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles and the escalation of international terrorism, we are no longer physically secure.

Furthermore, with the so-called demise of Communism in Russia, the media tells us that the Cold War is over, and that not only is Russia no longer a threat, but that she is our new democratic friend. What deception. We are to believe that Russia suddenly decided to abandon its communist goals of the last 70 years. And since Russia is now our trusted friend, the U.S. has shut down its early-warning radar systems, grounded its strategic bombers, closed its bases, and reduced troop strength. Everyone is talking about the peace dividend, is in essence crying "Peace, peace", but there is no peace. We are certainly experiencing a sense of security such as we haven't known since the beginning of this century.

While the U.S. unilaterally disarms, Russia continues to build its military machine at unprecedented rates. Intelligence reports indicate that Russia has now built over 60 Typhoon class submarines ("Red Octobers"). These submarines are silent and undetectable by sonar nets. Each has 20 missile tubes; each missile has 10 independently-targeted warheads. They have a range of 5,000 miles and can conceivably reach the United States from their homeports. With all the unrest in Russia, she is more dangerous today then at any time in history. The current movie "Crimson Tide" dramatically illustrates how easily a nuclear exchange could be precipitated.

To make matters worse, the U.S. and other IMF (International Monetary Fund) nations are continuing to fund Russia's military build-up. The latest loan to Russia is 6.5 billion dollars, of which 22% is out of the U.S. Treasury. With it, Russia is currently building a new class of attack submarines which is far advanced of anything else afloat. They have also developed an underwater missile and anti-ship cruise missiles which can be launched by submarine.

Deception is one of Satan's key devices. Russia's false liberalization and deliberately-painted picture of stagnation and economic deficiency has not only stimulated the largest unilateral disarmament of the United States in history, but has duped us into sending money so they can build the armament necessary to neutralize us. We are funding our own possible destruction!

The fact is that we are more vulnerable today to a surprise nuclear attack than at any other time in history. Practically overnight, the U.S. has dropped its defenses, inviting a preemptive first-strike by the awakening Russian bear. Clearly, the Bear is awake, hungry, and is preparing to devour much flesh.

This increasingly militant stance in part results from the bloody conflict between Yeltzin and the Parliament in 1993. It was a standoff until, at the last hour, the Army came to Yeltzin's rescue. Why did the Army wait so long to support their president? What did General Grachev negotiate? The answer might be found in the 23-page document presented on November 23, 1993 by the Russian general and approved by Yeltzin. It redefined current Russian Military Doctrine:

1) The military abandoned its former longstanding pledge not to exploit a nuclear first strike if it, or its allies, are attacked with conventional weapons.

How interesting that Iran has allied herself with Russia. And Clinton, as the next election approaches, is rattling the saber toward Iran.

2) The military may intervene in domestic crises to protect the constitutional system.

There have been over 30 border disputes in the last three years. The Army is clearly active, recently in Chechnya. But what is even more alarming is the launching of three Russian satellites during the time of the Parliament crisis. These were Russia's most advanced electronic intelligence systems. The last was an oceanic surveillance satellite. But since Russia does not have significant sea assets to be monitored, and because of its orientation, it is feared that it will be used to track U.S. Trident submarines, rendering them vulnerable to a preemptive first strike.

Add in the fact that on January 1, 1996, U.S. submarine commanders can no longer launch missiles without direct electronic command from our Commander and Chief. This will inevitably cause a delay in our response time, allowing Russia opportunity to neutralize the submarines. It is certainly in the realm of possibility that Russia could destroy our subs, take out our silos in the Midwest, and hold our population centers hostage. Consider that there is no "King of the West" mentioned in the final battle of Armageddon.

In spite of Russia's economic problems, they continue to build up their Military. Yet we are supposedly friends and at peace. It begs the question: What are they preparing for? Meanwhile the U.S., under strong delusion, disarms.

Verse six also tells us that Russia and this other nation, as a result of this judgment, "will know that I am God." The word "know" in this passage is the transliterated Hebrew word "yada`" (Strong's Reference number 3045). The word "yada`" occurs 897 times in the Old Testament; 439 times it is translated "to know" in an experiential sense, as in "seeing is believing". As a result of God's judgment, these nations will know that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the one true God. Which is exactly what God tells us later in Ezekiel, chapter 39.

We can certainly visualize that godless Russia, as a result of this judgment, will come to know God. However, we must consider other countries, as well. Today, Russia, the United States, and many other nations have lost their God-consciousness. Many people are rebellious and hedonistic, lacking morality and respect for God, country, parents, the elderly, property, etc. As a result of God's judgment, the unbelieving people of Russia, the United States, and other countries will once again know that He exists, because they will personally see His hand protecting Israel while executing judgment on Russia and the "other nation."

In Proverbs 30:4, the term "yada`" is also used. It reads: "Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know! [yada`, 3045]." These nations will again know the name of God and the name of His son, Jesus Christ. The desired of the nations shall come; and many will be saved by seeking and coming to know (in a spiritual sense) the Holy One of Israel.

In closing, recognize that the text in Ezekiel 39:6 did not say to what extent this "other nation" will be judged by fire. God's word says that I [God] will judge those that judge thee [the Jewish people] and bless those that bless thee. America is still Israel's leading supporter. In addition, 85% of world evangelism originates from the United States. Pat Robertson feels, and this author agrees, that we are on the verge of the largest harvest of souls in the history of the world. Mr. Robertson recently stated that he believes God revealed to him that the U.S. will be spared from God's wrath for the next five years--as long as we continue in world evangelism.

If God tempers his wrath for these reasons, it is possible that only limited destruction will be forthcoming. But Pat Robertson also feels that the world will experience God's progressive judgment upon the earth during that same five years. Natural disasters are increasing world-wide, as well as within the U.S. These judgments are God's "signature judgments." They are designed to cause man to turn back to God, not to utterly destroy him. But do not be deceived. Neither America, nor any other nation, is exempt from God's judgment.

Next time, we will complete our discussion of Ezekiel chapter 39, discuss a possible season for this battle, and differentiate this battle from the battle of Armageddon.

In the interim, stay close to God, repent (2 Chronicles 7:14), listen to His voice, and be faithful and obedient to whatever He tells you. Remember, "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." (Proverbs 22:3)

"I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty." (Hag 2.7)

"Watch and pray, therefore, that you would be counted worthy to escape the judgment that is coming upon the earth and be able to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).

Maranatha!

References:

Armageddon, Appt with Destiny, Grant Jeffery, Bantam Books

Vladimir Zhrinovsky, The Man Who Would Be Gog, Scot Overby, Hearthstone Publishing

Strategic Trends in the 90s, Chuck Missler, Koinonia House

World War III and the U.S., W.S. McBirnie

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