Prophecy and Current Events
Peace, Peace!! Wye II Agreement confirmed on September 5, 1999
A Day of Infamy or an Appointment with Destiny?
By: Vince Aquilino, 09/07/1999
To His Glory Ministries
http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory
On September 4, 1999 Israel and the PLO concluded a new West Bank land-for-security agreement (Ratified September 5, 1999). As result of this agreement (dubbed "WYE II"), Israel is set to begin withdrawal from the West Bank and will also release scores of Palestinian security prisoners.
Under WYE II, Israel and the PA/PLO are also to immediately begin final-status talks with the aim of reaching a statement of principles on final status in five months, and a final-status accord by next September. The agreement establishes an 11 percent territorial withdrawal, to be carried out in three stages. The first, to be executed in the next few days, will transfer 7 percent of land from Israeli military and civilian control to Palestinian civilian and release 200 Palestinian prisoners. A further 150 prisoners will be freed on October 8, with negotiations resuming in December for the possibility of more Palestinian prisoner releases. On November 15, a 5% withdrawal from Judean territory will be made. The last withdrawal will occur on January 20. This will bring the total of "Palestinian-controlled" Judea, Samaria and Gaza (Yesha) to 40%. Interestingly, we note that for the most part, the Agreement does not require any action from the PA/PLO.
At the signing ceremony, Barak made this statement, "This process will strengthen Israel's long-range security and will integrate the fight against terror on both sides". But within 24 hours of the signing of the agreement, two attempted terrorist attacks took place in Israel. At about 5:30 p.m. Sunday evening, a Fiat traveling on Tiberias' Elhadit Street exploded in what police and eyewitnesses called a powerful blast. Police confirmed that the car was carrying an enormous amount of explosives, which resulted in devastation to the surrounding area.
This is not the same picture painted by one reporter who euphemistically wrote: "Ending years of deadlock and distrust, Israel and the Palestinians concluded a new West Bank land-for-security agreement that also charts the course toward a historic final peace accord by September 2000."
Although we once again hear the conciliatory ring of "land for peace", the Scriptures cry out: "For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape." (1 Thes 5:3)
Almost lost in the celebration of this so-called peace accord is the fact that it is not being embraced by the rest of Israel’s enemies: In fact, most Arab states scoffed at the new landmark Israeli-Palestinian accord, with optimistic Egypt being outweighed by a hard-line Iran and Syria. Tehran led the dissenters, in denouncing the new peace accord signed Saturday; they insisted that Israel must in effect cease to exist. "A true peace in the region can only be achieved by the end of occupation of all Palestinian territory, the return of Palestinian refugees and the restoration of their rights," a foreign minister spokesman said. A pessimistic Syrian said they would never sign such an agreement with Israel and was not enthusiastic about the prospects for peace in the region.
Upon completion of Wye II, Israel will have transferred another 11 percent of the West Bank (about 231 square miles), to the Palestinians between September and January, 2000 (excluding Israel’s pledge to carry out one more withdrawal ahead of a final peace deal). This action will further diminish the probability that Israel could respond to an invasion with anything less then a nuclear response.
On the political front, America is continuing to play a role in this process as Clinton hopes to save his foreign policy record prior to leaving office. Albright said the United States is committed to seeing the process through until a comprehensive peace accord has been reached, including Israeli agreements with Syria and Lebanon.
However, the Bible is clear, although America thinks she is on track for a long and lasting peace in the Middle East, America will be caught by surprise when the invasion of Israel commences and makes only what amounts to a diplomatic protest:
"Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil? (Eze 38:13 -- See Ezekiel 38 study on this web site -
http://www.prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade05.htm
As we discussed in "A Clear and Present Danger" http://www.prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/082999up.htm), the "Intelligence Digest" reported that Moscow has agreed to work with Saddam Hussein, Syria, and Iran to launch one final war against Israel (the Ezekiel 38 invasion). Saddam will allow Iranian troops to cross Iraqi territory to join the attack on Israel. And to keep America from interfering, Moscow has given Osama bin Laden and other terrorists the means to attack American population centers with weapons of mass destruction. Intelligence Digest says the threat is real and that it is based on hard intelligence. If America is destabilized prior to the invasion, this may be why America only makes a diplomatic protest.
Of greater significance then the September 5th agreement is the launching of the long-overdue talks on a final peace accord; which according to this new agreement must be concluded by Sept. 10, 2000. The "Final Status Agreement" will address such pointed issues as Palestinian statehood, the status of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees and the future of Jewish settlements. If agreements to the PLO’s satisfaction are not made, it is highly likely that war will result.
The Lord spoke to Ezekiel and said: "Son of man, prophesy and say, 'This is what the Lord says: "'A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! "'Shall we rejoice in the scepter of my son Judah? The sword despises every such stick. "'The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped with the hand; it is sharpened and polished, made ready for the hand of the slayer. Cry out and wail, son of man, for it is against my people; it is against all the princes of Israel. They are thrown to the sword along with my people. Therefore beat your breast. "'Testing will surely come. And what if the scepter of Judah, which the sword despises, does not continue? declares the Sovereign LORD.' "So then, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike twice, even three times. It is a sword for slaughter - a sword for great slaughter, closing in on them from every side. So that hearts may melt and the fallen be many, I have stationed the sword for slaughter at all their gates. Oh! It is made to flash like lightning, it is grasped for slaughter. O sword, slash to the right, then to the left, wherever your blade is turned. I too will strike my hands together, and my wrath will subside. I the LORD have spoken." (Eze 21:9-17)
The word translated "lightning" in Ezekiel 21:10 is the Hebrew word "baraq" (Strong Ref# 1300) which means lightning; or by analogy, a gleam; a flashing sword. It has been noted that "Barak" is derived from this very word and it means lightning. It also interesting that Barak is a celebrated war hero – a man of the sword if you will.
Also, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible has "Ehud", as in Ehud Barak, meaning "United". The term "United" means "many coming together in agreement." A point that shall become relevant a little later in this report.
Syria’s foreign minister Farouk al-Sharaa recently indicated that he expects Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to accept Syria’s demand that Israel return 100% of the Golan Heights. He reasons that Barak was in the mold of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who Syria claims had made a commitment to give back the lost land: "We believe Prime Minister Barak belongs to the school of Rabin and he considers Rabin his mentor and he is going to follow his steps,'' al-Sharaa said. ``We feel he is going to endorse what Rabin did.'' Also we see an association between the works of Rabin and the works of Barak – land for peace – again a point that shall become relevant a little later.
Now let’s examine what we have here.
As I wrote in "Peace in the Middle East – a Prelude to War" (http://www.prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade01.htm), the first major event occurred on September 13, 1993 when the ``Declaration of Principles'' was signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
The first co-incidence is that there are just about seven years between September 13, 1993 and September 10, 2000.
"He [anti-christ] will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." (Dan 9:27)
Now since the animal sacrifices have not yet commenced and the temple has not as yet been rebuilt in any fashion, this agreement could not be the seven-year covenant spoken of in Daniel 9:27. But it may possibly be a clear sign from the Lord that the covenant with the "many" is about to be signed or even possibly this may be that that covenant that will ultimately be "strengthened" (confirmed) by the anti-christ.
We do know that in the aftermath of the defeat of the Ezekiel 38 invasion force, that Israel once again becomes spiritually aware of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Is it possible that the "man of peace", the anti-christ, will at that point step onto the stage of world history and confirm (strengthen) the September 10, 2000 treaty? Will a world that is ready to do anything to avoid another nuclear confrontation, accept his ultimate peace plan? Will that plan include letting the Jew rebuild the temple and the commencement of animal sacrifices? After all, Israel’s enemies have been defeated. Is it possible? Yes!
The second co-incidence is that ``the many'' of Daniel, chapter 9:27, comes from the same Hebrew root word from which we get Rabin. It was Rabin who initiated these peace accords and it is now Barak who is following in Rabin’s foot steps of giving up land for peace. The Holy Spirit is giving us a little additional insight into the current Middle East peace process as it relates to Daniel 9:27.
Consider also the fact that Barak means "lightning." Some feel that because he was a military hero, that he will bring a lightning conclusion to the situation with the PLO, however, in the Scripture lightning has another connotation.
"He [Jesus] replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." (LUK 10:18). Lightning is a symbol for Satan. Consider the Hitler’s infamous "SS". Upon close examination, you will see the "SS" is actually in the form of lightning bolts.
Ehud, as in Ehud Barak, means "unity". Again the covenant of Daniel 9:27 is with the many and the many are obviously in unity as the covenant is cut with Israel.
Putting this all together, one cannot help but think that WYE II is somehow caught up with the covenant of death spoken of by Isaiah:
"Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: (Isaiah 28:14)
If an impasse is reached in the final status negotiations scheduled for completion on September 10, 2000, we may indeed have war. The issues over Palestinian statehood, the status of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees and the future of Jewish settlements have been stumbling blocks from the beginning. They may provide the flash-point that will ignite this war. If Israel and the PLO do come to peace, then it will be short-lived for when that cry peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1 Thes 5:3)
Jerusalem is shaping up to be that burdensome stone spoken if by Zechariah: "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." (ZEC 12:3)
It is hard to believe that the Lord chose us to be alive at the time when He will redeem the earth and those that are his – those that have received the Holy Spirit as a down payment guaranteeing our future redemption. It is the time when the fields are ripe for harvest as multitudes are in the valley of decision (Joel). It may be that this is the time He will send you into the harvest field for night is fast coming when no man may serve Him. Who knows whether we have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
It may not be this year that the door to salvation closes, but it is so very close. It is like watching a storm approaching on the horizon. You don't know the exact time it will hit, but because you are watching, you know it is coming. As it approaches, the signs of the storm intensify; the wind increases, the thunder becomes louder and the lightning grows ever brighter. It finally gets so close that you expect it to be upon you at any moment.
This is how the hour of Jesus' return will be. We cannot know the exact day or hour, but if we are faithful to his command to watch, we will see the signs intensify, and we will know that it is ``time to look up for our salvation draweth nigh.'' However, if we fail to watch and
take heed, we will be caught off guard. Will you then have enough oil in your lamp to meet the Bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13)?
What to Do in Light of These Events
These are exciting topics to be sure, but as we see daily movement toward fulfillment of these prophecies, what should our response be?
First of all, as a ``watchman on the wall'' it is my God-given responsibility to sound the warning so all who have ears to hear will take heed. It is the listener's responsibility to diligently search the scriptures to see if what I tell you is in fact true according to the Bible (Acts 17:11, 1Thes 5:21).
Secondly, as we explore additional prophecies in the months ahead, we believe that there will be little doubt in your minds that Jesus' return is very close. Recognize that the coming of Jesus Christ is the reason for the signs themselves, so that the Church, when it sees the signs, can point to them as evidence of His coming. And the purpose of that evidence is to convict the sinner to seek and get right with God before it is too late. It also serves to encourage Christians to be holy and godly (2 Peter 3:11-14). The daily fulfillment of prophecy is evidence that the Bible is true. And if the Bible is true, then the Bible is correct when it says that salvation, eternal life, is found in only one person and that being Jesus Christ.
Therefore, don't get caught up in fear, but do the work of an evangelist. Don't get so caught up with the future that you forget that many shall die before Christ's Return. Today is the Day of salvation for many who are perishing -- their tomorrow shall not see His return in glory to judge the living and the dead. Today is the day of their salvation. Many are called but few are chosen. Do the work of an Evangelist day in and day out, for the time is short.
And lastly, do not neglect the daily reading of the scriptures and your time in prayer. Remember, bitterness has no place with God. Purify your hearts and thoughts through the washing of the Word. Think on Him continually. He will not fail you but will accomplish all that He will through you. Do not be easily discouraged. There remains much to be done before the fulfillment of all things.
Jesus is coming soon. Seek the Lord while it is still light, for the darkness is coming where no one may seek Him.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Maranatha!
``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).
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