{"id":1229,"date":"2018-01-30T19:08:07","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T18:08:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=1229"},"modified":"2018-01-30T19:20:45","modified_gmt":"2018-01-30T18:20:45","slug":"when-gogs-armies-meet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2018\/01\/30\/when-gogs-armies-meet\/","title":{"rendered":"When Gog’s Armies Meet"},"content":{"rendered":"

CHAPTER III<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE TIME OF THE INVASION OF PALESTINE
\n<\/b><\/span>
<\/center><\/center><\/p>\n

<\/b>Thus far in this discussion we have seen that God has clearly foretold in the prophetic word the invasion of Palestine by the forces of Germany, Russia, Turkey, Persia, Ethiopia, and all their hordes. Furthermore, it has been learned that, when this great army of occupation moves into Palestine to take possession of the land given to the Jewish people by divine decree, there is no battle fought. The western Democracies, according to the prediction, only make a protest. There is no further need of human action, because God by a mighty stroke of divine judgment overthrows these vast forces, annihilating them completely. The God of the universe who created all things and in whom we live, and move, and have our being, can cope with any situation. All the nations are „as a drop in the bucket, and as the small dust of the balance.“<\/p>\n

„Behold, the nations are as a drop in the bucket, and are accounted as the small dust of the balance; behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. 16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing, and vanity“ (Isa. 40:15-17).<\/p>\n

Hence the combined peoples of the earth, with all their material resources, are but as a drop of a bucket and the small dust of the balances; the armies of these nations mentioned, though mighty and powerful, are less than a drop in the bucket. The Lord, therefore, can deal with them practically and efficiently in a moment of time. He can thus wipe them from the face of the globe at will if He desires to do so.<\/p>\n

In this connection it is well for us to remember that no king is saved by a multitude of a host. The deciding factor in every conflict is God. The marvelous statement found in Psalm 33:16-19 throws a flood of light upon this question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    There is no king saved by the multitude of a host:
    \nA mighty man is not delivered by great strength.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    A horse is a vain thing for safety;
    \nNeither doth he deliver any by his great power.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him,
    \nUpon them that hope in his lovingkindness;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    To deliver their soul from death,
    \nAnd to keep them alive in famine.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In this connection it is well for us to ponder the words of the youthful David as he went against the mighty Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, who were the enemies of God and His people.<\/p>\n

    „Then saith David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I came to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will Jehovah deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite thee, and take thy head from off thee; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day unto the birds of the heavens, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that Jehovah saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is Jehovah’s, and he will give you into our hand“ (I Sam. 17:45-47).<\/p>\n

    Having been strengthened by the power of God and enabled to slay a lion and a bear on two former occasions when they pounced upon his flock, David discerned clearly that numbers do not count in a conflict, but that God is the determining factor in every controversy. Being conscious of the fact that the honor of God had been challenged by Goliath and the Philistine forces, which he represented, and being aware that Israel was the Chosen People of God, David, by the special illumination of the Spirit of God and by faith, uttered these memorable words. God always, at the psychological moment, steps in and vindicates His people who are in fellowship with Him and upholds His reputation in the sight of men. This He has done on many occasions.<\/p>\n

    When this invasion of Palestine occurs, and these anti-Semitic forces strike at Israel to despoil her of all her earthly possessions, it will be preeminently time for God to step in and intervene. As proof of this fact note the following statement:<\/p>\n

    It is for Jehovah to work
    \nFor they have made void the law (Psa. 119:126).<\/p>\n

    Since this prophecy speaks of such an epoch-making event, it is of the highest importance that we study most minutely and accurately what the Scriptures say as to the time when it occurs. This prophecy occupies one of the chief positions in the prophetic word. A failure to recognize the time element in this prediction throws the entire program for the future into disorder. It is utterly impossible for one to understand the events just ahead of us in relation to the tribulation unless this prediction is located properly. With the utmost care and diligence, therefore, we must investigate all the data.<\/p>\n

    I. THE FOUR THEORIES ADVANCED<\/p>\n

    Various answers are given by different schools of thought as to the time when this invasion occurs. Since the prediction is so very definite and is given in detail, it is utterly impossible for all four of these hypothesis to be correct. Of four contradictory propositions only one can be right. In some cases when such a predicament arises, even all explanations may be wrong. On the other hand, only one of the four opposite conclusions can possibly be right.<\/p>\n

    Since the time element is probably one of the most important items of this prediction, it behooves us to be most definite and accurate in our statements. All the evidence possible must be presented for each position in order that the reader might understand the situation and weigh all the facts.<\/p>\n

    Regardless of what position the reader might accept, he is in good company, because excellent, God fearing men hold different views. It is needless to say that each one is honest and conscientious in his interpretation of the fact. Of course, being Christian, we never think of drawing a line against a brother who does not see eye-to-eye with us on every point.<\/p>\n

    A. Before the Tribulation <\/i><\/p>\n

    There are born again people who have a fairly accurate knowledge of the Scriptures and who believe that the events of this prophecy occur before the tribulation. Those taking this position locate the fulfillment of this prediction as coming before the tribulation, because the prophets said that Israel would be dwelling securely in the land of their fathers, living in unwalled villages. This time foretold by Ezekiel is a period when the Jews are partially gathered back to their own land from the nations among whom they have been dispersed through the centuries. According to Jesus (Matt. 24:37-39) and Paul (I Thess. 5:3) there is to be a period of peace and prosperity preceding the day of the Lord. Since the invasion occurs when Israel is dwelling securely in unwalled villages in the Land, these students conclude that Ezekiel’s prophecy will be fulfilled during a period of peace immediately preceding the tribulation.<\/p>\n

    B. At the Conclusion of the Tribulation<\/i><\/p>\n

    Those taking the position expressed in the heading of this subdivision identify this invasion of Palestine as the one that is foretold as occurring at the end of the tribulation. It is identified with that mentioned in such passages as Zechariah 14:1-8:<\/p>\n

    „Behold, a day of Jehovah cometh, when thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 2 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. 3 Then shall Jehovah go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4 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 be cleft 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. 5 And ye shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azel; yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah; and Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee. 6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that there shall not be light; the bright ones shall withdraw themselves: 7 but it shall be one day which is known unto Jehovah; not day, and not night; but it shall come to pass, that at evening time there shall be light. 8 And it shall come to pass in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.“<\/p>\n

    A similar forecast is presented in Zechariah 12:1-9. Identifying Ezekiel’s prediction with those found in such passages as the ones just mentioned, these brethren interpret Ezekiel’s prophecy as a forecast of what is usually termed, „The Battle of Ar-Magedon.“ This conclusion is reached because the prophet in chapter 39 speaks of Israel’s being settled permanently in the land of the fathers. At the end of the tribulation Israel acknowledges her sin of rejecting King Messiah and accepts Him. Then she is reinstated into the favor of the Almighty and resides there throughout the kingdom age. According to these brethren the end of the tribulation seems to fit all the circumstances. They, therefore, see in this prediction a forecast of „The Battle of Ar-magedon.“<\/p>\n

    C. In the Beginning of the Millennial Age<\/i><\/p>\n

    Some excellent brethren, rejecting the interpretation given above, are convinced that this prophecy refers to events which occur at the beginning of the Millennial Age. The reason leading them to accept this position is that Israel is dwelling securely in her own land when the aggressors march into the country. Being convinced that there is no battle foretold in the prediction, and knowing that Israel is dwelling securely in the land at the time of the invasion, they locate this event as occurring in the first part of the Millennial Age, after our Lord has returned to earth, has delivered Israel, and has set up His Kingdom.<\/p>\n

    The suggestion has been made that, since the Russians are the leaders in this great aggressive movement, this is the result of the seeds of atheism and ungodliness which are now being sown in that country, and which will find expression in this diabolical, satanic invasion of Israel. Since Christ, according to the present theory, will be reigning in Jerusalem as Israel’s Messiah King, they see in the prediction a prophecy of a stroke of divine judgment which annihilates the onrushing hordes.<\/p>\n

    D. After the Millennial Age
    \n<\/i><\/p>\n

    Some scholars, rejecting the three explanations just mentioned, see in Ezekiel’s prophecy a prediction of an invasion of Palestine which occurs after the great Millennial Age. Their proof of this position is seen in the following passage:<\/p>\n

    „And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beasts and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever“ (Rev. 20:7-10).<\/p>\n

    According to these scholars there is no necessity for our attempting to locate this prophecy at any time other than after the Millennial Age, because, as they assert, John has given us the divine interpretation of Ezekiel’s prophecy. Emphasis is laid upon the fact that he even states that „Gog and Magog“ gather their hordes for the purpose of overthrowing the government of Christ at Jerusalem. They, therefore, go up against the Holy City and the camp of the saints to match swords with the strong Son of God–after He has reigned in righteousness, power and glory for a thousand years.<\/p>\n

    I have given the theories and have called attention briefly to the reasons leading the various schools of thought to accept these different explanations. It is now for us to examine most minutely all the facts in the case in order to determine who is right, and what is the truth in the matter.<\/p>\n

    II. EXAMINATION OF THE THEORIES<\/p>\n

    It is necessary for thinking people to formulate theories regarding various matters when they are far removed either in time or space from the events, and when the data is meager and fragmentary. Straws show which way the wind is blowing. In like manner incidental remarks and circumstantial evidence often point in the direction of truth and facts.<\/p>\n

    That theory which does not contradict any of the evidence of data, and that is in perfect alignment with the known facts is to be accepted as correct, when only one explanation is possible. This is the basic principle underlying our judicial system, which seeks to identify and to punish the guilty and to liberate and exonerate the innocent.<\/p>\n

    In the preceding section the theories attempting to locate the time of the fulfillment of the prediction were listed according to the chronological order of the dating; but in investigating and expounding these theories I wish to begin with the fourth and test them in the reverse order.<\/p>\n

    A. After the Millennial Age<\/i><\/p>\n

    As was shown in the preceding section, one school of thought holds to the opinion that Ezekiel 38:1-39:29 is speaking of the invasion of Palestine which occur after the reign of Christ on the earth for a thousand years. Will the evidence support such a theory?<\/p>\n

    In the prediction of Ezekiel 38 we saw that there is a coalition of nations, which might properly be called the Northeastern Confederacy. This alliance of peoples consists of Germany with all its hordes, Russia with its mighty hosts, Turkey, Persia, Ethiopia, and Somaliland. We are informed definitely that these peoples will send their armies into Palestine. On the contrary there is another group of nations which in a previous chapter was designated as the Western Democracies, and which issue a protest against such a movement. Thus it is evident that there are two opposing camps into which the nations are divided, or a great number of them, at the time of this act of aggression. From this position there can be no retreat from the one who is willing to accept the record at its face value. Is this the revelation that is set forth in Revelation 20?<\/p>\n

    Satan, as we learn from Revelation 20:1-6, is bound and is cast into the pit of the abyss during the thousand years‘ reign of our Lord. At the conclusion of this period of time Satan is released from his confinement in the infernal regions and is permitted to come forth and to deceive the nations that are upon the face of the earth.<\/p>\n

    „And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night forever and ever“ (Rev. 20:7-10).<\/p>\n

    From verse 8 of this quotation it is clear that Satan moves upon the hearts of the people of all the nations who are living in the four corners of the earth, and that there is a mighty host from the various peoples, tribes, tongues, and languages, who yield to his subtle influence, and who make a march against Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

    Because of the lack of a better name I call this „A Youth Movement.“ My reason for thus naming it is that no person who has been genuinely and really born-again would ever join such a diabolical movement as the one set forth in this passage. We, therefore may be certain that this company of people are all unregenerated individuals.<\/p>\n

    Will there be unsaved people in the Millennial Age? Of course there will be. God never conscripts recruits for His ranks; neither does He force the will of anyone. He has made man a moral agent and permits him to exercise the freedom of choice at all times. This has been true ever since man was created and will continue to be so throughout the history of this world, even in the Millennial Age. The Lord will not coerce anyone. He will then, as now, use all moral suasion and all legitimate means in order to influence people to accept the right and to serve Him faithfully. But He never crosses the sacred threshold of any man’s personality in order to force His will.<\/p>\n

    During the Millennial Age, the population of the earth will increase most rapidly. This is a natural consequence of the lifting of the curse. The pain and the dangers of childbirth, which characterize this age, are the result of the curse of which we learned in Genesis 3. The infantile mortality list throughout the centuries has been terrifyingly enormous. Not so will it be in the Millennial earth when the curse is lifted.<\/p>\n

    „There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days; for the child shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed“ (Isa. 65:20).<\/p>\n

    According to this promise everyone who is born into the world in the kingdom age will live to be at least one hundred years old. During this time the Gospel will be preached by Israel, who alone will be the ministers of our God (Isa. 61:4-6). Then everyone will have an opportunity of redemption through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Every possible effort will be put forth in order to influence each person to accept the mercy extended to him through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ in order that he might be saved.<\/p>\n

    Notwithstanding all the marvelous and unprecedented opportunities that the people at that time will enjoy, there will be many who will postpone their acceptance of Christ, or will in a mood of deliberation reject the Saviour. In spite of their willful rejection of Him, or negligence in accepting Him, they will be allowed to live to the good ripe age of one hundred years. If upon their reaching that age they have not accepted Christ, they will be smitten with death as indicated in the passage quoted.<\/p>\n

    Under the ideal conditions which will obtain in the Millennial Age the population of the earth will increase enormously. Innumerable will be the generation that is born in the last century of that era. Without doubt the majority of the rising generation of that time will accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and be accepted in the Beloved. On the other hand, there will be an innumerable host of those who do not accept Him and who will come to the end of the thousand years reign of our Lord without having been regenerated. These are, in my judgment, the ones who compose that mighty army of „the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war.“ Of these John in Revelation 20:8 speaks, emphasizing the fact that they are a countless number. He asserts that „the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.“<\/p>\n

    Though the armies of the nations mentioned in Ezekiel’s prophecy are vast, they seem to be inconsequential in comparison with the vast hordes of those mentioned by John in the Revelation passage. In view of this fact I cannot believe that Ezekiel and John are speaking of the same invasion. The facts and circumstances in each case are different. It seems, therefore, gratuitous to identify these two predictions as relating to one and the same event.<\/p>\n

    Another consideration confirms this conclusion, which is set forth in this passage:<\/p>\n

    „Be thou prepared, yea, prepare thyself, thou, and all thy companies that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them. After many days thou shalt be visited“ etc. (Ezek. 38:7, 8).<\/p>\n

    According to this prediction Gog is to prepare himself and lead his hosts into the land. But he is informed that „after many days“ he is to be punished. From this fact it is clear that the punishment is to be many days after the offense. In order to understand this phrase, we must examine a like one found in a similar prediction presented in Isaiah 24:21, 22:<\/p>\n

    „And it shall come to pass in that day, that Jehovah will punish the host of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. 22 And they shall be gathered together as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison; and after many days shall be visited.“<\/p>\n

    These verses are followed by one that speaks of the glorious reign of Christ upon the earth.<\/p>\n

    The first twenty verses of this chapter describe most graphically the horrors of the great tribulation and conclude this narration with a prediction concerning the rocking to and fro of the earth like a hammock. At that time the hosts of high ones on high (Satan and his servile spirits) together with the kings of the earth will be gathered together as prisoners are placed in a pit where they are confined for a long period of time. After many days they shall be visited in the sense of being punished, as the marginal note indicates.<\/p>\n

    When we compare this passage with Revelation 20:1-10, we see that this is a prediction of the casting of Satan and his hosts into the pit of the abyss at the beginning of the 1000 year reign of Christ. They remain there during that time. At the end of that period they are brought forth and punished. The 1000 years are in this passage reffered to by the expression, „After many days.“ The same phrase upon the lips of Ezekiel when studied with this parallel passage as a guide is seen to connote the same period. Gog’s invasion of Palestine is, in the light of these facts, before the 1000 year reign of Christ. After that era he will be punished–after the many days.<\/p>\n

    But, does not Ezekiel speak of „Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal“? And does not John speak of „Gog and Magog“? This is true; but it seems that the circumstances connected with each of these prophecies are so very different that it is impossible to interpret the two passages as referring to the same event. Why then did John speak of the hosts which he in vision saw as „Gog and Magog“? This question is easily answered: Because this usage is a type of language which is employed every day. Wellington the English general, fought with and conquered Napoleon at Waterloo. The latter had terrified all Europe and the Mediterranean world for approximately two decades. Finally, on the battle field of Waterloo Napoleon was overwhelmingly defeated. This victory of Wellington delivered Europe from the scourge of aggression by which she had been plagued periodically in that generation. People today when speaking of someone who has been successful in his career, but who meets some reverse fatal to his plan which has been hitherto unchallenged, say that this one has met his Waterloo. No one misunderstands this type of language. Frequently today we hear people who are familiar with the general trend of political events speaking of „The Red Napoleon.“ From the drift of the conversation or the context of the article, whenever such language is used, it is evident that the writer or speaker is talking of or referring to Stalin, the dictator of Russia, or some future successor of his. Since, as we have already seen, the circumstances and the facts that are mentioned in the two prophecies show conclusively that these two men of God saw different visions, and since John refers to the hosts which he saw as „Gog and Magog,“ it is most highly probably that he speaks of the invasion of Palestine which occurs after the Millennial Age with its recruits gathered from all parts of the world in terms of the similar invasion foretold by Ezekiel as occurring before that time. Since these hordes of the two predictions march into Palestine, and since they both suffer a like overthrow by a divine stroke of judgment from the very throne of God, it was quite natural for John to speak of the leader and the hordes of this latter invasion in terms of the former one.<\/p>\n

    When all the facts, therefore, of the prophecies are taken into consideration and every allowance is made for the moral, natural use of language, one is forced by the facts of both passages to conclude that they are two distinct invasions, and that John speaks of an event which occurs after the millennium.* Because of its similarity with the first one he speaks of it in the terms used by Ezekiel.<\/p>\n

    B. In the Beginning of the Millennial Age<\/i><\/p>\n

    The next theory which we are to consider is the one which states that this invasion of Palestine occurs in the beginning of the Millennial Age. As stated above, those taking this position are led to do so because they see that Israel is dwelling safely in the land when these forces march into the country. They do not see any hope for her having any rest or quietude in the land until after she is reestablished there by her Messiah, which condition will obtain after Christ comes and is seated upon His throne. If we know positively, without any doubt, that there would be no peace for Israel in the land until the Messiah comes, then we would be driven irresistibly to this conclusion. But there is no evidence whatsoever that Israel may not have a short period of peace there prior to the beginning of the Millennial Age.<\/p>\n

    Footnotes:<\/p>\n

    * Some scholars have great difficulty in accepting the prediction of the invasion of Palestine and the revolt against Christ’s authority after He has reigned for 1000 years in the city of Jerusalem. To them it is unthinkable that there could be such a rebellion after this earth has enjoyed 1000 years of the righteous reign of our Lord. Some have told me in most emphatic terms: „Such a thought is inconceivable.“ They, therefore, cannot believe that this language is literal and should be taken at its face value. Consequently they place a figurative or metaphorical meaning upon it.<\/p>\n

    Is such an interpretation inconceivable in the light of all the facts? Let us examine it. When we remember that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked and there is no foretelling what an unregenerated man may do (Jer. 17:9), when we remember that God does not force men’s wills but allows them to exercise the freedom of choice, and when we remember that the generation arising in the last century of the Millennial Age will not accept Christ by the time of its close, we can see how these unregenerated souls can be deluded by Satan and can be led into an insurrection and revolt against Christ. Such an event likewise becomes luminous in the light of the historical record concerning Satan’s original revolt against God. The Almighty created, not only the material universe, but also an innumerable host of angels. It seems that Satan was the anointed cherub, the first of the creation of God (Ezek. 28:11-18). One-third of the angels, it appears, were seduced to join the insurrection and to stage a formidable rebellion against the Most High (Rev. 12:4). From the paragraph in which this verse appears, it is evident that John, in speaking of the future, foretold what Satan will do against Israel and showed that in doing this he will simply be carrying out his revengeful purpose against the Almighty which he began when he instituted this original revolt among the angels.<\/p>\n

    If, before there was any sin or curse, Satan, this anointed cherub, basking in the sunlight of God’s eternal love and favor together with an innumerable number of holy, created beings, could persuade himself and others, and they with one consent did find it in their hearts to revolt against God, and could persuade themselves to do so, as we know they did, it is not unreasonable to believe that unregenerated men at the conclusion of the Millennial Age when they are deluded by Satan may, as John has foretold, be led blindly to institute a revolt against Christ and His righteous reign.<\/p>\n

    \n

     <\/p>\n

    (Continued from chapter III)<\/p>\n

    There are several reasons why I cannot accept this position. In the first place, we are told in Ezekiel 39 that, when this force has been overthrown, there will be a period of seven months during which men assigned especially to the task of hunting for the bodies of the slain will be engaged in this special work. Wherever they find a body, a skeleton, or bones, they set up a stake indicating that fact. Thus those burying the dead will go throughout the length and breadth of the country for seven months, working in connection with others, in order that the land might be freed from the ceremonial defilement caused by the dead bodies of those slain by the judgments which fall upon them. It is impossible for me to believe that, for seven months after our Lord has come and has established His reign upon the earth in Palestine, the Holy Land will be defiled. Such an idea as this is not in harmony with my conception of Christ and His glorious reign–when the glory of God shall encircle the earth as the waters cover the sea.<\/p>\n

    In the second place, we are told that the weapons brought by the invaders will be used for firewood for a period of seven years and that there will be no necessity of one’s going to the forests to procure fuel. It is likewise hard for me to conceive of the idea that during the first seven years of the Millennial reign of Christ, the people in Palestine will be dependent upon the use of wood that is brought in by the invading army. Somehow this idea does not fit into the Old Testament conception of the glorious and wonderful reign of our Lord.<\/p>\n

    In the third place, we may note the fact that when Christ returns, He will slay all the wicked. That this proposition is correct is seen by the following quotation:<\/p>\n

    „This saith Jehovah of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest shall be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth. And the slain of Jehovah shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered nor buried; they shall be dung upon the face of the ground“ (Jer. 25:32,33)<\/p>\n

    Without doubt God will know where the wicked are and He, by the brightness of His coming, will slay all of them. That He will destroy the wicked from the face of the earth is spoken of again and again by the Psalmists. From this consideration we can see that it is very highly improbable that this invasion could occur after God has destroyed all the wicked.<\/p>\n

    In the fourth place, when the Lord returns He will gather those peoples who survive the great tribulation before the throne upon which He will be seated. Then He will divide them as the shepherd separates his sheep from the goats. The basis of this judgment is not for the condemnation of wicked men; on the contrary, it is one which is founded upon the principle of the extension of mercy for the performance of good works, by those judged, to the Lord’s brethren according to the flesh. From this passage it becomes evident that there will not be those of a wicked nature who will be left, and who will attempt to match swords with Christ.<\/p>\n

    And fifthly, since the Lord upon His return to this earth will demolish all the weapons of war, as we are told in Isaiah 9:4,5, we may conclude that there could not be an armed force, equipped as we see these armies, at any time during the Millennial Age.<\/p>\n

    And in the sixth place, we see from Isaiah 2:1-4 that when our Lord returns, all the usable material of the weapons of warfare will be converted into agricultural implements. There will be no more war; neither shall they learn war any more. That the reader may see this glorious picture, I will quote these verses:<\/p>\n

    „The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem. 4 And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more“ (Isa. 2:1-4).<\/p>\n

    For these reasons it is utterly impossible for me to believe that such an invasion as this could occur after Christ has returned and has taken His seat upon the throne of David and has established His righteous reign over the earth. This prediction, therefore, cannot refer to an event which will be in the beginning of the Millennial Age.<\/p>\n

    C. At the End of the Tribulation<\/p>\n

    Still another group of scholars are thoroughly convinced that Ezekiel was speaking in this prediction concerning what is usually termed „The Battle of Ar-Magedon.“*<\/p>\n

    As we have already seen in Chapter II there is no battle nor war foretold in Ezekiel 38:1-39:16. All that is seen in this prediction, as we have repeatedly observed, is the invasion of the land of Israel by the armies of the Northeastern Confederacy for the purpose of taking the spoil. The Western Democracies issue a protest. Before any action can be taken by them, the Lord by a divine stroke of judgment blots out the armies of these aliens.<\/p>\n

    On the other hand, at the end of the tribulation we know that the armies of the world will invest Jerusalem with the idea of exterminating the Jewish race. This seems to be reflected in such passages as Psalm 79 and is clearly set forth in Zechariah 14 and parallel passages. If for no other reason than that set forth in the preceding paragraph, one cannot identify the prediction of Ezekiel 38 and 39 as a forecast of „The War of the Great Day of God the Almighty.“ There are, however, other weighty reasons for rejecting this position.<\/p>\n

    When this invasion occurs, these armed forces as has already been seen, are destroyed by a direct judgment from God. There is no intimation that all the wicked throughout the whole world will be destroyed when these armies are overthrown. We have already seen that, at the time of this future crisis, not only will fire rain down from heaven upon these forces gathered in Palestine, but also upon Magog–Russia–and upon them that „dwell securely in the isles“ (Ezek. 39:6). Thus we are told exactly where the judgments fall in the case of this prediction. On the contrary, we are informed in Jeremiah 25 that upon the coming of our Lord at the conclusion of the tribulation all the wicked throughout the entire world will be slain. In view of these facts it seems impossible to identify Ezekiel’s prophecy as a forecast of „The War of the Great Day of God the Almighty.“<\/p>\n

    A third reason for my being unable to identify this prediction as referring to the conflict at the end of the tribulation is this: When Israel is thus invaded, the Jews will be dwelling securely in Palestine. This is seen in the following quotation:<\/p>\n

    „After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, that is gathered out of many peoples, upon the mountains of Israel, which have been a continual waste; but it is brought forth out of the peoples, and they shall dwell securely, all of them … 10 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: It shall come to pass in that day, that things shall come into thy mind, and thou shalt devise an evil device: 11 and thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates; 12 to take the spoil and to take the prey; to turn thy hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and against the people that are gathered out of the nations, that have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the middle of the earth … 14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In that day when my people Israel dwelleth securely, shalt thou not know it?“ (Ezek. 38:8,10,11,12,14).<\/p>\n

    From these verses we can see clearly and unmistakably that, when the invasion occurs, the Jews will be dwelling in unwalled villages and resting securely in the land of their fathers. About this position there can be no question in the minds of those who accept the Word of God at its face value. Will those who shall be in the land at the end of the tribulation be dwelling securely and at rest? Everyone who is familiar with the Scriptures will answer in the negative.<\/p>\n

    From Daniel 9 we learn that the world dictator will enter into a covenant with Israel for a period of seven years. After three and one half years he will ruthlessly renounce his treaty obligation and will launch a campaign against God and all who recognize Him. At that time he will assume the position of God and demand that he alone be worshipped. This prediction is found in II Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13.<\/p>\n

    The prediction found in Psalm 2 seems to fit into the situation that arises in the middle of the tribulation as it does at no other place in the entire prophetic scheme. The portion of the psalm that deals with the point under discussion is verses 1-3.<\/p>\n

    Why do the nations rage,
    \nAnd the peoples meditate a vain thing?<\/p>\n

    The kings of the earth set themselves,
    \nAnd the rulers take counsel together,
    \nAgainst Jehovah, and against his anointed saying,<\/p>\n

    Let us break their bonds asunder,
    \nAnd cast away their cords from us.<\/p>\n

    This prediction foretells the calling of an international, atheistic, anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, politico-religious convention. It will be an international gathering because the delegates are the kings of the earth and the rulers. It will be atheistic because it will be against „Jehovah.“ It will be anti-Semitic in that it will be against the Almighty who revealed Himself to Israel as Jehovah, and who has throughout the centuries called Himself the God of Israel. It will be anti-Christian in that it will be „against His (Jehovah’s) Messiah“–anointed. It will be political in that men who are simply politicians will be the delegates. At the same time it will be a religious convention, in that it is called to settle the question of religion–to replace the worship of God and Christ with that of the beast, the world emperor. This convention, therefore, is called to put all religion under the ban and to require the worship and the service of all humanity. In the light of these facts it is evident that Paul was speaking of this same monstrous, blasphemous act of the man of sin who exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped in that he takes his seat in the temple of God (rebuilt in Jerusalem by the Jews), setting himself forth as God. From this point of view it is quite obvious that there will be launched against the Jews, as well as against all the followers of God, a campaign of compulsory worship of the man of sin, or of extermination.<\/p>\n

    This position is confirmed by the message found in Revelation 12. In this passage we see a woman clothed with the sun and with a crown of twelve stars upon her head. She is the one who brings forth the manchild. The dragon is present to destroy him at his birth. A sound sane, scholarly exegesis of this marvelous chapter reveals the result that the woman symbolizes Israel. Accepting this interpretation as correct, we see that the dragon, who is none other than Satan, persecutes the woman for the last three and one half years of the tribulation. At the beginning of this persecution she flees into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by the Lord. From this fact we can see clearly that Israel during the latter half of the tribulation period is not dwelling in the land securely. In fact, all but the apostate, renegade Jews will flee for their lives from the country into Ammon, Moab, and Edom. From this consideration we are driven to the inevitable conclusion that the prediction of Ezekiel 38:1-39:16 cannot be a reference to the events that occur at the conclusion of the great tribulation period. This theory, therefore, must be discarded in the face of the facts of the prediction read in the light of related passages.<\/p>\n

    D. Before the Tribulation<\/p>\n

    Thus far in this discussion we have seen that it is utterly impossible for one to locate the fulfillment of this prediction after the Millennial Age. It cannot be placed in the beginning of the Millennium, nor at the end of the tribulation. It must, therefore, be located before the tribulation because there is no other place for it to occur since the three other suggested dates are impossible. When, therefore, before the tribulation, does this mighty event take place?<\/p>\n

    In answer to this question one cannot be dogmatic. This much, however, he may assert with all confidence and boldness: It occurs at a time when Israel is dwelling in unwalled villages and is at rest in the land. From this position there can be no recourse. Since it must come to pass before the tribulation and since Israel will be dwelling securely and at rest in the land when it occurs, we cannot avoid the conclusion that there will be a time before the tribulation when Israel will thus be enjoying security and prosperity in the land of the fathers. During such a period as this the foretold invasion takes place.<\/p>\n

    As to when this delightful and longed-for period of dwelling in security springs into realization and the exact time when it will come to pass, it is utterly impossible for anyone to say. But I am bold to state, upon the authority of God’s Word which presents the facts given in this book, that there will be a time between now and the beginning of the tribulation when the Jews will be dwelling in the Land in unwalled cities and will be at rest. Let us bear in mind, that the rapture of the church will occur before the tribulation. Since God has asserted that such will be the case, we with absolute confidence may look forward to that time. Since no word from God is without power, and since He watches over His word to perform it, we know that this prediction will be fulfilled literally.<\/p>\n

    At the time of this writing, January 1940, the hostilities, distrurbing Palestine since 1936, have somewhat subsided. The enmity between the Arabs and the Jews seems to have been dropped and friendly relationships are being encouraged, according to the latest authentic reports. Whether or not this happy condition may continue from now on until the tribulation begins, no mortal can tell. It would indeed be unwise for anyone to venture any assertion or prediction along this line. Only when one has an unmistakably clear „Thus-saith-the-Lord“ for such a position, can he afford to be assertive and dogmatic.<\/p>\n

    III. THE INVASION OF EZEKIEL 38:1\u201439:16
    \nDISTINGUISHED FROM THAT OF JOEL 2 AND DANIEL 11<\/p>\n

    A. Prophecy of Joel<\/p>\n

    The Scriptures clearly foretell several invasions of Palestine which have never come to pass. As we have already seen in the last section, the prophecy of Ezekiel 38:1-39:16 is fulfilled before the tribulation. Both Daniel and Joel likewise predict an invasion of Palestine which we shall see cannot possibly be the one foretold by Ezekiel. Zechariah, on the other hand, gives us a forecast of an invasion of the land which we know occurs at the end of the tribulation–at the time our Lord manifests Himself in glory. The last invasion of Palestine, however, is scheduled to come at the end of the Millennial Age. Each of these acts of aggression will cause great damage materially and will bring untold suffering to innocent ones–unless we can make an exception of the one at the end of the Millennial Age. We are not told, however, how much damage will be wrought by that one; but as to the other, we are fully informed.<\/p>\n

    It is necessary for us to determine, if possible, the time of the invasion of Palestine as foretold by Joel and Daniel. In order that we may have the picture clearly before our minds, I will quote that portion of Joel’s prophecy which pertains to this special subject:<\/p>\n

    „15 Alas for the day! For the day of Jehovah is at hand, and as destruction from the Almighty shall it come 16 Is not the food cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The seeds rot under their clods; the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the grain is withered. 18 How do the beasts groan! The herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate. 19 O Jehovah, to thee do I cry; for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field. 20 Yea, the beasts of the field pant unto thee; for the water brooks are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.<\/p>\n

    2 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of Jehovah cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, as the dawn spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after them, even to the years of many generations. 3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and none hath escaped them.<\/p>\n

    4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run. 5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. 6 At their presence the people are in anguish; all faces are waxed pale. 7 They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and they break not their ranks. 8 Niether doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off their course. 9 They leap upon the city; they run upon the wall; they climb up into the houses; they enter in at the windows like a thief. 10 The earth quaketh before them; the heavens tremble; the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. 11 And Jehovah uttereth his voice before his army; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word; for the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?“ (Joel 1:15-2:11).<\/p>\n

    From this passage it is very evident that Joel saw the day of Jehovah, which is none other than the tribulation period. At the time foreseen the land of Israel „is as the garden of Eden before them (the invading armies), and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and none hath escaped them.“ From these words it is obvious that Palestine at the time of this invasion is in a prosperous condition, for it is as the garden of Eden before these armies march into it. Since the prophet was discussing the day of Jehovah–the tribulation–we can be certain that this invasion occurs either before it starts, or what is more likely, in the middle of it. It is not at all possible that Joel was speaking about the same invasion as that foretold by Ezekiel in the passage which we have been discussing, because Palestine will be in a prosperous condition, as we have seen, at the time the host foreseen by Ezekiel enters the land. Since some Bible scholars identify these two predictions as referring to one and the same event, I shall not be dogmatic. Ezekiel did not link his prediction with the day of Jehovah as Joel did. The prophets usually, though not always, told us that their predictions were in connection with the day of Jehovah, if such was the case. At times they intimated the same without asserting it in so many words. We have already seen that Ezekiel’s prophecy must be fulfilled before the day of Jehovah, but Joel’s prediction is linked with that time of judgment. These considerations lead me at least to differentiate between the prediction of Ezekiel and that of Joel.<\/p>\n

    Where can we locate Joel’s prophecy? It may be at the very beginning of the tribulation before any of God’s judgments have fallen upon the earth. The statement that the land is like the garden of Eden before the invasion rather favors this position, although one cannot be dogmatic on this point. It is altogether possible that the first judgments of the tribulation may not affect Palestine so as to destroy the beauty and prosperity of the land.<\/p>\n

    A study of Revelation, chapters 6 to 9, gives us a vivid picture of conditions that will exist upon the earth during the first half of the tribulation period. As we learn from Revelation 6, the first judgment coming upon the earth in the tribulation is the rise of Antichrist to power and his starting on his period of conquest. This is indicated by the rider on the white horse (Rev. 6:1,2). The second judgment is presented under the rider on the red horse, who symbolizes, in his racing through the earth with a drawn sword, a world war. The third judgment is that of famine, signified by the rider on the black horse. The fourth stroke of divine wrath comes in the form of a war and political upheaval which affects one-fourth of the earth. This is set forth in Revelation 6:7,8.<\/p>\n

    At the breaking of the fifth seal persecution is launched against the tribulation saints (Rev. 6:9-11). The sixth judgment is a general upheaval throughout the material universe. Speaking in terms of the human body, I would say that the whole universe suffers from great convulsions which seem to affect every part of the globe. This last stroke of judgment brings us to the end of the first quarter of the tribulation. If this literally affects Palestine, then it is quite likely that such an upheaval will cause great destruction throughout the country. If this is true, facts almost demand that the invasion mentioned by Joel come before the falling of this judgment, but one cannot afford to be dogmatic on this point.<\/p>\n

    Chapter 7 of the book of Revelation tells about the world-wide revival that will be conducted in the first half of the tribulation by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, who, having been given the truth by the people of God before the rapture, will take their stand upon it and will accept Christ when the judgments of the tribulation begin. They will then go forth into every nook and corner of the earth and bring about the worldwide revival in which multiplied millions of people will be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

    Revelation 8 and 9 describe in detail the six following judgments that will cover the second quarters of the Day of Jehovah. The first four of them affect consecutively only one-third part of the earth, the sea, the rivers and fountains, and the heavenly bodies. It is altogether possible, therefore, that Palestine may not be included in the sphere of these plagues. The fifth and sixth trumpets which are the first and second woes, foretell graphically an invasion of this world by hosts of evil spirits that will torment the people without the seal of God upon the earth. The seal and trumpet judgments cover the first half of the tribulation. Having made this brief survey of them, we see how Palestine may be spared the destruction which will be in evidence in many places throughout the earth. It is therefore, possible that Palestine may be brought to the condition that it looks like the garden of Eden before the tribulation and may continue in that state throughout the first and second quarters of this time of judgment–without being destroyed. It is, therefore altogether possible that the invasion mentioned by Joel may come in the middle of the tribulation. Without being too positive, I am rather inclined to believe that this time is the correct date for it.<\/p>\n

    When one reads Daniel 9:27 and Mathew 24:15 in their connections together with II Thessalonians 2:1-13 and Revelation 12 and 13, he comes to the conclusion that the beast with all of his forces invades Palestine in the middle of the tribulation. It is altogether possible, therefore, that Joel was speaking of this same thing. We know from various passages of Scripture that the world government, in the middle of the tribulation, will overrun Palestine and do what it can to destroy the Jew. Psalm 74 gives certain details concerning this special persecution which will be launched against the Jews in Palestine. During this time the temple which will be erected by the Jews will be destroyed together with all the synagogues throughout the land. Most of the Jews will have to flee from the country to to save their lives. A careful study of this Psalm brings many startling things to light. When, therefore, all the evidence from the Psalm together with Joel’s prediction and Revelation 6 to 9 studied in connection with Psalm 2 is taken into consideration, one is inclined most strongly to believe that the upheaval which comes to Palestine as mentioned by Joel occurs in the middle of the tribulation.<\/p>\n

    B. The Prophecy of Daniel<\/p>\n

    „And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods; and he shall prosper until the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done. 37 Neither shall he regard the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above all. 38 But in his place shall he honor the god of fortresses; and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 And he shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god; whosoever acknowledgeth him he will increase with glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for a price.<\/p>\n

    40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south contend with him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass through. 41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries; and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. 44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him; and he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to sweep away many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.<\/p>\n

    12 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.<\/p>\n

    Footnotes:<\/p>\n

    * The term, „The Battle of Ar-Magedon,“ is a household word in prophetic, premillennial circles. By this expression one means the battle at the final siege of Jerusalem described by Zechariah 14 and Revelation 16:12-16:<\/p>\n

    „And the sixth poured out his bowl upon the great river, the river Euphrates and the water thereof was dried up, that the way might be made ready for the kings that come from the sunrising. 13 And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs: 14 for they were spirits of demons, working signs; which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. 15 (Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.) 16 And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-Magedon“ (Rev. 16:12-16).<\/p>\n

    John, by the Spirit, told us that the three demons, mentioned in the quotation above, at the pouring out of the sixth bowl of the wrath of God, go forth and stir up the kings of the whole earth to gather them together unto the „war of the great day of God, the Almighty.“ Verse 15, which follows this quotation, is a parenthetical expression sounding a note of warning to those who will be living upon the earth at that time. Verse 16, therefore, takes up the thought dropped in the last expression of verse 14, which has just been quoted. „And they (these three spirits of demons) gather them (the kings of the whole earth) together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-Magedon.“ According to this prediction the kings of the earth will gather together at the place which is called Har-Magedon; they come together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.“ In the light of all the facts it seems to be the thought that the kings of the earth gather together at the place called Har-Magedon for conference concerning the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. In other words, this is a convention, the delegates of which are the kings of the earth, called for the purpose of laying plans for the war of the great day of God the Almighty, of which conflict one reads in Revelation 19:11-21.<\/p>\n

    In view of the facts it seems that it would be more accurate for one to speak, not of the battle of Ar-Magedon, but of the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. It is always wise to speak of Biblical things in terms of the Scripture when possible.<\/p>\n

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    (Continued from chapter III)<\/p>\n

    5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on the brink of the river on this side, and the other on the brink of the river on that side. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and swear by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. 8 And I heard, but I understood not; then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the issue of these things; 9 And he said, Go thy way Daniel; for the words are shut up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but they that are wise shall understand. 11 And from the time that the continual burnt-offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. 13 But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest and shalt stand in thy lot, at the end of the days“ (Dan. 11:36-12:13).<\/p>\n

    Some expositors interpret this willful king mentioned in the passages above as the personal Antichrist, a Jew who reigns over Israel and who enters into a covenant with the Roman dictator, the head of the world empire. Other scholars who have a knowledge of the prophetic word are of the opinion that the Antichrist is none other than the world dictator who rules the Roman empire in the time of the end. Regardless of which position one may take he is in good company–excellent men being on both sides of the question. For a long time I was undecided; but after much study and research, together with prayer and earnest supplication, I have come to the conclusion that the evidence seems to favor the latter position. This willful king, therefore, I understand to be the final world ruler, or the Antichrist.<\/p>\n

    It is to be remembered that, according to Daniel 7, the fourth beast seen by the prophet symbolizes a fourth empire which succeeded the Grecian, and which continues through the centuries until the time that the Son of Man is revealed from heaven at the end of the tribulation. According to verse 23 of this marvelous outline of the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24), Rome in the end becomes a world empire, embracing every nation, tribe, tongue, and language. When the world is thus incorporated into one great colossal government, it splits into ten divisions, as indicated by the ten horns of the fourth beast. Among them arises one which symbolizes the man of destiny, who eventually, after being associated with these ten dictators, gradually seizes all civil powers and becomes the final Caesar. Thus the ten kings with the Antichrist reign, in all probability, during the first half of the tribulation. In the middle of it there is a terrific political upheaval. The king of the south (of Palestine) comes up into the land of Israel. At the same time the king of the north goes down into it. Then this willful king, or the Antichrist, comes against them and pitches his tent in the glorious land. Thus one can see that there is to be a mighty upheaval in the political situation at the time here foreseen.<\/p>\n

    At what time is this? If the reader has perused carefully the quotation at the beginning of this section, he will see that it occurs at the time that Michael shall „stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people“ (Dan. 12:1). This precipitates great activity, for as we learn in the rest of this verse, „There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that time.“<\/p>\n

    When Daniel wanted to know how long these strokes of judgment would continue, the angel informed him that they last for „a time, times, and a half (of a time)“ (Dan. 12:7). This passage read in the light of Daniel 9:27 and our Lord’s statement in Mathew 24:15 shows that this great upheaval in the political world, which causes the Antichrist to go to Jerusalem and set up his image in the Jewish temple, occurs in the middle of the tribulation.<\/p>\n

    From all these facts, as presented in the various passages of Scripture, it is very clear that the invasion of Palestine foretold by Daniel, in the quotation given above, occurs in the middle of the 70th week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27).<\/p>\n

    From this investigation it seems clear that we must differentiate between the invasion which is recorded by Ezekiel and the one mentioned by Joel and Daniel. But we must always bear in mind that the invasion described by Joel cannot be determined with such exact precision as those by Daniel and Ezekiel. As we have seen, the evidence is very clear and convincing that the invasion by the forces of Gog and his associates occurs before the day of Jehovah.<\/p>\n

    Since Gog marches into Palestine before the tribulation, how does this prediction fit in with the general scheme of events of the end time as set forth in other passages? This question will be answered in my forthcoming book on Daniel 7, which will issue from the press as soon as I have time to finish it. Ezekiel’s prophecy fits perfectly into the prophetic outline of things as set forth by Daniel and other prophets.<\/p>\n

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    weiter<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    CHAPTER III   THE TIME OF THE INVASION OF PALESTINE Thus far in this discussion we have seen that God has clearly foretold in the prophetic word the invasion of Palestine by the forces of Germany, Russia, Turkey, Persia, Ethiopia, and all their hordes. Furthermore, it has been learned that, when this great army of … <\/p>\n

    \u201eWhen Gog’s Armies Meet\u201c <\/span>weiterlesen<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-allgemein"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1229","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1229"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1229\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1238,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1229\/revisions\/1238"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}