Friday, August 20, 2010

More Rumors of War

Rumors of war. I can't recall seeing a time quite like this in the past - the rumors of war are at an all time high right now:

"Exclusive: Al Qaeda Plans for Israel War"

The terror group's arm in Yemen is ordering jihadists across the region to ready themselves for a war "by the Jews against Iran" that will spread across the globe, according to a new audio message. Bruce Riedel on the assassinations al Qaeda is plotting to exploit the conflict—and the new threats against America.

Al Qaeda is warning its supporters and sympathizers to prepare for a new war in the Middle East, which it says will pit Israel against Iran. Al Qaeda’s franchise in Yemen, the self-styled al Qaeda in the Arabian Pennisula (AQAP), issued an audio message this month with a lecture by its second-in-command Saeed al Shehri in which he tells jihadists in the Middle East that “what is expected is for the war to begin by the Jews against Iran.”

So why does al Qaeda want another war? Because it calculates an Israeli strike on Iran will prompt Iran to strike back against not only Israel but also the United States. Iran will attack American installations in the Gulf, encourage its proxies in Iraq and Afghanistan to attack Americans, and engage in a global terror campaign.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah will start another war, raining missiles down on northern Israeli cities and towns and provoking Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and maybe even into Syria. Iran might even try to close the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt the global energy market. All this chaos and violence will make America even more unpopular in the Islamic world and open doors for al Qaeda to exploit. In this they are right, another war will be blamed on America rightly or wrongly. Shehri and his boss, Osama bin Laden, probably don’t really know if another war is in the making but they are almost certainly right that if it comes it will be good news for al Qaeda.


Interesting - the following article actually uses the biblical phrase "rumors of war":

"Russia fueling launch of Iran's first nuclear plant and rumors of war"

On October 26, 2005, speaking at the 'World without Zionism' conference in Tehran, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad revealed an evil intention when he sparked fears of a nuclear attack on Israel by threatening to wipe the Jewish state off the map; erasing it from the pages of time. He repeated that caustic threat against Israel on June 2, 2008 in a public address that was televised on Iranian news saying, "Thanks to God, your wish will soon be realized, and this germ of corruption will be wiped off the face of the world". He has also compared Israel to a "dried, rotten tree that will collapse with a single storm."

These 'words' reveal what he, and the followers of this regime wish to happen to Israel: a quick death; for it to disappear. Israel is not the only one targeted in these hateful rants, this genocidal regime running Iran also wishes sudden destruction upon the 'Zionist'/Judeo-Christian based and free United States as well, calling it the 'Great Satan', and labeling Israel, 'Little Satan.' The consistent genocidal threats by this tryannical, holocaust denying, cultic regime have been many and documented, but outside of Israel, Iran's 'intentions' are still being questioned by many of the world powers.


Now the article gets interesting.

This rising Russian-Iranian alliance was foretold by the Prophet Ezekiel over 2500 years ago, and it is by No coincidence that in this day, Russia (Magog) and Iran (Persia), are connected together in so many ways (energy,weapons,SCO,Hamas etc.) It is quite amazing to witness all these nations aligning as prophesied, thousands of years ago.

In Ezekiel Chapter 38, the Prophet foretold that in the last days there would be a Russian-led alliance of Islamic nations, and most scholars agree in general with the nations named in this event led by Gog, a Czar -type /evil dictator:

Magog is Russia,
Persia is Iran,
Beth-Togarmah is Armenia/Islamic former republic of Soviet Union
Meshech and Tubal are areas in Turkey
Gomer area in Turkey
Libya, also written as 'Put' in some Bibles
Cush is (Southern)Sudan/Ethiopia region
"the many peoples with you" who will attack along "mountains of Israel" Lebanon, (Possibly Syria, and Jordan)

This coalition of nations will launch an attack against Israel, and Ezekiel warns that Gog comes for the purpose of 'taking a spoil'. It is very probable that the spoil Russia comes for is the oil and natural gas that Israel has just discovered. The current fires in Russia, affecting some of their own resources and costing millions, perhaps could play a motivating role in the 'thirst' for the spoil. At this time there are already rumors of war over these fields.


The "War of Gog and Magog," was not possible before 1948, before Israel was rebirthed as a nation, and the prophecies of Ezekiel 36, and 37 were fulfilled, and continue to be - as the Jewish people are still being led to make aliyah, making their way home to Israel. Only time will tell when this attack will occur, but the events lining up in the Middle East certainly point to its coming fulfillment. Many scholars think according to scripture, that it is probable this invasion will occur just prior to, or soon after, the beginning of the time of Jacob's Trouble, the 7 years of Tribulation.

It will be a supernatural event in which God Himself will intervene to quell this doomed invasion of Israel - when He sanctifies His Holy Name, defends His People, His Land, and opens many eyes to Himself, with nations witnessing this and knowing that God has done it!


As these particular nations align with each other, strenghthening ties, and Israel becomes further isolated on the world scene, ( as prophesied Zechariah 12 1-3, Psalm 83) and antisemitism rages around the world,in Psalm 122 it is written to, 'Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem'. Genesis 12 1-3 is also a strong truth that has never been revoked, and we are to Bless Israel, those who do, will be blessed. God unlike man, does not lie, and while replacement theology is prevalent in many churches, and the world rages at Israel for unjust reasons, it is important to note that it is also written that those who curse Israel, will be cursed.


And the conclusion to this article is appropriately dramatic:

The Middle East conflict goes beyond flesh and blood, it is a deeply rooted spirtitual battle, and because of this truth, it can only be won in the spiritual realm, and that is why, there will be a rapture of the church, a time of judgment on earth, a redemption of Israel, and a destroying of the Antichrist and his false prophet at the end at the time of Armegeddon, before the LORD sets up His Righteous Kingdom and rules from Jerusalem! God will solve this conflict between the descendants, of Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham - where the root of it began.

At the same time, the many people in the surrounding nations in the Mideast, and those who think this attack will be a good thing, need prayer for God's mercy and salvation to reach them, The LORD God through His son Jesus Christ, He is real Hope, His gift is Life Everlasting, and He is Faithful and True. Everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD will be saved. He is Merciful to all those who call upon Him , who call on His name in Truth. Psalm 145, John 3:16-17.



More rumors of war:


"If military threats materialized nation's counter-attacks not merely regional"


Focusing on US military threats, Ayatollah S. A. Khameneie said here Wednesday, “Their resorting to such foolish option is a remote possibility, but if so, Iranians counter-attack will not be merely regional, but covering a vaster scene."


And this:

"Steinitz demands ultimatum for Iran"

Raising the stakes: Finance minister says America must warn Tehran of military strike within weeks; ‘Time has come for whole world, under US leadership, to present Iran with unequivocal ultimatum,’ he says

In the first such statement by a Cabinet member, Steinitz said: "The US must issue a clear ultimatum to Iran, tell it that if it does not change its behavior within weeks, the military option that has been on the table up until now will become relevant."

He also disputed claims by the by former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton, who said Israel has "days" to attack Iran before Russia fuels its Bushehr nuclear facility.

"Bushehr is only one reactor, and not necessarily the most significant one in respect to the nuclear issue. However, Iran's progress in enriching (uranium) and its aspirations for nuclear weapons continue and must be stopped," the finance minister said.


It is hard to imagine that the "lid" can be kept on this boiling pot much longer. The tensions and the rhetoric seem to increase daily, and the discussions (aka "rumors") of war are escalating on a daily basis.

It is becoming obvious that Israel will not strike the nuclear facilities before Saturday as many had speculated. I believe that Iran has been baiting Israel to attack; that way they could achieve their ambition to attack Israel, but under this scenario, they could attack and still be considered as the victim - a perfect situation for their needs. The question then becomes, "what will Iran do if Israel does not attack?"

They have several options. They could use their proxies (Hezbullah, Hamas, Syria, etc.) to launch a regional war and enter the conflict that way. They could also wait until they actually possess a nuclear weapon and simply attempt to destroy Israel with such weapon(s).

Either way, Israel is firmly in the bulls eye of radical Islam which completely surrounds Israel (exactly as Zechariah predicted).

It's just a matter of time - but in this case, only God's perfect timing will determine when the conflicts will begin.

And when they do begin, we're in for quite a ride.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have noticed for more than a year now that many of the Psalms, not just 83, contain prayers for Israel. Had always seen them as prayers of David and others for themselves and the country at the time but they are so appropriate for Israel at this time. For example...
Psalm 35:25-27
Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify [themselves] against me.
Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
Kem

Scott said...

Amen!

Matt said...

Hey Scott, Doesn't Ezekiel 38:10-11 mention that the Gog/Magog invasion will happen when these nations say "I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people."

Also Ezekiel 38:14-15 "In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? You will come from your place in the far north..."

With these verses in mind, do you still think the Gog/Magog invasion is about to happen? It seems to me Israel is definitely NOT "living in safety" and "a land of unwalled villages"

Therefore for this to occur before the tribulation, there must be some kind of peace reached in the middle east (obviously not the 7 year treaty initiating the tribulation) before this invasion can occur. What do you think?

hartdawg said...

1) i totally agree with kems comment. i could site numerous other psalms as examples. (perhaps i may some other time) 2)i have kind a question: are you 100% certain the fig tree in the context of matt 24 is the rebirth of isreal and that marked the start if the final generation? personally, i`m 50/50 on that one. i heard pretty solid cases from both sides.

Expected Imminently said...

Scott
Its 'orrible being up before you - I CRAVE info!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11045537

21 August 2010 Last updated at 09:26

Iran begins loading Bushehr nuclear reactor
Iran has begun loading fuel into its first nuclear power station in a ceremony attended by Russian officials.

Scott said...

Matt
These are good questions.

I have my own views of this, but take my views with a grain of salt.

"Unwalled villages" ....You have to look at the context. If someone from Ezekiel's day looked upon Israel right now, in my opinion, they would call all of the cities of Israel "unwalled"...Don't forget - back then - all towns/villages were walled - encircled by walls for the usual reasons. Now days, the cities simply are not "walled" - the one long wall (which is usually referenced as making Israel "walled", is nothing like the villages being walled back then.

So - through the eyes of Ezekiel - these days - "unwalled villages" applies IMO

As far as "Living in safety" - the more appropriate translation that I have read in many long dissertations by good scholars, is "Securely"....And because of Israel's military dominance in the region, I believe "securely" fits now - completely.

So - to me - I believe those verses describe the conditions that exist today.

However - having said that - I believe the following could also apply.

After Psalm 83/Isaiah 17 comes to pass (which I believe will occur before Gog-MaGog) - will put Israel in a "more" secure scenario - as the surrounding threat will have been basically eliminated. So given the sequence of events which I believe applies - that is - Psa 83 etc preceeding Gog-MaGog will also apply - perhaps even moreso than todays conditions.

God Bless
Scott

Scott said...

Hart

I am one of the few who doesn't really make a big deal out of the fig tree.

There are so many other reasons that we know Israel has to be reunified in tbe end times (the multiple references to Israel in Revelation, Thessalonians, etc) - so Israel's regathering had to happen regardless of the fig tree reference.

Also - many people mistakenly take that verse to mean that Israel's coming together marks the beginning of the last generation, and there is no where in the bible where that is stated. Jesus gave us the "beginning of birth pains" at the beginnning of the discourse (nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, pestilence, famine, earthquakes)...

So we Don't need that verse to identify the beginning of birth pains either .

Therefore, its academic IMO. I am personally 50/50 as to whether the reference is ISrael.

But to me, it just doesn't matter for the reasons above.

hartdawg said...

scott-i totally agree with you on both counts. the fig tree COULD be isreal (many other prophetic events began that same year) and also psalm 83/isa 17 preceding ezekiel 38&39. since the latter seems to be very near HOW CLOSE PSALM 83 AND THE RAPTURE MUST BE!!

Scott said...

Oh yea - you just brought up another point --- the number of interesting/prophetic events that occurred in 1948 is astounding.

I don't have the info at fingertip, but Hal Lindsey has a video on this and it is beyond amazing - SO SO many things happened in 1948 - including the real origins of the EU, the WEU, etc etc....Really interesting that 1948 was so pivitol in history.