Just ten months ago, I reported on a remarkable development: Jewish prayer – long restricted – was beginning to be allowed again on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. For decades, the Mount was a flashpoint of religious tension, with Jewish visitors only permitted to walk the grounds in silence, usually escorted by police and forbidden to pray. Yet now, we’re witnessing something truly unprecedented.
At that time, I noted how Jewish visitors would be guided counterclockwise around the Mount, starting from the southwestern corner to the eastern side. Jewish prayer, even in whispers, was often met with police intervention. And yet, we observed something astonishing: Jewish worshippers – not just visitors – were bowing down toward the west, in the direction of the ancient Holy of Holies. Even more surprising, this was taking place in full view of police officers.
Prostration during prayer – an act of deep reverence – was being seen during afternoon services. Reports from The Times of Israel documented gatherings where rabbis gave short lessons aloud before police instructed the group to conclude. Public teaching and out-loud worship on the Temple Mount was already a major shift. But now, things have accelerated beyond imagination.
Within the past two weeks, under the direction of Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount were openly singing and dancing across the entire compound.
Let that sink in. For the first time since the destruction of the Second Temple nearly 2,000 years ago, open Jewish worship, singing, and dancing took place on the most contested religious site in the world.
The Jewish News Syndicate reported: “The move reverses a long-standing status quo under which Jewish worshipers were regularly detained or removed for quietly praying or even mouthing words…Under new instructions from Ben-Gvir, the Israel Police have been directed to allow open Jewish prayer and singing throughout the holy site.”
On June 29, over 110 Jewish worshippers, under police protection, entered the Temple Mount. Restrictions were even placed on Muslim worshippers during this time. These Jewish visitors didn’t just walk the grounds – they sang and danced freely throughout the entire area. This is monumental!
Why It Matters Prophetically
For decades, Israeli police tightly controlled all forms of Jewish or Christian religious expression on the Temple Mount. I’ve personally been there multiple times. I can tell you Christian visitors were not allowed to wear religious clothing, carry a Bible, or even whisper a prayer. Now, open celebration and praise by Jewish worshippers is being tolerated and even protected.
And yet, perhaps the most surprising development? Arab nations are largely silent. One might expect outcry from neighboring Islamic governments, but instead: near-total quiet!
Could this signal a shift in the regional spiritual atmosphere? One question looms larger than all the rest: How much longer before a Third Temple is built?
Scripture leaves no doubt that a Third Temple will exist in the Tribulation:
– Daniel 9:27 reveals that the Antichrist “will confirm a covenant with many but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation.”
– Matthew 24, in Jesus’ own words, echoes this prophecy.
This implies several truths:
1. A treaty or covenant involving Israel is coming.
2. Sacrifices will resume.
3. A temple must exist for sacrifices to take place.
4. The Antichrist will desecrate that temple.
Many speculate that the Abraham Accords could play a role. We don’t know for certain, but we do know this: the groundwork for the next temple is rapidly taking shape.
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