Bible Prophecy News

A new biography has been published about Golda Meir who was one of the most important prime ministers of Israel. She held this office from 1969 to 1974 and was frequently referred to as the "First Lady of Israel". A review of the biography, "Lioness of Israel" by Francine Kalgsbrun recently appeared online at www.commentarymagazine.com. The sections quoted below are from this review.

Golda is known for her simple yet clear statements of what Israel faced then and that, sadly, are prevelant today concerning Israel's situation in the Middle East.

"Perhaps her most famous saying was: 'Peace will come when the Arabs love their children more that they hate us.'"

"At a Madison Square Garden rally after the 1967 Six-Day War, she observed sardonically that the world called Israelis “a wonderful people,” complimented them for having prevailed “against such odds,” and yet wanted Israel to give up what it needed for its self-defense: “Now that they have won this battle, let them go back where they came from, so that the hills of Syria will again be open for Syrian guns; so that Jordanian Legionnaires, who shoot and shell at will, can again stand on the towers of the Old City of Jerusalem; so that the Gaza Strip will again become a place from which infiltrators are sent to kill and ambush.” … Is there anybody who has the boldness to say to the Israelis: “Go home! Begin preparing your nine and ten year olds for the next war, perhaps in ten years.”"

This is the current irony that prevails concerning Israel at the United Nations - Israel is expected to retreat to indefensible borders. Current events compared to those predicted in the Bible are largely a focus on what is happening in the Middle East concerning Israel.

"Day of Rage" Proclaimed as Thousands pack Al Asqua mosque in response to US Declaring Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel, Dec 8, 2017.

Hundreds of Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces in the West Bank and Gaza as part of a "day of rage" in protest over President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Hamas and Nasrallah of Hezbollah are calling for a renewed intifada. Thousands also protested in Jordan, Iran, Egypt, Indonesia and other places. Palistinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas praised international condemnation of the US decision. The United Nations Security Council met over the issue. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the Washington has credibility as a mediator with both Israel and the Palestinians and accused the United Nations of damaging rather than advancing peace prospects with unfair attacks on Israel. This is in contrast to what many are saying that the US no longer has creditibility as a peace maker.

Ironically, the announcement may well result in the renewal of the peace process that has been stalled for months. In realitly the US announcement does not dictate the outcome of a peace agreement but rather calls for one that is negotiated between the two parties. Both the Israelis and Palistinians see Jerusalem and "the capital of their national homeland". However, Jerusalem has never been the capital of a Muslim nation, rather has been the proxy for an occupied territory.

Why is Jerusalem such a "battle ground"? Jerusalem is the most contested city in all of human history. The city is at the center of the conflict between two religions throughout the centuries. Bible prophesy indicates that Jerusalem will be overrun by the Gentiles until Christ comes.

The announcement appears to be prophetic in view that the announcement came 70 years after Israel became a state. "2018 is Israel's 70th birthday, and many believe that it was not a coincidence that Donald Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel just prior to this very important anniversary. In fact, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem should be ready to open by the time May 14 rolls around (part of the quote however is highly unlikely). But even more incredible is the fact that President Trump's announcement took place on the 17th of Kislev, which is the precise date on the Hebrew calendar when the Partition Plan for Palestine was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1947. The year 2017 is exactly 70 years from 1947, and many are drawing parallels between that period of time and the 70-year Babylonian exile that we read about in the Bible. Of course the Babylonian exile was formally ended by King Cyrus, and many have compared Trump to a modern day Cyrus." Quote from Charisma News

Israel and British leaders mark Jewish homeland Balfour Declaration 100th year anniversary at a banquet, November 2, 2017

Theresa May and Benjamin Netanyahu mark 100 years since the Balfour declaration at a banquet in London. "One hundred years after Balfour, the Palestinians should finally accept a Jewish national home and finally accept a Jewish state. And when they do, the road to peace will be infinitely closer and in my opinion, peace will be achievable," Netanyahu told May. May said she recognized the "sensitivities" surrounding the declaration's anniversary. She said she and Netanyahu would discuss "barriers" to the peace process, such as Israel's Jewish West Bank settlements. Meanwhile, Palestinians protested the Balfour Declaration. Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets in protest across the West Bank marking a century since the Balfour Declaration, Britain's promise to create a Jewish home in what is now Israel.

In May 2017 a petition to Parliament called on the government to “apologise to the Palestinian people” over the Balfour Declaration because the UK’s colonial policy had caused “mass displacement” and injustice. The petition failed to gather sufficient signatures to trigger a parliamentary debate. In response the government stated “The Balfour Declaration is an historic statement for which HMG does not intend to apologise. We are proud of our role in creating the State of Israel. The task now is to encourage moves towards peace.”

The Declaration states, “His Majesty’s Government view with favor the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.” For the Arabs, meanwhile, the Allies following WW1 created the mandate nations of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. Not long thereafter, Great Britain gave away nearly 80% of Jewish mandated land to the Arabs. This they did specifically to create a Palestinian Arab state called Transjordan, now known as Jordan. The unilateral move proved an unsuccessful effort to appease the Arabs’ collective revolt against any Jewish homeland in the Middle East. Ref: http://lightofzion.org/general/reaffirming-decree-israels-restoration-reviving-balfour-declaration-november-2-1917/

The Balfour Declaration was/is prophetically significant. It set into motion the possiblility of a Jewish homeland/nation in modern times. Israel's return to the land was predicted in Ezekiel 36:1-38. Further, Ezekiel 37: 1-28 gives a spiritual view of the restoration of Jewish people into the land. Additionally, “Hear the Word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and watch over His flock like a shepherd.'” (Jeremiah 31:10). Although being forcibily deported by the Romans after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and persecuted by others in subsequent years a small minority Jewish population lived in the land until modern times. The declaration promoted the return of significant numbers of Jews to the land in the 1880's. The UN granted nation status to Israel in 1947. The fact that Israel exists as a nation in their historical homeland is a major prophetic sign of the times leading to the Great Tribulation and Armageddon.

Besides being a human tragedy is there a prophetic significance to this horrid event? Here are two typical statements from nationally known Christian leaders:

Franklin Graham, founder of Samaritan's Purse: “This morning, we awoke to the tragic news that at least 50 people were killed and over 200 wounded last night in a mass shooting at a Las Vegas outdoor concert. Please join me in praying for the families of those killed and for all the injured.”

Michael Brown, cultural commentator: “One day we're reeling from devastating hurricanes; the next day we're torn apart by racial divisions; the next day we have the worst mass shooting in our history. Now is not the time to focus on questions of global warming or to get caught up in accusatory sound bites or debate gun control. No. America is very sick, and there's only one who has the cure. We need to turn to God and ask Him to have mercy on our nation and heal our wounds. And may He show His grace to the victims and their families in Las Vegas. May He bring good out of this terrible evil.”

First, with all sincerity, we join with others to pray for those wounded for recovery from both physical and emotional wounds. And, for those who have lost family members, not only at Los Vegas but in all the areas hit by the hurricanes. And, for America which is being torn in so many different directions.

From current events ranging from natural catastrophes, increasing political unrest and dissention and human tragedies such as the recent it is clear that America is experiencing major crises. Ever since Adam’s sin God’s protective hand has been removed from the world and the on-earth paradise of the Garden of Eden removed. Since that time mankind has experienced all of these types of disasters as well as wars, famines and rampant diseases. God demonstrated his protective shield over Israel in Old Testament times but that was removed due to their response to reject the relationship He offered them.

The Lord’s prophets throughout the ages consistently called people to “return” to the relationship that He offered. This choice is being placed before America now as the proper response to this recent tragic event. But if America sees the solution in terms of gun control, climate control and populace control the tragedies will continue unchecked. Will the nation respond with the humility of calling on the Lord’s help or, instead, the arrogance of attempting to control their own destiny? One such opportunity for repentance occurred with the 9-11 tragedy. There was a spark of turning to God that quickly died out. Thus, the nation, and indeed the whole world, continues in the age-old pattern.

Where does this ingrained pattern leave the faithful follower of Jesus Christ? The disciples asked Jesus “what is the sign of your (promised) coming?” In short, Jesus’s response was, and is today, There will be false prophets and teachers, all of the disasters we are currently experiencing, tribulation and a major falling away from the faith. He said, “Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is (of His return).” See Matthew chapters 24-25, Luke 21:33.

The faithful followers of Jesus Christ uniquely HAVE the protective hand of the Lord over their lives. They have the immutable gift of eternal life – secured even if they are killed in the tragic events occurring in the world.

The prophetic significance of the Las Vegas tragedy is – “return” to God. Look to God. Look up and call on Jesus.

Acts 2:21
"And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved."

September 2017. Increasing lawlessness is abounding in the US. Extreme political groups both right and left leaning have adopted violent protest when they believe it should be used. What is incredible is that even the press and average citizens are buying into the justification. The Antichrist is referred to as the "Lawless One", a person with no regard to the rule of law and most certainly to God's standards of right and wrong.

Moscow (AFP) - (June 16, 2015) President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Russia will boost its nuclear arsenal by over 40 intercontinental missiles this year, in a move likely to further unnerve the West.

"This year the size of our nuclear forces will increase by over 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles that will be able to overcome any, even the most technologically advanced, missile defence systems," Putin said at the opening of an exhibition of military hardware outside Moscow. The declaration from the Kremlin strongman came as Russia reacted with fury to reports that the US is planning to bulk up its military deployments in Eastern Europe.

Kiev and its allies accuse Moscow of sending in troops and armour to back a separatist conflict in the east of the country but Russia has denied the claims. The New York Times reported at the weekend that the Pentagon was poised to station heavy weapons for up to 5,000 American troops in several Eastern European and Baltic countries to deter Russian aggression. The proposal, if approved, would be the first time since the end of the Cold War that the US has had heavy military equipment -- including battle tanks -- in newer NATO members that were once under Moscow's influence as part of the Soviet Union.

Poland said on Sunday it is in talks with the United States on the possibility of Washington storing heavy weaponry on its soil. Russia's foreign ministry lashed out at the possible US deployment to the region, warning that the move by Washington could "take on a life of its own".

"The United States is fuelling tensions and nurturing its European allies' anti-Russian fears, also because it plans to use current tensions to expand its military presence and hence strengthen its influence in Europe," the ministry said in a statement Monday. (End of news article.)

This announcement is an example of increased tensions between Russia and the US and the European Union. Tensions leading to war have not reduced in recent history. Human nature has not changed. Instead the stakes and possible devestating results are increasing with technological advances. In the so called "Western World" the focus is on peace and prosperity. However, immigrants from Africa and the Middle East are bringing with them their world views and religious values that are in conflict with the long estabished principles of law and order. This is particularily true in Europe. Just recently China's communist leaders indicated that they are still in control. Both Russia and China are positioning themselves more aggressively in the world arena. This is in addition to the jihadist movements in the middle east and around the world. Jesus predicted an escalation in the latter days that would require God's intervention to prevent man from undoing himself, i.e., "unless those days were shortened, noflesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened" (Matthew 24:22).

Aliyah to the Jewish Homeland

Many thousands of Jews from all over the world have relocated to Israel. This is a sign of the times. The Bible predicts the return of the dispersed Jewish faithful to the land of Israel.

Is There a Break from the Principles of the Palestinian Charter

Taking Place in the Arab World?

King Abdullah of Jordan criticized the Palestinian Authority on Arab satellite television that "The Palestinian Authority must carry out a real reform and tell the Arab world what it wants of it". Abdullah said that because of the way the PA handled the situation, Israel today is offering it only 50% of territory that was conquered during the Six Day war, while several years ago over 98% of the territory was discussed. "In the past, compensation to Palestinian refugees was discussed while today only a marginal return of these refugees are mentioned; we don't even know what the situation would be like in a year or two", the king added.

The Palestine National Charter is the product of the Palestine National Council of July 1-17, 1968. The first article states: "Palestine is the homeland of the Arab Palestinian people: it is an indivisible part of the Arab homeland, and the Palestinian People are an integral part of the Arab nation." The second article states: "Palestine, with the borders it had during the British mandate is an indivisible territorial unit. " The goal of the PA is to "liberate" all of the land, including that of the nation of Israel. "Zionist occupation" refers not just to the West Bank and Gaza, but the entire land all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Some hold that the charter action was taken to modify the charter. However wording of the charter has not been revised.

It is apparent that King Abdullah does not think it is realistic to hold to the principles of the Palestine National Charter. However, Syria, Iran, and other nations are yet very hostile towards Israel.

Will "Land for Peace" strategy be successful in the conflict between Israel and the Arab nations. In view of the religious nature of the conflict, it seems not. This is true of both Muslim and Jewish believers. Most Jews of faith believe that the land taken during the 1967 war should belong to the nation of Israel.

According to the Abrahamic Covenant, which God made with Abraham concerning the future land given to his descendants through Isaac his son, of Genesis 15:17, Israel will be given the land from the "river of Egypt to the river Euphrates". Elsewhere, this is clarified as being what is now Syria, Northern Jordan, the West Bank, Gaza and all the land to the Red Sea, and the area south of the Dead Sea. Expect this to be fulfilled after the Great Tribulation in the Millennium.

Psalm 122:6 exhorts believers to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem". Prayer for this peace requires prayer for the peace of nations surrounding Jerusalem. 8/04

The Difficulties of Peace in the Middle East

Israel's disengagement from the Gaza strip was meant to be a step toward peace. However several wars have taken place between Hamas and Israel since that time. The situation seems intractable.

The prophecy of Daniel 9:27 refers to the final seven years of the 70 weeks of years prophecy, verses 24 -27. This prophecy indicates that a seven year covenant of peace for Israel will be guaranteed at a time in the future. However this seven year period will coincide with the Great Tribulation predicted in both Daniel and Revelation. Apparently there will not be peace in the area until then. This peace will guarantee Israel the right to build their temple. Unfortunately, Israel's days of difficulty will not be over until the end of the Great Tribulation. Until that time, their leaders will rely on political and military solutions, instead of faith in God. However when the Messiah returns, the hearts of the leaders will change, Zechariah 12:4-5. There will be a fervent faith in God in spite of overwhelming odds against them.

Today, Messianic hopes are rising in Israel, at least amongst conservative Jews:

"We're now holding in the Jewish year 5764 from Creation, 26 years in advance of the year 5790, 210 years prior to the year 6000. Techiyas HaMeisim, according to all opinions is after the period of Moshiach. That is, when he has already come and completed his work, between today and 5790, is also a period of transition to Techiyas HaMeisim.In other words, by the time 5790 rolls around, Zehr Anpin will have grownup, received its Muchin, as will Malchus. Indeed, the fact that free-will ends with the establishment of Moshiach ben Dovid means that the light has come down and completed the six sefiros of Chesed through Yesod, and by necessity, also the Malchus." From: Perceptions, Copyright © 2004 by Rabbi Pinchas Winston and Torah.org. Here Malchus is the Kingdom of the Messiah, Moshiach. Techiyas HaMeisim refers to the resurrection of the righteous dead. For some reason, the Jewish calendar is some 240 Biblical years behind the commonly held Christian reckoning. It is clear that the expected coming of the Messiah is very soon, even if the terms used above are not understood.

Jewish teaching anticipates 6000 years of Biblical history until the Messiah. The peace that Israel, and the entire world needs will arrive with the coming of the Messiah. As you watch the events in the Middle East unfold, it will help to remember that negotiations and even wars will not settle peace in the area. Only the arrival of the Messiah will accomplish that desired result.

The Issue of Palestinian Statehood

Quite some time ago, a teacher of Jewish history commented: “The Palestinians are panicking. They are finally getting the point that Israel is serious about the disarmament of terror groups and so they are turning to other issues to try to deflect attention from their own failure and/or unwillingness to comply with the Roadmap.” He went on to explain that the efforts of Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei to convince the international community to put pressure on Israel to stop the construction of the security fence is clear evidence of such panic. Qurei is suggesting that time is running out on chances for a negotiated peace settlement and therefore, Israel must be stopped. “What kind of ridiculous logic is that?” the lecturer asked. Israel would never have arrived at the need for a fence if the Palestinians, including Qurei had done their job of dismantling terrorist groups and bringing violence under control.

While touring a section of the security fence near the West Bank city of Qalqiliya, Qureia said yesterday, "this is a racist separation wall that intends to turn the areas of the West Bank into isolated cantons that is not acceptable to any form of Palestinian government or any form of Palestinian State. We turn our direction to the United States, to President Bush, to Europe, to Russia, to the United Nations," Qureia said.

The issue is one of fundamental problem solving. First the issues must be clearly identified before any solution can be formulated. It’s really quite simple. Stop the terrorism and we can talk, is what Israel and the Bush Administration has said. In lieu of doing so, the Palestinian leader is now trying to muddy the waters. Senior Israeli officials said last night that the back to back threats emanating from the PA are clear evidence of the desperation gripping them at this time. First Qurei said he would push for a bi-national state which Colin Powell flatly rejected. A day later, Qurei threatens to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. This threat was made in a statement following a meeting of the PLO Executive Committee and representatives of Palestinian factions, chaired by PA Chairman Yasser Arafat in his Ramallah office. The Prime Minister's Office warned that Israel will never allow a state run by the PA in its present form. "If they declare a state and it is controlled by gang of terrorists, then Israel will see it as a declaration of war," he said. "Israel will never accept a terrorist state on its borders."

If and when a Palestinian state is formed, the Palestinians will have the right to acquire heavy armament. Israel would not allow this to happen unless there is a change of heart for a real and lasting peace.

The issue of Palestinian statehood is significant in Bible prophecy. The Bible indicates that there will not be a Palestinian state in the Millennium. In that day religious confusion will be removed. The Palestinians and indeed the entire world will worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The remnant of the Palestinians surviving Armageddon will accept Christ and be incorporated into Israel as through they were one of the 12 tribes.

Already the alignment for the future is taking place. Jordan and Egypt are working for area peace, including peace with Israel. However, Syria and the Palestinians are resisting this concept. Hence the on-going terrorism.

These facts serve as a "Wake-Up" call to all the nations! It is time for serious Christians to pray and do everything possible to spread the news of Christ's salvation and His soon return. In the near future the world will go through the most severe testing of faith and moral values. Now is the time to seize upon the opportunity to reach the multitudes with the message of Christ's salvation. "Whoever calls upon the Lord shall be saved", Acts 2:21, is the promise of the Lord. In the times coming, even during the Great Tribulation, this promise will hold for the individual. However, accepting Christ now before the most troubled of times start will reduce the individual pain.

The Lord is building an army who will live on the "eagle wings" that He provides to enable personal victory and to bring others to this same place of victory, and spiritual protection in Christ. As the final remaining unreached people groups are being reached with the Good News of Jesus Christ, world politics are heading toward the climax for the Tribulation. As time passes more and more people's hearts are becoming hardened concerning Christ.