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The Coming Times

Last Updated: 07/27/2008 22:18                                                                                                                                           Bookmark at Del.icio.us | Print This Page

This page is my estimation of future events based on Bible prophecy, news, and stories I've come across. I've tried to place them in the order I currently see them as possibly happening in. It is the culmination of my current understanding of Bible prophecy in perspective with real-world news. This is not any prophecy of my own, but a compilation from scripture and news mostly. It is in Bible prophecy though and that's God's Word, I'm just connecting the dots. With the diligent watching of believers all over the globe, information is easily shared and the body of Christ can work together regardless of separation by space and time. It would be wonderful if you would join some of us at the Fulfilled Prophecy bulletin board! My name on there is Triton57, stop in and say hi as well as keeping up on current prophetic news.

If you haven't made the choice to repent and follow Christ, then when Bible prophecy comes to pass 100%, I hope you will remember that God loves you with an everlasting love. We are all prodigal sons. Luke 15:11-31 We must repent of our sins and transgressions against His Law and call on Yeshua (Jesus) and He will save the truly repentant. He knows our hearts better than we do. I will make every effort to link all scriptures and relevant information on this page for easy following of the paper trails and scriptures. I'm not claiming to know everything and could be wrong on some of the order of events. Please open your mind while keeping it guarded with the Word of God. Acts 17:11

“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all argument, and which cannot fail to keep man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is condemnation before investigation.” | Edmund Spencer

“He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.” | Proverbs 18:13

The red ↓ is where I see us in the timeline currently
| HIStory overview |2007| EU & Covenant with Many ↓ 2008| Peace & Safety! | Dividing Israel | America on the Brink |
| Babylon Rising? | Destruction of Damascus | Gog/Magog Invasion | Temple Rebuilt | Great Tribulation | Links |

HIStory, Our Future: Pearls for the Bride

This is the title of the collection of Bible prophecy studies I'm organizing right now. If you haven't read over them, I suggest you do, you won't be disappointed! This link above will take you to the introduction of this study. It centers around Revelation 19:10 which states that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." I believe this title is exactly what Bible prophecy is. It is all His (Christ's) story about history and our future. We are the bride of Christ awaiting anxiously His return to gather us to Himself. What He has given us in Bible prophecy are pearls of wisdom. So what better title for this walk through the promised understanding of the end times written in Bible prophecy? The Bible studies below provide greater understanding from the Bible about the future that God wants all who believe in Him to know. Amos 3:7 I believe the time is now and the alert bride is waking up to the nearness of her bridegroom! Start with the 70 Weeks of Daniel study and work through. These combined Bible studies lay out history up to this very second! It's truly amazing and all glory is God's alone. May His name be praised for all eternity!

These Bible studies will show the history of Israel and how God's timing in dealing with this nation among the nations leads to the timing of the 70th week of Daniel that is upon us now! Almost the whole end-time scenario in Revelation is contained within the 70th week of Daniel, meaning the time is upon us!

| Introduction | Daniel's 70 Weeks | 14,000 Days | Exact-Day Prophecies | Ezekiel's 430 Days |
| Supporting Evidence | Stumbling Blocks | Watchman Bible Study Guide |

Daniel 9:27, the Covenant with Many, & the First Seal

If you have not read the Daniel's 70 Weeks Bible study or the Fourth Kingdom Bible Study, you won't have the background needed to see the significance of some of this. If you have read it you will understand. This section is not at all detailed, so please click the links to find more detail. And please don't take my word on all this, check it out in the Bible yourself too. Acts 17:11 We all need to develop that personal relationship with God by understanding His Word. I only present parts of it to explain them, there is much more to know of God.
Daniel 9:27
And he [beast] shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2013 - ENPI - This is a seven-year political instrument that "breathes new life" into the Euro-Med from 1995. It has a mid-term review in 2010. Fulfilled Prophecy - This website is run by Herb L. Peters, who has been watching the developments of the European Union along with Constance Cumby very closely over the past few decades. Read more on the European Union.

“As I've tried to point out, the European Neighbourhood Policy [ENP] does not replace the process launched years ago in Barcelona. It renews it, clarifies it and breathes fresh life into it.” | Margot Wallstrom regarding the ENP and fears that it was replacing the 1995 EURO-MED [E.U. "ROMED"] Agreement

“[The European] neighbourhood policy [ENP] is not a substitute for the Barcelona process; it rather underpins and deepens it.” | Javier Solana December 17, 2006

Recommendation 666 (Free online e-book) by Herb L. Peters of Fulfilled Prophecy - "Now we are getting to the heart of my book. What if I said that an important warning sign about the rise of the Antichrist began occurring in 1992, but it has been completely overlooked? And what if I told you that the 10 kings of Daniel and Revelation may have already been on scene since 1995, but no one has noticed?  Not only that, but a powerful new office has been created that could soon be occupied by the Antichrist. And, the EU document establishing this Office was numbered 666."

"On top of all of this, what would you say if I told you that the man who currently holds this office was recently given emergency powers with these 10 kings, and the document the EU leaders were acting on when they gave him these powers was titled 'Assembly Recommendation 666?' Hang on, because these are exactly the things I’m about to tell you."

GANNT Chart Of The Coming Times - Thanks to Pikes Peak for the work!!! The focus of this chart is on observed or planned events in the next seven years as covered on FulfilledProphecy.com. Original post

The First Seal

What will be the result of this covenant with many? I believe that the Western powers, eventually headed by the antichrist, will appear to sincerely desire and bring peace to the Middle East. It will be a false peace that simply holds off the inevitable attacks against Israel. However, from now until the Damascus and Gog/Magog incidents, I expect peace to come to the Middle East. I believe that in order for it to happen however, Israel will be divided. The world won't have a problem with this and I believe the European leader will get the credit for much of it if not all and this will increase his popularity. Daniel 8:24 covers Antiochus IV in history. However, it shows how the spirit of antichrist works.
Daniel 8:24
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft [H4820 deceit] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace [H7962 Security] shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Revelation 6:1,2
 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

  • Rider has a bowG5115 (from base G5088; a bow (apparently as the simplest fabric): - bow. [G5088 is: to produce (from seed) literal or figurative: bear, to be born, bring forth, be delivered, be in travail])
  • A crownG4735 (as a badge of royalty) is given to him.
  • He spreads out conquering victoriously overcoming his enemies.

Genesis 9:13
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenantH1285 between me and the earth.

Covenant: alliance, pledge, [treaty, alliance, league (man to man)], [constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects)], [agreement, pledge (man to man)]

As of now the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is looking like the confirmed covenant with many. It is a covenant with many nations in the interest of peace and security for seven years confirmed from a 1995 covenant. This offers money from Europe to those who obey the rules dictated to them in order to participate. The ultimate goal is to bring peace to the Middle East. As I will get to a little further down, I believe that peace will involved dividing the land of Israel to create a Palestinian State.

I believe this is also the coming war on religious fundamentalism through the Alliance of Civilizations. While spouting the reason being peace and security in the world, the leaders (and specifically the antichrist) will wage a war on fundamentalism in the name of peace. Those who claim sole ownership of the truth will be labeled as intolerant and persecuted for it. In this way he will destroy the fundamentalists and also corrupt his followers. Everyone will be behind him because they will buy into the concept. You can already see the negative labeling of Christians today in the media and elsewhere. For us here in America, I don't believe the serious persecution will really start until after the abomination of desolation when the war really turns ugly. That's when the gloves come off and Lucifer gives his power to the beast. Revelation 13:5 However, there are Christians all over the world and especially in Muslim nations that are being murdered for their faith in Christ daily. So please keep them in your prayers. Voice of the Martyrs

Peace and Safety!

So I believe that the peace put forth by the antichrist starts out logical because of radical Islam and it's mutual threat to the European Union, which I believe is the antichrist's kingdom. Since Islam views the Christian antichrist as an enemy of Islam as well, we can see how the antichrist may fight against radical Islam, going forth to conquer. Daniel 9:26 states that the people of the future prince destroy Jerusalem, they were the Roman army. I believe the E.U. is that revived Roman Empire for many reasons you can read here. I believe more than Islam is going to be attacked and conquered. If you examine the Treaty of Lisbon and the Alliance of Civilizations, you can see that the war will turn on all fundamentalist believers. The world is saying peace and safety and the chaos in their eyes is from the religious structures of the Torah, Bible and the Koran. But politics will appear to rescue the situation until Michael stands up.

Some news on the push for peace in the Middle East and around the world:

What this shows is a move suddenly by the West, Israel, and even many Islamic nations to bring peace. Jerusalem is a troublesome stone upon which everyone is stumbling, just as the Bible said it would be.

Zechariah 12:2,3
Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

A peace deal is brokered through diplomacy by a man who makes happen what everyone thought never would, peace in Jerusalem and the Middle East. The Jews will look up to him as well as the world because of the apparent peace he brings. He is the beast, or antichrist. There is already a seven year deal in progress, the European Neighborhood & Partnership Instrument (ENPI), which began January 1, 2007. It is centered around "Mr. Europe," the peacemaker Javier Solana. Read Recommendation 666 free.

While peace and security will be the talking points of all the news media as they glorify this leader (eventually to the point of worship after the abomination of desolation), the truth of the matter is much darker. This "peace" deal is merely the Islamo-facists biding their time and waiting for the right moment.

For a time, things will seem to be fine. There may be an appearance of the Islamic 12th Mahdi, who I believe may act as the false prophet who builds up this great diplomat with great signs and wonders. Perhaps that is how Islam is brought to worship the antichrist, through their messiah, the 12th Mahdi.

Dividing Israel

Zechariah 14:1-3
Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 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. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

“Relations between the EU and Israel are also part of the Union's wider efforts to contribute to a resolution of the Middle East conflict. The achievement of lasting peace in the Middle East is a central aim of the EU, whose main objective is a two-state solution leading to a final and comprehensive settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the implementation of the road map, with Israel and a democratic, viable, peaceful and soveriegn Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace within secure and recognized borders and enjoying normal relations with their neighbours.” | Javier Solana

Solana claims credit for “Roadmap to Peace” Unsealed Prophecy (November 15, 2007) - During yesterday’s press conference, Javier Solana stated that he believed the Roadmap to Peace would be accepted by both sides, and based this claim on his working knowledge of the document, having actually written part of the document himself.

The association of this passage with the dividing of the land of Israel for peace was brought to my attention by Rabbi Eddie Chumney in his DVD through the Prophecy Club, Hebraic Bible Prophecy. Because of the possibility of Israel giving land to the Palestinians and because I think I know how that will embolden them, I believe there may be something to this, although I'm still watching and waiting. Wordpress

There's just something about November 27... and now with the Treaty of Lisbon, things are really starting to come together as the coming war on the saints is ironed out in the legal code and through the Alliance of Civilizations, who target those who claim sole ownership to the Truth as the object of scorn.

The problem with dividing Israel is that there are consequences for doing so. God doesn't want it, although He is allowing it and foretold it. The question is do we want to be a part of the consequences for what we know will happen that God will punish?

Zechariah 12:1-3
The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Please watch the DVD series Against All Odds: Israel Survives and learn the history of how Ezekiel 36,37 were fulfilled in modern history leading to the fulfillment of the above prophecies and the re-emergence of the nation of Israel. The question is, are we as Americans any different from "the people of the earth" in scripture? Apparently not, but where does the evidence lead?

Jeremiah 30:17-24
For I will restore health unto thee [Israel], and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after. Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them. And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD. And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he hath done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.

As pointed out in Bill Koenig's book Eye To Eye: Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel, we can see evidence in the past of the "whirlwind(s) of the Lord" hitting U.S. coastlines on the very days America meddled in the Middle East peace process of dividing Israel.

  • October 19, 1991, George Bush and Michele Gorbuchoff went to Switzerland and sponsored the Madrid Conference, in order to bring about a peace plan between the Palestinians and Israel. The plan was to divide Israel into two separate states. This land included the Golan Heights, the West Bank, the Gaza strip, and Jerusalem. At that same time a storm developed in the North Atlantic ocean sending 30 foot waves on the coast of president Bush's home.
  • August 24, 1992 the Madrid Conference convened in Washington and is the day that Hurricane Andrew clobbered the states of Louisiana and Florida. This was a devastating storm that caused massive destruction to the East coast of America. This hurricane was happening at the same time Israel was being discussed in Washington.
  • January 15, 1994 President Clinton, and the president of Syria were in Switzerland, calling on Israel to leave the Golan Heights and within 24 hours a major earthquake hit Northridge, California producing the largest earthquake in U.S. history, and at that time, the second largest catastrophe in U.S. history.
  • August 24th, 2005 The final Jews were evicted from Gaza and Northern Samaria, tropical storm depression 12 started in the Bahamas, Within 24 hours it was tropical storm Katrina. Within 72 hours it was hurricane Katrina and hit South West Florida. 72 hours later, it hit Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, producing the largest disaster in U.S. History.

It is the world's view of how to bring peace and Satan's way to break Israel into pieces. Did we learn anything from the above? Most people never had the dots connected for them, perhaps you see it now? Current policy with Israel in agreement with Europe is not where our country should be dabbling.

Related News to dividing Israel watch it unfold...

America on the Brink

Israel isn't the only focus of division by the mystery of iniquity. This is an audio clip, coming soon, of Glen Beck's October 15, 2007 radio program where he puts together a reality check on America and where we stand and where we could be going. This is related to the consolidation of power for the New World Order that will eventually be controlled by future the man of sin in Europe. This must happen either by our choice or chaos that will take peace and security so that we give up freedoms in the name of peace.

He also goes into the spiritual depravity of America, who are self-centered. This "every man for himself" and "lookout for number 1" mentality destroys love because true love is selfless. The greatest love that can be shown is to give ones life for a friend. John 15:13 That is completely selfless, and so is True Love. God is love and in His creation of us, He gave us the gift of existence. He also sent His only begotten son, Yeshua, who willingly gave His life to pay the debt of death for our sins. That is the ultimate expression of Love and brings us to friendship with Christ. John 15:14-23

America is dividing, and according to Christ, a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Matthew 12:25 We must stand for Truth, but Bible prophecy tells the truth about the future and the only peace is found in Christ. The Bible says the world will break into chaos in the end, however the ultimate end is Christ's rule on the earth for 1,000 years. First there must be a shaking of the heavens and the earth, the day of the Lord.

  • Collapse of the Modern Day Banking System - Staring into the Abyss The Market Oracle (December 19, 2007)
  • Gold & Mortgage Failure Avalanche Financial Sense (December 12, 2007)
  • More bad news for the dollar as the UAE gets ready to dump it Thaindian News (November 28, 2007)
  • Saudi minister warns of dollar collapse The Business (November 17, 2007)
  • Message from John L. Petersen on the Coming Crash Steve Quayle (October 19, 2007) - It appears that the world in general and the United States in particular are on the edge of a major disruption in the global financial system. Here’s the summary as we see it. At a recent Board meeting of The Arlington Institute, Dr. David Martin, CEO of M*CAM and one of the members of the Board was asked for his assessment of the global financial situation in the coming months.
  • Foreclosure Filings Nearly Double Associated Press (October 11, 2007)
  • Credit card debt is ready to blow Baltimore Sun (October 10, 2007)
  • Outrage Erupts Over Bush Demands in Murder Case WorldNet Daily (October 10, 2007) - What the U.S. government wants in the Medellin murder case, now being heard before the U.S. Supreme Court, is "bizarrely grotesque," according to the chief counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund. And the warning from ADF Chief Counsel Benjamin Bull notes that the case, being pursued by President Bush through the Department of Justice, could result in U.S. laws being subjugated to U.N. resolutions and rules to the point that local police officers will have to spend more time studying international law than catching criminals.
  • Euro Could Replace U.S. Dollar As Favored Reserve Currency Associated Press (September 17, 2007) - Former U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan said it is possible that the euro could replace the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency of choice. According to an advance copy of an interview to be published in Thursday's edition of the German magazine Stern, Greenspan said that the dollar is still slightly ahead in its use as a reserve currency, but added that "it doesn't have all that much of an advantage" anymore. The euro has been soaring against the U.S. currency in recent weeks, hitting all-time high of $1.3927 last week as the dollar has fallen on turbulent market conditions stemming from the ongoing U.S. subprime crisis. The Fed meets this week and is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate from the current 5.25 percent. Greenspan said that at the end of 2006, some 25 percent of all currency reserves held by central banks were held in euros, compared to 66 percent for the U.S. dollar. In terms of being used as a payment for cross-border transactions, the euro is trailing the dollar only slightly with 39 percent to 43 percent. Greenspan said the European Central Bank has become "a serious factor in the global economy." He said the increased usage of the euro as a reserve currency has led to a lowering of interest rates in the euro zone, which has "without any doubt contributed to the current economic growth."

Return of Political & Spiritual Power to Babylon?

May 1, 2007: I'm not so sure of the timing, but the US is wrapped up in Iraq and the world is set against us. Europe has a less negative association in the Middle East. With the U.S. Democrats pushing for pullout and the President pushing to remain, I believe we're seeing the mystery of iniquity at work controlling governments like pawns in the global chess-board. I believe it is the plan of the New World Order to set up the EU/UN as the global power power. The problem has always been getting independent nations to cede their power to foreign leadership. Part of the process has slowly been happening behind the scenes, but the powers in control must manipulate the masses toward that end as well.

With America, I believe we are seeing that happen right now with Iraq. We have the push to spread democracy in the Middle East and loosen Islamic control from Babylon while replacing it with the Western powers of government that may shift to Europe. The Islamic jihadists are the pawns by creating the havoc that would cause the nation to divide itself and weaken its resolve. That's written into some sects belief that chaos precedes their messiah. If what the author below puts forth as an idea catches hold, and I believe it will, the US would have it's back-door while having unseated the power that was in Babylon to replace it with European control. I think this would raise the desire to become more global once peace came about because of it. Especially if that peace had a face and a voice. If the same dark power is behind all these nations and actions as I think it may be, he can quiet or flare up any piece he wants. The Bible narrows it down for us and gives us our labels of what will happen.

I've been watching Secret Mysteries of America's Beginnings and it has brought to light much that confirms subtle Luciferian control over world politics. Genesis 3:1 Sound crazy? Truth is stranger than fiction and much more mind-blowing. Don't deny it off-hand without checking the research though. Proverbs 18:13 It will challenge everything you thought you knew and remove the veil of brainwashing that has been put over the eyes of humanity. It's been subtly going on for millennia and the fingerprints of antichrist are all over world politics.

Looking at Bible prophecy, we know that there is an antichrist that will rise to power out of the nation that destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, Rome. Daniel 9:26,27 I believe this is currently playing out in the news through the European Union's Euro-Med agreement. Notice how it looks when you see all the letters capitalized. Please learn more and keep up to date at Fulfilled Prophecy. Join us at the bulletin board too!


E.U. "ROMED"

Coincidence? Or is he just that bold? There is a dark spirit at work behind what we see with our natural eyes. We fight not against flesh and blood. They are just his pawns because they obey his voice. He is controlling the masses in the Middle East through the ideas of a holy book. In the west it is, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law," and so the love of many grows cold. So they fulfill their selfish desires of the flesh because that is all they see and all they've been taught to believe in. Let's reach out to them with truth, love and understanding. Let us lead them to the milk of the Word and let us move on from milk to meat for the glory of Yeshua! Thought: Voice of the Spirit Realm

Want Middle East Stability? Move UN to Iraq (April 9, 2007) - “Get the U.S. out of the U.N.!,” a sign near Gettysburg shouts. “The United Nations sabotages America’s security,” author Eric Shawn declared in his book The U.N. Exposed. Iranian spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham told reporters that the U.N. “must be relocated from the U.S.” And a few days after Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez’s rant before a U.N. audience, a New York Daily News editorial encouraged Chavez to “take the atrophied, self-abasing remains of a global idea 2,100 miles to Caracas!” The idea of moving U.N. headquarters seems to resonate with many—those who believe that the U.S. is being manipulated by anti-American and anti-Israeli elements within the U.N., as well as those who feel that the U.S. is doing the manipulation. For Americans, it would of course mean the loss of a global status symbol—but it would also mean the reacquisition of valuable New York real estate, fewer cases of diplomatic immunity for the legal systems, and perhaps a reduction of anti-American sentiment worldwide. Where should it go? Try Iraq. While moving the U.N. headquarters to Venezuela or Iran is probably not wise, moving it to Iraq might be a strategic coup. There is even a ready-made location for it—Saddam Hussein’s 600-room palace and compound constructed over the remains of the ancient city of Babylon. Americans might even consider footing the bill for the relocation. Think about it. If the U.S. should be forced to abruptly withdraw from Iraq, a peacekeeping force—something similar to the International Security Assistance Force now in Afghanistan—would probably be deployed. Yet peacekeeping forces under temporary mandates, with all the associated communications problems, functional restrictions, and managerial arguments that so often spring from ego or nationalist pride, generally don’t work. They would be even less viable in a region like Iraq, where the threat of kidnapping and indescribable torture would keep many countries from participating. Relocating U.N. headquarters to Iraq, however, might actually be a reasonable alternative. Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan agreed with member states’ demands for the U.S. to leave Iraq. Yet he admitted that any force reductions would have to be planned so as not to lead to greater violence and instability. Moving the U.N. to Iraq might be the only method of ensuring that a departure of U.S. forces would not leave the country and the region in chaos. Considering the severe cutbacks in U.N. personnel within Iraq following the 2004 truck bombing of its Baghdad compound, the idea might seem ridiculous; but the mission of the U.N. is to promote and preserve peace. In order to maintain its fledgling democracy, Iraq needs international commitment, an inducement to stop factional violence, and a stable form of income not subject to the terrorists’ reprisals. It is hard to imagine a more visible and binding form of commitment than a change of such magnitude. The prestige factor alone might guarantee stability. Middle East leaders may seize upon the move as recognition of the region’s importance, thus stimulating their sense of self- and nationalist esteem while gaining further incentive for dealing with internecine conflict. more... | EU/UN / 4th Kingdom |

Destruction of Damascus (Second Seal Broken?)

The Bible talks about Damascus becoming a ruinous heap. Damascus is the longest continually inhabited city in the world. It has not been fulfilled yet, but I believe it is coming very soon for the reasons you will soon see.

The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel. At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation. Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips: In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow. Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! [Gog/Magog?]--> The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. [Ezekiel 38,39 - Gog/Magog?] And behold at evening tide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

This talks about Jacob (Israel) being made thin. I believe this accurately describes the state of Israel now. They are being made thinner and thinner through the constant problems with the Muslims and indeed the rest of the world against them as well as the dividing of the land. It also says that their [Israel's enemies] cities will be forsaken, left because of the children of Israel. Does this mean Israel will attack Syria, forcing them to leave their cities because of the attack? Israel has already threatened to attack Damascus and it houses some of the top terrorists trying to destroy Israel. If that's the case, then Iran will come to Syria's rescue only to be destroyed in the mountains of Israel with the rest of the Gog/Magog armies? ("hooks in the jaws" from Ezekiel 38,39?) That's what the last part of the passage would seem to say. Nations rush like many waters, God rebukes them, and they are blown as the chaff of the mountains before the wind. The mountains are the place where Ezekiel 38,39 says God wipes out the Gog/Magog armies. This next verse would seem to also suggest that Israel is the nation God uses to destroy Damascus.

Isaiah 10:5-22
O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few. For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings? Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus? As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria; Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols? Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped. Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. [God uses Israel to destroy Syria/Damascus] Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his [Assyrian's] thorns and his briers in one day; And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standard-bearer fainteth. And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them. [Gog/Magog] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
So does God use Israel to destroy Damascus, bringing Iran, Turkey, and Russia against her? Notice also that God makes Israel a fire that burns and devours the thorns and briers of the Assyrians in one day. Could this be reference to Damascus's destruction through nuclear means? It continues on after that to say that the house of Jacob will stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. This is exactly what Ezekiel 38,39 says will happen after God destroys the Gog/Magog invaders in the mountains of Israel.
Jeremiah 49:23-27
Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet. Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail. How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy! Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off in that day, saith the LORD of hosts. And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.
From Amos 1, it would appear that the timing of the destruction of Damascus and that of Gaza, Palestine (Philistine), Tyrus, Bozrah, Rabbah, and the coast are all the same time. Perhaps along with the Gog/Magog invasion as well? We know that God destroys the armies in the mountains of Israel with fire and brimstone from heaven. Perhaps at that same time, the fire and brimstone falls on the following places as well. Could this be a celestial event such that the earth will pass through debris in space that would fall at exactly the right time to destroy the armies when they're attacking at that particular time? That would certainly take supernatural planning, yes? Our God is great! An interesting video by Bill Schnoebelen on scalar weaponry. It reminds me of the "kindling of a fire in the wall of Damascus." Watch it here and jump to 0:15:58.

Amos 1
The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither. Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD. Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant: But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof. Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever: But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah. Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border: But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind: And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the LORD.

Next is another chapter of scripture that points to Syria's destruction at the hand of God. The places listed below that are destroyed are the same as in Amos 1. If God is the one that kindled the fire in Israel to destroy Damascus, then God would be using Israel as an instrument in bringing about His plans. This would fit with the idea that we are in the 70th week of Daniel, and God is using Israel once again as a sign among the nations of earth.

Zephaniah 2
Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD's anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger. [Day of the LORD] For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up. Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant. And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks. And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity. I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border. Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them. This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts. The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen. Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by my sword. And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness. And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds; for he shall uncover the cedar work. This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

Is this perhaps why Israel pulled out of Gaza?

Is Israel God's instrument in the Damascus destruction?
Is the sudden destruction of Syria at Israel's hand? If the Gog/Magog invasion coincides with Amos 1, then I don't believe so. If it does, then I believe God will destroy Damascus and all the cities listed there possibly with fire and brimstone (meteorites?) from heaven (space). However, there is reason to keep an eye on the situation in the Middle East because Israel certainly has a reason to attack Damascus and have threatened to already. Scripture says it's because of Israel that they leave their cities, is that Damascus?

Isaiah 17:1-9
The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel. At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images. In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation.

Read Jack Kelly's examination of Isaiah 17.

Related News to Syria-Israeli tensions watch it unfold...

Report: Israel threatened to target Syria if Hezbollah attacks YNet News (May 1, 2008)

It could be that the nation of Israel will be responsible for the destruction of Damascus. Looking at their current situation, surrounded by Muslim aggressor states who emphatically state on public television their desire to wipe Israel off the map, it's possible. Israel threatened to attack Damascus already on June 30, 2006. With their very existence at risk and no support from anyone else, do you think they would not do a pre-emptive attack at the hub of terrorist leadership in the Middle East? Current leadership will probably not take action as they are criticized for their past action in the 2006 Israeli-Lebanon War, or as Herb Peters calls it, the 70th Week War. Another interesting perspective is brought to light by Glenn Beck in his interview with Joel Rosenberg, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins on March 30, 2007.

BECK: Jerry, I had Benjamin Netanyahu sitting in that chair with me for an hour, and we talked, and I said, “You`re being set up. I can see it plain as day.” And scripture reading will actually help you see things plain as day. I said, “You`re being set up. The whole world is going to blame it on you,” because Israel, most likely, will make the move against Iran, because the rest of the world is sitting on their hands. And they're the ones that know they will be destroyed. And when you do it, there will be a cry out that, oh, my gosh, we were so close to peace, and then Israel had to go and do this.

This is an interesting insight I hadn't thought about because right now there are calls all over Israel for Olmert to step down. here | here | here This would open the door for new leadership and Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to take that role now. He would be much quicker to attack Syria, I believe, and put a stop to their plans. Netanyahu: Those who failed can't stay to fix mistakes

Israel's Netanyahu wins re-election as Likud chief Reuters (August 14, 2007) - Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu easily won re-election as head of the rightist Likud party and pledged on Wednesday to reclaim Israel's leadership. A year after Likud was routed in a national election, Netanyahu has rebounded in opinion polls that have shown a steep plunge in the popularity of the current prime minister, Ehud Olmert, who leads the centrist Kadima party. Official results of Tuesday's Likud balloting gave Netanyahu 75 percent of the vote in a sweeping victory against his main challenger, West Bank settler Moshe Feiglin, who opposes relinquishing Israeli-occupied land to the Palestinians. "The internal battle ended tonight and tomorrow we will focus our efforts on bringing Israel a new leadership," Netanyahu, 57, said in a victory speech. A Netanyahu win was never in doubt in the party he led out of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government in 2005 in protest over Israel's withdrawal of troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip that year. Whether the Likud, Israel's main opposition