Now in that day the glory of Jacob will fade,

                           And the fatness of his flesh will become lean. 

                              ⁵ It will be even like the reaper gathering the standing grain,

As his arm harvests the ears,

Or it will be like one gleaning ears of grain

In the valley of Rephaim. 

⁶ Yet  gleanings will be left in it like the shaking of an olive tree,

Two or three olives on the topmost bough,

Four or five on the branches of a fruitful tree,

Declares the LORD, the God of Israel. {now remember, this is talking about the time after the destruction of Damascus and Gaza and Tyre and Sidon and Edom and Ammon}

⁷ In that day man will have regard for his Maker

And his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel. 

⁸ He will not have regard for the altars, the work of his hands,

Nor will he look to that which his fingers have made,

Even the Asherim and incense stands. 

⁹ In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken places in the forest,

Or like branches which they abandoned before the sons of Israel;

And the land will be a desolation. 

¹⁰ For you have forgotten the God of your salvation

And have not remembered the rock of your refuge.

Therefore you plant delightful plants

And set them with vine slips of a strange god.  

¹¹ In the day that you plant it you carefully fence it in,

And in the morning you bring your seed to blossom;

But the harvest will be a heap

In a day of sickliness and incurable pain.

Isaiah 17:4-11 (NASB)

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THE ROAD TO GOG AND MAGOG

As we look around us in this world, we cannot help but to see events unfolding that scream out to us ~~ The End is Near!!!! Make no mistake, God wants us to know what is going on; that’s why He put it in His Word.

As true believers, I hope that these studies will give you the encouragement to live the life abundant that God has provided for us thru His Word and reach out and share your faith with a lost and dying world; to be victorious and Holy in your daily walk as the Bride of Christ should be, especially in these “End of Days”.

Know what is going on, not in fear, but in expectation of the  Blessed Hope of the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus!

Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.  ² For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.  ³ While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.  ⁴ But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;  ⁵ for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of  darkness; ⁶ so then let us not sleep as others do,

 but let us be alert and sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6  (NASB)

In late November of 2007, a summit was held in the United States of America between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the “Palestinian” leader Mahmoud Abbas.  Hosted by President Bush and attended by numerous other Middle Eastern dignitaries, the Annapolis "peace" summit was held to negotiate peace in Israel. 

     We are instructed in God’s Word
 to pray for the peace of Jerusalem
 (Psalms 122:6). And by praying for
the Peace of Jerusalem, it goes
without saying that we should pray
for the peace of Israel ~ the two
are irrevocably joined together in
God’s Word, in God’s Heart, and

according to His Covenant with

His Chosen People ~ Israel.   

However, the peace that is being

 attempted and has been attempted

 in recent history seems to be contrary

to God’s Word.

In the opening segments of the “peace” summit, the “Palestinian” leader Mahmoud Abbas said “We need East Jerusalem to be our capital,". The Palestinians have already marked out the Jewish homeland for their use.  The fact that as we search through history, we find no such people as the “Palestinians” and no such nation as Palestine; seems to elude this modern world of political correctness, anti-Semitic, and humanistic secularism.  Those claiming “Palestinian” heritage; including those in Gaza and terrorists such as the Hamas, and the Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon; are in reality simply displaced Jordanians and other Middle Eastern peoples as a result of the redistricting of the Middle East following WWI, WWII, and the withdrawal of colonial influences in that area. 

The land that God has given the Nation of Israel cannot be dissected and redistributed by any man or any nation in the name of peace. To do so is to deny the God of Israel.  Unfortunately, one of the main criteria for this so-called peace initiative as with past peace initiatives, is land for peace.  The tiny nation of Israel; in amongst all these large Islamic countries surrounding her; is supposed to give up her land for peace????  Israel has never initiated any conflict, never been the aggressor; rather has always simply responded to attacks and threats from a people who have sworn to annihilate her from the face of the earth; and Israel is supposed to sacrifice land for peace?

Here’s a little history lesson that every True Believer needs to know:

From 1517-1917 Turkey's Islamic Ottoman Empire controlled a vast Arab empire, a portion of which is today Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. { A hold over term from the Roman era which included most of the area on the Eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea}.  During World War I (1914-1918), Turkey supported Germany. When Germany was defeated, so were the Turks. In 1916 control of the southern portion of their Ottoman Empire was "mandated" to France and Britain under the Sykes-Picot Agreement, which divided the Arab region into zones of influence. Lebanon and Syria were assigned (mandated) to France... and "Palestine" (today's Jordan, Israel and "West Bank") was mandated to Great Britain.  

    Because no other peoples had ever established a national homeland in "Palestine" since the Jews had done it 2,000 years before, the British "looked favorably" upon the creation of a Jewish National Homeland throughout ALL of Palestine. The Jews had already begun mass immigration into Palestine in the 1880's in an effort to rid the land of swamps and malaria and prepare for the rebirth of Israel. This Jewish effort to revitalize the land attracted an equally large immigration of Arabs from neighboring areas who were drawn by employment opportunities and healthier living conditions. There was never any attempt to "rid" the area of what few Arabs there or those Arab masses that immigrated into this area along with the Jews!

 

The Palestinian Jews were forced to form an organized defense against the Arabs Palestinians.... thus was formed the Hagana, the beginnings of the Israeli Defense Forces [IDF]. There was also a Jewish underground called the Irgun led by Menachem Begin (who later became Prime Minister of Israel). Besides fighting the Arabs, the Irgun was instrumental in driving out the pro-Arab British.  Finally in 1947 the British had enough and turned the Palestine matter over to the United Nations.

The Arab propagandists and apologists almost never mentioned that in 1948, Arab/Islamic armies launched a war against a one-day-old Israel. Instead they focused on the main consequence of that war: the creation of Arab refugees, stating that Israel "short of genocide" expelled 800,000 of them. This not only disagrees with UN estimates of a bit over 400,000 refugees but also ignores the fact that most of the Arabs/Palestinians were encouraged to leave by the Arab World itself!   
 

The end result of the 1948-49 Israeli War of Independence was the creation of a Jewish State slightly larger than that which was proposed by the 1947 United Nations Resolution 181. What remained of that almost-created second  Arab Palestinian State was gobbled up by (1) Egypt (occupying the Gaza Strip) and by (2) Trans-Jordan (occupying Judea-Samaria (a.k.a. the "West Bank" of the Jordan River) and Jerusalem. In the next year (1950) Trans-Jordan formally merged this West Bank territory into itself and granted all those "Palestinian" Arabs living there Jordanian citizenship.  Since Trans-Jordan was then no longer confined to one side of the  Jordan River, it renamed itself simply "Jordan."  In the final analysis, the Arabs of Palestine ended up with nearly 85% of the original territory of Palestine... called Jordan but in reality their ARAB "Palestinian state! But that was still not 100% and thus the conflict between Arab and Jew for "Palestine" would continue through four more wars and continuous Islamic terrorist  attacks upon the Israeli citizenry. It continues to this very day.

 From 1949-67 when all of Judea-Samaria [West Bank & Jerusalem] and Gaza ... were 100% under Arab [Jordanian & Egyptian] control, no effort was EVER made to create a second Palestinian State for the Arabs living there.  Surely one can not expect Israel to now provide these same Arabs with their own country when their fellow Arabs failed to do so!  And isn't it curious how Arafat and his PLO (formed in 1964)  discovered their "ancient" identity and a need for "self-determination" and "human dignity" on this very same West Bank ONLY AFTER Israel regained this territory (three years later in 1967) following Jordan's attempt to destroy Israel!  Why was no request ever made upon King Hussein of Jordan by the Arabs living on the West Bank when he occupied it?  Is it logical that the PLO was formed in 1964 to regain the lands they would lose three years later in 1967?  This sort of logic makes sense only to those who who have not learned that the PLO was formed to DESTROY Israel. And that is STILL their goal! A cosmetic name change from PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) to PA (Palestinian Authority) does not change the stripes on THIS tiger!

From 1948 to 1967, Egypt ruled Gaza, Syria ruled the Golan Heights, while Jordan ruled the West Bank. They could have set up independent Arab-Palestinian states in any or all of those territories, but they didn't even consider it. Instead, in 1967 they used the Golan Heights, Gaza and the West bank to launch a war that was unambiguously aimed at destroying Israel, which is how Israel came into possession of those territories in the first place.

 The Palestinian objective under Arafat and his henchmen, which included Abbas, has always been to drive Israel into the sea. That hasn’t changed!  The only thing that has changed is some of the tactics.  When Arafat was offered 90% of everything he asked for in order to secure peace, he rejected it!  Why!!! Because it did not include the destruction of Israel as a nation! 

This is the history of the relationship between those who call themselves “Palestinians” and the Israelis.  Even as the two leaders meet for “Peace”, we find that the Palestinian Hamas and Hezbollah still are doing everything they can to end the existence of Israel. Even as these two leaders meet for “Peace”, rockets still come from Gaza and the Hamas into Israeli towns.

Jerusalem belongs to Israel.  To try and divide up the City of God is to invite war.  Gaza has deteriorated into a lawless base of terrorism and will never be able to co-exist with Israel.  President Bush is spiritually and scripturally at cross purpose with God’s plan for the Nation of Israel.

Do not be deceived!  As True Believers, our heritage as Christians is tied directly to Israel.

 

For the most part, it would seem that the world believes that good things will come from this summit.  But, those who understand Bible Prophecy and “End of Days” events know that God’s Plan will prevail regardless of what man attempts. 

Now, notice in this news article that the Syrian deputy foreign minister did not applaud the Israeli Prime Minister’s speech.  Why is that?? If we search through scriptures, we find that Syria is and has been one of the main antagonists of Israel in prophecy.  Syria has strong ties with Iran; another main antagonist of Israel throughout prophecy.  Even though Iran was openly critical of the summit and was not invited, they maintain that ties with Syria remain strong; according to an Associated Press story:

"Both Ahmadinejad and Faysal Mekdad
 
(the Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister)

said Iran-Syrian ties remained strong."

The question arises; why is the Gog and Magog coalition attacking Israel at this particular time in history?  What happens to bring about this virtually world wide aggression against the nation of Israel?  Why are some of Israel’s enemies part of this coalition and others are not? 

 Syria, one of Israel oldest antagonists; the “Palestinians”, Israel’s most recent and pressing antagonist are not included in this coalition of forces listed in Ezekiel as coming against Israel.

Could it be that the peace negotiations we discussed actually work???

Will God’s Chosen People actually give up the Land of Promise, the land portioned to them by Almighty God???

Do Syria and the Palestinians actually co-exist with Israel to such an extent that they are unwilling to be involved in the war machine of Gog and Magog coming against Israel???

And where is the United States of America; the most powerful nation in the world????

(this too, we will address in upcoming lessons)

If we look at the Word of God regarding these two peoples and their attitudes towards Israel; if we look at history regarding these two peoples and their attitudes towards Israel; I think that peace with them, at least to the extent of keeping them from joining their long time allies and friends against their sworn enemy - Israel; is pushing things a bit too far.  I think instead, that we will find that they are the reason for the Battle of Gog and Magog; they are the Road to Gog and Magog!

This “Road to Gog and Magog” can best be seen in the prophesies of Isaiah, Joel, and Amos.  The reason Syria and the Palestinians are not involved in the prophecies Ezekiel gives us of Gog and Magog; is not because of peace with Israel; rather it is because of war with Israel and their utter destruction!!

Damascus, the capital of Syria (Aram of ancient times), is about 4000 years old and possibly the oldest continuously inhabited city. In spite of many wars throughout history, it has never been completely destroyed.  Always it has been spared.  Still, Isaiah predicts a time when it will be utterly destroyed, the sovereignty of the nation of Aram ~ Syria will disappear.   Not only Syria will fall, but also the cities of Aroer and Ephraim. 

Aroer is in south central Jordan just east of the Dead Sea; Ephraim refers to the lands which were deeded to Ephraim; the son of Joseph and was part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.  That part which is now called “The West Bank”; currently under Palestinian control.

Another prophecy that I believe coincides with this prophecy of Isaiah is one against Gaza; made by the Prophet Joel.  Gaza or the Gaza Strip is home to the Hamas terrorists branch of the Palestinians.  This area was once home to the ancient Philistines. The Palestinians today claim heritage with these ancient enemies of Israel.  Though there is little proof to verify this assertion, they nevertheless are demanding sovereignty based on this. 

If they choose to claim heritage with the Philistines, then let’s see what the Word has to say in regards to prophecy concerning the Philistines.

 “Moreover, what are you to Me, O Tyre, Sidon and all the regions of  Philistia? Are you rendering Me a recompense? But if you do recompense Me, swiftly and speedily I will return your recompense on your head.

 Joel 3:4  (NASB)

The context of this passage addresses those who seek to divide up the land of Israel and disperse her people.  The cities of Tyre and Sidon were major cities in Lebanon, where Hezbollah terrorist armies are located. 

Here’s what Isaiah has to say about the Philistines.

 

“Do not rejoice, O Philistia, all of you,

Because the rod that struck you is broken;

For from the serpent’s root a viper will come out,
And its fruit will be a flying serpent. 
³⁰ “ Those who are most helpless will eat,

And the needy will lie down in security;

I will destroy your root with famine,

And it will kill off your survivors. 

³¹ “Wail, O gate; cry, O city;

Melt away, O Philistia, all of you;

For smoke comes from the north,

And there is no straggler in his ranks. 

³² “How then will one answer the messengers of the nation?

That the LORD has founded Zion,

And the afflicted of His people will seek refuge in it.”

Isaiah 14:29-32 (NASB)

These two prophecies predict that Philistia {Palestine, if we believe the Palestinians} will be destroyed at some time in the future. Philistia includes Gaza, the ancient homeland of the Philistines. 

So, here we have Damascus/Syria; parts of Jordan; the entire West Bank; parts of Lebanon/Tyre & Sidon; and Gaza slated in prophecy for destruction. 

The Prophet Amos ties them all together.

Amos 1:3-13 NASB 

Thus says the LORD,

“For three transgressions of Damascus
 and for four

I will not revoke its punishment,

Because they threshed Gilead with
implements of sharp iron. 

4 “So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael

And it will consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. 

5 “I will also break the gate bar of Damascus,

And cut off the inhabitant from the valley of Aven,

And him who holds the scepter, from Beth-eden;

So the people of Aram will go exiled to Kir,”

Says the LORD. 

AM 1:6

Thus says the LORD,

“For three transgressions of Gaza and for four

I will not revoke its punishment,

Because they deported an entire population

To deliver it up to Edom. 

7 “So I will send fire upon the wall of Gaza

And it will consume her citadels. 

8 “I will also cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod,

And him who holds the scepter, from Ashkelon;

I will even unleash My power upon Ekron,

And the remnant of the Philistines will perish,

Says the Lord GOD.

AM 1:9

Thus says the LORD,

“For three transgressions of Tyre and for four

I will not revoke its punishment,

Because they delivered up an entire
population to Edom

And did not remember the
covenant of brotherhood. 

10 “So I will send fire upon the wall of Tyre

And it will consume her citadels.” 

AM 1:11

Thus says the LORD,

“For three transgressions of Edom
{this is what we now as the West Bank}
and for four

I will not revoke its punishment,

Because he pursued his
brother with the sword,

While he stifled his compassion;

His anger also tore continually,

And he maintained his fury forever. 

¹² “So I will send fire upon Teman

And it will consume the citadels of Bozrah.” 

AM 1:13

Thus says the LORD,

“For three transgressions of the sons of Ammon
{the capital of Jordan} and for four

I will not revoke its punishment,

Because they ripped open the pregnant
women of Gilead

In order to enlarge their borders. 

14 “So I will kindle a fire on the wall of Rabbah

And it will consume her citadels

Amid war cries on the day of battle,

And a storm on the day of tempest. 

15 “Their king will go into exile,

He and his princes together,” says the LORD.

As we look at current events, we can see that this is not too far out of reality.  Israel, under whatever provocation, reclaims the land that was given to them by Covenant from Almighty God.   We see that Israel will be victorious; they will win ~ it is prophesied in the Word of God;  but if we read further in Isaiah, we find that the victory is at a great price for Israel. Israel doesn’t come through this unscathed.  The cost to Israel is enormous; only a remnant will remain.

Israel fights this battle alone; there is no aid, no help from outside forces ~ only Israel to defend herself from this enemy ~ an enemy whose main objective is to see the Nation of Israel wiped from the face of the earth.  The result of this war will be devastating on the nation of Israel.  Look at what the prophet Isaiah says will be the result of the war:

At the battle of Gog and Magog as described in the book of Ezekiel;  the enemies of Israel will pounce on her as they see her weakened state.  They will use Israel’s war with Syria and the Palestinians as an excuse to come into the region to establish peace and reprimand Israel for destroying Syria and the Palestinian terrorists.

If we look at the news now, the response of the “Palestinian” terrorists to attempts at peace with Israel, we can see why there can be no other option for Nation of Israel.  God’s Prophetic Word will always come to pass.

So, what can we say?  Are we on the “Road to Gog and Magog”? That war that God uses to destroy Israel’s enemies?  WWIII? The final conflict before the Tribulation Period?  Possibly; it would certainly seem so, especially if we correlate current events with prophetic statements.  That’s an opinion you will need to make for yourselves.  I can only show you what I believe that the Holy Spirit has given me.  I believe that following the battle of Gog and Magog, the Tribulation Period foretold in the book of Revelation begins.  If we are on the Road to Gog and Magog, then the Rapture of the Church is not far away. The advent of the Anti-Christ of Revelation is not far away;  someone to step in to this destruction and disappearance of millions of people to pick up the pieces and bring a sense of stability to a suddenly shocked and chaotic world.