ISRAEL WATCH: 4.17.21 - Many Trees Are Many Nations, and Israel Is the Fig

Many Trees Are Many Nations, and Israel Is the Fig - By JeffVan Hatten - https://www.raptureready.com/2021/04/11/many-trees-are-many-nations-and-israel-is-the-fig-by-jeff-van-hatten/ Many are very good at seeing scripture through a Greek mindset. However, they often forget that most, if not all, terms in the Newer Covenant have been fully defined bythe Older Covenant and that scripture, even the Newer Covenant, is all written from a Hebrew mindset, no matter what language it is written down in. One must first determine how a word or expression is used in the Older Covenant before defining its use inthe Newer Covenant. Because they rely on a Greek mindset, they often miss the most accurate or fullest interpretation. The Greek mindset, relying on Greek definitions, can only go so far. Matthew 24:32-33 and Mark 13:28-29 – “When the fig tree branches begin to bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. Likewise, when you see all thesethings, you can know his return is very near, right at the door.” The meaning of the term “all these things” is relatively easy to determine, as Yeshua has just told us: there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. There will be greatdeceptions and many false christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, days like those of Noah and Lot, and earthquakes in diverse places. Now, what about the trees? The Fig Tree Is Israel Matthew 21:19 – “Seeing a fig tree beside the road, Jesus went to it, but there were no figs on the tree, only leaves. So Jesus said to the tree, ‘You will never again havefruit.’ The tree immediately dried up.” But just who or what is this fig tree that Yeshua refers to? In order to understand the time of His imminent return, one must first determine who that fig tree represents.Hosea 9:10 states that the patriarchs are the firstfruits of the fig tree. Joel 1:6-7 tells us that Israel is the ruined fig tree whose bark has been stripped ethnically, nationally, and geographically. Jeremiah 24:2-8 states that the good figs are those Jewswho went into captivity, and the bad figs are those Jews who rebelled against the Babylonians or who went down to Egypt. Luke 13:6-9 expounds upon the vineyard spoken of in Isaiah 5:1-7. Luke tells us that the fruit is from the fig tree in the vineyard (see especially verse 7). In Matthew21:19, Yeshua curses the fig tree. In this passage, the fig tree specifically is a representation of the Jewish leadership from whom He had expected to find some fruit after three years of teaching in the Temple, but also has the wider representation of thenation of Israel and the land of Israel as well, which forty years later began to wither and die. Both the nation and the land remained dead until the Jews began to return in the early 1900s. The Many Trees Isaiah 55:12 – “You will go out with joy and be led out in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees in the fields will clap theirhands.” Throughout scripture, both nations and individuals are symbolized as trees. Judges 9:8-16 uses trees to describe Abimelech and the houses of Jerubbaal and Millo, Jotham,and the people of Shechem. Daniel 4:10-28 uses the image of a tree to represent Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 10:33 talks of Assyria as the top boughs of a tree. Isaiah 55:12-13 uses tree imagery to depict the many peoples who will clap their hands with joy whenthe thorns and biers become fir and myrtle trees at His coming. Ezekiel 31:3-15 depicts Assyria as a cedar tree, and the other nations as fir, chestnut, and other trees. Zechariah 11:1-4 repeats this theme, also depicting Assyria (Lebanon) as cedar trees,and the peoples of Bashan as oaks. Ezekiel 17:1-24 calls Babylon a cedar tree that spreads itself out like a willow tree. Luke 21:29-31 – “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you seethese things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.” Luke speaks of both the fig tree and all the trees. These trees may only represent both Israel and the Arab and Persian nations that sprouted up at about the same time,after the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1917: Afghanistan 1919, Egypt 1922, Saudi Arabia & Iraq 1932, Iran 1935, Lebanon 1943, Syria & Jordan 1946, and Israel 1948. The United States established diplomatic relations with Egypt in 1922 following its independencefrom protectorate status under the United Kingdom, but it wasn’t until 1952 that the Egyptian revolution made Egypt a republic and the British advisers were expelled. Still, in 1922 Egypt had begun to put forth its buds, along with all the other Arab, Jewish,and Persian states. These are the very same nations listed in Psalm 83 as those nations that come against Israel to wipe her off the map. However, this verse could also be referencing the “nations” of the United Nations springing up after Israel’s restoration. The membership in the U.N. in 1945 was 50; itgrew to 58 in 1948 (Israel’s rebirth year); by 1960 it had grown to 98; to 127 in 1970; 154 by 1980; 159 by1990. Today the U.N. has 193 member nations, thus fulfilling the Luke 21:29-31 verse! Clearly, the generation that has seen both the fig tree and allthe trees put forth their branches is our generation. Conclusions Scripture is not the only source that refers to Israel as the fig tree. Even secular writings do so. One such source is “The Apocalypse of Peter,” written in Egypt about135CE. Therefore, we can rightly conclude that Israel is absolutely the fig tree Yeshua is referencing. And what does Yeshua say about the time when one sees the fig tree bud? Yeshua lists all these things: deceptions, false christs; signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and days like those of Noah, just to mention a few. In Acts 1:6-8, by tellingHis disciples that they are not needing to “know the times or epochs,” Yeshua reminds them that He has already answered those questions previously, reminding them that there is no use looking for all these things about to come upon the earth until Israel isonce again a nation after having been dispersed to the four corners of the globe; there is no use looking for all these things as long as Israel is a dried-up tree. But until that time, they (and we) shall receive power to be His witnesses unto the ends ofthe earth. Until that time, we are to occupy and continue occupying until he returns and fully establishes the kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Prophecy continues to unfold as foretold by the Hebrew prophets. The stage is being set. That being said, one can only ask: “How imminent is the return of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach?” Website: https://raptureparty.net/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Israel�s Angel Standing By � Terry James - https://www.raptureready.com/category/nearing-midnight/ Evil being perpetrated today by the satanic minions, both demonic and human, is made manifest for all to see. At the same time, the dynamics behind what we can easily discerntell us that powerful forces rage in prophetic stage-setting while the final battle between good and evil continues to take shape. The scope displaying this wickedness, however, allows us to only peer through that �looking glass darkly,� as the KJV puts it(1 Corinthians 13:12). These factors were among my motivation for writing the story I believe I was given the impression to present in fictional form. While I realize many�actually most�amongour Rapture Ready and Terryjamesprophecyline.com blog family rarely care to delve into fiction, I�m hoping those of you who fit in those categories will make exception in this case. Like in using this commentary space to offer my and Gary Ritter�s The Minion Protocols a few weeks ago, this article, too, is admittedly, to some extent, a promotion formy new novel. By way of perhaps trying to somewhat buffer the appearance of crass commercialism, I offer this explanation. I present my novel with the strong sense that much of what ishappening in the world today�in the unseen, spiritual realm�can be revealed to a considerable degree through fiction. And the interaction in that dimension must be absolutely stupefying. Maybe that�s why the Lord has us looking through that glass darkly, concerning the cataclysmic clashinggoing on, from which we are protected by Heaven�s power. I believe that a fictional rendering is what is now called for as a buffering, although revealing, depiction to help us see where things stand from the supernatural perspective. I hope at the same timeit will entertain, which fiction, in part, should do in every case. MICHAEL is the novel�s title. Last-Days Lightning is the subtitle. As we have gone over a number of times in these commentaries, Israel is the primary signal of where thisgeneration stands upon God�s prophetic timeline. That supernatural nation is at the very center of the prodigious battle that will bring the epic conflict of all ages to a conclusion. It is the horrendous warfare the great Apostle Paul wrote about as recordednow in Ephesians 6:12. All who name the Name of Christ are engaged in this battle whether we realize it or can�t spiritually perceive what�s going on all around us. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, againstpowers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6: 11�12) That hell-spawned warfare will carry on through the campaign of Armageddon, and even arise again for a brief moment at the end of the millennial reign of Christ. Israelis the primary target the devil and his forces have in their crosshairs in their rage to destroy the house of Israel, thus to make God a liar. God has said that Israel will be a nation forever, and will be the head of all nations in the Millennium. The Jewshave been the target of the evil forces of this fallen world down through the centuries�thus because it is that people through whom the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world was born. The hatred is again building at a rapid rate. Globalism, anti-God, one-world-order ideology, is the chief stronghold of the powers and principalities in the high placesof wickedness. The present American president and his administration have done and are doing all within their power to reverse any and all advantageous things the previous administration did for the Jewish state. Israel�s enemies, such as Iran, sense a renewedopportunity to destroy the nation by developing their nuclear weapons programs. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) is among the top military entities on the planet. They have the capability, both in battle ready forces and in covert operations, which havemade the nation to this point seemingly undefeatable. From relatively current history, we know about the major wars in which Israel was attacked, their enemies completely routed, despite the Israeli military facing overwhelmingodds in every case. But was it their military that assured those victories? Many experts in warfare still scratch their heads, and many have to admit that those victories must have had elements of supernaturalism involved, so overwhelmingly strange and completewere the victories. This is where I believe Daniel�s prophecies for these very days in which we find ourselves come into view�not that I mean the great prophet�s prophecies have totally unfolded.But, from things we have seen in Israel�s modern history and all the geopolitical gyrations involving the Jewish state continually taking place, to me it is clear that Daniel�s prophecies for the time near Christ�s return at Armageddon are beginning to manifest,and have been for some time. Daniel�s foretelling, given him through his spectacular encounters with a heavenly messenger, are worthy of examination. First, the prophet was given the following directly from the throne of God. I�m convinced the time referred to is the time we have entered, probably when Israel was reestablishedas a nation on May 14, 1948. The Tribulation era�the time of trouble the angel mentions�isn�t yet upon us, but things have been set in motion that will rapidly lead to that horrendous time. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since therewas a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12: 1) The angel then gave the prophet the following to write: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4) Based upon the electrifying unfolding of issues and events involving prophetic portent at this time, we must conclude that the book likely has been opened. MICHAEL: Last Days Lightning will be available this Wednesday,April 14. Please look for the promotion on that day to get links to the book. Again, I believe the story gives an entertaining but discerning look behind the evil going on in recent times. And I prayerfully hope it will, even though presented fictionally,give encouragement and comfort that there is nothing to worry about�the Lord has everything fully under control within His mighty hand. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IDF Chief on Memorial Day: We Are the Generation that was Prophesiedby Jeremiah � David Sidman - https://www.israel365news.com/189377/idf-chief-on-memorial-day-we-are-the-generation-that-was-prophesied-by-jeremiah/ And there is hope for your future �declares Hashem: Your children shall return to their country. Jeremiah 31:16 (The Israel BibleTM) As the nation of Israel commemorates its fallen soldiers on Memorial Day on Wednesday, the IDF�s chief of staff, General Aviv Kokhavi, delivered a speech to the people ofIsrael at a ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. His address focused on the Biblical roots of the country and how it relates to the warriors defending it today. �The journey of the nation of Israel back to their land is unprecedented � a type of miracle � a journey of faith that was paid for in blood,� Kokhavi said. �This journey wasn�t only the exodus from Egypt, but the exodus of the east and west of a nation who woke up and began to walk � elders and youngsters, fathers and mothersand I�d like to discuss three of them.� RACHEL THE MATRIARCH The first mother that the chief of staff spoke about was the Biblical character, Rachel. �Rachel the matriarch, never merited to live in her land and understood what itwas to be a stranger who doesn�t belong� Kokhavi recalled. Referring to several passages in the Book of Ezekiel, he added that Rachel: �managed to arrive in Israel but didn�t succeed in living there. And when her sons were forcedto leave the land, they arrived at her grave A cry is heard in Rama Rachel weeping for her children.� Thus said Hashem: A cry is heard in Rama� Wailing, bitter weeping� Rachel weeping for her children. She refuses to be comforted For her children, who are gone. (Jeremiah31:14) �That is what�s written. And when her call was heard, the prophet promised: Restrain your voice from weeping� Thus said Hashem: Restrain your voice from weeping, Your eyes from shedding tears; For there is a reward for your labor �declares Hashem: They shall return from the enemy�sland. (Jeremiah 31:15) �The sons will return to their land.� And there is hope for your future �declares Hashem: Your children shall return to their country. (Jeremiah 31:16) UNSECURE, DEFENSELESS, PERSECUTED AND KILLED �Most of the life of the nation of Israel lived outside of their land was insecure, defenseless and time and time again was persecuted and killed,� Kokhavi said. �Zionism fundamentally changed that situation. Determined leadership despite a wide array of hardships was absorbed by many people who translated into waves of Aliyah thatbecame a large nation and into the state of Israel.� Kokhavi revealed to the millions of Israelis watching his address that the nation of Israel in 2021 was precisely what the prophet Ezekiel was talking about saying: �Weare the generations of sons that returned to their borders. We are back. This time for good.� �But our journey was and will be a challenge� he added. A FULL ARMY Later in his speech, Kokhavi vowed to IDF soldiers and their parents to only deploy them to �worthwhile missions.� He then recalled the fallen soldiers who �defended our land� saying that: �we are continuing in their footsteps�. Praising those IDF soldiers who are still with, the chief of staff reminded the viewers that �behind every day that passes by safely, stands a full army.� �Who gathers intelligence, protects, prevents infiltrations or shootings, conquers attacks, stops enemies and foils illicit arms shipments and terrorism. Even those whoare bogged down in protective operations don�t realize how big their accomplishments are. Again quoting Jeremiah 31:15, Kokhavi promised those troops: �there is a reward for your labor.� Thus said Hashem: Restrain your voice from weeping, Your eyes from shedding tears; For there is a reward for your labor �declares Hashem: They shall return from the enemy�sland. (Jeremiah 31:15) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VISIT: PROPHECY WATCHER WEEKLY NEWS: HTTP://PROPHECY-WATCHER-WEEKLY-NEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM