The prophetic events of the week

The prophetic events of the week - Bill Wilson -

www.dailyjot.com

 

There seems to be a lot of confusion and misinformation about the Ezekiel 38-39 end time battle in which the Lord finishes the attackers of Israel, "Thus will I magnify myself and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations and they shall know that I am the Lord (38:23)," and speaking of his people, "Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, says the Lord God (39:29)." These chapters reference the Day of the Lord where the Lord God crushes the enemies of Israel after they attack "like a cloud to cover the land." There is no mention of Russia or of the United States in this attack. And now for the "Yeah, buts..."

 

The "Yeah buts" are those who say that most Bible commentators and prophecy experts they listen to, say that it is Russia that leads the attack against Israel. This is clearly not the case. Ezekiel 38:2 says, "Son of man, set your face against God, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him." Verse 4 says, "And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into your jaws, and I willbring thee forth, and all thine army..." Verses 5 and 6 name who joins Gog--Persia (Iran), Ethiopia (Sudan), Libya (Libya), Gomer and Togarmah. Magog, Mesech, Tubal, Gomer, and Togarmah are all located in modern Turkey.

 

Bible scholars are divided over the use of the word "Rosh" in the Hebrew translation, which always is the Hebrew word for "Chief." Some "Scholars" insist Rosh is a people group. In attempting to connect Russia to this particular prophecy, some suggest that the Scythians, a nomadic people, settled in parts of what are now Russia, thus becoming the "Russian" connection. In the context of the scriptures, there is yet another clue. In Revelation 2:13, Jesus tells us that Pergamos is "where Satan's seat is." Pergamos is in Turkey, not Russia. The "Beast" of the end times is referred to in several places in the Bible as the Assyrian, an empire that once controlled many of these prophetic locations in Turkey, but not Russia.

 

This controversy is further flamed by interpretations of the Bible. The King James Version translates the word "Rosh" as "Chief." As does the King James 2000, American King James, New International Version, New Living Translation, English Standard Version, Holman Christian Standard Version, International Standard Version, NET Bible, God's Word Translation, JPS Tanakh 1917, Jubilee Bible 2000, and Webster's Bible Translation. Those who changed the translation to "prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal" include: Young's Literal Translation, World English Bible, English Revised Version, Darby Bible Translation, and the American and New American Standard Versions.

 

There is no doubt that Russia plays a role. Just this week, Russia's leader met with the leaders of Turkey and Iran to take a unified approach toward Syria. Russia is a traditional supplier of weapons to Israel's enemies; it blocks most UN actions against Israel's enemies. But as far as Biblical proof that Russia is leading the Ezekiel 38 attack, it is mere speculation. Turkey, however, is extremely significant and once was the home of the most antichrist political and religious system on earth, the Islamic Caliphate--the Ottoman Empire. The more important prophetic signal this week was that Turkey and Iran are at the same table working together. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Study the word for yourself that you may discern these times. It is important.