NOTES ON THE FUTURE OF ISRAEL IN THE END DAYS: FROM ANTICHRIST’S BETRAYAL TO YESHUA’S RESCUE – (WITH VIDEO)
I. THEOLOGY
SCRIPTURE. “Woe to Ariel [Jerusalem], to Ariel, the city where David encamped! Add yet another year; let the feasts run their round [but only one year more]. Then will I distress Ariel; and there shall be mourning and lamentation, yet she shall be to Me like an Ariel [an altar hearth, a hearth of burning, the altar of God].
And I will encamp against you round about; and I will hem you in with siege works and I will set up fortifications against you. And you shall be laid low [Jerusalem], speaking from beneath the ground, and your speech shall come humbly from the dust. And your voice shall be like that of a ghost [produced by a medium] coming from the earth, and your speech shall whisper and squeak as it chatters from the dust.
But the multitude of your [enemy] strangers that assail you shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the ruthless and terrible ones like chaff that blows away. And in an instant, suddenly, You shall be visited and
delivered by the Lord of hosts with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest and the flame of a devouring fire. And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel [Jerusalem], even all that fight against her and her stronghold and that distress her, shall be as a dream, a vision of the night.” – ISAIAH 29:1-7 AMPC
KEY TERM: “VISITED.” ‘Paqad’ [תִּפָּקֵ֔ד]: “‘To attend to, oversee, muster, charge, care for, or appoint;’ to cause the people to reattend to something deposited into their care; to seek with interest and desire; to look upon graciously; to insure that no evil will ever be brought upon them again; to be made Overseer; [in this context], ‘communication of Divine Love; exhibition of Divine Goodness and [extraordinary] Mercy.’”
QUOTATION. “‘The Dark Midnight of the Time of Great Tribulation before the Coming of the Bridegroom will soon be upon us. In that Hour we will need ‘oil in our lamps’ – Not only that we ourselves may see, but that we would be able to light the path for our Jewish companions in the extremity of their Final Affliction.
‘In that Hour we will be called upon by our great God and Savior to lay our lives down to serve and sacrifice for the House of Israel’ – To whom belong the Adoption, the Glory, the Covenants, the Giving of the Law, the Worship, the Promises … the Patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.” ― DALGON LIFSEY, The Controversy of Zion and the Time of Jacob’s Trouble: The Final Suffering and Salvation of the Jewish People, 2011; edited
COMMENTARY. “‘Let Jerusalem know that outward religious services will not make men free from judgements. Hypocrites never can please God, nor make their peace with him.’ God had often and long, by a host of angels, encamped round about Jerusalem for protection and deliverance; but now He fought against it. ‘Proud looks and proud language shall be brought down by humbling providences. The destruction of Jerusalem’s enemies is foretold.’ The army of Sennacherib went as a dream; and thus, the multitudes, that through successive ages fight against God’s altar and worship, shall fall. Speedily will sinners [both Jews and Gentiles against Jerusalem] awake from their soothing dreams in the Pains of Hell.” – MATTHEW HENRY, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, 6 vols., 1708-1710; edited
II. TEACHING
I am reminded here first of THE STORY OF JOSEPH (Genesis 37-47). You all remember his Tragic Betrayal by his elder brothers who were jealous of him over the favor shown him by their father, Jacob (pretty much a rascal from the very beginning). The infamous“Coat of Many Colors”served as focus of their ire in this epic story.
Then the casting of Joseph into the Pit: To be ultimately sold to a band of Ishmaelites (or Midianites), then carted off to Egypt. He starts his journey there well enough but falls into a temptation and false accusation of sexual assault by the wife of Potiphar, Pharoah’s Captain of the Guard and is sent to prison.
But because of Joseph’s extraordinary character, skill at interpreting dreams, and the favor of his God: He was actually promoted in prison to higher positions and ultimately ended up Second in Command over all of Pharoah’s affairs.
When a Famine later fell upon the lands of Jacob: Joseph’s brothers, thinking that they had done away with their young brother, were sent to Egypt by their father to plead for supplies to get them through the famine. When Joseph appeared to them, they did not recognize him – but he knew who they were immediately.
THREE PROPHETIC REACTIONS. As with the God of Israel in response to their Betrayal of Him, Joseph underwent the full gamut of emotions in unexpected encounter with his treacherous brothers. I propose this serves as a Theological Template of sorts for God’s dealings with an unfaithful Israel.
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- ANGER. “When Joseph saw his brothers he recognized them, but [hiding his identity] he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. He said to them, ‘Where have you come from?’ And they said, ‘From the land of Canaan, to buy food.’ Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.” – GENESIS 42:7-8, AMPC
- SORROW. “Then Joseph hurried out [of the room] because his heart was deeply touched over his brother, and he sought privacy to weep; so he entered his chamber and wept there.” – GENESIS 43:30, AMP
- REDEMPTION. “Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers were speechless, for they were stunned and dismayed by [the fact that they were in] Joseph’s presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Please come closer to me.’ And they approached him. And he said, ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to save life and preserve our family.” – GENESIS 45:3-5, AMP
GOD’S HEART. “Then his brothers went and fell down before him [in confession]; then they said, ‘Behold, we are your servants (slaves).’But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.] As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day]. So now, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and support you and your little ones.’ So he comforted them [giving them encouragement and hope] and spoke [with kindness] to their hearts.” – GENESIS 50:18-21, AMP
From all this then, we now turn to the relevance of God’s Ultimate Plans for Jewish Israel in the End Days of “The Times of Jacob’s Troubles.” A Life Lesson for both Jews and Gentiles in the Character of God in Holiness, in Justice, and in Mercy. Selah.
III. THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL
‘If man wants to be pleasing to God, he has to do what God Commands!’ God has had TWO GREAT COVENANTS with Israel. God’s First Great Covenant was with the Nation of Israel. God gave the Covenant to Moses to give to the people. These First Commandments that God gave to Moses are known as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). God also gave Moses Many Cultural Commands and Ordinances (SeeExodus 21-23). The Israelites agreed to all of these commands and ordinances.
“All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient“ (Exodus 24:7). And God said, “THEN you will be My people, and I will be your God.” (Jeremiah 30:22). – From International Bible Teaching Ministries, ret. Nov. 19, 2024; edited
In both the Story of Joseph and the Story of Israel, it is imperative that we understand that: When GOD strikes a Covenant with a people, it is Inviolable! So long as the people are Obedient, or in the wake of their Disobedience, they Repent of their betrayals, as with this famous passage that follows.
THE TRIBULATION. It is frankly preposterous to attempt a subject so vast in such a brief treatment like this, but we must start somewhere. To do so, I will Introduce this Event to you through the work of an old colleague of mine from Liberty University, theologian DR. THOMACE ICE. He holds degrees from Howard Payne, Dallas and Tyndale Theological Seminaries.
He is a Pre-Tribulation Dispensationalist (though I am not). But his thorough research of the Old Testament Prophets is useful theology here. Oh yes: And he loves watermelon. A lot. Long story for another time. Title of his essay: “God’s Purpose for Israel During the Tribulation” (Digital Commons Archives, 122, 2009; edited). I will supplement his work with analysis from other essays, but the main thrust comes from Dr. Ice.
WARNING. Prepare to be surprised, or even shocked. This matters are not often, if ever, taught in our sanctuaries anymore.
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- BACKGROUND. “Now at that [end] time Michael, the great [angelic] prince who stands guard over the children of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; but at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the Book [of Life], will be rescued. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake (resurrect), these to everlasting life, but some to disgrace and everlasting contempt (abhorrence). Those who are [spiritually] wise will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness, [will shine] like the stars forever and ever.” – DANIEL 12:1-3, AMP
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- FIVE THINGS TO KNOW. (1) It will be the One Time that ‘All of God’s Wrath’ shall be completely poured out on the Earth. (2) It will be ‘Worse’ than anything in human history (Matthew 24:21). (3) ‘The Church’ will not be subjected to God’s Wrath (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16; 5:9). (4) It will be ‘For Jewish Israel’ (Jeremiah 30:7). (5) It will also be ‘For Tribulation Unbelievers’ (Revelation 7:13-14).
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- PURGING OUT THE REBEL. “One of the major Divine Purposes for the Tribulation in relation to Israel is the ‘Conversion of the Jewish Remnant to faith in Jesus as their Messiah.’ This will take place throughout the Tribulation, but by the End of the Seven-Year Period the entire number of the Elect Remnant will become converted to Jesus [‘So shall all Israel be saved’ – Romans 11:26] – That is: A Remnant! ZECHARIAH 13:8 speaks of a purging out of the Non-elect Jewish element from the nation. “‘And it will come about in all the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘that two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it.’”
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- CONDITION FOR THE SECOND COMING. “Many Christians are surprised to learn that the Second Coming [Not the ‘Rapture Event’] is a ‘RESCUE EVENT.’ Jesus will Return to planet Earth in order to Rescue the Believing Jewish Remnant that is on the verge of being destroyed during the Campaign of Armageddon. I think this is what Paul speaks of in ROMANS 10 when he tell us: “‘Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:13–14). In other words, the Jewish people will be Believers in Jesus as their Messiah and thereby be Rescued by Him at the Second Advent.”
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- NATIONAL CONVERSION OF ISRAEL. “‘The Bible teaches that One Day the Nation of Israel will return to the Lord their God. This will occur by the End of the Tribulation and is the Purpose for the Time of Jacob’s Trouble.’ Many passages teach the future Conversion of the Jews to Jesus as their Messiah (Psa. 79:1–13; 80:1–19; Isa. 53:1–9; 59:20–21; 61:8–9; 64:1–12; Jer. 30:3–24; 31:31–40; 32:37–40; 50:4–5; Ezek. 11:19–20; 16:60–63; 34:25–26; 36:24–32; 37:21–28; Hosea 6:1–3; Joel 2:28–32; Zech. 9:11; 12:10—13:9; Rom. 11:25–27). HOSEA 6:1–2: ‘Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day that we may live before Him.”
IV. LAST THOUGHTS
To complete this necessary Introduction to the ranging theological landscape of the whole matter of ISRAEL AND THE GREAT TRIBULATION, a Final Question must be addressed as we close:
When and how does Israel realize that Donald Trump is the Antichrist?
CAVEAT EMPTOR. I am again traveling a New Theological Road, but hope to do it in a responsible, well thought manner. To Wit: THREE STAGES are to be noted for this Jewish Awakening that has not yet taken place.
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- STAGE ONE: THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS. “The Abraham Accords are bilateral agreements on Arab–Israeli normalization signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain on September 15, 2020 … [The Accords are] a double-edged situation … in this hour know what the Bible teaches … that eventually such a ‘Covenant with Many will be confirmed’ by the Antichrist. That End-time Prophecy is recorded for all to read in Daniel 9:27 … Bottom line: Any deal that divides the land of Israel into a Two-State Solution and that attempts to manipulate Israel’s Capital of Jerusalem will be condemned by God and will bring judgment [Joel 3:1-2].” DK: Commissioned by DONALD TRUMP and drafted by his son-in-law, JARED KUSHNER, this will be one of the President’s chief priorities after he returns to the Oval Office on January 20, 2025. To prophetically, ‘Bring peace to the Middle East.’ – Christine Darg, “A Biblical Response to the Abraham Accords,” Jerusalem Channel, Sept. 16, 2020; edited
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- STAGE TWO: THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION. “And he 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 … When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains.” – DANIEL 9:27; MATTHEW 24:15-16; KJV
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- STAGE THREE: MIDWEEK. According to many Christian Eschatological Interpretations, during the Midweek of the Tribulation, the Jewish people will face intense persecution and hardship at the hands of the Antichrist, including potential Mass Killings and Displacement, as a result of the Antichrist breaking his Covenant with Israel. This ultimately leads to what Dr. Ice and the Prophets describe as a large portion (“One Third”)of the Jewish population turning to Jesus as their Messiah due to this extreme suffering. This constitutes THE REMNANT of believing Jews who are thereafter protected in the Mountains of Petra by God throughout this Remaining Tribulation Period.
CODA. So it is that Israel’s Future is fraught with many Unprecedented Trials, but for those who turn to YESHUA BEN-DAVID toward the End of the Seven Years, there shall be such riches in Knowledge, Honor and Joy, it overwhelms human imagination.
“And many peoples shall go and say, ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of Jehovah from Jerusalem’ … Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry!” – ISAIAH 2:3; JEREMIAH 31:4, ASV
Thus shall Israel be fulfilled as with the Ancient of Days who has sworn by Himself that she shall always be the very ‘Apple of His eye!’ Both now and then forever and ever. SELAH.
‘Maranatha!’
YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/J5TIbq4l6HU
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