Psalm 83, Gog-Magog nations lining up as bible said they would

No one knows when the Lord will descend and call us up to Him in the Rapture. That is because Romans 11:25 says the rapture will happen when the full number of the church God has in mind has been reached. "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in."(NIV) No one knows the number nor how close we are to it.

However the Lord told us that we will not be in the dark, as the unbelievers are, "But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." (1 Thess 5:4). While we do not know the day nor hour, we will sense the Tribulation season approaching because Jesus gave a long discourse listing the signs that will herald the beginning of the birth pangs of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:8), and He gave a list of signs that will occur during the Tribulation (Matthew 24:9-35; Revelation 6-19) In addition to that, the Holy Spirit inspired the bible writers to herald some signs too, in 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Peter 3, for just a few examples). Finally, He gave us the Prophets. Some OT prophecy is fulfilled, and some of it is not. Parts of Isaiah 17 are not, parts of Isaiah 19 are not. Part of Obadiah is not. Ezekiel 38-47 is not. Isaiah 65 Psalm 83 is not. Those prophesies and many others are still to come.

Therefore here is the first admonition of this blog post. Please do not despise the prophesies. Paul's final warnings in his letter to the Thessalonians contained this plea: "Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." (1 Thess 5:19-22). Paul is saying the prophesies are there for a reason. They may not contain things that you want to hear, but do not hate them because of that. The Holy Spirit and Jesus spent a lot of ink preparing for our edification the warnings of the last days. They should not be dismissed.

Secondly, because we study the prophecies, and study the Word in total, we can glean a chronology from them. There are certain things in history that have not happened yet, so of course if they have not occurred, that means they will. God's Word is sure.

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." (2 Peter 1:19).

Studious scholars have come to an interpretation of the chronology that seems consistent across the board. Most seem to agree that the Gog Magog battle of Ezekiel 38-39 will occur at or just inches over the threshold of the rapture- at latest. One reason is that the detailed directions from the Lord as to how to handle the aftermath (Ez 39) state that Israel will burn the fuel from the weapons for 7 years. The battle must take place at the outset of the Tribulation at latest because the Tribulation is 7 years, and no one will need fuel after that in the Millennium. (Rev. 22:5).  I don't have room in this post, nor is it the point of the post, to delve into all the reasons why but that was just one.

So given that we see things coming together prophetically in, say, the Gog Magog battle, how much closer would the rapture be to us in time? Close.

Here is news of what is happening to ready the immediate fulfillment of the Gog Magog Battle (Russia, Turkey, Iran, et al attack Israel), Isaiah 17:1 (Damascus destroyed) and Psalm 83 battle (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt attack Israel). These three prophecies in particular are considered threshold events to the Tribulation. I include these news excerpts without commentary. They all point to the rapid fulfillment of the verses mentioned above. They all are indicative of conditions that will be present when the missiles fly. In my opinion, they are all pretty heavy. However, there are many other news excerpts I could link to, but you get the idea.

Iranian war fears spark closure of Israel reactor
"ISRAEL is preparing to shut its nuclear reactor at Dimona, where it makes nuclear weapons, because of the site's vulnerability in a war with Iran.The decision, taken by the Israel Atomic Energy Commission and the country's civil defence authorities, follows a realisation that the facility could be vulnerable to a missile attack."

I think Israel closing its only nuclear plant is a very big deal. We have the bible and know an attack is coming. They must have intelligence that points to an attack they believe may happen soon.

Russia docks flotilla at at Tartus Syria
"DAMASCUS: A large Russian naval flotilla led by an aircraft carrier has docked in the Syrian port of Tartus in what Damascus state media hailed on Sunday as a show of solidarity by close ally Moscow."

Russian Navy to base warships at Syrian port after 2012
"Russia's naval supply and maintenance site near Syria's Mediterranean port of Tartus will be modernized to accommodate heavy warships after 2012, the Russian Navy chief said on Monday. "Tartus will be developed as a naval base. The first stage of development and modernization will be completed in 2012," Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said, adding it could then serve as a base for guided-missile cruisers and even aircraft carriers."

Report: Iran begins uranium enrichment at underground site
"A hardline newspaper close to Iran's rulers says the country has begun uranium enrichment at a well-protected underground facility."

Hugo Chavez jokes about having an atomic bomb during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visit to Venezuela
"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and his Iranian ally Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met in Caracas on Monday, where they expressed their love for one another, took jabs at the United States and joked about having an atomic bomb."That hill will open up and a big atomic bomb will come out," Chavez said, pointing to an area in front of the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, according to a report from Reuters."The imperialist spokesmen say... Ahmadinejad and I are going into the Miraflroes basement now to set our sights on Washington and launch cannons and missiles," Chavez continued."

Another Iranian nuclear scientist killed: Israel blamed
"An Iranian scientist working at a key nuclear facility in that country was killed Wednesday in Tehran, the latest act in what appears to be a widening covert effort to disrupt Iran's nuclear program."

IDF official: Iran, Hezbollah stepping up efforts to save Assad regime in Syria
"Military Intelligence chief says face of Middle East is changing in such a way that it is no longer recognizable. "Iran and Hezbollah are strengthening their efforts to ensure the survival of the Bashar Assad regime in Syria, Military Intelligence Chief Major General Aviv Kochavi said on Wednesday."They are providing [Assad] with knowledge, weapons and other means and recently with active involvement," Kochavi said. Kochavi also said that the face of the Middle East is changing in such a way that it is no longer recognizable. "It may be that the winds of change carry opportunities and promise, but in the short and medium term the risks are increasing," he stated. On Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said that the turmoil in Syria could cause Assad to seek military confrontation with Israel. "Assad cannot continue holding on to power and his downfall is expected to cause a crack in the radical axis," Gantz said."

Pastor JD Farag's prophecy update this Sunday included a graphic I present here. Listen to the 30 minutes update here. It is well worth your time.

This graphic below shows nations that are listed as part of the Psalm 83 battle. Israel soundly defeats them all and occupies the land. (Obadiah 1:15-21)


The graphic below lists the Gog Magog nations that ally to attack Israel. Those are the white arrows.

It is all coming together, accelerating, even. The prophecies are combining to a near fulfillment that is ready to ignite at any moment.

Joel C. Rosenberg wrote yesterday, "The blunt truth is this: We are in deep trouble as a nation. We are facing the horrific and accelerating breakdown of the family — infidelity, divorce, abuse. We are seeing accelerating apostasy within the Church. People are turning away from God, betraying family and friends and ignoring the life-changing message of the Bible. Crime is surging, especially violent crime. The pornography industry now makes more than ABC, CBS and NBC combined. Our national debt has shot past $15 trillion — 100% of our GDP — and there is no end of runaway spending in sight. Washington and Wall Street are rife with corruption. The number one highest-grossing film in the nation right now is called The Devil Inside. Tragically, the list goes on and on." He continued with a startling statement. He said "that America is not simply in decline; we are actually headed for collapse — an implosion — unless we make fundamental and sweeping changes soon."

He made a plea for people to repent and believe the Gospel. It is a plea we are all making with increasing urgency these days. I made it just today - again - with a family member - again. I ended the dialog by saying "Heed these words. Time is short," the same ending Joel Rosenberg concluded his essay with.

Rosenberg linked to a simple Gospel web animation. It is here. Please share it widely and often. Why? Because time is short.

Comments

  1. Great post. Couldn't of summed current events up any better.

    I tell my friends we'll be home soon because I truely feel like that will be the case.

    ...any moment now... Keep looking up :)

    -Chris

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  2. Thank you Chris! I tell them all too. I feel it so deeply that it could be any time.

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  3. Those headlines! There's so much happening! Also, I didn't know Syria was a part of the Psalm 83 Battle. I wonder if Isaiah 17 will occur during the Psalm 83 battle? Wow...

    I sometimes can't believe that we're seeing all this unravel before us! Our Blessed Hope is so near!

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  4. Hi Debbie,

    I'm sorry to be confusing. I'll go back and check what I wrote.Syria is not part of Psalm 83 as far as I know. It is prophesied to be destroyed in Isaiah 17. These headlines today are really like 'ripped from the bible'.

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  5. Oh no, you weren't confusing at all. I was looking at the first photograph where Syria is listed.

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  6. I had the impression that Ezekiel 38 is supposed to be fulfilled before Psalm 83. Is that incorrect?

    Charlie

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  7. Hi Charlie,

    The chronology of several of the remaining battles are not overtly stated so because the bible doesn't state the chronology dogmatically I can't either. However, scholars (as do I) believe Isaiah 17 and Psalm 83 occur before Ezekiel 38 because none of Israel's abutting neighbors (who are listed in both Is 17 and Ps 83) are listed as combatants in Ez 38. It is believed that Israel's resounding victory in Psalm 83 and Damascus's destruction allow her to occupy all her lands again (Obadiah). This victory gives her the state of mind that she has in Ez 38:10-14; 'dwelling securely without walls or bars'. That finally, having defeated all the Psalm 83 nations, Israel has room to breathe, and lets down her guard. It is this relaxation of her guard that makes the surprise attack by Gog_Magog so devastating- and Israel without the help of God would have lost the battle. (Ez 28:23). This ends up being the *point* (Ez 39:22,28).

    Secondly, it seems they would join the confederacy if they could. It also would seem that the abutting neighbors would attack first, and then the further ones away such as Turkey, Iran and Russia, Ethiopia and Libya.

    Because the bible describes Israel in the aftermath of Ez 38 as burning fuel for 7 years, we know that the battle will take place at the beginning of the Tribulation *at the latest* (because the Tribulation is 7 years). IF Psalm 83 happens prior to that, as is thought, then it will begin even earlier, before the Tribulation starts. We may well see it, though the rapture isn't tied to any one of the battles we are discussing here now. We could be taken any time. But if we DO see that battle, we can all the more ring the alarm for the lost to come to repentance.

    As I said, this is the currently accepted interpretation, because it makes the most sense- to our minds. God is higher than that, so there is always the possibility that we misunderstood something.

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  8. Thank you for explaining that Elizabeth. I am shocked (although I should not be) at all the negative sentiment towards Israel around the world, even in our own country. Our own President does not show them the same respect he has shown to some of our enemy nations (in my opinion). I sincerely hope and pray that we get a new president elected in November who understands how vital it is to us to have a close alliance with Israel.

    Charlie

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  9. Hi,
    why is always Russia identified as Magog?
    I have found a place called Bagog, which could very well be linked to the ancient Magog.
    On my blog www.artaxes.wordpress.com I have published my first article dealing with this topic.
    I'm looking forward to your comments.

    Artaxes

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  10. Hi,

    From a bible commentary abour why Magog is so named:
    "Are usually spoken of together in Scripture. In Genesis 10:2, Magog, which seems to denote a country with its people, is reckoned among the descendants of Japheth. In Ezekiel 38:1-23; 39:1-29, Magog apparently signifies a country with its people, and Gog the king of that people; but critics are much divided as to the people and country intended under these names. The Scythians, the Goths, the Persians, and several other nations, have been specified by interpreters as the Magog of the Scriptures; but most probably it is a name given generally to the northern nations of Europe and Asia, or the districts north of the Caucasus. The names reappear in the later predictions of John as enemies of the people of God, who are to be signally overthrown in Armageddon, Revelation 16:14-16; 20:7-9."

    The general consensus is that Magog, son of Japeth, settled the Baltics and Russia.

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  11. Ezekiel 38:1- 39:16 happens just prior to the seven year peace pact. this also fits Revelation 6:12- 8:7. Revelation 6:16 clearly states that when the Lord appears " hide us from the wrath of the Lamb". noone but Christians call Jesus "the Lamb". immediately after seeing the Lord in the air (and the Father)Rev 6:16, the rapture occurs. it is plainly told to us in Revelation 7:9-7:17. (vs14): these are they which come out of great tribulation. Rev 6:16 is the presence of the Father and the Lord. Ez 38:20 is also the presence of the Lord. do not make the mistake of lumping Ez 39:17-29 in with the Gog and Magog prophecy. you will notice in 39:17 that the Lord is now speaking to THE BIRDS and not Gog as in 38:1, 39:1. compare Gog and magog to Revelation 6:12- 8:7 and you will see that these scriptures correlate very well. notice that revelation 6:14 describes a nuclear bomb very well.
    the current status of Russian navies basing themselves off of the coast of Syria makes an excellent staging location for an attack on Isreal. if it so chooses, Russia can attack Isreal within minutes with no other country in any position to assist. we will only be able to verbally protest and wait for the rockets to fly. the only part of Gog and magog to look for is the assembling of Muslim armies. their assembly can be disguised as "armies to stabilize Syria". today, the only question is Egypt. you will notice that she does not attack Isreal as part of the Muslim coalition. Egypt will have to revert to a neutral nation, meaning she will not have Muslim leaders in the near future. ?another uprising in Egypt soon?

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    1. Hi ANonymous:

      You said: "Ezekiel 38:1- 39:16 happens just prior to the seven year peace pact" No one knows the precise order of the last days prophecies. It could happen before or that battle could be the reason they enact a peace treaty. We just do not know.

      You said "this also fits Revelation 6:12- 8:7." Revelation is an overview of all the tribulation and matches Matthew 24.

      You said "Revelation 6:16 clearly states that when the Lord appears " hide us from the wrath of the Lamb". noone but Christians call Jesus "the Lamb"."

      If you are assuming the rapture happens after the Tribulation begins because there are Christians on earth, this is an error. The rapture is a sign to many who realize they missed the truth and come to saving knowledge of Christ post-rapture. Many, many are saved after the rapture during the tribulation. They are beheaded for their belief, (Rev 6:9 and Rev 20:4) but are given the honor of serving Jesus during the Millennium Kingdom (Rev. 7:9-17)

      I could go on but I would urge you to do a more careful reading of the scriptures you use to make your point. They have little to do with each other in connecting the leaps you've made.

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  12. 1, The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is swept away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
    2, Thecities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
    3, 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 sons of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

    This prophecy was fulfilled a long time ago. read it carefully - damascus loses it's kingdom at the same time as the northern kingdom of Israel lost it's glory, the captivity of the northern tribes. It is all there in the hsitory books if you care to look. Damascus lost it's political clout and became effectively " a heap of ruins" or as we would say today of someone " they are ruined" regarding say their career or their finances. This is all detailed in Isaiah in the chapters concerning Rezin where it all makes perfect sense. See chapters 7&8 -
    example ISAIAH 8:4, For before the sucking child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be carried away before the king of Assyria.
    You see the timeline involves both syria and the northern kingdom of samaria. Trying to fit this prophecy into today is just, well, what modern folk do, dunno why tho.

    Keil & delirtsch do a great job of examining this prophecy re Damascus:-

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    1. RS the reason people are interested in this prophecy is because it has never been totally fulfilled. If we look at the plain meaning of Isiaah 17:1-

      See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.

      We see that Damascus is still a city and it is not in ruins.

      It says nothing about political clout, but that it will be a ruin as well as its environs will be uninhabited. (V. 2-3)

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