FUFILLMENT OF PROPHECY TO ISRAEL DURING THE CHURCH AGE PART 1

GOD’S FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY TO ISRAEL SINCE THE TIME OF CHRIST

By

Thomas S. McCall Th.D.

We often hear of Bible prophecy as it relates to the First and Second Coming of Christ, which is very important, but there is much more Bible prophecy concerning what the Lord is doing between the two Advents of Jesus during the Church Age. These prophecies specifically pertain to God’s ancient covenant people, Israel, and His new covenant people, the Church. This article explains God’s preservation of, and promises to the Jewish people throughout the Church Age, in preparation for the ultimate restoration of Israel to its own Kinsman Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. The prophecies will be grouped under two headings; first, those that have already been fulfilled during the Church Age, and second, the end time prophecies yet to be fulfilled during the Church Age.

Bible Prophecies About Israel Fulfilled During The Church Age

The Nation of Israel will be preserved intact until the Second Coming of Christ and through the Millennial Kingdom.

Jeremiah 31:35-37

35 Thus says the Lord, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The Lord of hosts is His name: 36 “If this fixed order departs From before Me,” declares the Lord, “Then the offspring of Israel also will cease From being a nation before Me forever.”37 Thus says the Lord, “If the heavens above can be measured And the foundations of the earth searched out below, Then I will also cast off al the offspring of Israel For all that they have done,” declares the Lord (NSAB).

The Lord said to Jeremiah that He would always view the Nation of Israel as His, no matter what the circumstances on this earth are, or what they have done.

Jerusalem would be the Cradle of Christianity

Acts 1:8

8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth (NASB).

Christ Himself prophesied all of this, and Israel played a large role in the creation of the Church. The Church began in Jerusalem, with thousands of believers on the Jewish holiday of Pentecost, and spread from there to the ends of the earth. The invitation to become believers in Christ joins each believer to the Church, and is still developing today. Humanly speaking, if the Jewish believers had not started the Church, there would never have been a worldwide church.

The Jewish Apostles Built The Church on The Foundation of Christ

Doubting Thomas by Caravaggio Cir 1602-03

Ephesians 2:19 - 22

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (NASB).

Paul explains in the book of Ephesians that the church is a bifurcated organism, composed of two parts: Jewish believers and Gentile believers. In effect, a church without Gentile believers is incomplete, and a church without Jewish believers is incomplete. They are like a bird with two wings, both wings necessary to enable the bird to fly.

The New Testament Was Written by Jews

Romans 3:1

1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect. First of all , that they were entrusted with the oracles of God (NASB).

The Oracles of God came to Israel

Furthermore, God’s plan is that when He has a message for the human race, He has always had it written down by Jewish hands, both for the Old and New Testaments. Some say that Dr. Luke was a Gentile, but I am convinced that there are many cogent arguments to support the fact that Luke was a Jew. (A more detailed discussion regarding Luke’s Jewishness can be found on the blog article I wrote on this subject.[1]). Throughout its 4,000-year history, Israel has frequently been a “lost” nation, just like the rest of the nations who turned away from God. However, there has always been a minority, a remnant, in Israel that has looked forward in faith to the coming Redeemer Christ, or who have looked back in faith to the first coming of their Redeemer Christ.

A Remnant in Elijah’s Time

Romans 11:2-4

2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life." 4 But what is God's response to him? "I have left for myself seven thousand men who have not knelt to Baal." (NASB)

A Remnant in The Church Age

Romans 11:5-7

5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened (NASB).

The Bible declared that the Lord wanted the Gospel to be given to the Jews first throughout the Church Age. This was the priority of all evangelism during the Church Age, to the Jew first and then to the Gentile:

Romans 1:16

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (NASB).

The Lord’s desire prophesied in both Testaments was for the Gospel of Christ, in every generation, to be delivered to the Jews first, and then it would proceed out to the greater Gentile population. Regrettably, after the first century, this was rarely the case. The Church did not carry this out as the Lord desired.

The Synagogue Was the Natural Place For The Gospel to Be Taught

Acts 17:1-4

1 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonian, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women (NASB).

The Lord Jesus taught in the synagogues (Luke 4:15, 13:10; Matthew 4:23,13:10). The synagogue was an institution that developed during the Babylonian exile, and was a place where Jews gathered for worship, study, and prayer. For the exiles in Babylon it served as a replacement for the Temple. It grew in importance over the years, and by the time of Paul’s missionary journeys they populated the entire Roman Empire.

Judgment on Israel, Jerusalem and The Temple in 70 A.D.

Jerusalem under attack by Titus Vespasian Artist Poussin 1623

Matthew 23:33-39

33 "You serpents, you brood of vipers, how shall you escape the sentence of hell ? 34 "Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, 35 that upon you may fall the guilt of al the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36 "Truly I say to you, al these things shall come upon this generation. 37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. 38 "Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! 39 "For I say to you, from now on you shall not see Me until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (NASB)

There is no question that a terrible judgment fell upon Israel for not recognizing and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah and Redeemer. The Temple was destroyed and as a result the Jewish people have been scattered over the entire earth for hundreds and hundreds of years. Nevertheless, as the Bible tells us this judgment will not last forever. The end to the judgment will come when all Israel as a nation recognizes that the Jesus they despised has always been their true Messiah. They are not corporately ready to do that today. One must ask the question, what will cause them to do this? Sadly, it appears that the only thing that will accomplish this will be the awful experience with the future Antichrist and the Old Testament designation of the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, known in the New Testament as the Great Tribulation. Then, and only then, will Israel be eager, willing, and able to receive Jesus, and welcome Him as the one whom the Bible says will come in the Name of the Lord.

Persecution of Israel Throughout The World

Jesus further prophesied the following:

The results of what would happen to Jerusalem and Israel as a consequence of their rejecting His Messiahship as well as His redemptive kingdom.

Within 40 years the Romans would surround the capital, destroy the Temple.

The Jewish people would be scattered in captivity throughout the Gentile world.

Luke 21:20-24

20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand. 21 "Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the midst of the city depart, and let not those who are in the country enter the city; 22 because these are days of vengeance, in order that al things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 "Woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babes in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land, and wrath to this people,24and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled (NASB).

The Church Turns Against Israel With Replacement Theology

After the First Century, John Chrysostom, one of the early anti-Semitic Church fathers (349 - 407 A.D.), developed the theology that the Church has replaced Israel, and there is no future for Israel in God’s plan and purpose, resulting in the church turning against the Jewish people and becoming anti-Semitic.[2] This is in direct opposition to Paul’s prophetic warned using imagery of the Olive Tree as God’s blessing, and telling the Gentile believers not to become conceited and boast against the “natural branches”, since the natural branches are Israel who were chosen first to receive God’ divine blessing. Paul warned what would happen if they pursued such an erroneous doctrine:

Romans 11:17-21

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in."20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you (NASB).

Abandonment of Jewish Evangelism by the Church

Romans 11:11

11 I say then, they [the Jews] did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous (NASB, clarification added).

The purpose of salvation coming to the Gentiles during the Church Age was not to obliterate Israel. Rather, it was meant to cause the Jewish people to be amazed that Gentiles were coming to faith in the God of Abraham, that they believed the Jewish Bible, and were drawn to knowing the Jewish Messiah in order to receive eternal life through Him. This was to cause the Jews to want all these things themselves. But the Church turned its back on the Jew, and was even instrumental in the persecution of the Jews through much of Church history.

The Church rejected the Biblical teaching of the future of Israel by 500 A.D.

Saint Augustine in His Study by Sandro Boticelli 1840

The Carthaginian theologian Augustine at first was a Chiliast (premillennialist), but was converted to amillennialism, and by the time he visited Rome no longer believed in the future of Israel. He then popularized Replacement Theology, which replaces the Jews with the Church as God’s chosen people, and made it the dominant doctrine of Christianity to this day. This was in direct contradiction to the admonition to the Church about Israel by the Apostle Paul:

Romans 11:25-26

25 For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob." 27 "And this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins" (NASB).

CONTINUED IN PART II

[1] http://doctorwoodhead.com/was-luke-a-jew-or-a-gentile/

[2] Allen, Pauline, Wendy Mayer. John Chrysostom. London: Routledge, 2000.

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Dr. Jobe Martin at Scofield Bible Study in Clifton, Texas

We have made available the latest teachings from guest Bible teacher Dr. Jobe Martin from Biblical Discipleship Ministries.

The Achilles Heels of Evolution. 
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New Age, New Spirituality, and Deception
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The Crimson Worm
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New Book Release: Evangelical Bible Doctrine

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A work on Systematic Theology and other contemporary issues by today's foremost biblical scholars. Such contributors include: H Wayne House, Norm Geisler, John C Whitcomb, Paige Patterson, Kenny Rhodes, John Pappas, Andy Woods, Don Miller, George Gunn, Charles Ray, Steve Spurlin, Arnold Fruchrnbaum, William Luck, Keith Sherlin, Jeff Helsop, Dan Woodhead, Timothy Demy, David Santos, Russell Penney, Eric Peterman, Bobby Hayes, Vern Peterman.

The Antichrist and Islam by Dr. Mal Couch, Book Review by Gary T. Dromi, D.Min., Ph.D.

The Antichrist and Islam

The Antichrist and Islam is, perhaps, one of Jesus’ most cherished and studied sermons. Throughout the centuries, theologians, pastors and scholars have endeavored to understand the events described by Jesus and the time period in which these events would take place.

Dr. Couch does an excellent job at breaking down and explaining the elements of the Olivet Discourse: the near fulfillment of A.D. 70 and a yet future fulfillment during the Great Tribulation. Dr. Couch rightly interprets the discourse as an accurate statement of end-time events, which will lead up to and culminate in the second coming of Christ to set up His millennial kingdom on the earth.

Seeing the Olivet Discourse in light of Revelation 17-18 and coupling all of those future events with what is happening in the world today, some theologians have begun to wonder if the religion known as Islam could possibly be “Babylon the Great” spoken of in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 17:6, John writes, “And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints [believers in Jesus], and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered greatly.” No other religion on earth today takes such pleasure in murdering Christians. The thesis certainly deserves some consideration.

There are a few places where the verse numbers are given and the Bible book reference is missing. However, this in no way detracts from this excellent resource.

Though only 88 pages in length, Dr. Couch introduces many topics: (1) Islam’s march into Western countries and culture; (2) The seven year tribulation; (3) The Anti-Christ; (4) False Christs; (5) The Parable of the Fig Tree; (6) The Coming of King Jesus; (7) A few other pertinent subjects.

While this book is not an exhaustive study of topic of eschatology, it is a great primer for anyone interested in understanding Matt. 24-25, specifically, and end time events in general. Reading The Antichrist and Islam is sure to whet your appetite for future study of the events that will take place prior to King Jesus’ second coming.
----
 Dr. Gary Dromi currently resides in Springdale, AR. He has been in full-time ministry for over thirteen years. He holds a B.A., M.A. and a D.Min. in Biblical Studies. While on sabbatical, he completed his Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling and is now available for pulpit fill, seminars and a full-time pastoral position. He can be reached at: provrbs3_5_6@att.net.  He also writes monthly articles for Scofield Ministries. 

WHY SATAN BELIEVES HE MUST DESTROY ISRAEL By Tom McCall, Th.D.

WHY SATAN BELIEVES HE MUST DESTROY ISRAEL

By Tom McCall, Th.D.

Why does Satan believe he must destroy Israel from off the face of the earth? For thousands of years Satan has demonstrated an insane and insatiable drive to wipe out the Jewish people, but so far has not been able to fully accomplish his goal. Let’s review some of his major attempts:


When Abraham went to Egypt and lied about Sarah, nearly causing Pharaoh to violate her.
When Abraham had Ishmael with Hagar, bypassing Sarah.
When Ishmael ridiculed Isaac, attempting to usurp Isaac’s position.
When Esau attempted to gain Jacob’s blessing from Isaac.
When Pharaoh ordered all male Hebrew infants to be murdered.
When Pharaoh attempted to destroy Israel backed up against the Red Sea.
When Israel decided to worship the Golden Calf at Mt. Sinai.
When Israel decided to stay in the wilderness rather than go into Canaan.
When Moab tried to destroy Israel and stop them from entering Canaan.
When the Canaanites amassed all their armies to destroy the invading Israelites.
When the surrounding nations tried to destroy Israel during the time of the Judges.
When the surrounding nations tried to destroy Israel during the time of the kings.
When the Assyrian army destroyed Israel and much of Judah.
When the Babylonian army destroyed the Temple and Jerusalem.
When the refugees from Babylon and Persia were restoring the Temple and Jerusalem
When Haman attempted to destroy all the Jews throughout the Persian Empire.
When the Greco-Syrian forces tried to Hellenize Judea under Antiochus Epiphanes
When the Roman army destroyed Judea and Jerusalem twice (70 AD and 135 AD)
When the Jewish people were scattered and persecuted throughout the world for 2,000 years.
When Hitler organized the Holocaust and destroyed over Six million Jews.
When the Jews attempted to return to Israel against extensive international opposition.
When Israel declared its independence in 1947 and was invaded by Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.
When Israel was invaded in 1967 and 1973 by its surrounding neighbors
When Israel was disrupted by numerous intifadas from Palestinians and Jihadists.
When Hamas hurled thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israel in 2014.


So we see, for 4,000 years the Jewish people have faced relentless persecution, opposition and attempts to annihilate and destroy them. If it were any of other people, it would seem totally irrational and insane. However, with Israel, there appears to be a certain rational, though Satanic, strategy behind this animosity.

For Satan, the destruction of Israel is a matter of self-preservation. Ultimately, the survival of Israel results in the eternal perdition of Satan. How can this be? Because when Israel repents and nationally invites the Lord Jesus Christ to be their own Redeemer/Messiah, that generation of Israel will be saved, and Satan’s plan to destroy the Jews will be finally defeated. Christ will return to the earth, destroy the Satanic Antichrist and his armies at Armageddon, establish His Kingdom over Israel and the world for 1,000 years, and then cast Satan into the Lake of Fire forever and ever.

The key is that Israel must survive to receive Christ nationally as their own Messiah. As Jesus said when He lamented over Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives a few days before He died and rose from the dead at His First Coming:

Matthew 23:39 - 24:1 39 "For I say to you, from now on you shall not see Me until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

While the remnant of Israel in every generation would receive Him all during the long period between His First and Second Comings (the Church Age), the nation Israel will not receive Him until after the Rapture of the Church and the Seven Year Tribulation. Thus, when Israel receives Christ, this will usher in the events that spell the doom of Satan.

From Satan’s point of view, he must keep Israel from surviving to the point in time when they will be ready to receive Jesus as their long awaited Messiah/Redeemer. They had a great opportunity to receive Him at His First Coming, but as John states:

John 1:11-12 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.

Israel did not know its great “hour of visitation” when Jesus came the first time, but when He comes again, the nation of Israel as a whole that survives the Tribulation will at last be ready, willing and eager to receive Him as Savior and Lord.

Thus Satan has strived mightily to destroy Israel through the centuries up until this present time so that there would be no Israel to invite Jesus to return to the earth. Why hasn’t Satan been able to accomplish his repeated purpose to kill off this small nation of only a few million people? It is because God has promised to preserve His covenant nation forever, as Jeremiah so eloquently explains:

Jeremiah 31:35-36 35 Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day, And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name: 36 "If this fixed order departs From before Me," declares the LORD, "Then the offspring of Israel also shall cease From being a nation before Me forever."

God here states what it would take to destroy Israel. One would have to first destroy the sun, moon and stars. Once that had been accomplished then, and only then, could someone go about destroying Israel. The last time I looked, the sun, moon and stars were still functioning, so that must mean Israel has not ceased being a nation.

Satan wants to destroy Israel so that he can keep God from sending him into eternal perdition, but God will not allow Satan to destroy His Chosen Nation. Israel is the apple of God’s eye, so it must survive as a nation before Him for all time.

The Weapons and Climate of The Gog & Magog War by Dr. Tom McCall

Prologue: Three hundred years ago, two believers in Christ were having discussions about Bible prophecy. They were reading prophecies in the Old Testament about the restoration of Israel back to the Land in the last days. One of them said, “Could this happen literally?” His friend replied, “Of course not, all the conditions of the world are against it. The Jews are scattered all over the earth; the nations of the world would not stand for it; the Arabs would not tolerate it; it is unthinkable that such a turn of events could occur. 

We must interpret these prophecies allegorically. It would take more than a miracle for this to occur.”

Indeed. Now, three hundred years later, against all odds, we have lived through just such a miracle. Israel is once again a nation among the family of nations, and is in the world news almost every day. Jesus said, “Not one jot or tittle shall pass from the Law until all is fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18) Will all the prophecies of the Word be fulfilled literally or just some of them? 

I have long believed that the next great prophetic event between the Rapture of the Church and the beginning of the Tribulation will be the Gog and Magog War of Ezekiel 38-39. There may be other smaller prophetic and/or non-prophetic wars between now and then, but the focus appears to be on Gog and Magog during that time frame. The Gog and Magog War is a critical step in the divine plan of restoring all of Israel to the Promised Land, as well as the developments during the Tribulation, Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ. 

Every day it seems like the stage is being set for the events of the Gog and Magog War. For Example:

1. Iran (i.e. Ancient Persia) is increasingly in the international spotlight as it moves inexorably closer to nuclear capability.
2. Israel’s vulnerability from nuclear attack from Iran is causing it to ramp up its ability to mount a pre-emptive strike against the nuclear facilities in Iran.
3. They are also forging an agreement with Saudi Arabia to use its airspace in case of such an attack.
4. The U.S. administration and the European powers are attempting to solve the Iran problem diplomatically, but in the process they are alienating and marginalizing Israel.
5. In addition, Russia is supplying Iran and much of the Middle East with military and diplomatic support.
6. Israel’s discovery of vast natural gas reserves in the Leviathan field in the Mediterranean Sea and shale oil reserves under the Valley of Elah on land are making that miracle nation even more of a desirable target for Russia and the Magog alliance to attack.

What else has to happen, besides the Rapture, before the Gog and Magog War actually comes to pass?

Well, there are some aspects of Ezekiel’s prophecy that appear to be out of sync with current conditions. For instance, the warfare described in Ezekiel 38-39 is primitive compared to modern weapons:

Ezekiel 38:4 4 “And I will turn you about, and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords (NASB); 

There are no planes, tanks, missiles and so forth in the prophet’s narrative.

The customary interpretation is, of course, that Ezekiel knew nothing about modern weapons when he wrote some 3,500 years ago, and so he had to describe the events in the terms of ancient warfare such as swords, shields, bucklers, and horses. That may be the case, but is it possible that by the time the War takes place military power may be so degraded that the nations are reduced to fighting with ancient weapons? Could some kind of nuclear war or other events occur that would make modern weapons inoperative? 

There are at least two features of the Gog and Magog War that seem to make modern weapons unlikely. One is the vast array of horses used (along with soldiers) that provide the multitude of vultures and beasts with an enormous feast at the conclusion of the battles.

Ezekiel 38:15 15 “And you will come from your place out of the remote parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great assembly and a mighty army (NASB);

Ezekiel 39:17-20 17 “And as for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God, ‘Speak to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field, “Assemble and come, gather from every side to My sacrifice which I am going to sacrifice for you, as a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. 18 “You shall eat the flesh of mighty men, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan. 19 “So you will eat fat until you are glutted, and drink blood until you are drunk, from My sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you. 20 “And you will be glutted at My table with horses and charioteers, with mighty men and all the men of war,” declares the Lord God (NASB).

The vultures and beasts surely would not be feeding on fallen planes and tanks! The other is the fact that the victorious Israelis will be able to use the debris of the fallen invaders for fuel for seven years after the War, so that they will not have to cut down forests for fuel during that time.

Eze 38-39 Intro

Ezekiel 39:9-10 9 “Then those who inhabit the cities of Israel will go out, and make fires with the weapons and burn them, both shields and bucklers, bows and arrows, war clubs and spears and for seven years they will make fires of them. 10 “And they will not take wood from the field or gather firewood from the forests, for they will make fires with the weapons; and they will take the spoil of those who despoiled them, and seize the plunder of those who plundered them,” declares the Lord God. turn your hand against the waste places which are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations(NASB).

It is interesting that the length of time for the burning of the fuel is the same time as the length of the seven years of the Tribulation.

Another area of scientific research is in that of climate change. This has nothing to do with the Global Warming pseudo-science that claims human activity is affecting the climate. Rather, it looks at validated evidence that we may be headed toward a great cooling era which could bring increasing rainfall to Israel and in turn could increase forests and grassland. Extensive grassland in Israel would make possible the development of herds of cattle throughout the Land. As noted above, there is a description of forests and cattle in Israel, which do not exist in abundance in the Land at the present time: 

Ezekiel 39:10“And they will not take wood from the field or gather firewood from the forests who have acquired cattle and goods, who live at the center of the world (NASB).’

There is some anecdotal evidence that Israel is already experiencing heavier rainfall and snow in recent years, and conversely, anecdotal evidence that areas of Russia and the Ukraine are getting colder. If these trends are confirmed and continue, it might make vast areas of Russia too cold for many crops. It is speculated that some of this climate change might be caused by activity on the surface of the Sun. These climate events, if they develop, might also contribute to making Israel an inviting target for Russia. We need more hard evidence from reputable climatologists to determine if these trends are valid.

Some scientists, many of whom have no interest in Bible prophecy, are doing research on the degrading of modern weapons systems. This includes the disruption of the electric power grid and semiconductor devices through such weapons as the Electromagnetic Pulse Bomb. The best known example of the potential for severe damage to the electrical grid and electronic devices is the Star Fish Prime Nuclear weapon test in 1962[1]. However, in order for swords to replace small arms, nitrate manufacturing/supplies must somehow be compromised or, nitrates themselves must be destabilized. No weapon or known natural process is able to destabilize nitrates on a worldwide basis. (Nitro cellulose is the propellant in all, or nearly all small arms)

The elimination of electricity and gunpowder would go a long ways toward throwing warfare back to the primitive status described in Ezekiel, but such drastic changes seem unlikely under the present circumstances. Scientists are also looking at valid naturally caused climate changes that would affect growing seasons around the world, especially in Israel but again we need more evidence that this is actually happening.

I am attempting to gather as much research on this subject as possible, and I am inviting our readers who have information on these matters to respond. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Send email to: bigmac1936 at embarqmail.com (replace the 'at' with the @ symbol).