INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS PROPHECY?
Prophecy is the foretelling or the predicting of the future.
MANY HAVE CLAIMED TO BE PROPHETS
From the most ancient times there have been
many supposed methods for predicting the
future.
•
Augury - reading the future in animal entrails
•
Hepatoscopy - divinations using animal livers
•
Auspices - predicting the future by observing
the flight of birds
•
Astrology - reading signs in the stars
•
Oracles - priests and priestesses who gave ambiguous answers to specific
questions
There have also been a large variety of people who have claimed to be able to
predict the future, including. Sorcerers, Witches, Magicians, Horoscopists, Tarot card
readers. Palmists, Tea leaf readers and Clairvoyants.
Nostradamus, who was born in 1503, is one who claimed to be a prophet. He wrote a
large number of quatrains (four line paragraphs) which together comprised his book
of prophecy. The contents of the quatrains is very interesting as they are all very
vague and mystical in sentiment. Despite this many people have endeavoured to
interpret the quatrains of Nostradamus as prophecies of significant events
subsequent to his time, such as the events of World War 2. However such
interpretations are highly subjective.
BIBLE PROPHECY
The Place of Prophecy in the Bible
Unlike other prophecies mentioned above, Bible Prophecies are clear and specific.
Furthermore the Bible claims that the prophets were inspired by God in what they
wrote:
"We have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye lake heed ...
for the prophecy came not in old lime by the will of man: hut holy men of God spake
us they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2Peter 2:20,21)
The Bible also makes clear that the prophets were God's messengers to his people:
".../ will put my words in his mouth: and he shall speak unto them all that I shall
command him". (Deuteronomy 18:18)
In the Bible the term prophecy has two applications:
•
Foretelling: By revealing the future the truth of the prophets words are proved
•
Forthtelling: Revealing the will of God-to teach, encourage or rebuke
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 1
The Bible is the result of the work of the Prophets
A very large part of the Bible consists of the writing of the prophets, and includes
foretelling and forthtelling of God's purpose. The writings of the prophets is of great
importance:
"... is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16)
What is the Purpose of Bible Prophecy?
The Bible tells us that the purpose of
prophecy is to prove the existence and
power of God, and to demonstrate that
God is in control of the affairs of this world.
“The Lord of Hosts is his name ... I have
declared the former things from the
beginning; they went forth out of my
mouth, and I shewed them, I did them
suddenly, and they came to pass." Isaiah
48:3-4
"... to the intent that the living may know
that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever he
will..." Daniel 4:17
Can Bible Prophecy be Tested?
The Bible tells us how the validity of prophecies can be tested.
By Time:
The Bible shows that a key test of a prophet is whether what he has said comes to
pass.
“When the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet he known,
that the LORD hath truly sent him" Jeremiah 28:9
"When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come
to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath
spoken it presumptuously." Deuteronomy 18:22
By Truth:
The Bible not only provides a test by time, but also a test by truth. The prophet must
speak things in accordance with God's word. If he does not he is not a prophet.
"And when they say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto
wizards that peep and mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? To the law
and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no
light in them.” Isaiah 8:19-20
Can Bible Prophecy be Understood
The Bible reveals that God has communicated his purpose to the Prophets.
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Daniel 2
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"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but lie revealeth his secret (counsel) unto His
servants the prophets " Amos 3:7
To the prophets God revealed future events in terms
that could be understood.
"/ am God, and there is none like me, declaring the
end from the beginning, and from ancient times the
things that are not yet done, saying. My counsel
shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” Isaiah
46:9-10
Furthermore the Bible directs us to give attention to
these prophecies.
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were
written for our learning, that we through patience
and comfort of the scriptures might have hope”
Romans 15:4
How Are We to Understand Bible Prophecy?
In reading Bible Prophecy it is important to remember that:
•
Prophecy is an integral part of the Bible- which remains consistent throughout
•
Prophecies can apply to either short or long term events
•
Prophecies can use either literal or symbolic language
•
Prophecies must be read in their context in Bible passages
•
Prophecies can be either self-interpreting or interpreted by other Bible passages
NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S IMAGE – DANIEL 2
We now turn to consider a very interesting and important key prophecy of the Bible.
This prophecy is a vision revealed by God in a dream to Nebuchadnezzar, King of
Babylon, and is recorded in Daniel Chapter 2. This vision was revealed at a very
significant time in the outworking of God’s purpose with this earth. Nebuchadnezzar
was a great monarch who helped establish the Babylonian Empire, the 1st major
world empire. He was also instrumental in bringing about the destruction of the
kingdom of Judah which at that time was the last remains of the Kingdom of God on
earth. Nebuchadnezzar was concerned about the future of his world dominion, and it
was in this state of mind that God revealed to him a vision that he could not interpret.
Daniel, a young Jewish prophet, who had been taken captive by the Babylonians and
brought to Babylon, was, by revelation from God, able to show to the king the dream
and the interpretation.
The vision shows the outline of history of the kingdoms and empires of men from that
time until the time when the God of heaven re-establishes His Kingdom on earth
again, on a more permanent basis. The vision shows “what shall come to pass” (Dan
2:29) in the kingdoms of men with the main focus being on “what shall be in the latter
days” (Dan 2:28). Below is the vision and interpretation found in Daniel 2:28-45.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 3
“… what shall come to pass” (Dan 2:29)
VISION
INTERPRETATION
v32
This image's
head was of fine gold
v37-38 Thou, O king. art a king of
kings: for the God of heaven hath given
thee a kingdom, power, and strength,
and glory.
And wheresoever the
children of men dwell, the beasts of the
field and the fowls of the heaven hath he
given into thine hand, and hath made
thee ruler over them all. Thou art this
head of gold
v32 his breast and
his arms of silver
v39 after thee shall arise another
kingdom inferior to thee
v32 his belly and his
thighs of brass
v39 and another third kingdom of
brass which shall hear rule over all the
earth
v33 His legs of iron
v40-43 And the fourth kingdom shall
he strong as iron: forasmuch us iron
breaketh in pieces and subdueth all
things: and us iron that breaketh all
these, shall it break in pieces and
bruise. And whereas thou sawest the
feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and
pan of iron, the kingdom shall be
divided; but there shall be in it of the
strength of the iron, forasmuch us thou
sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
And as the toes of the feet were part of
iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom
shall he partly strong, and partly broken.
And whereas thou sawest iron mixed
with miry clay, they shall mingle
themselves with the seed of men: hut
they shall not cleave one to another,
even as iron is not mixed with clay
v33 his feet part of
iron and part of clay
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 4
“there is a God in heaven who revealeth secrets and maketh known
… what shall be in the latter days” (Dan 2:28)
VISION
INTERPRETATION
v31 behold a great image. This
great image, whose brightness was
excellent, stood before thee, and
the form thereof was terrible.
V34-35 Thou sawest till that a
stone was cut out without hands,
which smote the image upon his
feet that were of iron and clay, and
brake them to pieces. Then was
the iron, the clay, the brass, the
silver, and the gold, broken to
pieces together, and became like
the chaff of the summer threshing
floor's: and the wind carried them
away, that no place was found for
them: and the stone that smote the
image became a great mountain,
and filled the whole earth.
v44-45 And in the days of these
kings shall the God of heaven
set up a kingdom, which shall
never be destroyed: and the
kingdom shall not he left to other
people, but it shall break in
pieces and consume all these
kingdoms, and it shall stand/or
ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest
that the stone was cut out of the
mountain without hands, and that
it brake in pieces the iron, the
brass, the clay, the silver, and
the gold; the great God hath
made known to the king what
shall come to pass hereafter: and
the dream is certain, and the
interpretation thereof sure.
The Babylonian Empire
The interpretation of this vision was given to Daniel by God and commences with the
significance of the image's head of Gold. In verse 38 Nebuchadnezzar was told
"thou art this head of Gold". Now Nebuchadnezzar was the King of the empire of
Babylon. The map beside shows
the territory of this empire, which
included all of modem Iraq, Israel,
Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, southeastern Turkey and about half of
Saudi Arabia.
Nebuchadnezzar
had also destroyed the power of
Egypt, though he did not occupy it
It is interesting to consider why the
prophecy uses the metal gold to
represent
this
empire
of
Nebuchadnezzar. History supplies
the answer to this. The empire of Babylon was an exceedingly wealthy empire as
evidenced by the wealth of the capital city, also called Babylon. This city was a large
city for ancient times and was located on the Euphrates river.
Herodotus in his Histories, Book 1 , 178-181 gives the following details of the city of
Babylon:
•
Area - 502 square kilometers
•
Sides - 23 km
•
Circumference - 90 km
•
Surrounded by 10 meter wide moat and triple Walls
•
Outer wall: 93 meters high, 26 metres thick, 100 gates of solid brass.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 5
Babylon was also exceedingly wealthy as evidenced by the record of vast quantities
of gold.
"In the temple of Bel, there is a second shrine lower down, in which is a great sitting, figure of
Bel, all of gold on a golden throne supported on a base of gold, with a golden table standing
beside it. ... Outside the temple is a golden altar .... and in this sacred building there is a solid
golden statue of a man some fifteen feet (4.5 meters) high." Herodotus "Histories" book 1,
182
"The riches of this temple (of Bel) in statues, tables, censers, cups and other sacred vessels,
all of massy gold, were immense. ... The sum total amounts to six thousand three hundred
Babylonish talents of gold" Diodorus Siculus. "History". 1,ii, p98
A Babylonish Talent weighed about 30kg. At US$390/troy ounce, this amount of gold
is worth A$4,200,000,000. This large amount of Gold was merely the gold in one of
the temples in all of the city of Babylon. How uniquely appropriate then was the
Bible's representation of Babylon as "the head of Gold".
Other indications of the grandeur and wealth of the city of Babylon are shown in the
following quotations.
"At the ends of the bridge were two palaces, which had communication with each other by u
vault, built under the channel of the river. The old palace which stood on the east side of (he
river, was thirty furlongs (6km) in compass. The new palace, which stood on the west side of
the river opposite to the other, was sixty furlongs (12 km) in compass. In this new palace
were the Hanging Gardens. They contained a square .. of four hundred feet (l20meters) on
every side, and were carried up aloft into the air in the manner of several large terraces, one
above another, till the height equalled that of the walls of the city. The whole pile was
sustained by vast arches, raised upon other arches .. upon which lay the moulds of the
gardens. The moulds, or earth, thus laid were so deep, that the greatest trees might take
root in it; and with such the terraces were covered, as well as with all other plants and
flowers that were proper for a garden of pleasure." Sirabo. i. xvi. p738
"I will give several indications of the wealth and resources of Babylon, but the following is a
specially striking one. Apart from normal tribute, the whole Persian empire is divided into
regions for the purpose of furnishing supplies for the king and his army, and for four months
out of the twelve the supplies come form the Babylonian territory, the whole of the rest of
Asia being responsible for the remaining eight." Herodotus. "The Histories" Book 1, 192
The Medo-Persian Empire – BC542-334
The kingdom of Babylon lasted some
60 years after the time of the
prophecy of Daniel 2. Toward the
end of that time the power of Babylon
began to decline and a growing threat
emerged from the combined forces of
the Medes and Persians led by Cyrus
the Persian. The empire of Babylon
finally fell to the Medes and Persians
in BC542 as predicted in Daniel 2.
The city of Babylon was the last place
to fall, and it fell in a remarkable way
as described by Herodotus.
'When he (Cyrus the Persian) arrived near the city .... they (the Babylonians) were forced to
retire inside their defences; they already knew of Cyrus' restless ambition and had watched
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 6
his successive acts of aggression against one nation after another, and as they had taken
the precaution of accumulating in Babylon a stock of provisions sufficient to last many years,
they were able to regard the prospect of a siege with indifference. The siege dragged on, no
progress was made and Cyrus began to despair of success. Then he thought up a plan ...
he diverted the river into a lake, and in this way reduced the depth enough to reach about the
middle of a man's thigh, and making their way (the army that is) along it got into the town.
The Babylonians themselves say that owing to the great size of the city, the outskirts were
captured without the people in the centre knowing it; there was a festival going on, and they
continued to dance and enjoy themselves, until they learned the news the hard way."
Herodotus "The Histories" Book 1, 191
It is interesting that in Daniel 2, the description of the empire to succeed the
Babylonian fits exactly with the historical characteristics of the Medo-Persian empire.
Key attributes of this empire as predicted in Daniel 2 are:
“his breast (chest) and his arms of silver”
v32
“after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee”
v39
The Medo-Persian empire is represented as beginning with two arms, which is
appropriate, as there were two arms of empire initially - Median & Persian. Later the
Persian's took the ascendancy and the empire became one - the Persian Empire.
This later phase agree with the singular breast (Chest).
The empire is represented by "silver", (and described as an "inferior kingdom") which
is appropriate. The Medo-Persian empire was not as wealthy as the Babylonian, and
the tribute it upon subject nations was always evaluated in silver talents (refer
Herodotus, Book 3, 91-97). It’s military strength was stronger than the Babylonians
as silver is of gold, and it's system of Government was inferior to the Babylonians
(e.g.: The king was constrained from doing justice by preceding laws as shown in
Daniel chap 6).
Alexander the Great & The Greek Empire – BC 334-67
The empire of the Persians lasted
for over 200 years. Despite it's
long duration it fell relatively
quickly.
The Greeks led by
Alexander the Great (son of Philip
of Macedon), attacked and rapidly
conquered the Persian empire in
just 3 years. Not only did the
Greeks take the Persian empire but
they also extended the borders so
that the Greek empire covered a
much larger area.
Again the prophecy of Daniel 2 anticipated the key details of this empire which
should succeed the Persian empire.
The key parts of the prophecy as applicable to the Greeks are:
v32
“his belly and thighs of brass”
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 7
“and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over
all the earth”
v39
The Greek empire is represented as of "brass", which was uniquely appropriate as
brass was the metal in which the Greek soldiers were clad from head to foot. Also as
brass is less valuable than silver, so the Greek empire was far less wealthy than the
Persian. As brass is that much stronger than silver, so the military power of the
Greeks was far stronger than that of the Persians. Furthermore it was the first
empire to bear rule over all the then known world.
After Alexander's death in Babylon in BC323, his four generals, Lysimachus,
Cassander, Ptolemy, & Seleucus divided the empire between them, and then
proceeded to war against each other. Quite quickly there became only two parts to
the empire. The Seleucid Kingdom in the North and The Ptolemaic Kingdom in the
South. Thus the empire which started as one entity, answering to the single belly of
the image, became two entities answering to the two thighs of the image.
The Roman Empire - BC67 - AD1493
The empire of the Greeks lasted
about 250 years, and then gradually
disappeared. The emergence of the
Roman empire was not like the
emergence of the other empires,
which came into being by triumph in
battle over their predecessors. The
Roman empire gradually expanded
and finally succeeded that of
Greece
when
Pompey
took
Palestine in BC67. The rise of the
Roman empire is well described by
Gibbon.
"The arms of the Republic, sometimes vanquished in battle, always victorious in war,
advanced with rapid steps to the Euphrates, the Danube, the Rhine, and the Ocean; and in
the images of gold, or silver, or brass, that might serve to represent the nations or their kings,
were successively broken by the iron monarchy of Rome." Gibbon. "The Decline and Fall of
the Roman Empire"
With this history in mind it is interesting that the prophecy describes this fourth empire
as:
“His legs of iron” (v33)
“And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron: for as much as iron
breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these,
shall it break in pieces and bruise.” (v40)
That these words are uniquely applicable to the Roman empire is evident as follows:
•
The Romans were notorious for their use of iron for armour, as evidenced from
the many suits of Roman armour in Museums around the world. The Greeks by
comparison had armour all of Brass.
•
The Roman empire from even the very beginning had a natural division between
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 8
East and West, answering to the two legs of iron in the image.
"By 49BC, he (Julius Caesar} and Pompey, with their legions, he from the west and Pompey
from the East were fighting openly for the predominance in the Roman Stale" H.G. Wells.
"Outline of World History" p468
From the time of the Emperor Constantine, the division between the Eastern Roman
Empire and the Western Roman Empire was formal, with the Capital of the East
being Constantinople, and that of the West being Rome.
•
Roman empire never took Babylon, and hence the prophecy does not describe
this kingdom as coming after that of Nebuchadnezzar's, as it does the others, but
merely as a "fourth kingdom" (v40).
•
The Western Roman empire gradually disintegrated with the successive
invasions of the Barbarians. The city of Rome finally fell to the barbarians in
AD476. The influence of the Roman empire was revived in the Holy Roman
Empire from AD800 till it's progressive demise from AD1789 (the French
Revolution) to AD1870 (The final loss of all temporal power for the Pope).
•
The Eastern Roman Empire continued to AD 1453, when Constantinople was
finally conquered by the Turks.
The Toes of Part Iron and Part Clay - AD476 to Now
The Roman empire was different to the preceding empires in that it was never
replaced by another empire.
Rather it disintegrated into several kingdoms.
Throughout history since the empire of Rome there have been around about 10
nations or kingdoms that occupy the territory that once was Rome. Some of these
kingdoms were strong and others were weak. This is exactly what the prophecy
predicted many hundreds of years earlier.
41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of
iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the
iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.
42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the
kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle
themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another,
even as iron is not mixed with clay.
Some very interesting points are evident when considering these verses in the light
of history:
•
The ten toes represent the dividing up of the empire into several nations.
Western Rome divided into the nations that now form the EEC (European
Community)
•
There would be the remnants of the Roman iron still present, and so the remnant
of the Holy Roman Empire has continued in the power of the Roman Catholic
Church in Europe.
•
Though many countries have tried to establish an empire succeeding Rome,
they have all failed. Napoleon & Hitler both tried and failed. The accuracy of the
prophecy has stood the test of time.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 9
•
Clay is a Bible term to represent man.
“Behold, I am according to thy wish in God stead: I also am formed out of the clay.”
Job 33:6
“But now, 0 LORD. thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter, and we
all are the work of thy hand”. Isaiah 64:8
Hence there is a human influence, as well as the autocratic iron power. The clay
represents human rule, democracy.
The Stone that smites the Image
The last phase of the prophecy is the emergence of a stone which smites and
destroys the image.
44 - 45 “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a
kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to
other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and
it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of
the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the
clay, the silver, and the gold: the great God hath made known to the king what
shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation
thereof sure”.
The prophecy concludes with the prediction of the intervention of God in the affairs of
man to establish God's Kingdom.
•
This last empire which God will set up will never be destroyed
•
It is the stone that ends the image and from which the Kingdom of God is
created.
•
"Stone" or "Rock" (v34,45) are Bible terms for Jesus Christ:
1 Cor 10:4 "that rock was Christ"
Matt 21:42 "the stone that the builders rejected is become I he head of the
corner"
Peter 2:6-8 "a chief corner stone, elect, precious"
•
The "Stone was cut without hands", and so Jesus Christ was not made with
human hands. At the birth of Christ Mary, his mother, was told:
Luke 1:30-35 "The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee,. and the power of the
highest shall overshadow thee..."
•
The words "The God of Heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never he
destroyed" are very similar to those said to Mary about Jesus:
Luke 1:33 "He shall reign for ever; and of his kingdom their shall he no end"
•
The extent of God’s kingdom will be world wide just as the stone that smote the
image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 10
Summary – Clear Teaching of Daniel 2
•
Four successive empires starting with the Babylonian Empire
•
The 4th empire to have a number of phases
•
At the end of the 4th empire (in the latter days), God will intervene and remove all
human governments
•
God will establish a world wide kingdom on earth to replace man’s rule
•
God’s kingdom will stand forever
•
God’s kingdom won’t be left to other people therefore its rulers will be immortal
The prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's image covers a vast time period, from BC600
down to the present day, a period of 2600 years. It finishes with the coming of Jesus
Christ to overthrow the Kingdoms of the world and establish God's Kingdom on the
earth. This is a remarkable prediction. But why should we doubt it? The prophecy
predicted with amazing accuracy the events of 2600 years of world history. Why will
it not be accurate in it's prediction about the coming of Jesus Christ to establish the
Kingdom of God?
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 2
Page 11
THE FOUR BEASTS OF DANIEL 7
Daniel 7 – An elaboration of details
Daniel 7 records a vision shown to Daniel sometime after the vision that
Nebuchadnezzar saw recorded in Daniel 2. Instead of a great image representing the
Kingdom of Men, Daniel sees the Kingdom of Men as a succession of wild beasts, rising
up out of the Great (Mediterranean) Sea! The first is a majestic lion representing
Babylon, next is a devouring bear representing the Medo-Persian Empire, followed by a
swift flying leopard – a fitting symbol of Alexander and his Grecian Empire, and finally
an unnamed great and terrible beast representing the Roman Empire. Here is
confirmed that the Kingdom of men can be seen as four successive empires, followed
by the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth.
Just as in Daniel 2, Daniel 7 shows that the fourth empire continues through various
phases until the time of Divine intervention represented by the coming of the Ancient of
Days and the Judgement (Dan 7:22). Daniel’s attention is drawn to the 10 horns of the
fourth beast (representing kings or nations arising out of the Roman Empire [v24] - the
10 nations are: Huns, Vandals, Visigoths, Burgundians, Gepidoe, Lombards, Franks,
Suevi, Alans, and Bavarians. These nations became the rulers of the divided Roman
dominion when the empire fell during the 5th century AD). As Daniel watched, three of
the horns (Vandals, Lombards and Huns) were plucked up by the roots and destroyed
when another little horn (the Holy Roman Empire) came up among them. This little horn
had eyes and a mouth, and spoke great things (vs.19-20). So the Roman element
continued in the form of this “little horn”, much like the iron in the feet of the image of
Daniel chapter 2.
Daniel was also told that the little horn on this beast will speak words against the Most
High and it will make war on the saints and prevail over them for a “time, times and
dividing of time (i.e. half a time)” (vs.25) or 1260 years. A time refers to a one-year
cycle or 360 days on the Jewish calendar. Two times would be 720 days and a half
time, 180 days, thus giving a total of 1260 days. Many prophetic time periods are based
on one day representing one year (see Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:5-6; Daniel 9:24).
This prophecy indicates that a great power would arise out of the Roman Empire that
would blaspheme God and persecute the saints for many years, before being destroyed
by Christ when he returns to set up God’s kingdom on this earth.
Up to this point we have found that Daniel 2 clearly indicates that four world empires
would arise, and Daniel 7 refers to these empires again, giving us more detail especially
about the fourth empire (the Roman Empire). These two chapters of Daniel form the
backbone for interpreting many of the prophecies in the Bible.
The end result is the same. In Daniel 2 the stone smites the image, grinds it to powder,
and becomes a great mountain filling the whole earth. This represents God’s
intervention in human affairs to set up on earth His Kingdom which will replace man’s
kingdoms (Dan 2:44-45). In Daniel 7, the Ancient of Days comes in judgment and
destroys the 4th beast empire and the saints take possession of the kingdom (Dan 7:914, 18, 22, 26-27).
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Daniel 7
Page 12
Daniel 7
VISION
INTERPRETATION
V4 And four great beasts came up from
the sea, diverse one from another. The
first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings:
I beheld till the wings thereof were
plucked, and it was lifted up from the
earth, and made stand upon the feet as a
man, and a man's heart was given to it.
V17 These great beasts,
which are four, are four
kings, which shall arise
out of the earth.
V5 And behold another beast, a second,
like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one
side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it
between the teeth of it: and they said thus
unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
V6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like
a leopard, which had upon the back of it
four wings of a fowl; the beast had also
four heads; and dominion was given to it.
V7-8 After this I saw in the night visions,
and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and
terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had
great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in
pieces, and stamped the residue with the
feet of it: and it was diverse from all the
beasts that were before it; and it had ten
horns.
I considered the horns, and,
behold, there came up among them
another little horn, before whom there
were three of the first horns plucked up by
the roots: and, behold, in this horn were
eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth
speaking great things.
V19-21
the fourth beast, which was
diverse from all the others, exceeding
dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his
nails of brass; which devoured, brake in
pieces, and stamped the residue with his
feet; And of the ten horns that were in his
head, and of the other which came up, and
before whom three fell; even of that horn
that had eyes, and a mouth that spake
very great things, whose look was more
stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the
same horn made war with the saints, and
prevailed against them;
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
V23-24 The fourth beast
shall be the fourth
kingdom upon earth,
which shall be diverse
from all kingdoms, and
shall devour the whole
earth, and shall tread it
down, and break it in
pieces.
And the ten
horns out of this kingdom
are ten kings that shall
arise: and another shall
rise after them; and he
shall be diverse from the
first, and he shall subdue
three kings. And he shall
speak
great
words
against the most High,
and shall wear out the
saints of the most High,
and think to change times
and laws: and they shall
be given into his hand
until a time and times and
the dividing of time.
Daniel 7
Page 13
Daniel 7
VISION
INTERPRETATION
V9-14 I beheld till the thrones were cast
down, and the Ancient of days did sit,
whose garment was white as snow, and the
hair of his head like the pure wool: his
throne was like the fiery flame, and his
wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream
issued and came forth from before him:
thousand thousands ministered unto him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood
before him: the judgment was set, and the
books were opened.
I beheld then
because of the voice of the great words
which the horn spake: I beheld even till the
beast was slain, and his body destroyed,
and given to the burning flame.
As
concerning the rest of the beasts, they had
their dominion taken away: yet their lives
were prolonged for a season and time. I
saw in the night visions, and, behold, one
like the Son of man came with the clouds of
heaven, and came to the Ancient of days,
and they brought him near before him. And
there was given him dominion, and glory,
and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and
languages, should serve him: his dominion
is an everlasting dominion, which shall not
pass away, and his kingdom that which
shall not be destroyed.
V18 But the saints of
most High shall take
kingdom, and possess
kingdom for ever, even
ever and ever.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
the
the
the
for
V22 Until the Ancient of
days came, and judgment
was given to the saints of
the most High; and the time
came
that
the
saints
possessed the kingdom
V26-27 But the judgment
shall sit, and they shall take
away his dominion, to
consume and to destroy it
unto the end.
And the
kingdom and dominion, and
the
greatness
of
the
kingdom under the whole
heaven, shall be given to
the people of the saints of
the most High, whose
kingdom is an everlasting
kingdom, and all dominions
shall serve and obey him.
Daniel 7
Page 14
Parallels Between Daniel 2 and Daniel 7
DANIEL 2
DANIEL 7
Head of Gold
BABYLON
Assyrian – Babylonian
Lion
Breast & Arms of Silver
MEDO – PERSIA
Medo – Persia Bear
Belly & Thighs of Brass
GREECE
Grecian Leopard
Legs of Iron
ROME
Roman 4th Beast
Feet of Iron & Clay
DIVIDED ROME
God intervenes to set up a worldwide Kingdom
to replace the Kingdoms of Men
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
The Ancient of Days comes to judge and destroy the 4th Beast empire
and the Saints take possession of the Kingdom
Daniel 7
Page 15
ISRAEL IN PROPHECY – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
ISRAEL IN PROPHECY – PAST
Israel – God’s People
The Bible reveals much about the nation and people of Israel. There are many Bible prophecies
that relate to the fortunes both past, present and future of this unique people. Isaiah 43:10 says
that the people of Israel are God’s witnesses. Their history testifies to the accuracy of God’s
Word and provides evidence that God is alive and bringing about His purpose with this earth.
The people of Israel occupy a special place in the purpose of God because they are the natural
born descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to whom God made special promises. Though
they have often proved to be a rebellious and disbelieving people, “they are beloved for the
fathers’ sakes” (Rom 11:28). God chose Israel to be his special people and set his love on
them because of certain promises he made to their fathers (Deut 7:7-8).
The first thing that God promised to Abraham (2000 BC) was: “I will make of you a great nation”
(Gen 12:2). At the time when God made this promise nations were forming and developing, but
they were going astray from God (Gen 10 & 11). So at this point of history God said that He
would make a nation from Abraham. The remarkable thing about this promise was that
Abraham had no children and his wife Sarah (aged 65 years at the time) was barren (Gen
11:30) – she couldn’t have children. The promise of a nation was therefore a human
impossibility – it was reliant upon God to intervene and develop a family and nation from
Abraham that ultimately “in Abraham shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gen 12:3).
God did intervene and Isaac was miraculously born to Abraham and Sarah. Through Isaac and
then Jacob has come the nation of Israel. God’s hand has been at work with the people of
Israel right from their birth as a nation when they were delivered from slavery in Egypt and
brought into the promised land.
God promised Abraham that from him would come “a great nation”. The greatness of this
nation was not to be through superior military or economic strength but from following God’s
ways as Moses told Israel in Deuteronomy 4:6-8:
“Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my commanded me, that
you should act according to them in the land which you go into possess.
Therefore be careful to observe them, for this your wisdom and your understanding is the sight
of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and
understanding people’
For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for
whatever reason we may call upon Him?
And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgements as are in all
this law which I set before you this day?”
The history of the people of Israel shows that they mostly failed to live up to this calling. Being
merely the natural born descendants of Abraham did not automatically qualify Israel to be the
great nation promised to Abraham. They had to develop the faith and works of Abraham to be
ultimately included in his family and nation (Jn 8:39, Rom 2:28-29, 9:6-7, Gal 3:7, Rom 4:11).
God also outlined to Abraham the short term future of his descendants in Genesis 15:13-16
• His descendants would be strangers in a foreign country
• They would serve the people of that foreign country
• They would be afflicted by them for 400 years
• God would judge the nation they served
• After which they would leave with great possessions
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 16
•
In the fourth generation they would return to the land of Canaan
These prophecies were remarkably fulfilled in detail
• Jacob and his family went down into Egypt where they multiplied (Exod 1:1-7)
• The Egyptians enslaved them with hard bondage (Exod 1:8-14)
• God intervened and brought judgments upon Egypt with 10 plagues (Exod 6-12)
• The Egyptians, devastated by the plagues, urged the Israelites to leave Egypt and gave
them gifts etc (Exod 12:31-36)
• 40 years later Israel were led by Joshua to take possession of the land of Canaan (Josh
24:8-13)
When God delivered the people of Israel out of Egypt he brought them to Mount Sinai (BC
1500). There He constituted them as His people and Kingdom (Exod 19:5-6) and made a
covenant with them (Exod 24:3-8). God gave Israel laws and commandments that were to
govern their national, civil and religious life in the land of Israel. With the privileges and calling
that God gave to Israel came special responsibilities. If they obeyed God they would be
blessed (Lev 26:3-13; Deut 28:1-14), but if they disobeyed and turned from their God, they
would be cursed (Lev 26:14-39; Deut 28:15-68).
The Prophecy of Curses
God told Israel through Moses (BC 1500) that the following curses would come upon them if
they disobeyed him when in the land of Israel:
Leviticus 26
The Curses upon the people of Israel
V14-26
Hardships would come upon them if they disobeyed
V27-29
In the extremities of being besieged by other nations they would eat their
own children
V30-32
Their land would be made desolate by an invading nation
V33
They would be removed from their land and scattered among the nations
V38-39
They would suffer among the nations
Deuteronomy 28
The Curses upon the people of Israel
V15-35
Hardships would come upon them if they disobeyed
V36-37
They would be brought into a foreign country
V49-51
A foreign nation from afar would invade them
V52
Their cities would be besieged
V53-57
In the extremities of the siege there would be scarcity of food and they
would eat their own children
V64
They would be removed from their land and scattered among the nations
V65-67
They would suffer distress among the nations
Israel did prove to be unfaithful and disobedient to their God and the prophecy given through
Moses (BC 1500) of the scattering of Israel among the nations was echoed by prophets in later
times as can be seen from the following references:
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 17
1Kings 14:15
“For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel
out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the
river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.”
Jeremiah 9:16
“I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known:
and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.”
Ezekiel 12:15
“And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and
disperse them in the countries.”
The Lord Jesus Christ echoed the words of Deut 28 in a prophecy he gave on the Mt of Olives
prior to his death. He said that “Jerusalem” would be “compassed with armies” and be
desolated, and that the Jews “would fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away
captive into all nations” (Luke 21:20-24).
Israel’s History
Because Israel did disobey and refused to repent despite God’s repeated appeals, their history
is a fulfilment of these curses and prophecies in detail and shows that God is true to His Word.
Date / Period
Israel’s History
BC 1400
Israel took possession of the land of Canaan
BC 1400 –
1000
The period of the Judges was one of turmoil – the people went astray so God
let the surrounding nations invade and oppress them
BC 1000
The Monarchy was established with David as King
BC 930
After the death of Solomon the Kingdom was divided (1Kings 12:12-20) – the
northern kingdom (known as Israel) and the southern kingdom (known as
Judah)
BC 722
The Assyrians invaded the northern kingdom of Israel and destroyed it and
scattered the people throughout the nations because of their persistent
waywardness (2Kings 17:5-23)
BC 586
The Babylonians invaded the southern kingdom of Judah, overthrew it,
besieged and destroyed the city of Jerusalem, and took the people captive to
Babylon because of their wickedness (2Kings 25:1-11)
BC 536
Some of the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon and rebuilt the temple and
Jerusalem (Ezra 2-6)
AD 70
The Romans invaded the land of Judea and besieged Jerusalem. During the
siege the Jews became desperate and the Jewish historian, Josephus, records
how mothers ate their own children. Jerusalem and the temple were finally
destroyed by the Romans. The surviving Jews were scattered throughout the
Roman Empire
AD 70 – 1948
The Jews have been scattered throughout nations and have suffered in every
century persecutions and expulsions of some kind in just about every place
where they have been scattered
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 18
The above map (Jewish History Atlas) shows the dispersions of the Jews by the Assyrians and later by the
Babylonians.
The above map (Jewish History Atlas) shows the Jewish communities (areas shaded black)
scattered throughout the Roman Empire AD 100 – 300.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 19
Martin Gilbert, a historian, compiled a history of the Jewish people (from 2000 BC to 1985 AD)
and portrayed their history by a series of maps. When the maps of the Jewish wanderings
amongst the nations are considered it is evident that they have suffered much. The words that
God spoke through Moses have been accurately fulfilled: “among these nations you will find no
ease”, “your life shall hand in doubt before you”, “you will fear day and night” (Deut 28:64-67).
Martin Gilbert wrote the following in the preface of his book which confirms the words of this
prophecy:
Jewish History Atlas
Extract from Preface
“My original concern was to avoid undue emphasis upon the many horrific aspects of Jewish
history. I wished to portray with equal force the construction, achievements and normalities of
Jewish life through almost four thousand years. In part I believe that I have succeeded, for
there are many maps of traders, philosophers, financiers, settlers and sages. But as my
research into Jewish history progressed, I was surprised, depressed, and to some extent
overwhelmed by the by the perpetual and irrational violence which pursued the Jews in every
century and to almost every corner of the globe. If, therefore, persecution, expulsion, torture,
humiliation, and mass murder haunt these pages, it is because they haunt the Jewish story”
Martin Gilbert
5 February 1985
The following maps taken from Martin Gilbert’s book give a sample of the terrible history the
Jews have suffered, being scattered amongst the nations. Perhaps their worst sufferings were
during World War 2 when about six million Jews were slain by Nazi Germany led by Adolf Hitler.
The black areas on the map above are places from where the Jews were expelled AD 1000 - 1500
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 20
Map (Jewish History Atlas) showing places where Jews were forced to live AD 1215 – 1870
Mass grave for Jewish Holocaust victims
Map showing locations and numbers of Jews murdered
in Nazi occupied Europe AD 1939 – 1945
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Jewish Holocaust survivors
Page 21
ISRAEL IN PROPHECY – PRESENT
The history of the nation of Israel shows the truth of God’s Word that He would scatter them
among the nations. The people of Israel have been scattered into all nations, they have ceased
to exist as a nation in their own land. They have also suffered among the nations just as God
said they would. The same God who said that He would scatter Israel because of their
rebellious ways has also declared many times that He will gather them from nations and bring
them back to the land of Israel. Consider the following verses from Scripture:
Jeremiah 30:3
”For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel
and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their
fathers, and they shall possess it”
Jeremiah 31:10
”Hear the word of the LORD, O you nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that
scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock”
Ezekiel 37:21-22
”And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I will take the children of Israel from
among the heathen, whither they be gone, and I will gather them on every side, and bring
them into their own land: And I will make them one nation in the land upon the
mountains of Israel: and one king shall be king to them all”
The return of the Jews from all nations where they have been scattered and their restoration as
a nation in their own land is in two stages:
1. A partial return of the Jews to their own land to become a nation before the return or advent
of the Lord Jesus Christ
2. The complete regathering of all Jews from the nations and their full restoration as the nation
and Kingdom of God after the return of the Lord Jesus Christ
The majority of the Bible prophecies regarding the return of the Jews relate to the 2nd stage
when the heart of the nation will be changed and the Kingdom will be restored to Israel. A Mr
John Thomas, a Bible student of the nineteenth century, understood that some Bible prophecies
referred to the 1st stage i.e. the Jews returning to their land before the return of the Lord Jesus
Christ. On the basis of this understanding he wrote the following in 1850 (before Jews started
returning to Palestine and almost 100 years before the modern nation of Israel came into
existence):
There is, then, a partial and primary restoration of Jews before the manifestation (of the
Lord Jesus Christ), which is to serve as the nucleus, or basis, of future operations in the
restoration of the rest of the tribes after he has appeared in his Kingdom. The pre-adventual
colonization of Palestine will be on purely political principles; and the Jewish colonists will return
in unbelief of the Messiahship of Jesus, and of the truth as it is in him. They will emigrate thither
as agriculturists and traders, in the hope of ultimately establishing their commonwealth, but
more immediately of getting rich in silver and gold by commerce with India, and in cattle and
goods by their industry at home under the efficient protection of the British power.
But to what part of the world shall we look for a power whose interests will make it willing, as it is
able, to plant the ensign of civilization upon the mountains of Israel? … I know not whether the
men, who at present contrive the foreign policy of Britain, entertain the idea of assuming
sovereignty of the Holy Land, and of promoting its colonization by the Jews; their present
intentions, however, are of no importance one way or the other, because they will be compelled,
by events soon to happen, to do what, under existing circumstances, heaven and earth
combined could not move them to attempt. … The finger of God has indicated the course to
be pursued by Britain which cannot be evaded, and which her counsellors will not only be
willing, but eager, to adopt when the crisis comes upon them.
(Elpis Israel, page 441-442)
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 22
Below are two prophecies that refer to the partial restoration of the nation of Israel before the
return of Christ:
Ezekiel 38:8,12
“After many days you (Gog: the leader of a group of nations v2-7) will be visited. In the latter
years you will come into the land of those bought back from the sword and gathered from
many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought
out of the nations, and now all them dwell safely”
Gog’s evil plan is “to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste
places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have
acquired livestock and goods, and dwell in the midst of the land”
Ezekiel chapter 38 prophesies a latter day invasion of the land and people of Israel by a group
of nations led by Gog (Ezek 38:2-7,15-16). The prophecy clearly indicates:
• The land of Israel would be desolate and waste for a long time (v8)
• The people of Israel would be gathered out of the nations to inhabit their desolate land
(v8,12)
• They would acquire wealth and goods (v12,13)
• They will dwell in their land safely (v8,11,14)
• They will be invaded by Gog and his multinational forces (v8-12,15-16)
• God will intervene (through His Son) and overthrow the armies of Gog (v18-23)
Zechariah 12
Zechariah 12 describes the gathering of all nations against Judah and Jerusalem (Zech
12:2,3,6,9) and God’s intervention (though His Son) to fight against those nations (Zech
12:4,6,9) and to “save the tents of Judah first” (v7), and to “defend the inhabitants of
Jerusalem” (v8). Afterwards the Jews will be brought to mourning and repentance when “they
shall look on me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him” (v10-14).
It is clear from this prophecy that for God to save the tents of Judah from the invasion of the
nations, then Judah (or the Jews) must be dwelling in their land at that time (i.e. before the
invasion of the nations and the intervention of Christ at his return). And for the Jews to visibly
look upon the wounds of Christ after he has intervened to save them, they must have already
been in the land prior to his intervention.
The Rebirth of the Nation of Israel
The above prophecies have been remarkably fulfilled in part with the return of the Jews to their
ancient homeland and the recreation of the state of Israel in 1948.
Since the overthrow of Judah’s Commonwealth and the destruction of Jerusalem by the
Romans in AD 70 the Jews have been scattered throughout the nations. Their land has been
occupied by many foreign powers. The city of Jerusalem has been trodden down by various
Gentile powers as Jesus prophesied (Luke 21:24). The Ottoman (or Turkish) Empire occupied
the land of Israel or Palestine (as it became known) for a period of six centuries up to 1917.
During their occupation the land of Israel became desolate and largely unproductive.
The following is a list of significant developments and events in the past 100 years or so that
has led to the modern revival of the nation of Israel in fulfilment of Bible prophecy.
1897
A group of Jews from different countries held the first Zionist Congress at Basle, Switzerland.
The Congress set out a vision for the establishment for a national homeland for the Jews.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 23
Theodor Herzl: founder of the political form of
Zionism, a movement to establish a Jewish
homeland. He organised a world congress of
Zionists that met in Basel, Switzerland in 1897
1917 – Britain’s General Allenby, leader of British & allied
forces, enters the streets of Jerusalem during campaign to
free Palestine from Turkish occupation
1917
During the course of World
War I (1914 – 1918),
British, Australian and New
Zealand forces pushed
back the Turkish
occupation of Palestine. At
the same time the British
Government issued a
policy, known as the
Balfour Declaration (named
after Lord Balfour, British
Foreign Secretary), which
favoured “the
establishment in Palestine
of a national homeland for
the Jewish people”. The
role of Britain in
establishing a homeland for
the Jews was anticipated
by a Bible student, John
Thomas in 1850 based on
his understanding of Bible
prophecy.
1922
The League of Nations
(forerunner to the Untied
Nations) gave Britain a
mandate over the territory
of Palestine. Jews were
permitted to migrate to
Palestine though they did
not do so in large numbers.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 24
1947
With world sympathy turning to the Jewish
cause three years after the overthrow of
Nazi Germany (which killed six million
Jews) the United Nations voted for a
partition plan for Palestine which allowed
portions of Palestine to be established
under Jewish sovereignty.
1948
In May 1948 the State of Israel was
declared. Jews from all nations began
returning in large numbers. This was a
remarkable development – a nation was
reborn about 1900 years after it
disappeared from history. For all those
centuries the Jewish people have
maintained their identity and have
survived as a people despite being
scattered everywhere and despite the
many attempts to exterminate them. Upon
returning they have revitalised and
inhabited a once desolated land as
prophesied by Ezekiel (Ezek 38:12).
Since 1948 the modern Jewish state has
remarkably survived attacks from all sides by
the surrounding Arab nations desiring to
drive the new Jewish state into the
Mediterranean Sea. In the wars of 1948-49,
1956, 1967 and 1973 the Arab nations had
superior numbers and established armies,
whereas Israel was only in its infancy as a
nation. Yet after each war Israel has come
out the stronger and occupying more
territory. Clearly the hand of God has been
behind the modern revival of the nation of
Israel and its survival against all odds. But
though great things have been achieved in
relation to the nation of Israel since 1948
their troubles are far from over. It will only
be when the people of Israel are truly
humbled, when they recognize their past
sins (particularly in rejecting their Messiah)
and fully turn to God with their whole heart
that they will experience the real peace and
blessings that God has promised for them in
their own land.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
David Ben Gurion (Israel’s 1st Prime Minister) reading the
Declaration of Independence and proclaiming the formation
of Israel – May 1948
Israel in Prophecy
Page 25
The map above shows Jews returning from many nations back to their ancient homeland of Israel as prophesied
1948 – The newly born nation of Israel survived the
invasion of 5 established Arab armies
1967 – In six days of war Israel was victorious over 6
Arab armies and recaptured the city of Jerusalem
1967
In the six day way of 1967 Israel took control of the city of Jerusalem. This was a partial
fulfilment of Christ’s prophecy in Luke 21:24
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 26
ISRAEL IN PROPHECY – FUTURE
After his resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ was with his disciples for 40 days “speaking of
things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Before his ascension to heaven the
disciples asked Jesus “Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel” (Acts
1:6). The disciples correctly associated the kingdom of God with the restored kingdom of Israel.
Jesus reply was that it was not for them to know when the kingdom would be restored (Acts
1:7).
Later, when the Apostle Peter was preaching to Jews he said:
“… he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must
receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all
his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:20-21).
This restitution or restoration of all things involves the reestablishment of the kingdom of God on
earth which will be the restored kingdom of Israel. There is a time appointed for this restoration
by God. He has a set time to favour Zion [i.e. Jerusalem] (Psa 102:13). The return of the Jews
and the rebirth of the nation of Israel in the past 60 years is a clear sign that “the times of
restoration of all things” is near at hand. The rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948 is only the
first stage of the restoration. There is much yet to happen before the restoration is complete.
Though the Jews have been scattered and persecuted among the nations for many centuries
and many have tried to exterminated them, God has preserved them and will ultimately save
them as the following words of God to Israel recorded by Jeremiah show:
“Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel:
for lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall
return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. For I am with
thee to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations wither I have scattered thee, yet will I
not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether
unpunished” (Jer 30:10-11).
The scattering and persecution of the Jews among the nations has been part of the measured
correction God has brought upon them, but God will move to save and restore them. This is
spoken of in great detail by the Bible prophets. Their national salvation will be brought about at
a time of great trouble for the Jewish people described in the Bible as “the time of Jacob’s
trouble” (Jer 30:4-7). A large group of fully armed nations described in Ezekiel 38 will come
against them and their land “in the latter days” Ezek 38:16). The modern nation of Israel will
almost be annihilated with only one third of the population surviving the invasion (Zech 13:8-9).
The city of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and much loved city, will be taken by the invading nations
(Zech 14:1-2). It will be at this crisis that God will intervene through the return of the Lord Jesus
Christ to save his people and to destroy the invading armies (Zech 14:3-4; 12:4-8). The
experience of this horrific crisis and subsequent amazing deliverance will lead to the humbling
and repentance of the Jewish people and their acceptance of Jesus as their Messiah and King
(cp Zech 12:9-14).
A key element in the restoration of all things will be the conversion of Jews. It has been
because of their wayward, proud, rebellious and unbelieving heart (or mind) that God has
scattered them. This state of mind will need to be changed as an important prerequisite to the
restoration of all things.
The prophet Elijah will play a key role in the restoration of Israel. Jesus clearly affirms that
“Elijah truly shall come first, and restore all things” (Matt 17:11), though there was a sense in
which the future work of Elijah was seen in the ministry of John the Baptist (Matt 17:12-13). The
prophet Malachi shows the nature of Elijah’s future work:
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Israel in Prophecy
Page 27
the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Mal 4:5-6).
The heart of the nation will be turned back to God. A complete conversion of the Jewish people
will be effected as illustrated by the following:
• They will be turned away from ungodliness (Rom 11:26)
• They will greatly mourn what they have done to God and His Son (Zech 12:10-14)
• They will loath themselves in their own sight and be ashamed of all their past sins (Ezek
6:8-9; 20:42-43; 36:31; Zeph 3:11)
• They will call on God’s Name (Zech 13:9); and trust in His Name (Zeph 3:12)
• God’s law will be written on their hearts (Jer 31:33)
• All the house of Israel will serve God (Ezek 20:40)
As a converted people completely regathered from among the nations to their own land, the
Jewish nation will become “the first dominion” (Mic 4:6-8). The Lord Jesus Christ will reign over
them as king from David’s throne in Jerusalem (Lk 1:31-33; cp Matt 5:35). His disciples will sit
on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt 19:28; Lk 22:28-30). They will thus
become “the great nation” promised to Abraham.
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Israel in Prophecy
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ARMAGEDDON IN BIBLE PROPHECY
The term “Armageddon” is commonly associated with a crucial armed conflict with
catastrophic outcomes. It is also sometimes understood as the place where the final
cataclysmic battle will be fought between the forces of good and evil, to occur at the end of
the world. The modern day understanding of the term “Armageddon” is however different to
its original meaning.
The term “Armageddon” has its origins in the Bible. It only occurs once – in the last book of
the Bible, Revelation 16:16:
“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”
The following key points need to be considered when seeking to understand the term
“Armageddon”:
• The book of Revelation contains prophecies conveyed by signs or symbols (cp Rev 1:1).
The keys to understanding these symbols come from the rest of the Bible.
• “Armageddon” is a Hebrew word.
• It is a symbolical name given to the place to where God will gather the nations.
• It is also associated with “the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Rev 16:14).
The word “Armageddon” is made up of three Hebrew words as follows:
English
Hebrew
Meaning
Arma
sheaves
‘AMIYR’
ge
a valley
‘GAY’
don
judgement
‘DUWN’
When we combine the meaning of these three Hebrew words together we get: ‘a heap of
sheaves in a valley for judgement’. Keeping in mind the symbolic nature of the prophecy and
its context we conclude that:
ARMAGEDDON is a symbolic name of a place where the nations will be gathered by God as
a heap of sheaves in a valley for judgement, for the battle of the great day of God Almighty.
The key ideas connected with ARMAGEDDON from Revelation 16:14-16 are as follows:
⇒
gathering of the nations
⇒
a battle
⇒
the great day of God Almighty
⇒
a heap of sheaves
⇒
a valley
⇒
judgement
⇒
a locality where the events of Armageddon take place
⇒
the thief like coming of Christ precedes Armageddon
The reference to “Armageddon” in Revelation 16:16 brings together into a symbolic word
many prophecies of the Old Testament that refer to “the day of the LORD” which is the same
as “the great day of God Almighty”. The apostle Paul referred to this day when he said God
“has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness” by Jesus Christ
(Acts 17:30,31).
The following are some Old Testament prophecies that contains the ideas associated with
Armageddon, and elaborate on its location, and what it will involve.
Joel 3:1-2, 12-15
''.. When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and
bring them to the valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgement with them there … ”
"Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; For there will I sit to
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Armageddon & Ezekiel 38
Page 29
judge all the surrounding nations. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come go
down; For the winepress is full. The vats overflow - for their wickedness is great. Multitudes,
multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision"
The name 'Jehoshaphat' means judgment of God
Joel shows us:
• God will gather the nations to a valley to judge them
• the timing for Armageddon – when God brings back the captives of Judah and
Jerusalem. It is remarkable that in the last 100 years the Jews have returned to land,
and in 1948 they became a nation again. In 1967 the Jews regained control of the city of
Jerusalem. We are therefore living in the era when God will gather the nations together
for judgement.
• the moral state of the people at that time – "their wickedness is great"
Micah 4:11-13
"Now also many nations have gathered against you. Who say, ‘Let her be defiled, and let
our eye look upon Zion.’ But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, nor do they
understand His counsel: for He will gather them like sheaves to the threshing floor. Arise
and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make your horn iron. And I will make your hooves
bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples; I will consecrate their substance to the Lord
of the whole earth."
Micah shows us:
• a hint of where Armageddon will take place - "many nations will say .. let our eye look
upon Zion". Zion is another name for Jerusalem.
• people's ignorance of God - "they know not the thoughts of the LORD"
• God will gather the nations like sheaves to the threshing floor and beat them in pieces.
Zechaniah 3:8
"Therefore wait for Me, says the LORD, until the day I rise up for the plunder; My
determination is to gather the nations to my assembly of Kingdoms. To pour upon them My
indignation, all My fierce anger; all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy."
•
•
•
Zephaniah shows us:
God's determination is to gather the nations
God's attitude to the nations at that time is that He is angry with them
Zechariah 14:1-4
"Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I
will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses
rifled, and the women ravished. Half the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the
people shall not he cut off from the city. The LORD will so forth and fight against those
nations, as he fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of
Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two."
Zechariah shows us:
• the locality of Armageddon - "all nations .. against Jerusalem"
• all nations will be in a state of war
• Jerusalem will be taken
• God will intervene and fight against those nations
• God's intervention will be from east of Jerusalem and will involve a great earthquake
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Armageddon & Ezekiel 38
Page 30
DETAILS OF THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
There are other references to Armageddon which reinforce and fill out the details of when
God will gather the nations to Jerusalem for war to be followed by Divine intervention and
judgment. Ezekiel in his 38th and 39th chapters gives a very detailed account of the groups
of opposing nations involved at Armageddon, when it will occur, the form of Divine
intervention, and the destructive results.
Ezekiel 38 is a prophecy about a confederacy of nations led by Gog who invade the land of
Israel with a massive well equipped army. The invasion is at a time when the people of
Israel have returned to their land from the nations and after their land has been left desolate
a long time. When Gog and his forces invade the land God will intervene using earthquake,
rain and great hailstones and volcanic activity to destroy the invading armies. The end result
will be that God will made known to the nations by these terrifying and devastating events.
Ezekiel 38 relates to events in the “latter years” (Ezek 38:8) or the “latter days” (Ezek 38:16).
This prophecy is thus related to the vision of Daniel 2 of “what will be in the latter days” (Dan
2:28). Divine intervention depicted by the symbol of the stone smiting the standing image on
the feet and grinding it to powder is portrayed in plain language with more detail in Ezekiel
38.
Ezekiel 38 - Outline
v1-2
A prophecy against Gog, Prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal
v3-7
Assembling of Gog's Army
v8-9
Invasion of the land of Israel after their return from exile
v10-12
Gog's plans for the invasion
v13
Opposition to Gog's invasion
v14-17
Gog's invasion in the providence of God
v18-22
God's reaction and intervention
v23
God to be magnified and sanctified
Ezekiel 39 - Outline
v1-5
Gog and his army to be destroyed on the mountains of Israel
v6
Judgements on the nations afar off
v7-8
The achievements of Divine judgements
v9-10
Destruction of Gog's weapons
v11-16
Gog's grave, and the land of Israel to be cleansed
v17-21
An invitation to God's sacrifice
v22-24
Outcomes:
a) v22 Israel will know God
b) v23-24 The nations will understand God's dealing's with Israel
v25-29
The restoration of Israel
Who are the nations that come against Israel?
There are number of nations mentioned (Ezek 38:2-7) that combine together under the
leadership of “Gog” that invade the land and people of Israel when they have returned back
to their land (Ezek 38:8,12). As the ancient names of these nations are given it is needful to
refer to historical sources etc to identify them. Ezek 38:2,3 & 39:1 describe “Gog”, as “the
prince of Rosh, Meschech, and Tubal”.
Rosh
Gesenius (German 1814)
"Rosh" - "A northern nation mentioned with Tubal and Meshech; UNDOUBTEDLY THE RUSSIANS"
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Armageddon & Ezekiel 38
Page 31
Gibbon (Englishman 1787)
"Among the Greeks, Russia was known as Ros"
Ian Grey - "The Horizon History of Russia" 1970 p20
"The Varangians (Vikings) probably gave to Russia and its people the name by which they have been
known for over a thousand years. Across the vast plain the Varangians early became known as Rus or
Rhos, possibly from the Finnish word for Rowers' and from this the name of Russia is derived'
John Geddie - "The Russian Empire" (1885)
'According to the old Chroniclers, whose story is generally accepted as based on historic fact, these
men of Rus were Scandinavian rovers ... who then infested All European seas. " p34
.... "The headquarters of Ruri and the 'men of Rus; the heart of the great republic (Russia) which was
the wonder of Medieval Europe.. "p28
Jamieson, Fausset and Brown - Commentary on the Whole Bible (1961) p721
”Rosh or Rhos... The modern Russians may have hence assumed their name, as Moscow and
Tobolsk from Meshech and Tubal :. "
The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel p284.
"Whether either of these can be connected with present day Russians, as Gesenius suggests - an
hypothesis which Hengstenberg protests deals hardly with the POOR RUSSIANS - must be left
undecided. "
William Smith - Smith's Bible Dictionary (reprint 1975, p584)
"By Rosh is apparently meant the tribe on the north of the Taurus, so called by the neighbourhood to
the Rha or Volga, and thus in this name and tribe we have the first trace of the Rus or Russian nation.
F. Donald Logan - The Vikings in History (1983) p185
"Thus began the long history of the Rus in Kiev"
Conclusion: The Biblical Rosh of 2,500 year ago refers to modern Russia
Magog
The Magogites have been identified with the Scythians who moved north to Georgia in south
Russia, and from thence to Central Europe (see Ezekiel 38:2).
Josephus Antiquities Book I, VI 1 (pg. 31) "Magog founded those that from him were named
Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called Scythians. "
Interpreters Bible Dictionary Volume 3, pg. 226
"It is possible that Magog might be identified with the Scythian hordes who wrought such havoc in the
6th Century B. C. "
Smiths (pg. 190)
`:... founder of a race (Revelation 20:8) the great Scythian tribe, now called Russian. Ezekiel places
the nation in the north (39.2) near Togarmah and the maritime regions of Europe (verse 6). They had
cavalry and used bows. In the 7th century B. C. they were a formidable power, felt through the whole
of Western Asia. They took Sardis (B. C. 629) and overran the country as far as Egypt, where they
were turned back by a bribe given by Psammetichus, and took Ascalon. "
Edersheim (pg. 59)
"the Scythians (Magog)"
Tubal
The descendants of Tubal moved north and east, to give their name to the city of Tobolosk in
Siberia.
Josephus
"Thobel founded the Thobelites, who are now called Iberes; "
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Armageddon & Ezekiel 38
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The Expositor (Volume 4, pg. 717,718)
'Although the exact location of Tabal (Tabaleans) is disputed, it is clearly a region in the Cappadocian
part of Asia Minor. (often linked with Meshech - traded in bronze. 1 Chronicles P5)
William Smith - Smith's Bible Dictionary (reprint 1975, p584)
"Tubal... tract of land between the Caspian and Euxrine Seas, which nearly correspond to the modern
Georgia"
Meshech
The names Muscovy and Moscow probably derive from Meshech. (see Ezekiel 38:3)
Josephus
"Mosocheni were founded by Mosoch; now they are Cappadocians. "
Interpreters Bible Dictionary
"A people and country in Asia Minor probably the Muski of Phrygia. (note: Mita, the king - was
probably the famous "Midas" of Greek mythology.)
Smiths (pg. 200)
`:.. the founder of a nation (Psalms 120.5) which traded with Tyre (Ezekiel 27.13) and (was) ruined
with Egypt (Ezekiel 32.26) and a neighbour of Cog and Magog (Ezekiel 38.2)
.
William Smith - Smith's Bible Dictionary (reprint 1975, p584)
`:.. identification of Meshech with the Moschi, a people on the borders of Colchis and Armenia "
Herodotus
He speaks of the Moschi and Tiburini in Persia (iii 94) who formed part of the army of Xerxes, and
these are the Meshech and Tubal of scripture. They were settled in the mountains of Caucasus, and in
north Armenia; and their descendants today follow the customs mentioned by Ezekiel, and sell their
daughters for wives and for slaves (to the Turks).
Wilkinson
The name is written Aluskai on the Assyrian monuments and Mashoah on the Egyptian, of the time of
the 3rd Rameses
Rawlinson
They are the Muskovs of Russia
Persia, Ethiopia & Libya
"Persia, Ethiopia & Libya with them" (Ezekiel 38:5). These countries or territories are known
today. They refer to the people of the areas of northern & eastern Africa (excluding Egypt) &
those in the areas of modern Iran, Iraq & parts of Afghanistan & Pakistan.
Gomer
"'Gomer, and all his bands" (Ezekiel 38:6). Josephus identifies Gomer with the Gauls of
western Europe. By others, Gomer is identified with the Gamir of the Assyrian inscription, the
Cimmerians of the Greeks, the progenitors of the Celts. They settled in France, Scandinavia,
etc. It is suggested that their name survives in the ethnic name of the Welsh people, Cymru.
(see Ezekiel 38:6)
Josephus "Japhet, the son of Noah, had seven sons- they inhabited so, that, beginning at the mountains Tauras
& Amanus, they proceeded along Asia, as far as the river Tanais, and along Europe to Cadiz; &
settling themselves on the lands which they light upon, which none had inhabited before, they called
the nations by their own names; far Gomer founded those whom the Greeks now call Galatians,
(Galls) but were then called Gomerites. (Antiquities Book l - Ch. Vl, 1)
Note: Interpreters Bible Dictionary Volume 2, pg. 440, suggest Assyrians pushed into Asia Minor
eventually defeated and expelled by Alyattes of Lydia.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Armageddon & Ezekiel 38
Page 33
Smiths pg. 117
"Progenitor of the Cimmerians, whose traces are found in the Cimmerian Bosporus, Cimmerian
Isthmus, Mt. Cimmeriun, Cimmeria and the Cimmerian walls (Herodotus IV, 12, 45, 100) and also in
the modern name Crimea. The Cymri of Wales, Cambria, and Cumberland in England are assigned to
the same origin. "
Edersheim pg. 59
"The more we think of the allotment of Europe, Asia and Africa among the three sons of Noah, the
more clearly do we see the fulfilment of prophecy regarding them. As we run our eye down the
catalogue of nations in Genesis 10, we have no difficulty in recognising them; and beginning with the
youngest, Japheth, we find of those known to the general reader, the Cymry of Wales and Brittany
(Gomer). "
Togarmah
“the house of Togarmah of the north quarters” (Ezek 38:6)
"A strong hold" Situated north of Palestine - probably south Russia or Turkey.
Josephus
“Who as the Greeks resolved were named Phrygians.” Smiths / Interpreters Bible Dictionary agree.
Who are the nations that oppose the invasion of Israel?
In Ezek 38:13 there is a group of nations that oppose the invasion led by Gog of Israel in the
latter days. It would appear that these nations are friendly towards the nation of Israel.
Sheba and Dedan
There is no doubt that the Biblical Sheba and Dedan were located in Arabia where we now
find rich Arabian oil producing countries.
One hundred years ago the precise site of ancient Sheba was unconfirmed, but it is now
known to have been "Saba" one of the four Himyaritic Kingdoms of South Arabia. The
capital city was Marib where ancient ruins include a famous "great dam" and a complex
irrigation system (once used for the cultivation of incense and spices). Evidence of Sabean
rulership derives mainly from the monumental inscriptions which have been found.
Today then, the land of Sheba approximates to the Yemen, though also included part of what
is now Saudi Arabia.
According to Isaiah 21:13 the Dedanim (of Dedan) will lodge "in Arabia" - so again the area
of present-day Saudi Arabia is indicated. Several Bible atlases agree with this and so
cartographers have placed Sheba and Dedan in the South Arabian area. The Dedanim, or
Dedanites, apparently conducted the travelling caravans, taking goods across Arabia in
ancient times. This may account for more than one possible site.
In modern times then, Sheba and Dedan represent lands of fabulous wealth in South Arabia,
just as in ancient times. Today that wealth is based upon oil and has formed the foundation
of trade conscious societies in the region. They are countries which have strong and
compelling links with the capitalist world.
The Merchants of Tarshish
Consider the. accumulative evidence of the following nine points:
•
The origin of the name "Tarshish" is found in Genesis 10:4,5, where we learn that Tarshish was a
son of Javan and inhabited "the isles of the Gentiles".
•
Jonah, in attempting to flee to Tarshish from Israel boarded a ship at the port of Joppa (on the
Mediterranean coast) - Jonah 1:3. This would indicate that Tarshish lay in the west. Tarshish
was a long distance away - it was "afar off' - Isaiah 23:6,7.
•
Tarshish traded with Tyre, the ancient capital of the Phoenicians - Ezekiel 27:12.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Armageddon & Ezekiel 38
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•
Tarshish provided the Phoenicians (Tyre) with "silver; iron, tin and lead" (Ezekiel 27:12). Tarshish
then, was a distant land that lay in the west there such metals were found.
•
The ancient historian Herodotus who wrote about 450 B.C. (within 100 year of Ezekiel's time) and
whose writings have survived, wrote: "nor do I know anything of the existence of islands called the
Tin Islands, whence we get out tin ... I have never found anyone who could give me first hand
information of the existence of a sea beyond Europe to the north and west. Yet it cannot be
disputed that tin and amber did come to us from what one might call the ends of the earth."
•
The Phoenicians of Tyre were the great mariners of the ancient world and "a mart of nations"
(Isaiah 23:3; Ezekiel 27:3,4).
The McGraw-Hill World History says:
"They used the Pole Star for their observations, and are said to have circumnavigated Africa, and
to have reached as far north as Cornwall in search of lead and tin. "
•
Ezekiel says (chapter 27:12, Revised Version) that Tarshish "traded for thy wares". That is, for
the "wares" or merchandise offered by the Phoenicians of Tyre. The Phoenicians were
particularly famous for their dyed cloth known as `Tyrian purple' (cp Ezekiel 27:7; Jeremiah 10:9).
The dye was obtained from the shellfish Murex trunculus and it is common to find heaps of these
shells near Phoenician cities. Barbara W. Tuchman in Bible and Sword (1984) says "pre-Bronze
Age shell dumps of the particular kind yielding the purple dye were found on the Cornwall and
Devon coasts." (P.7). This fact must be decisive in the case, for the Phoenicians guarded this
"industrial secret" concerning purple dye, as jealously as they guarded the location and source of
their tin.
•
Further evidence that the Phoenicians visited Britain, is cited by Tuchman in "the mighty and
incredible stone monuments at Stone-henge and Avebury... (which) have an unmistakable affinity
with the Canaanite use of sacred stones in the worship of various local Baals."
It is difficult to escape from all this evidence. The identity of Ezekiel's Tarshish with the
British Isles is very reasonable.
The Young Lions Thereof
The Hebrew language has quite different words for the lion
describing the various stages of its life: the whelp (Heb. gur),
the young lion (Heb. Kephiyr), lion (Heb. Arid), the lioness
(Heb. Lebaowth), the fierce lion (Heb. shachal), and the old lion
(Heb. Layish).
Of the word Kephiyr (young lion), the Gesenius Hebrew
Lexicon says; "namely, such an one as already goes abroad
for prey." The idea conveyed is that of independence, though
practicing the ways of the mother in the art of hunting. The
"prey" in Ezekiel chapter 8 is merchandise: " ..silver and gold
.... cattle and goods."
The young lions of Ezekiel 38:13 must therefore refer to those
modern independent nations who follow in the commercial
ways of their old "mother country", Britain. It is difficult to find
any other possible meaning of the phrase.
Thus "the
merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof” would
include nations such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
other Commonwealth countries that recognise the Queen as
sovereign, but it is doubtful that the framework of the
Commonwealth, as we know it today, covers "all" the young
lions. South Africa and the United States, both qualify.
A World War 1 poster depicts Britain
and her “young lions”.
It is the "indissoluble special relationship", as well as self interest in the "silver, gold, cattle
and goods" that will unite the young lions when the time comes for the Prophecy of Ezekiel
38 to be fulfilled.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Armageddon & Ezekiel 38
Page 35
Summary
When the details of Ezekiel 38 and other prophecies are put together we get the following
outline of what will occur at Armageddon:
• All nations will be gathered to Jerusalem for war.
• The nations will be divided into 2 opposing sides in this war. On one side will be a
Russian led confederacy of European nations with Iran, Ethiopia and Libya. On the other
side will be Britain and her Commonwealth allies including USA as well as Saudi Arabia
and the Gulf States.
• The Russian led confederacy will be momentarily victorious and the nation of Israel will
almost be annihilated.
• The Lord Jesus Christ will intervene attended by a great earthquake and will render a
devastating defeat on all the invading armies.
• This Divine intervention will be the first step in the establishment of a worldwide Divine
Government that will bring true justice and lasting peace for all nations.
The nations of Ezekiel 38
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Armageddon & Ezekiel 38
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ANTICHRIST
1 John 2 – The Origin
The word “Antichrist” conjures up many thoughts and images in one’s mind today, mostly
involving a super-natural fiend, a diabolical creature and the archenemy of God. Many
people would speak of Antichrist as a singular individual who appears at some time in the
future, near the “end of the world”, in the last “Final Battle” between the forces of good and
evil.
Is this picture of Antichrist found in the Bible? Let’s find out.
Ironically the term appears only FIVE times in the whole Bible and all the occurrences are in
one small book – The Epistles of John (1Jn 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2Jn 1:7).
The word itself is of Greek origin. In the original Greek it is “antichristos”, (as you can see,
it’s transliterated faithfully into English!) made up of the two Greek words “anti” and “christos”.
“Anti” means an opposite or opponent (as in ‘antidote’ – something that counteracts the
effects of poison), or it can mean “instead of” or “substitute for” – literally “in the room of” (as
in ‘anticlimax’ – an event having strikingly less impact than the anticipated event it replaces!).
“Christos” or Christ means literally “Messiah” or “anointed one”.
So, simply put, an antichrist is someone or something that is in opposition to Christ (Jesus),
either in fighting against Christ as an opponent, or in being put forward as a substitute
(replacement) for Christ.
1 John 2:18 “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall
come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”
Notice that John says antichrist was already in the world in HIS time (that is the 1st century),
so this is not just a future concept. Also John uses the plural antichrists, so antichrist is not
just a singular individual but can represent a group or a system of people. John says they
had ‘heard’ that antichrist should come. Jesus himself warned his disciples of this in
Matthew 24:24, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great
signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
Here even Christ refers to these ‘false Christs’ in the plural, not singular. The apostle Paul
also warned the believers of this happening in Acts 20:28-31.
1 John 2:19 “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they
would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest
that they were not all of us.”
Antichrist originated from the true believers of John’s day – “they went out from us”. This
would indicate that antichrist represents a false religious system that is NOW in opposition to
truth.
1 John 2:21-22 “I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye
know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the
Christ: He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”
This ‘opponent’ to Christ and the true gospel is therefore associated with lies and deceit.
It/he teaches a false gospel. The main tenet of antichrist involves a denial that Jesus is the
Christ, and leads to a denial of the Father - Son relationship that Jesus has with God.
Bible Prophecy Seminar Notes
Antichrist & The Man of Sin
Page 37
1 John 4 – The Teachings
From 1 John 2 we learned that Antichrist made its appearance in the first century when
individuals who were once part of the true church departed from the teachings of the Bible
and established a new system of religion, based on doctrines that deny the true relationship
between God as Father and Jesus Christ as His Son. Now we read in1 John 4:1 “Beloved,
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false
prophets are gone out into the world.”
The Apostle John encourages believers to put ideas, doctrines and concepts (here called
“spirits”) to the test. That is, don’t believe everything you hear (no matter what the source)
but rather examine it and compare it to scripture. Like Israel of old we should expect false
teachers to arise and we must be prepared to examine their teachings and practises. (See
Deuteronomy 13:1 – 5; 18:20 – 22)
The John writes in 1 John 4:3 “Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in
the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it
should come; and even now already is it in the world.” So, after telling his readers to
examine these false spirits, John now gives the ultimate test! The key is whether an
individual can confess that Jesus came in the flesh. If so – he is of God; if not – he is part of
the antichrist movement!
This singular issue is at the crux of the matter. To ‘confess’ something is to believe it firmly
and without reservation. Jesus coming in the ‘flesh’ is the central teaching that delineates
between truth and error.
The phrase ‘in the flesh’ is used in the New Testament to mean more than simply stating
Jesus had an outward physical body that looked like ours, which he inhabited for about thirtythree years! The word ‘flesh’ is used extensively in Scripture to represent human nature. That
is, ‘flesh’ in the sense of ‘fleshly’ thinking, lusts, and the ‘carnal mind’. (See Romans 3:20;
7:5,18; 8:5, 6 - 7 [carnally minded]; 13:14)
John wrote these words because there were people in his day claiming that Jesus was a
spirit who only used a body for 33 years and then discarded the body when he died. The
apostle John says that this is antichrist teaching because it separates Jesus from his body
and teaches that Jesus did not really come “in the flesh”, since according to these people, he
could exist without the body.
The truth of the matter is that Jesus was born of a human mother, with God as his father
(Luke 1:34,35; 2 John 3). Because his mother was human, Jesus inherited a nature like
ours, which was tempted to sin (Matthew 4:4). His nature was identical to ours. He was
tempted like we are; he had the promptings and enticements common to all human beings.
Yet, unlike us, he NEVER gave into temptation but lived a perfectly sinless life. (Hebrews
2:14; 4:15; Romans 8:3) When the body of Jesus died, Jesus himself died and remained
dead for three days (Acts 2:23-32; Matthew 16:21). After that, Jesus was resurrected and
his body was changed to flesh and spirit, instead of flesh and blood (Luke 24:36-43; Acts
2:24,32).
Jesus was victorious over every prompting to sin that he ever faced. His struggle to
overcome the sinful nature he had is exemplified in Matthew 26:38-42 when he was in the
Garden of Gethsemane. He obviously had a “will” in opposition to his father. Yet
strengthened by the knowledge that God was his Father and the ministration of angels,
Jesus triumphed over sin, was crucified as a sinless man, and was raised by God to
immortality with a new nature incapable of sin. This is the hope of all true Christians who try
to follow in the steps of Jesus. (Matthew 26:36–42; Luke 22:41–44)
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Antichrist teaches something opposed to this. A doctrine that says Jesus really didn’t have a
nature like ours - that it would have been impossible for him to sin, because his “body” was
not part of who he really was, but just a temporary shell that he occupied.
Summary – Clues That Point To The Identification Of Antichrist
Clue 1.
Clue 2.
Clue 3.
Clue 4.
Clue 5.
Clue 6.
Clue 7.
Clue 8.
Clue 9.
Clue 10.
Antichrist is one who sets himself up as an opponent to Christ, or as a
replacement for Christ.
Antichrist is involved with false teachings, is capable of performing signs and
wonders, and will deceive many.
Antichrist originated in the 1st century.
Antichrist is not just a singular individual but can also refer to a group of people –
a system.
Antichrist was originally part of the true system of religion (the first century
Church).
Antichrist is associated with lies, falsehood and deceit.
Antichrist teaches a doctrine that contradicts the true relationship between God
and Jesus.
Antichrist will be a popular religious system.
The Antichrist system will teach that Jesus didn’t have our nature.
Antichrists had already left the true church and begun their corrupting influences
before John wrote his epistles. Antichrist is a false system of religion, paralleling
the true church.
THE MAN OF SIN (2 Thessalonians 2)
The disciples of the First Century were already looking for Christ to return and ‘gather’ the
believers to himself and to restore the Kingdom to Israel (vs.1). Paul had to make it very
clear to them that Christ’s return was not imminent because there had to be a ‘falling away’
from the truth first. Paul makes it very apparent that the Man of Sin (or Antichrist system)
would be revealed BEFORE Jesus Christ returned to gather the believers for judgment and
to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Therefore, believers would be present to witness the
manifestation of the Man of Sin power, and would not be spared his influences! In fact
believers in the First Century had already experienced suffering at the hands of this power.
Recall that John said the antichrists ‘went out’ from the true church (1 John 2:19). ‘The Man
of Sin’ spoken of here in 2 Thessalonians 2 is this same class of individuals. They ‘fell away’
or apostatised from the true church, and began teaching a false gospel. The connection to
the ‘Antichrist’ of John’s epistles is further strengthened in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 where the
Man of Sin ‘opposeth’ God and ‘exalts himself’ above God – and as a replacement – sits ‘as
God’ in his ‘temple’! This “man of Sin” is therefore in every sense opposed to God and
hence Antichrist! As John says “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” (1
John 2:22)
When John and Paul wrote these words the Temple in Jerusalem was soon going to be
destroyed (by the Romans in 70 A.D.). Yet Antichrist (or the Man of Sin) was about to be
revealed (in fact was “already at work”) and would continue to exist for almost 2000 years,
since he wouldn’t be destroyed until Christ’s return (verse 8).
So the temple, in which the Man of Sin sits, must refer to a self-proclaimed ‘temple of God’ –
not the one in Jerusalem (which has not existed for almost 2000 years). Believers are called
the ‘temple of God’ throughout scripture (1 Peter 2:4-6; 1 Timothy 3:15) and this false system
(Antichrist) arose from out of the midst of the true believers – so this false organization
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Antichrist & The Man of Sin
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retains much of the outward appearance of the ‘true church’ or ‘temple’ of God, calling their
very own buildings “temples”! In fact, Antichrist claims to represent the truth of Jesus Christ.
Paul makes it obvious that this false system will be destroyed when Jesus returns (vs.8).
This false system is one of deception and deceit (vs. 9). False miracles and claims of
supernatural power will be a hallmark of the Antichrist. The claims of truth and power made
by this system will be so powerful that even the very elect (or true believers) will in some
cases be deluded.
Why is this system so popular? It seems many people favour falsehood because they do not
have a love for ‘truth’. The truth sometimes hurts and so people would often rather believe a
lie. God has so designed His Word that one must earnestly seek His truth from the Bible to
escape the delusion of the lies to come (vs.10-12). Likewise, Jesus spoke in parables whilst
he was on earth so that only those with ‘ears to hear’ would understand his words (Mark
4:11-12). As John exhorts to ‘test the spirits/doctrines’ to ensure they are from God, Paul
here warns against the ‘strong delusion’. Jesus himself warned of false prophets and false
Christs who would deceive the very elect because their love of truth would grow cold
(Matthew 24:11-13).
Paul elsewhere spoke of the attitude of this type of people when he wrote in 2 Timothy 4:3-4:
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears
they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from
listening to the truth and wander into myths.” (RSV)
Summary – Clues That Point To The Identification Of The Man Of Sin
CLUE 1.
CLUE 2.
CLUE 3.
CLUE 4.
CLUE 5.
CLUE 6.
CLUE 7.
CLUE 8.
CLUE 9.
CLUE 10.
The Man of Sin will appear before Christ returns to gather believers to himself.
When the Man of Sin is revealed, there will also be an apostasy from the true
gospel.
The Man of Sin exalts himself over all.
The Man of Sin claims to be God.
The Man of Sin rules from a pseudo temple of God.
The Man of Sin will be destroyed by Christ at his coming.
The Man of Sin performs signs and wonders that deceive many people.
People will only be saved from this system if they have a strong love for God’s
truth.
Some doctrines of this false system include dietary regulations and enforced
celibacy.
This false system persecutes true believers and gains wealth through
merchandizing.
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Antichrist & The Man of Sin
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