A Brief Study on The Antichrist

Author's Note: This post was originally composed in October 2008. I still see the same questions popping up in different circles, so I thought it would be just as relevant today. I hope you find it educational.

With the election looming, I have heard several people make mention of the Antichrist and Barrack Obama. There are even emails going around stating that he is the Antichrist. While no one can be certain, I thought I'd go through a few verses in the Bible that discuss The Antichrist.

Revelation 13:1 states that John "saw a beast coming out of the sea." Sea usually refers to a group of people around the Mediterranean meaning he will be a Gentile.

Daniel 8:8-9 suggests that he is the "small [horn]" that came out of the four Grecian horns, signifying that he is part Greek.

Daniel 9:26 says he is the ruler of the people to come. This indicates that he will be of the royal lineage that destroyed Israel which was Rome. So he should be predominately Roman
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Daniel 11:36-37 says that the Antichrist "does not regard the God of his fathers". If we take this in context then we'd have to assume he will also be Jewish. Much like Hitler (who was a prototype) the Antichrist will appear to be Gentile, but will have Jewish blood which he will probably keep a secret.
In the book Revelation Unveiled Dr. Lahaye states that, "[His identity] may be known only to God, but the Bible teaches that he will be a Roman-Grecian Jew, a composite man representing the people of the earth. The technically qualifies him to be the embodiment of all evil men."

So is Obama the Antichrist? Maybe, but probably not. As far as we are aware, he doesn't have all of the above mentioned blood coursing through him, but who knows what his true nationalities might be. Many (while misinformed) believe that his Muslim heritage makes him a candidate, but as we just read there is no mention of that in Scripture. I think he will be more of a precursor for the Antichrist and/or America's downfall.


The future activities of the Antichrist will include the following:

1. A rise to power - he will steadily gain control of all things through promises of peace (Revelation 6:2 and Daniel 8:25)

2. One-World Government - As seen in Daniel 2, the Antichrist will set up a government with 10 "Kings". Revelation 17:12-15 shows that these ten rulers will eventually believe that they can no longer govern themselves and will cede full power to the Antichrist. Verse 13 indicates that a world government will be created in the name of peace.

3. Domination of World Economy - When Revelation states that these rulers will give their power to the Antichrist, it is not just referring to their governments and armies, but also economic power. Think of the European Common Market as an example. In such a time of economic crisis, is it really that hard to picture this happening?

4. Atheistic Religion - Daniel 11:36-39 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 describe the religious beliefs of the Antichrist. They teach that he will place himself "over everything that is called God or worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." Revelation 17 shows that Antichrist will approve an ecumenical world church (also not hard to imagine today) which would merge all religions together, celebrating their differences. For a time, Antichrist will be dominated by the church's power (Revelation 17's "prostitute", the church, riding "the beast", Antichrist). Somewhere within the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation period, though, Antichrist will destroy this ecumenical institution and set himself up as god. His true religion will be atheism.

5. A Covenant with Israel - As mentioned in my previous post dealing with Gog and Magog, there will be a covenant created with Israel for the length of seven years. This will promise her peace and protection during that time. After 3 1/2 years Antichrist will break this treaty and seek to wipe Israel off the map. This is found in Daniel 9:27.

6. Death and Resurrection - Revelation 17:8 states that "the beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come." Many believes that the verse indicates that the Antichrist will die during the 7 year tribulation (probably around the half way point). Be aware that it will not be the Antichrist himself to resurrect - Around the same time, Satan will be cast out of Heaven once and for all (he currently has access having to give an account for his deeds...read Job 1:6-7). Satan will indwell the body of Antichrist and contrast the actual, supernatural resurrection of Jesus Christ. From that point on, Antichrist will have the power to perform "counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders " (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) and he will deceive many. At that time, he will proclaim himself God, desecrate the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, and unleash an attack against Israel. Anyone who doesn't declare him God and pledge allegiance to him (this is where the whole "mark of the beast" comes into play) they will be killed.

7. The Ultimate Destruction of Antichrist - Second Thessalonians 2:8 states that Antichrist (the "lawless one") will be overthrown by Jesus Christ. This is further discussed in Revelation 19:11-20.

There you have it. This is just a brief overview of the Antichrist who is to come. Chances are good that is he alive somewhere right now. I once read an interesting book (the title escapes me) stating that since Satan doesn't know when the end will come, he has had to have an antichrist ready/prepared during every generation. A chilling thought.

Regardless of who the Antichrist is, interesting days lay ahead. I want the reader to keep in mind this important fact though: our job as Christians is not to focus on the antichrist's arrival (i.e. spending time arguing that this person or that might be him). Jesus gave us one simple command and that is to go out and make disciples in all nations. Make no mistake, Jesus will return soon. Antichrist will rise to power and the earth and those left on it will endure (though this may not be the best word since only 1/4 of the population will remain at the end) a horrible seven-year tribulation. Thus, it is absolutely vital that believers in Christ seek to help those that are lost before our time is up.

Grace and peace to you all.

Dead Sea Scrolls News

I wanted to share a great article (see below) I came across today. While it isn't news breaking by any means, it will hopefully ignite the topic of "Jesus as Messiah" in Israel. The fact that a "respected Israeli scholar and professor at Hebrew University" is the one making this claim is huge. We should pray that this will perhaps open the eyes of those lost in Israel, still waiting on their Messiah. Likewise, let's pray that this will this will give encouragement to those who may be struggling with the validity of Scripture and the claims of Christ.

INTRIGUING DEAD SEA SCROLL SAYS MESSIAH TO COME, DIE, AND RISE ON THIRD DAY

Grace and peace...

Kind in a Candy Store

This is undoubtedly the worst possible time for me to write anything. Being my favorite week of the year, I am filled with excitement and joy (and too many words) today as my family remembers and celebrates the death of Jesus. Without His death, the punishment for all the wrong I have committed would still be upon me. If my sin were still upon me, then I'd have no hope and no future. Many believe that their ;wrongs' aren't a problem, especially compared to others. According to Scripture though, all of creation has been given a standard to live by (The Law) and we have all fallen short of reaching that bar.

Romans 3:23 states, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." No can, no matter how good they are compared to others, has measured up to God's standard. As with anything in life, there are consequences. In this case, the punishment for our sin is death and separation from God (Hell). Paul says in Romans 6:23 that "the wages of sin is death, but..." Ah, and there is our hope! While the punishment for our sin is death, there is more to the story.

After the first sin, God said that He would provide a way out of this sin/death problem. He told the Devil, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring, and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”  (Genesis 3:15)

Many years later, God gave Moses The Law, giving Israel the above mentioned standard to live by. This law points to the holiness of God and reveals our inability reach Him without help (a topic I will cover in a future post). The Nation of Israel tried to follow The Law, but always faltered (as we do today) and came up short. God required that they make sacrifices to Him as an atonement for their sins. " For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." (Leviticus 17:11)

Over and over this had to be done. But, God sent prophets to tell of One who be the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. The Old Testament is filled with hundreds of prophecies (another great site) about the one who would be this sacrifice, and they were all fulfilled by Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 

One of my favorite prophecies is found in Isaiah 53:1-6 (written some 700 years before Jesus was born).  

"Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men;  a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Psalm 69:21 states, "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink."

Crucifixion wasn't even a form of death until invented by Alexander the Great around 350 BC, yet King David spoke of it in Psalms 22:16.

I could go on and on sharing these prophecies but I want to switch now and just provide a brief account of what happened to Jesus and why we observe Good Friday. 

"Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' and struck him with their hands. When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, 'Crucify him, crucify him!' Pilate said to them, 'Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.' The Jews answered him, 'We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.' So he delivered him over to them to be crucified." (John 19:1-3, 6, 7, 16 ESV)

"And Jesus went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called Golgotha. There they crucified him. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.' After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), 'I thirst.' When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and died.". (John 19:17-19, 28, 30 ESV)

" As [the disciples] were talking about [the empty tomb], Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, 'Peace to you!' But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a ghost. And he said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.' And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, 'Have you anything here to eat?' They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them. Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,  and said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.'" (Luke 24:36-48)

Through His death, Jesus - who had no sin Him - took upon Him the sins of all mankind...past, present and future. HE became the sacrifice. 

"For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, 'Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.'  Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews 10:1-9)

Once and for all, the sins of mankind are taken care of...no more sacrifices. However, while Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, not everyone will enjoy the benefit of this gift. Those who reject Jesus as Lord and walk in the darkness still have sin upon them. One must simply believe that Jesus was who He said he was - the Son of God, our redemption and our hope. Jesus said, "“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Going back to Romans 6:23 Paul wrote, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Paul says in 10:9-13, "...because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”

After believing and accepting this free gift of salvation, we should strive to live as Christ, for we are "a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Why do I feel as giddy as a child on Christmas morning? Why did I sing a song of praise to the drive-thru work at McDonalds this morning? Or dance while filling up the car? Simply because I have hope. I am not chained by my sins. Jesus, spoken of centuries before His birth, took up my punishment. He paid with His life that I might be forgiven. And in return He simply says, "Follow me". It is my prayer that you too would hear Him calling and would follow.

Grace and peace to you all.

Rejoicing Through the Darkness

One of the most common questions I hear today is “if the God is real, then why is the world so bad…why do bad people get away with their evil deeds?” Even Christians will ask when God will judge the evil of this world. I can go off in numerous directions with both of these questions, but instead I want to focus on a book in the Old Testament written by the prophet Habakkuk.

It is a wonderful, short book of the Bible in which Habakkuk has a literal one-on-one conversation with God. Habukkuk came to God with a simple question: how much longer would He allow Israel's sins to go unpunished.

Habakkuk: “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted." – Habakkuk 1:2-4

God answered Habakkuk's question by telling him not to worry, because He was going to send Babylon to overthrow them because of their wicked “iniquity” (be careful what you pray for).

God: “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.
For behold, I am rising up the Chaldeans [the rulers of Babylon], that bitter and hasty nation, who march through the breadth of the earth, to seize dwellings not their own. They all come for violence, all their faces forward. They gather captives like sand. At kings they scoff, and at rulers they laugh. They laugh at every fortress, for they pile up earth and take it. Then they sweep by like the wind and go on, guilty men, whose own might is their god!”
- Habakkuk 1:5-6, 9-11

This wasn't exactly what Habakkuk was hoping to hear. He becomes upset and asks God how He could allow a nation, whose sins were far greater than theirs, to punish them. God calmly answers Habakkuk telling him that He knows the sins of Babylon and that they will be given their due in time.

Habakkuk: “You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?” – Habakkuk 1:13

God: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.”

– Habakkuk 2:2-4

In the remainder of chapter two, God clearly explains how He will deal with Babylon at the “appointed time”.

Habakkuk is humbled (and probably a bit embarrassed that he tried to pick an argument with God) and thinks back over God’s provision to Israel in the past and all of His great deeds. He states in 3:2 "Lord, I have heard the report about you and I fear O Lord, revive your work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy." Habakkuk went on to say at the end of the chapter that he trembles knowing what is to come and in having to wait for it. Even though life was about to get really bad under the rule of the Babylonians, Habakkuk says in verse 18 "Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation."

Despite the fact that Israel was about to be trampled and taken into captivity by Babylon, Habakkuk says that he will still praise God. Why? Because God is sovereign. God is never changing. God knows all things that are to come and they all play into His plan.

People often confuse horrible events as God’s fault. First, horrible events are a result of sin. God gave us free will to choose to follow Him or not. People can choose right or wrong, light or darkness. Sadly, many chose the darkness just as Jesus said they would…“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” – John 3:19 WE are born with sin, this evil, in our hearts and we choose how we’re going to handle that darkness. That said, God can take these “horrible events” and use them for His glory.

The Bible is mainly comprised of such stories: Joseph’s brothers beat and sold him into slavery before he became second in command of Egypt, being able to provide food and a home to his family and the nations during a horrible famine. “But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many peopleshould be kept alive, as they are today.’” – Genesis 50:19-20

Samson continuously sinned against God but was used to destroy many Philistines before his death.

Paul led the charge to end the rise of Christianity. He beat them, jailed them and killed them…then went on to become the world’s greatest missionary writing the bulk of the New Testament. Horrible situations can be used by God and the people who choose darkness can always turn to The Light.

God has been and always will be in control. Though sin has permeated this world, though people are blind to His truth - God is still God.

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will
stand.” – Proverbs 19:21

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

“That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.” – Isaiah 45:6-7

Regardless of what happens in the years to come, God is still God. Those who are faithful to Him will not be deserted. Those people and nations that continue to pursue evil will be dealt…in His time. Until then, take ahold of that fact, friends, and continue with the mission that He has given us - bringing others into His grace. For answers on this topic, please visit this website.

We should all step back from focusing on the evil of the world and do as Habakkuk did – recall all the wonderful things God has already done in our lives and then exalt and rejoice in the God of our salvation.

Grace and peace be with you….

Prophecy of Ezekiel 38 and 39

There are several prophecies in the Bible that haven't been fulfilled. Most have to do with the 7 year tribulation, Christ's second coming and of course Israel. One of my favorite prophecies to study is found in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. In these chapters we read about an attack on Israel led by countries known as Gog and Magog. In the following post, I will discuss this prophecy. The following information is from the Bible, various commentaries, dictionaries and other sources that will be sited this articles conclusion.

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Beginning with chapter 38, Ezekiel names several nations that will join forces to attack Israel. These include: Gog, Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer and Beth Togarmah "from the far north". Of the above nine names, only one is not a geographical location - Gog. This is a title like President or King. Gog will lead this invasion against Israel. From the New International Bible Commentary (F.F. Bruce) we read that "the chief prince" mentioned in verse 3 is "preferable to 'prince of Rosh' which adds another name to our geographical list. 

Each of these countries was easily identified in Ezekiel's day, but most of the above names seem foreign to us. Once you identify what countries inhabited these ancient lands, though, it is easier to piece together. 

Rosh was also known as Rashu, Rasapu, Ros and Rus. Today we call her Russia.

Magog (ancient Scythians) is present day Central Asia. This is the "Islamic southern republics of the former Soviet Union with a population of 60 million Muslims. This territory could include modern Afghanistan." (M. Hitchcock)

Meshech included ancient Muschki and Musku in Cilicia and Capadocia. Tubal was in ancient Cappadocia. Today both are known as Turkey along with southern Russia and Iran.

Libya, the easiest, known as ancient Put and west of Egypt is known today as...Libya.

Persia is probably the second easiest of the list. Persia changed its name to Iran in 1935.

Ethiopia in ancient Cush, south of Egypt is present day Sudan.

Finally, Gomer and Beth-togarmah, are both present day Turkey.

So our list of key players will be Russia, Iran, Turkey, Sudan, Libya as well as numerous several Islamic countries in Central Asia. Each will bring all of their military strength to the table for this attack. Led probably by either Russia or Iran, these countries will have one goal in mind: the complete and utter annihilation of Israel. 

We know their target is Israel from verse 8 which states, "...In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety." Israel gathered "from many nations" and returned from a very long absence and became a nation in 1948. 

An interesting side note - God has promised Israel that she will never again be removed from her land (Amos 9:14-15). Prior to the prophecy of Gog and Magog, Ezekiel 37:15-28 tells us that Israel will be one nation, no longer split into two (Israel and Judah). Despite all these nations (and others) who wish to destroy Israel, it will never happen.

Verses 8, 11 and 14 of Ezekiel 38 give hints as to when this attack may occur. All state that Israel will be "living securely". There is a chance that Israel could enter a brief time of peace, possibly reaching some type of agreement with Iran in the near future over the current nuke situation. No doubt this would be a false security, but it is possible. The other possibility is that it might occur early on during the 7 year tribulation. 

The tribulation will take place after the rapture of the church. Officially it will not begin until the Antichrist signs a peace treaty with Israel and all of her neighbors that will last 7 years. However prophecy teaches that the 7 years of peace will only last 3 1/2 years before The Antichrist decides to destroy Israel. 

There are some that assume that it is when The Antichrist retracts his peace agreement the attacks of Gog and Magog occur leading to the Great Tribulation (the last 3 1/2 years of the tribulation). Others believe that this will be World War III and/or Armageddon. Others believe this to be inaccurate for several reasons (one being that Armageddon doesn't take place in Jerusalem, but Megiddo) but we'll focus on the strongest argument. 

"Ezekiel 39:9-10 indicates that for seven winters the people of Israel will burn the leftover implements of [the] war" with Gog and Magog. "Since the Jews will be persecuted by the Antichrist for the last three and a half years of the Tribulation, this may suggest that Russia and her Arab allies will be destroyed at least three and a half years prior to the beginning of the Tribulation. It could, of course, be more." (Lahaye) Therefore, this attack is most likely to occur anytime between now and shortly before the signing of the seven year treaty.  Also, Armageddon occurs at the end of the Tribulation, so Israel wouldn't be living in peace as Scripture states, but in hiding.

It is not difficult to pick a reason on why this attack will take place. Iran has already stated that it wants to destroy Israel. Russia and Iran are close allies. All of the other nations listed above hate Israel. Ezekiel tells us that this attack will occur "so that the nations may know me [God] when I show myself holy through you before their eyes." It is sobering to think about the possible revival this will bring about across the globe, especially if it happens prior to the rapture.

With the exception of the final battles of the tribulation, this attack on Israel will be the largest in it's history. Verse 16 states, "You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land." In all likelihood, Israel will stand alone when it occurs. The news is full of reports that the White House doesn’t seem as concerned as Israel is about Iran’s current nuclear program. Russia is generally off everyone’s Nice List and does what it pleases. It wouldn't have any hindrance on attacking Israel. Throw in a war-weary United States and it all helps set the stage nicely.

So how will little Israel withstand such a massive invasion? "This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beast of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord. Every man's sword will be against his brother. I will execute poor judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones, and burning sulfur on him and his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 38:18-23)

Ezekiel goes on to tell us that all the attacking troops will be destroyed and given over to animals to feast on them. There will be so much carnage that it will take Israel seven months to bury the dead and then "they will begin their search" (39:14). The cleanup will be so extensive that a town (Hamanoh meaning Horde) will be established in the valley at the gravesites to aid the cleanup crews. Fire will upon the actual attacking nations. Some believe this means that those nations coming against Israel will be completely destroyed. It is interesting to think that in our lifetime Russia, Iran and almost all (if not all) Islamic countries will cease to exist.

At the end of chapter 39, God once again states his purpose for this attack: "From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God." Ezekiel 39:22

And there you have it, a quick run-down of Ezekiel 38-39. An attack led by Russia and Iran along with Turkey, Sudan, Libya as well as numerous several Islamic countries will come upon Israel (more than likely) before the rapture or shortly thereafter. Though the odds will be greatly against her, God will supernaturally protect Israel -destroying her enemies. Then there will be a revival among Jews and Gentiles as they see that the Lord is God.

SOURCES

Zondervan. The Holy Bible, New International Version. 1996.

Lahaye, Tim. Revelation Unveiled. Zondervan Publishing House. 1999.

Butler, Trent ed. Holman Bible Dictionary.Holman Bible Publishers. 1991.

Bruce, F.F. ed. New International Bible Commentary. Zondervan. 1979.

Lahaye, Tim & Ed Hindson ed. The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy. Harvest House Pupblishers. 2004.