The primary source for this study is Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum's book, "Footsteps of the Messiah", which has a subtitle of "A Study of the Sequence of Prophetic Events".
In the study of Eschatology, "end things", there are a number of events that precede the Great Tribulation. These things lead up to the Tribulation period and serve as a "sign of your coming" (Mat 24:3). These precursors will be the subject of this section of A Study of Prophecy. These precursors, which occur in order, are:
WWI and WWII
The Reestablishment of Israel
Jerusalem Under Jewish Control
Northern Alliance Invasion of Israel (Gog & Magog)
The One World Government
The Ten Kingdoms
The Rise of AntiChrist
A Period of Peace and False Security
The Seven Year Covenant
These events also occur as precursors to the Tribulation period, although it cannot be determined in what order they will occur:
Blackout 1
The Return of Elijah
The Third Temple
When attempting to interpret end time events documented in scripture, it is important to avoid speculation and wishful thinking.
The proper way to view end time prophetic events is to first know and understand what scripture literally says. When we understand the broad scope of the end times events as documented by scripture, then we can turn our eyes to current events and determine if anything we are seeing fits the narrative of prophecy.
The improper way to interpret end time events is by reading the news of current events, and subsequently searching the scriptures for matching prophecies. This leads to speculations where we read into scripture things that are not said in order to support a version of end times fulfillment that fits what we want it to say and not what it says.
Finally, it should be noted that end times events are centered around Israel, and not America. Although the end time events will affect the "whole earth", God's dealings are primarily focused on Israel. It has been said that "Israel is God's timepiece", and it is Israel we should be looking towards.
Sequence of Pretribulational Events
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum has identified nine events in scripture that will occur before the start of the Tribulation period. These events lead up to the Tribulation, but all will be fulfilled before it starts.
The first three of these events have already been fulfilled. The remaining six are still yet future.
1 - World Wars I and II
Jesus had just finished rebuking the scribes and Pharisees in Matt 23. He finished that with:
Mat 23:39 For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
In Mat 24:1-2, Jesus declares doom on the temple, which was subsequently destroyed in 70AD.
Mat 24:1-2 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. (2) "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
This brought up questions in the disciples minds, and they inquired further:
Mat 24:3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
There are three questions being asked here:
"when will this happen" - (the temple destruction)
"what will be the sign of your coming" - (the second coming)
"what will be the sign of the end of the age"
The first question (when will this happen) is not answered here in Matthew's account of the Olivet Discourse, but is found in Luke's gospel:
Luk 21:20-24 "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. (21) Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. (22) For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. (23) How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. (24) They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
The second question (what will be the sign of your coming) is answered here in Matthew's account of the Olivet Discourse:
Mat 24:29-31 "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' (30) "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. (31) And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
The third question (what will be the sign of the end of the age) is also answered here in Matthew's account of the Olivet Discourse. This is the question that we are interested in for this study.
Note that from a typical Jewish perspective, "this age" would be the age we now live in, and "the age to come" would be the Messianic Age, or the time of Jesus rule on in the Millennial Kingdom. So the question is, what is the sign that we are at the end of the age we now live in? Jesus answered this both negatively, and positively.
The negative answer says what will NOT be the sign of the end of the age. This things will happen throughout the age.
Mat 24:4-6 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. (5) For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. (6) You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
The positive answer says what WILL be the sign that the end of the age has begun, and that is "nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom".
Mat 24:7-8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (8) All these are the beginning of birth pains.
This birth pain is the "beginning" of the end of the age. "nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" is an idiom that points to a total conflict of the area in view.
Some examples are conflict all over the land of Egypt:
Isa 19:1-4 A prophecy against Egypt: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear. (2) "I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian-- brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom. (3) The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists. (4) I will hand the Egyptians over to the power of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.
Another example is regarding conflict all over the middle east:
2Ch 15:1-7 The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded. (2) He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. (3) For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. (4) But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them. (5) In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. (6) One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress. (7) But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
Jewish scholars of Jesus' day would have understood "nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" to be speaking of great war. Some of the Jewish writings contain the following:
"If you shall see kingdoms rising against each other in turn, the give heed and note the footsteps of the Messiah".
"At that time wars shall be stirred up in the world, Nations shall be against nation and city against city; much distress shall be renewed against the enemies of the Israelites."
In these latter days, the first world war was from 1914-1918. Most historians see the second world war as a continuation of the first, and both had a great impact on Israel. The first world war brought about the growth of the Zionist Movement, and the second world war set the stage for the establishment of the State of Israel. This world wide conflict signaled the beginning of the end of the age.
In addition to "nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom", Matthew also records Jesus saying that "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." We have seen disease and hunger in the past that has killed millions of people, and it is well known that many third world countries are experiencing great hunger.
Earth quakes have also been increasing dramatically as we progress through the end of the age.
2 - The Reestablishment of Israel
During WW1, which lasted from 1914-1918, the British government, who owned the land that Israel today sits on, issued a statement of support for "the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people." This declaration, provided for a place for the Jewish people to gather in, but fell short of the request of Zionist leaders to make Palestine "the" Jewish national home, nevertheless generated enthusiastic hopes.
The declaration was endorsed by the major Allied powers (of WW1) and was formally approved by the newly created League of Nations on July 24, 1922. Efforts were continued to bring about a Jewish national home until 1939, when WW2 broke out making the efforts a moot point. The persecution of the Jewish people during WW2 drove them from the nations they were scattered into, and caused many of them to migrate into the region of their ancient homeland.
This mass migration of Jews into the land caused friction with the Arabs in the area, causing violence, and resulting in the United Nations solution of partitioning the land into two areas. This led to the declaration of statehood in 1948.
Zionism is the nationalist movement that had the goal of the creation and support of the Jewish national state in the ancient homeland of the Jews. Today it generally represents the idea that the Jewish People are entitled to their land, and should be encouraged to immigrate there, and that they should maintain their genealogical heritage as opposed to assimilating into western secular culture.
As we can see, there is a continuation of the idea of the continuing of the signs of "the end of the age" we live in, as WW1 and WW2 created and promoted an environment that precipitated the return of the Jewish people to their ancient national homeland.
In these last days, there are two aspects to the regathering of Israel, or it could be said two regatherings. The first regathering is the restoration of the ethnic descendants of Israel to the land of Israel while they are still in a state of unbelief. This began in the timeframe of the Balfour declaration, and is ongoing today.
Ezekiel 20
Ezekiel speaks of this first regathering as a preparation for the Great Tribulation. They are being gathered from the nations with an eye towards "outpoured wrath" and "judgment".
Eze 20:33-38 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will reign over you with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath. (34) I will bring you from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered--with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath. (35) I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations and there, face to face, I will execute judgment upon you. (36) As I judged your ancestors in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will judge you, declares the Sovereign LORD.
Following the judgment and outpoured wrath of the Great Tribulation, they will be brought "into the bond of the covenant", which is a reference to the New Covenant.
Eze 20:37 I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.
The purging of those who revolt is speaking of the Goat and Sheep judgment that Matthew describes in Mat 25:31-33. This event occurs in the future after the Tribulation and is against those who still are in revolt in spite of the outpoured wrath and judgments.
Eze 20:38 I will purge you of those who revolt and rebel against me. Although I will bring them out of the land where they are living, yet they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
Mat 25:31-33 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. (32) All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (33) He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Ezekiel 22
Ezekiel is here focused on Jerusalem and continues the theme of regathering the people of Israel for judgment. "Dross" is from a Hebrew word meaning "refuse" or garbage. God is looking for refined silver, but finds only refuse in the furnace (of judgment). Ezekiel here looks forward to the Great Tribulation as a refining fire designed to purify Israel. As a purified nation, they will turn back to the Lord.
Eze 22:17-22 Then the word of the LORD came to me: (18) "Son of man, the people of Israel have become dross to me; all of them are the copper, tin, iron and lead left inside a furnace. They are but the dross of silver. (19) Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'Because you have all become dross, I will gather you into Jerusalem. (20) As silver, copper, iron, lead and tin are gathered into a furnace to be melted with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in my anger and my wrath and put you inside the city and melt you. (21) I will gather you and I will blow on you with my fiery wrath, and you will be melted inside her. (22) As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted inside her, and you will know that I the LORD have poured out my wrath on you.'"
Ezekiel 36
Ezekiel here is speaking of the national regeneration of Israel, but shows that Israel's regathering takes place before their regeneration. "For I will take you out of the nations", and then God will bring regeneration through the means of the Great Tribulation.
Eze 36:22-24 "Therefore say to the Israelites, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. (23) I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes. (24) "'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.
Isaiah 11
Full context = Isa 11:11-Isa 12:6. Isaiah fills in with some more details. Here he speaks of the a "second" regathering of the People of Israel from "the four corners of the earth", but this time, it is in faith for blessing.
This is an important detail since it establishes that there are only two regatherings "from the four corners of the earth", the first one (in unbelief and judgment) and the second one (in belief and blessing). This clearly shows the two regatherings from throughout the world, the first in judgment and the second in blessing and preparation for the Millennial Kingdom.
Some say the first regathering is the one from Babylon, but this does not fulfill the prophecy because the return from Babylon was from.... Babylon, a specific place, not the "four corners of the earth".
Isa 11:11-12 In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. (12) He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.
Zephaniah 2
Zephaniah provides details regarding the timing of the Tribulation with respect to the regathering as prior to the Tribulation. At the end of chapter 1, Zephaniah makes reference to "The great day of the Lord", which is a reference to the Tribulation. period. In scripture, the "day of the Lord" always refers to the Tribulation.
Zep 1:14-18 The great day of the LORD is near-- near and coming quickly. The cry on the day of the LORD is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry. (15) That day will be a day of wrath-- a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness-- (16) a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers. (17) "I will bring such distress on all people that they will grope about like those who are blind, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like dung. (18) Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath." In the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth.
When Zephaniah calls for Israel to "gather yourselves together, you shameful nation", they are to do that "before the day of the Lord's wrath comes upon you". This clearly shows that Israel's gathering in unbelief is before the Tribulation, or the "day of the Lord's wrath".
Zep 2:1-2 Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, (2) before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the LORD's fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the LORD's wrath comes upon you.
It is clear from the above passages that Israel was and is to be reestablished as a nation and regathered to it prior to the start of the Tribulation. The nation was re-established in 1948, and the regathering continues to this day.
3 - Jerusalem Under Jewish Control
Map of the Middle East
https://www.palestineportal.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Map_MiddleEast-e1484637763730.jpg
Map of Israel Pre-Six Day War of 1967
https://iris.org.il/images/borders.gif
Note the division of Jerusalem into East and West Jerusalem.
Map of Present Day Israel
https://images.mapsofworld.com/answers/2017/12/map-of-israel-showing-capital-jerusalem.gif
Following the creation of the Jewish state in 1948, the Arabs in the surrounding areas immediately went to war against the new state. In 1948, Jordan invaded and captured the Old City on May 28th. For the next 19 years, Jordan occupied East Jerusalem. Israel subsequently established its capital in West Jerusalem. The Arabs of course refused to acknowledge Israel's right to its land, and Jerusalem remained divided until the Six Day War of 1967.
Prior to the start of the war, in early 1967, the Arab nations including Jordan, Syria and Lebanon were engaged in guerrilla warfare with Israel, engaging in attacks and skirmishes against the Israelis. Israel responded in November of 1966 by attacking Jordan in the West Bank area, leaving 18 dead and 54 wounded. Later, in April of 1967 the Israeli air force shot down 6 of Syria's MIG fighter jets.
The Soviet Union was not helping, as they promoted inaccurate intelligence about what the Israelis plans were to the Arab nations, further stressing tensions in the area.
In the meantime, Egypt was coming under sharp criticism for failing to help their Arab neighbors and hiding behind the United Nations Emergency Force. As a result, Egypt's leaders determined to mobilize forces in the Sinai and closing an important shipping port to Israel.
On May 30th, Jordan signs a mutual defense pact with Egypt, placing Jordanian forces under Egyptian control.
Shortly afterwards, Iraq joined the alliance as well.
In
response to all this, on June 5th of 1967, Israel launched a
pre-emptive strike against Egypt and destroyed 90% of it's airforce
as it sat on the Tarmac. At the same time, an attack on Syria
accomplished similar results. As a result of this, Israel gained
control of the Gaza Strip and all of the Sinai Peninsula.
Map
of Sinai Peninsula
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinai_Peninsula#/media/File:Sinai_Peninsula_-_en.svg
On the same day, Jordanian forces began shelling West Jerusalem, against which the Israelis responded in force and drove the Jordanians out of East Jerusalem and most of the West Bank. Hostilities only continued from Syria, who was also likewise repelled with great force a couple of days later.
This war started a new phase in the conflict between Israel and the Arabs. As a result of Israel's defense, there were hundreds of thousands of refugees and more than one million Arabs in the Gaze Strip and the West Bank came under Israeli role.
Months after the war, the United Nations passed UN Resolution 242 which called for Israel to withdraw from the territories it had captured in 1967 in exchange for "lasting peace". That resolution is the basis for diplomatic efforts to push for a "two-state solution with the Arabs.
The Two-State Solution: What It Is and Why It Hasn’t Happened
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/29/world/middleeast/israel-palestinians-two-state-solution.html
"What is the two-state solution?"
"It helps to start with the problem the solution is meant to address: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At its most basic level, the conflict is about how or whether to divide territory between two peoples."
"Both sides claim Jerusalem as their capital and consider it a center of religious worship and cultural heritage. The two-state solution typically calls for dividing it into an Israeli West and a Palestinian East...."
"Most governments and world bodies have set achievement of the two-state solution as official policy, including the United States, the United Nations, the Palestinian Authority and Israel. This goal has been the basis of peace talks for decades.
US assures two-state solution for Israel-Palestine at UN (Jan 26, 2021)
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/26/us-assures-two-state-solution-for-israel-palestine-at-un
When combining the promise of Gen 12:3 with Joel 3:2, it is clear that one of the primary reasons for America's economic and moral blessings were due to President Trump's honoring of the Jewish people by moving the embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital. This was a staggering admission of and support for Israel's right to their undivided land. Prior administrations have universally sought a 'two state solution", as does the current Biden administration.
Gen 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Gen 12:7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
Psa 105:8-11 He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, (9) the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac. (10) He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant: (11) "To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit."
Joel 3:1-2 "In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, (2) I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.
According to prophetic events, all of Jerusalem is to come under Jewish control, including the Old City of East Jerusalem. The following passages show certain events that occur in regards to the Temple. In order for these passages regarding the Temple to be fulfilled, Israel would have to have control over the Temple Mount, and by extension, the Old City of Jerusalem.
So how does this tie back to Jerusalem being under Israel's control as a sign of the end of the age?
Daniel predicts that the Antichrist will "put an end to the sacrifice and offering". Offerings and sacrifices require a temple to carry out these ordinances. This will be a short lived temple for the duration of the Tribulation. It should not be confused with Ezekiel's temple detailed in chapters 40-48, which has completely different dimensions from the Tribulational temple.
Dan 9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."
In order for "sacrifice and offering" to take place, by Jewish law a temple is required. And the site for the temple is in East Jerusalem.
What the "abomination that causes desolation" is not known at this point. (https://www.gotquestions.org/abomination-desolation.html). Nevertheless, prophecy speaks of it happening in the "holy place", or the temple.
Other passage that imply a temple will exist in East Jerusalem are:
Mat 24:15 "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand--
Dan 11:31 "His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
Dan 12:11 "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
Paul makes explicit reference to the existence of "God's temple" before "that day" where the Antichrist will "proclaim himself to be God".
2Th 2:3-4 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
John also makes explicit reference to the temple when he documents that he was told to measure it.
Rev 11:1-2 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. (2) But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.
Today, the Temple Mount is controlled by Muslims, which has prevented the Jewish people from rebuilding the third temple. (https://templeinstitute.org/frequently-asked-questions/)
Nevertheless, the Jewish people are far into the planning and preparations for rebuilding the temple when the time comes that they are able to. (https://templeinstitute.org/). At some point, Israel will regain control of the Temple Mount, and begin construction of this temple.
It should be noted that the Jewish people behind this effort are unbelieving Jews who yet reject their Messiah Jesus. This third temple is not to be confused with Ezekiel's temple (Eze 40-48), which is far larger than this Tribulation temple, and is constructed following the Tribulation.
4 - Northern Alliance Invasion of Israel
Exposition of Passage
The
Alliance
(Eze 38:1-6)
vs.
2 - The leader of this invasion is said to be "Gog". Gog is
not a proper name, but a title, similar to senator, or president. So
we will not know who Gog is until the actual invasion.
vs. 2 - Magog is said to be the land. The areas are "Rosh", "Meshech" and "Tubal". Gog is the leader of these lands. Today these lands are in the area of Russia. Magog, Meshech and Tubal were between the Black and Caspian seas in southern Russia, and Rosh is what is now northern Russia.
vs. 5-6 - Persia, Cush and Put will be with Russia. Persh is present day Iran, Cush is where present day Ethiopia is, Put is where present day Somalia is, and Gomer is where present day Germany is. Finally Togarmah is also mentioned, and today they are in the location where present day Armenia is.
vs. 6 - "The many nations with you" is inconclusive and could be refering to the above nations, or additional nations not named. Regardless, there is a large contingent that will come against Israel.
Map of the Middle East
https://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/me.htm
It is noteworthy that not a single Arab nation is mentioned. Some of the nations may be Muslim, but they are not Arabs.
The
Object of the Invasion
(Eze 38:7-9)
vs. 7 - The Lord is speaking to Gog in this passage, "you and all the hordes".
vs. 8 - The specific place where this invasion will be carried out is "the mountains of Israel". This land is said to be "a land that has recovered from war", indicating the wars of 1948-49, 1967, 1973, etc. and a "land which had long been desolate", indicating the years from 70AD to 1948.
Map of Israel
https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/israel
vs.
8 - The people whom this is carried out against are those who were
"gathered from many nations" and "had been brought out
from the nations", indicating the Israelites being restored to
the land of Israel in unbelief. In order for there to be an invasion
of Israel there has to be a nation to invade.
Gog's
Goal
(Eze 38:10-13)
vs. 12 - God addresses Gog again and states that they will "devise an evil scheme". Russia's leader Gog will instigate and lead this invasion.
vs. 13 - The key reason for this invasion is to raid Israel of her spoils. The spoils mentioned are silver and gold, livestock and goods, plunder, which are all common references to the spoils of war. Something will draw Russia into Israel, possibly Israel's oil reserves, possibly the rich minerals in the dead sea. Whatever it is, we will know what they are after when the invasion takes place.
vs. 13 - Sheba and Dedan are protesting the invasion in this verse. Sheba and Dedan are countries in northern Arabia, and this shows that at least some of the Arabs will not favor this invasion.
vs.
13 - Tarshish is also mentioned as protesting this invasion. The "all
her villages" indicates nations that have come out of Tarshish.
It is not clear among scholars who this group is, as there are
several options.
God's
Goal
(Eze 38:14-16)
vs.
16 - God's goal in the midst of this invasion is that "the
nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their
eyes". God will have a part to play in the overall playing out
of this invasion.
The
Destruction of the Invaders
(Eze 38:17-23)
In
the destruction of the invading armies, several causes are mentioned.
They include an earthquake (vs.19-20), civil war among the invaders
themselves (vs. 21), pestilence, blood, flood, hailstones, fire, and
brimstone (vs. 22). These things destroy the invading army without
the aid of other nations, and God is indeed sanctified (set apart) in
the eyes of many people (vs. 23).
The
Place of Destruction
(Eze 39:1-6)
Found
in vs. 1-6 is a parallel passage to that in Chapter 38. New
information is given in vs. 2 and 4.
vs. 2, 4 - the invading armies will be struck down and "fall" on "the mountains of Israel". So the Russian led invasion will succeed in getting into Israel. Jerusalem is in these mountains and may be the goal of the advancing armies.
The mountains of Israel run down the center of the country from north to south. Until 1967, these mountains were part of the territory owned by the Jordanian Arabs. It wasn't until this war that these mountains became "the mountains of Israel". So the 1967 war set the stage for the fulfillment of the Gog / Magog prophecy.
vs.
6 - In addition to the Russian led armies being destroyed Russia
itself will have fire poured down on it.
The
Sanctification of God's Name
(Eze 39:7-8)
Verses
7 and 8 speak of God's name being revered among the Israelites. These
events will have the result that many of the Jews begin turning to
the Lord.
The
Seven Years of Burning
(Eze 39:9-10)
When
the Lord destroys the invading armies, all of their weapons will be
left on the ground. Israel will gather them up and use them for fuel
in place of wood for 7 years
The
Seven Months of Burial
(Eze 39:11-16)
vs.
11 - The dead from the invading armies will be buried in Israel, in a
valley "east of the sea". This would place it east of the
Mediterranean and north of the Dead Sea. The burial place will be
called "The Valley of Hamon Gog".
vs. 12 - It will take the Israelites 7 months to bury all the dead.
vs. 14 - After 7 months, the Israelites will carry out a more detailed search for bodies and cleanse the land.
It should be noted that these months of burying and seven years of burning are critical to determining WHEN this even occurs.
The Timing of the Passage
Basic Observations
Clues
to when this event occurs can be found in Eze 38:8,
Eze 38:11-12,
and Eze 38:14.
These passages show that:
Israel is a state when this occurs
Israel is inhabiting the land when this occurs
Israel is dwelling in unwalled villages
Israel is dwelling securely (Not necessarily in peace, but in security)
Israel today meets all of the above parameters, so this event could happen at any time.
We will look at five interpretations of this passage to try and determine when it will occur.
The
MidTribulational View
The
view arises from:
Israel's dwelling securely in the land (Eze 38:14) due to the confirmation of the covenant with the Antichrist (Dan 9:27).
The correlation of this battle with "the king of the north" in Dan 11:40, which is agreed by scholars to happen in the middle of the tribulation.
Objections:
The term "securely" does not have to mean "peace".
It is inconsistent to see why God would intervene on Israel's behalf in this battle, only to then open the door for the rest of the tribulational judgments.
The "king of the north" of Dan 11:40 (Syria) is not "Gog" of Eze 38:2 (Russia). The invasion of Dan 11:40 is distinct from the invasion in Eze 38-39.
The King of the North comes against the Antichrist, not Israel.
This view fails to deal with the burying of the dead for 7 months, and the decree to carry out a more detailed search. If this is in Mid-Trib, then they are burying the dead while they are on the run and being killed by the Antichrist during the second half of the Tribulation when they are not able to bury their own dead, let alone the dead Russians.
This view fails to deal with the burning of weapons for 7 years. If the invasion was in mid Tribulation, then Israel would be burning this fuel during the second half of the Tribulation and three and a half years into the Millennial Kingdom.
The
Posttribulational / Armageddon View
This
view arises from identifying this invasion with the Campaign of
Armageddon. Since Armageddon occurs at the end of the Tribulation,
then this invasion would also be at that time.
Objections:
In this invasion, a limited collections of local enemies are involved, in Armageddon, all nations are allied against Jerusalem without exception.
This invasion comes from the north, but Armageddon comes from the whole earth.
The purpose of this invasion is to plunder the spoils, in Armageddon, it is to destroy all the Jews.
In this invasion, there is protest from some Arab countries, in Armageddon, all nations are taking part.
In this invasion, the enemies are destroyed through convulsions in nature. in Armageddon the armies are destroyed by the personal second coming of Jesus.
This invasion takes place while Israel is living securely, in Armageddon Israel is in flight and hiding.
This view also fails to deal with the seven months of burying and and burning since they would have to be carried out during the Millennial Kingdom.
The
Interlude View
This
view involves the time period between the Tribulation and the start
of the Millennium.
Objections:
There will be an interlude following the Tribulation, however, it is limited to 75 days. Based on Dan 12:11-12, there are 1335 days between the "time that the daily sacrifice is abolished" in the middle of the Tribulation and the beginning of the Millennium.
Dan 12:11-12 "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. (12) Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
1335 days = 1290 (temple desecration period) + 45 days
30 days past end of tribulation + 45 days = 75 days for the Interlude
The second half of the Tribulation is 1260 of those days (Dan 12:7). That leaves 75 days remaining for the interlude. The events of Eze 38-39 could not take place within those 75 days, as the invasion would need to take place, and then seven months of burying, and seven years of burning the weapons would need to take place.
The
End of the Millennium View
This
view identifies the Gog / Magog invasion as the same that is
mentioned in Rev 20:7-9.
Objections:
This invasion come from the North, the Rev 20 invasion comes from all over the world.
Again, this view fails to deal with the issues of burying the dead for seven months and burning the weapons for seven years. The seven years of burning would have to extend into the Eternal State.
Burying the dead would seem pointless if there is a resurrection of the dead at the end of the Millennium (Rev 20:4-5).
The Pretribulational View
This view, held by the author of this study, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, is that the Russian invasion will occur before the Tribulation actually begins.
Israel is established before the Tribulation and is dwelling securely
The Russian horde invades Israel during this time of security before the Tribulation
The confederacy is destroyed in Israel before the Tribulation
Support:
The description of Israel fits well with her current status. She is:
Recovered from war (Eze 38:8)
Regathered from the nations to the mountains of Israel which had long been desolate (Eze 38:8)
Living in safety (Eze 38:8, Eze 38:14)
Without walls and gates and bars (Eze 38:11)
Peaceful and unsuspecting (Eze 38:11)
Resettling the ruins (Eze 38:12)
Russia is still a major power
If the invasion is at the beginning of the Tribulation, there is still time to bury the dead for seven months during the first half, but burning the weapons would be a problem since they would only be able to burn them during the first half of the Tribulation. So an invasion some years before the Tribulation would provide time for all the weapons to be burned. This view would require that the invasion take place three and a half years before the start of the Tribulation.
Objections:
Some say this section regarding Gog and Magog is in the restoration section of Ezekiel. The question is is this restoration the one in unbelief or the one in faith. Since the restoration in faith occurs after this event, at the end of the tribulation and just before the start of the Millennium, so this is speaking of the restoration in unbelief.
Some say that "dwelling safely" or "securely" always speaks of the Millennial Kingdom. Israel will not be attacked in the Millennium. Some other examples of where "dwelling safely" does not refer to Millennial safety are Lev 25:18-19, Lev 26:5, Deu 12:10, 1 Sam 12:11, 1 Ki 4:25, Psa 4:8, Psa 16:9, Pro 1:33, Pro 3:23, Pro 3:29, Isa 47:8, Jer 49:31, Zep 2:15.
Some say this view contradicts the doctrine of imminence. This is only true for those that claim the Rapture starts the Tribulation. But the start of the Tribulation is not the Rapture, but the confirmation of a peace treaty.
Some say that Israel would not apostatize after the invasion so quickly. But apostasy can happen quickly, as see in so many OT stories, such as the Exodus and at Sinai with the Golden Calf incident.
5 - The One World Government
By way of review, the fourth beast that Daniel saw consist of five stages of development. One of these stages came and went with the Roman Empire. We are currently living in the second stage, in which there are two divisions, or power axis'. In the East are Russia and the Moslem countries, and in the West are the democracies.
The United Stage - Roman Empire (Dan 7:23 a, Dan 2:40)
The Two division stage - East (Russia & Moslem) / West (Democracies) Balance of Power (Dan 7:23 a, Dan 2:41)
The last three stages are yet future, with the next stage being the One World Government, aka New World Order (NWO).
The One World Government (NWO) stage (Dan 7:23 b, Rev 13:7-8)
The key passages for the The NWO, showing that the One World Government indeed rules over the entire earth
Dan 7:23-24 "He gave me this explanation: 'The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. (24) The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.
Rev 13:7-8 It was given power to wage war against God's holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. (8) All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.
Luke corroborates the global nature of the Tribulation period, saying it will affect all who live on the face of the earth.
Luk 21:35-36 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. (36) Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
John also corroborates the global nature of the Tribulation:
Rev 3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
Zephaniah also corroborates the global nature of the Tribulation:
Zep 1:18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath." In the fire of his jealousy the whole earth will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth.
6 - The Ten Kingdoms
A common interpretation of the "ten horns" prophecy is that it represents kings (rulers) in a revived Roman empire, or a division of Europe into 10 European states. The European "Common Market" has been pointed to as possible fulfillment of this entity.
Scripture however cannot support that. One issue is that the Ten Kings rule over the entire earth, for it comes out of the one world government.
Dan 7:23-24 "He gave me this explanation: 'The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. (24) The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.
Here we see that the 10 Horns come out of the 3rd stage of the forth beast, the one world government stage, which "devours the whole earth". It is more likely that the Ten Kingdoms will arise from around the globe rather than out of a single area once covered by the Roman empire.
Map of the European Union
https://mapofeurope.com/eu-map/
Additionally, it is more likely that the people in the areas covered by the Ten Kings would accept their leadership if they were spread to localities around the world rather that from one locality.
This Ten Kingdom stage will last through the middle of the Tribulation, the time of the "little horn" Antichrist rises to power, and will last until God sets up the Millennial Kingdom. The Ten Kings are represented as both the "ten toes" of Dan 2:42 and the "ten horns" of Dan 7:7 and Rev 13:1).
Dan 2:44 "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.
7 - The Rise of AntiChrist
Some time after the arrival of the 10 Kings with their kingdoms, the Antichrist will begin his rise to power.
Dan 7:24 The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.
It is clear from scripture that the identity of the AntiChrist is revealed before the start of the Tribulation. In this passage we see that there are two things that must happen before the Antichrist is revealed. 2 Th 2:3 says, "that day will not come", until:
The rebellion occurs
The man of lawlessness (Antichrist) is revealed.
2Th 2:1-3 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, (2) not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us--whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter--asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. (3) Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
Since the signing of the covenant that begins the 7 year period of the Tribulation, the Antichrist must be in sufficient power to sign such a document before it starts.
Dan 9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."
8 - Period of Peace and False Security
This indicates that the first half of the Tribulation as the Antichrist is rising to power will be a time of peace and security for Israel. The one world government and the ten kings will be in place, for a period, and then the peace and security is shattered by the Antichrist as he seeks to establish himself as god in the temple. The destruction in the Tribulation will come on with devastating force, very quickly.
1 Th 5:1-3 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, (2) for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. (3) While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
9 - The Seven Year Covenant
The signing of the 7 year contract, or the confirmation of an existing one will precede the start of the Tribulation as well. This will initiate the first half of the Tribulation of peace and security, followed by the Antichrist declaring himself to be God, and putting an end to the temple ordinances.
Dan 9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."
Summary
The above nine events are presented in sequence. There are a number of other events that occur before the Tribulation, but there is no way to determine when they will occur. Those events will be looked at next.
Other Pretribulational Events
Blackout 1
There are several occasions in which the sun failed to shine it's light on the land. One of these was during the Exodus. When Pharaoh failed to let the people go, there were 10 plagues on the land. One of these was darkness.
Exo 10:21-23 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt--darkness that can be felt." (22) So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. (23) No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.
Another time there was darkness over the land was when Jesus was crucified.
Mat 27:45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. (46) About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").
Joel declares that there will be a third period of darkness "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord".
Joel 2:28-32 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (29) Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (30) I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. (31) The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. (32) And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.
Two additional periods of darkness will be discussed in later sessions.
The Return of Elijah
In order to understand the role of Elijah, it is helpful to have some historical background. We will cover some of that first.
The Kingdom is at Hand
John the Baptist and Jesus both declared that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mat 3:1-2, Mat 4:17). Neither of them spent much time explaining what was meant by that, and that usually is because the people whom they were addressing would have understood what they meant.
Mat 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea (2) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
Mat 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
It is well known that the people of Israel were awaiting the arrival of the literal earthly Messianic Kingdom centered in Jerusalem and ruled by the Messiah. This would have been the literal understanding of the prophets, and if John or Jesus would have meant something other than what they were expecting, they would have explained it.
They can't be speaking of a spiritual kingdom, because the spiritual kingdom was always present. There is a realm in which God presently resides, along with the Angels. That kingdom would not be "at hand". It is the earthly kingdom that was "at hand".
The kingdom Jesus was speaking of in Mat 4:23 is the same as that of Mat 9:35. The earthly kingdom was near, and it was contingent on Israel's response to their Messiah. You could say that Jesus was making an "offer of the kingdom" to Israel, an offer contingent on her response to the king.
Mat 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Mat 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
After Israel had their King crucified, Peter makes it clear that Israel's participation in the earthly Kingdom is still tied to their repentance and turning to God.
Act 3:19-21 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, (20) and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus. (21) Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
The King is Rejected
From Matthew 4 to 12, Jesus went about claiming His Messiahship and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. All of Jesus' miracles showing His validity are recorded between Matthew 4 to 12. The purpose of Jesus' miracles prior to His rejection was to authenticate His claim to Messiahship and the validity of His message about the Kingdom. If the people would accept Him, He would establish the Messianic Kingdom of the Old Testament prophets.
The offer of the kingdom was withdrawn however, at the time the Jewish Leaders declared Jesus a tool of Beelzebul (Mat 12:24). Without the King, there would be no Kingdom.
The rejection of Christ's Messiahship and the Kingdom occurred in Mat 12:22-24, Mar 3:20-23, Luk 11:14-23. The people rejected Him by putting the decision in the hands of their religious leaders, and the religious leaders rejected Him by claiming His miracles were of Beelzebul.
Mat 12:22-24 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. (23) All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?" (24) But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."
Luk 11:14-16 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. (15) But some of them said, "By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons." (16) Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven.
Mar 3:20-23 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. (21) When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." (22) And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons." (23) So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan?
In addition to the Jewish leaders impending rejection, they determined to kill him, cementing the rejection (Mat 12:14, Joh 11:47-53).
Mat 12:14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.
Joh 11:47-53 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many signs. (48) If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation." (49) Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know nothing at all! (50) You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." (51) He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, (52) and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. (53) So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
From that time on, Jesus started to explain to His disciples that he must die. (Mat 16:21, Mat 17:23).
Mat 16:21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Mat 17:22-23 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. (23) They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief.
Mat 20:17-19 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, (18) "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death (19) and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"
In addition, following the rejecting of Jesus and the Messianic Kingdom, Jesus' approach to teaching changed. He started speaking in parables to the people (Mat 13:10-17).
Mat 13:10-14 The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" (11) He replied, "Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. (12) Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. (13) This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. (14) In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
The offer of the Kingdom was rescinded and the Jewish people would not see the Kingdom established in their day. Instead, the Jewish people were under special judgment leading up to the destruction of the city and the temple in 70AD.
Luk 19:41-44 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it (42) and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. (43) The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. (44) They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."
A new policy is in effect regarding miracles - (Mat 12:38-40). There would be no more signs except for the sign of Jonah. Future miracles would be not for validating His person, but for training His disciples, that ministry was detailed in Acts.
Mat 12:38-40 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." (39) He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. (40) For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
The Coming of Elijah Foretold
With the background of the offer of the Kingdom, and Israel's rejection of their King and Kingdom, we can take a look at how Elijah fits into the historical narrative.
Elijah, who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Ki 2:11), is said to return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord comes". It would appear that his purpose in coming before the Tribulation is to restore the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents, and to prepare them for what is coming.
Mal 4:5-6 "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. (6) He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction."
Just prior to the withdrawal of the Messianic Kingdom from the Jewish people, Jesus stated that Elijah's presence could be a present reality if they were willing to accept Him as King.
Mat 11:14 And if you are willing to accept it, he [John the Baptist] is the Elijah who was to come.
So it is clear that before the Tribulation, the great and dreadful day of the Lord, Elijah will return to earth. It was even possible that if the Jewish people accepted Jesus as their King, John the Baptist could have been that foretold Elijah.
The Coming of John the Baptist Foretold
So now let's look at the prophecies regarding John the Baptist.
In Chapter 3, Malachi speaks of a messenger who would come before Jesus' first coming (John the Baptist). As you can see, there is opportunity for confusion regarding the messenger who would come before Jesus' second coming (Elijah).
The forerunner that is spoken of in Mal 3:1 is John the Baptist. This passage sounds a lot like the Elijah Mal 4:5-6 passage, just less specific, and is where some of the confusion comes from.
Mal 3:1 "I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.
Mal 4:5-6 "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. (6) He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction."
Isaiah also speaks of a forerunner to the first coming, quotes parts of Mal 3:1, and again points to John the Baptist:
Isa 40:3-5 A voice of one calling: "In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (4) Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. (5) And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Matthew quotes Isa 40:3, specifically tying John the Baptist to Isaiah's prophecy, showing that the John the Baptist is indeed the forerunner of the first coming foretold in Mal 3:1.
Mat 3:1-6 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea (2) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (3) This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" (4) John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. (5) People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. (6) Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
Matthew also quotes Mal 3:1 in Mat 11:7-10 providing additional support that the text is speaking of John the Baptist.
Mat 11:7-10 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? (8) If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. (9) Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. (10) This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
The apostle John also refers to what Isa 40:3 says about John the Baptist:
Joh 1:23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"
Luke also records the coming of John the Baptist as announced by an angel to Zechariah. The angel points out that John will come "in the spirit and power of Elijah".
Luk 1:13-17 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. (14) He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, (15) for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. (16) He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. (17) And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
Jewish Leaders Confused
In the OT, Mal 3:1 and Isa 40:3-5 clearly point to a messenger that Matthew and John the Apostle reveal to be John the Baptist. Yet, Mal 4:5-6 clearly points to the prophet Elijah as coming before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. So according to prophecy, each will come at different times and for different purposes.
The Jewish leaders were confused and to try and sort it out they question John. John ties himself to the prophecies of Mal 3:1 and Isa 40:3-5 in response.
Joh 1:19-23 Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. (20) He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Messiah." (21) They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." (22) Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" (23) John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"
The “prophet” they were asking about is found in Deu 18:15-19.
Deu 18:15-19 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. (16) For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die." (17) The LORD said to me: "What they say is good. (18) I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. (19) I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.
The disciples were confused about the twofold coming of Jesus as well, first as suffering servant and second as the conquering King. Mar 9:9-13 makes it clear that "it is written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected". If the Kingdom had been set up at that time, then the sufferings of the first coming would have been unfulfilled.
Mar 9:9-13 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (10) They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant. (11) And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" (12) Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? (13) But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."
It seems that the Jewish leaders were only expecting one messenger, and yet, here is John the Baptist claiming to be that messenger according to scripture. This is not who they were expecting, they were expecting Elijah according to Mal 4:5-6.
Later on, Jesus gives the Jewish leadership a final exhortation prior to rescinding the Kingdom offer, telling them that if they would yet accept what the Law and the Prophets had to say about Him as Messiah, and were to accept Him as their Messiah, then John the Baptist would fulfill the role of Elijah the messenger, and the Messianic Kingdom would ensue.
Mat 11:11-14 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (12) From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. (13) For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. (14) And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
Vs. 12 speaking of the kingdom being taken by violence probably speaks of the resistance to John's version of the Kingdom with Jesus as King and the religious leaders attempting to bring about the Kingdom they had envisioned without the King.
Mat 23:13 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
The Impact of the Unforgivable Sin
Unfortunately for all of Israel, the Jewish leaders choosing to reject Jesus as Messiah and brought about the postponement of the Messianic Kingdom. The Jewish leadership's final act of defiance was attributing to Beelzebul, the prince of demons, the works of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This was called the "unforgivable sin", and was a national sin.
It is a forgone conclusion at this point that John would not fulfill the role of Elijah, but Elijah himself would take that place as prophesied in the future. Today, religious Jews who still are unbelievers who reject Jesus are still awaiting Elijah, as are Jewish and Gentile Christians. Elijah's arrival is a precursor to the great and dreadful day of the Lord and the Messianic Kingdom.
The Messianic Kingdom A Lost Opportunity
Sometime later, Peter, John and James had an encounter with Elijah in an event called the Transfiguration. Elijah and Moses appeared to them during this event. When the event was over, the disciples asked Jesus why the religious leaders kept saying that Elijah must come first.
To their way of thinking, Jesus was the Messiah and had come and was telling the disciples about His impending death, and yet, Elijah had not yet come. They were probably trying to sort this out.
Jesus' response was that Elijah had already come, but that the Jewish leaders had not recognized him. They had rejected the King that Elijah would have heralded, and brought about the postponement of the Messianic Kingdom.
Mat 17:10-13 The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" (11) Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. (12) But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." (13) Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
Conclusion
The net of what scripture says about Elijah is that John the Baptist could have fulfilled Elijah's role if the Jewish people and their leaders would have accepted the King. Since Israel's people and leaders did not accept the King, John did not fulfill the role of Elijah, and Elijah is still yet to come.
The Third Temple?
The Third Temple is also called the Tribulation Temple. This temple must be in existence during the middle of the Tribulation period, as evidenced through Daniel.
It is not known whether the temple will be built before or during the first part of the Tribulation. What scripture states is that it will exist during the middle. Since the sacrifices and offerings are taking place, the temple must be in place at least for a little while before the middle of the Tribulation is at hand.
Dan 9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."
Matthew also speaks of the "holy place", which is understood to be the temple as well, as per Dan 9:27.
Mat 24:15 "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand--
Paul explicitly refers to the temple in his letter to the Thessalonians.
2 Th 2:3-4 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
John also refers to the temple explicitly.
Rev 11:1-2 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. (2) But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.
As we read in Dan 9:27, once the temple is rebuilt, the Mosaic Law is re-instituted, however, God is not pleased with this temple. While God approved of the temple of Solomon and the temple of Zerubbabel, and He will approve of the Millennial temple (Eze 40-48), he does not approve of the Tribulation Temple. What God wants is for His people Israel to return to Him in faith. Here He speaks of a future day.
Isa 66:1-6 This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? (2) Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. (3) But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog's neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig's blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations; (4) so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me."
While God speaks of His displeasure with the unbelieving Jews, He is pleased with the Jewish Remnant, the Messianic Jews who believe in God's Son, Jesus.
(5) Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: "Your own people who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, 'Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!' Yet they will be put to shame. (6) Hear that uproar from the city, hear that noise from the temple! It is the sound of the LORD repaying his enemies all they deserve.
Some things to note...
Without the 1967 War, in which the city of Jerusalem was captured by Israel, this event would not have been able to come to pass. The 1967 War set the stage for the temple to be rebuilt by reclaiming the land it is to be built on.
It is interesting to note that as Israel was divided into the 12 Tribes, and maintained their ethnicity as Jews, which is an amazing feat in itself, but the members of the Tribe of Levi have also maintained not only their ethnicity as Jews, but their identity as descendants of the Tribe of Levi. This is important because according to Mosaic Law, only the members of the Tribe of Levi are authorized to conduct sacrifices. Who could have foreseen this?
It is interesting to look from Daniel, Matthew and John's time down through the ages to this event. All the way from 70AD till 1948 there was no home for the Jewish people, and here, at the end of the age, there is a Jewish Home that encompasses the Temple Mount site, and the Jewish people once again are living there. Amazing.
PROPHECY UPDATE with Pastors DON STEWART and JAMES KADDIS!!!
(Watch first 22 minutes).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9NxmDidMZE
Saudis Say Temple Mount and Al Aqsa Not Important to Islam
https://prophecytracker.org/2021/03/saudis-say-temple-mount-and-al-aqsa-not-important-to-islam-2/
Scholar: No connection between Temple Mt., Islam
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/204479
The Saudi's are turning from the Palestinians in favor of bringing about peace and prosperity by bringing about peace agreements with Israel. Several nations have already joined in this.
How Arab Ties With Israel Became the Middle East’s New Normal
(The United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Morocco, and Bahrain)
https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/12/21/arab-ties-israel-diplomacy-normalization-middle-east/
Netanyahu: Four More Arab-Israel Peace Deals On the Way
"Although the prime minister did not reveal which countries are involved, former senior White House adviser Jared Kushner may have already shared the information in an op-ed published by the Wall Street Journal, claiming Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Mauritania are on the way to reaching peace deals."
“The Arab world is no longer boycotting the Jewish state but betting that it will thrive. There are also several more countries on the brink of joining the Abraham Accords, including Oman, Qatar and Mauritania,” Kushner writes.
“These relationships should be pursued aggressively — every deal is a blow to those who prefer chaos. Most important, normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is in sight. . . The Saudi people are starting to see that Israel is not their enemy.”
Ezekiel speaks of Arab nations that will be protesting the Gog / Magog war against Israel by the Northern Federation.
Eze 38:13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, "Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?"'
Where is Saudi Arabia and Sheba?
Saudi Arabia Tourism Guide
https://www.saudiarabiatourismguide.com/dedan/
Where was the Land of Sheba?
https://biblereadingarcheology.com/2015/12/14/where-was-the-land-of-sheba/
This is why Peter admonishes us:
2 Pe 1:19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
