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Are We Living in the End Times? | Jonathan Brentner | Prophecy Watchers

July 24, 2025 1:01 pm / 1 Comment on Are We Living in the End Times? | Jonathan Brentner | Prophecy Watchers

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the chaos in the world? Wondering how to find lasting peace in uncertain times? Gary Stearman and Jonathan Brentner discuss how the pre-tribulation, premillennial approach is more than theology—it’s a message of comfort, clarity, and triumph for believers navigating perilous times. Whether you’re new to Bible prophecy or longing for deeper reassurance, this program will encourage your heart and strengthen your faith.

This May Explain Why America Disappears from End Time Prophecy | John MacArthur

July 18, 2025 6:59 am / 3 Comments on This May Explain Why America Disappears from End Time Prophecy | John MacArthur

Quantum Quandaries :: By Gary Ritter

May 11, 2025 2:39 pm / 4 Comments on Quantum Quandaries :: By Gary Ritter

If you thought these end times couldn’t get any stranger, then I’ve got news for you: we just entered another dimension – literally. You may have seen reports of the jaw-dropping statement made by Michael Kratsios, who is the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, otherwise known as the White House Tech Chief. On April 14 as part of a larger speech, Kratsios made this statement:

“Our technologies permit us to manipulate time and space.”

His next sentence was equally perplexing:

They [our technologies] leave distance annihilated, cause things to grow, and improve productivity.

Wait! He said what? What do these things mean?

Well, leave it to me to give you my layman’s best guess from a Christian, Bible prophecy perspective.

As often happens to me, I’ve been reading a fascinating science fiction series that – with exquisite timing – intersects with this public pronouncement of America’s technical capabilities. It also confirms my suspicions that what we the public are granted in the wisdom of our political savants is well behind the reality of where these developments actually are. In other words, technological advancement is much further along than what we in the general public are told at any given time. This pronouncement by the chief technical advisor to the White House would seem to be proof of this. We also have to ask why this is even being said right now? What’s the impetus for letting this proverbial cat out of the bag telling us that our scientific advancement is well beyond what we’ve thought?

Let’s dive into this briefly.

One novel I’ve been reading is titled Quantum Space, the first in the five-book Quantum Series by Douglas Phillips. These books would probably be considered “hard” science fiction similar to the book and movie, The Martian by Andy Weir.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to hard science, I’m at my worst. Biology, chemistry, and physics in school were usually well above my capacity to grasp their concepts. When I come across books like Quantum Space you have to understand that I’m approaching them in my general ignorance of science. To that end, where actual scientific discoveries leave off and fictional speculation begins is pretty hard – for me, anyway – to discern. That said, based on the Afterward written by the author, at least the basics of what are conveyed in the novel are fact.

Quantum physics is, as the Brave browser AI summary states:

. . . the branch of physics that explains how everything works by describing the behavior of particles that make up matter and the forces with which they interact.

There are concepts within this that are complex and far-reaching, including String Theory, Entanglement, and the idea of there being ten dimensions, i.e. seven more than what we can typically perceive in our 3-D space. It has been said fairly reliably that the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland regularly pierces the dimensional barriers. However, there is another, somewhat smaller collider – or particle accelerator – located at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, i.e. Fermilab, in Batavia, Illinois. It is also involved in extremely cutting-edge research and discoveries. Whether this is for better or worse is another issue altogether, and we’ll get to that momentarily.

In the book, as the plot progresses, what the scientists are able to do at Fermilab is at the heart of this Commentary. They have discovered a way to send into, and bring back, objects from a 4^th dimension of space. In so doing they also project a video camera into this dimension providing the ability to see in that context. It’s quite strange and a way to comprehend it just a little is with the example given in the story.

A little book titled Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions was originally written and published in 1884. It’s available on Amazon, and apparently a movie has been made about it. The essence is that rather than the 3-D space we inhabit, Flatland involves a world which is only 2-D, i.e. it is a 2-dimensional world which has no height perspective. It is as though a world exits on an absolutely flat piece of paper. Anything outside of the length and width dimensions cannot be perceived by the inhabitants of that world. This is the analogy for us to consider 4-D space. We simply cannot apprehend it with any of our senses that are geared toward our 3-dimensional world.

What the quantum technology described in the Quantum Space book suggests is that the key to – not only seeing – but doing something with 4-D space, can be achieved via a complex mathematical formula that is put into practice at Fermilab. Since the book was written in 2017, what was true then may be far exceeded today. However, the author’s Afterward suggests that this aspect I’m about to describe was a speculative extension of the actual current technology. Regardless, it does make a kind of sense to me. In the book, he mentions a breakthrough formula which deals with the key to accessing 4-D space through a quantum process that involves the critical capabilities of compression and expansion; compression being the fundamental aspect. What is true or not true today may vary, but at the time of the book’s writing, this was not a real and/or provable concept. Yet, given the exponential increase in scientific understanding, now eight years later, this certainly could be on the way to being science fact and not fiction.

From Flatland, picture an accordion-like structure intersecting the 2-D space and extending into a third dimension. Flatland people cannot see it or do anything with it as it is outside their sensory range. This accordion can compress and expand just as the actual instrument does. If an object is at the far end of the accordion, which is extending out into the third dimension, when the accordion is completely collapsed/compressed that object would be seen and available in Flatland’s 2-dimensional space.

Now, consider a similar capability into 4-D space. When the further end of the accordion is compressed all the way, an object at that far distance in the 4^th dimension is now accessible in our 3-D space. Thus, a planet that is light-years away through this compression is now only moments in distance from us. The book’s author expresses this as an ability to compress distance by a factor of one million times or more.

Think about the Star Trek Transporter that can be used on a small or much grander scale. If this quantum technology actually works – or could work as pictured in this novel – space research and even exploratory travel becomes as simple as placing a video camera in a box and taking close-up pictures of Saturn, or of stepping into a device and being transported instantly to the target object at the end of the accordion that is thousands of lightyears away. Who needs spaceships? Fermilab becomes the new NASA.

You can see how intriguing this is for the scientific community. Perhaps you can also begin to picture what the White House Tech Chief might possibly have been alluding to. Remember what he said:

“Our technologies permit us to manipulate time and space.”

What I’ve just described concerning quantum technology certainly begins to ring some alarm bells, doesn’t it? Just to add to the intrigue, recall that he also said:

They [our technologies] leave distance annihilated, cause things to grow, and improve productivity.

Factor this into the description I’ve given and see where that takes you.

Another aspect of all this science and potential is the saga of UFOs and aliens that over the years have intersected with earth in various ways. Not only have Hollywood and various sci-fi authors dealt with this issue, but so has the Pentagon more and more in recent years. This short, linked video from the Reese Report discusses a little of how our government has played with this over the years.

Basically, besides reporting UFO sightings, there is the cryptic and intriguing suggestion that we have been in contact with aliens, and they have provided us with various technologies. This is where we get into the Biblical realm.

Given the dramatic actions that UFOs seem able to take based on video evidence – i.e. achieving incredible speeds, making 90-degree turns on a dime, and popping into and out of sight – perhaps some of the quantum discoveries help us to understand this.

First of all, I don’t for a quantum second believe that there are actual aliens from other worlds. I absolutely believe that all of this interaction is a result of demonic activity that originates from a divine dimension that we are not normally privy to.

For our UFOs it seems to me that their dramatic capabilities are because they can go into and out of this other dimension. We could even call it the 4^th dimension we’ve been discussing. It is apparently this dimension that CERN is able to pierce with its frightening apparitions of demonic beings that we’ve been told about. Of course, the question is: What haven’t they told us?

When Fermilab invades this 4^th dimension with its quantum technology, will they actually reach into farthest space, or into the demonic realm? Are our scientists being deceived that we can achieve Star Trek capabilities to manipulate time and space, and to leave distance annihilated? If we open these dimensional doors further, à la CERN or Fermilab, what might actually happen when certain prophetic timings are right?

Likewise, this whole business of collaborating with aliens and their technology is a major set-up, in my estimation, for the coming 7-year Tribulation. I’ve postulated previously that many of the incredible high-tech scientific discoveries come from a demonic source because of the access the rebellious Sons of God have had to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil since time immemorial. How difficult is it for a powerful demonic being to deceive willing, God-hating, mankind? I’ve discussed the powerful ability of angels to cast extremely life-like visions in various Prophecy Updates, including Alien Invasion and 6^thBowl Frogs are Aliens.

All this makes me wonder what the “aliens” have told and shown our global rulers, plus military and political folks, who want so much to believe that they know better and are actually in control? I can only say that they are in for a massive and memorable surprise in the not-too-distant future. We may see some aspects of this Alien Revelation before the Lord come to Rapture us out of here. However, once the Tribulation begins, all bets are off and the full force of Satan’s wrath, along with that of his willing rebellious accomplices in the demonic realm, will be off the charts.

Each day we’re treated – if I can use that word – to ever greater deceptions among the vast majority of mankind. Jesus said that even the elect would be deceived without Holy Spirit discernment, and those who come to Christ during this terrible time ahead would perish, if He didn’t halt the carnage to come as the Lord of Hosts at the appropriate moment.

Our job as always, is to keep our eyes open and to view the world through a Biblical, prophetic lens. By staying alert in this manner, we’ll be prepared for what comes next and never be taken by surprise.

https://garyritter.com/blog/

You May Never Be the Same :: By Jan Markell

April 24, 2025 2:38 pm / 4 Comments on You May Never Be the Same :: By Jan Markell

Holocaust Memorial Day this year in Israel spans April 23-24. I met a Holocaust survivor a few decades ago, and I may never be the same. When I connected with Anita Dittman, I had her recount her harrowing story. She captivated me. Had you met her, you might never be the same either.

Anita and I spent weeks together as she relayed a story of deprivation, marginalization, starvation, separation, loneliness, isolation, fear, and faith. How could this woman, then in her 50s, even stand up straight? She had lifted 100-pound items as a teenager as the Nazis perpetrated forced labor on her and her mother. They had been abandoned by her Aryan father.

She had made two failed escapes from concentration camps. She didn’t have sufficient food for 12 years. At one point, she sent all of her meager rations to her mother, who entered a camp before Anita was taken.

Once in a camp herself months later, Anita chopped down trees in a forest in the bitter winter with barely enough clothing on. At the end of the war, she walked across part of Europe on a wounded and infected leg to see if her mother had survived Camp Theresienstadt.

God’s Breathtaking Intervention

Was I just looking at a living miracle? I think so—and this survival story would go on to leave a lasting mark on millions of people. A fertile imagination could not make up the scenes and scenarios that were a part of her life from ages 5 to 17. God’s constant intervention was nothing less than breathtaking.

Tyndale House published Angels in the Camp in 1980 – just one version of a book that would have almost a 40-year lifespan, assorted publishers, and more than one title. Books have short shelf lives. Only a few classic stories survive the test of time, as has Anita Dittman’s story.

The Messiah’s Faithfulness

Anita’s book, now titled Trapped in Hitler’s Hell: A Young Jewish Girl Discovers the Messiah’s Faithfulness in the Midst of the Holocaust, has affected people around the world, of all ages. Grade school children sat motionless as she related her ordeal in person until age 88. They have no concept of war, concentration camps, deprivation, and starvation. They don’t know the meaning of the word separation other than waving goodbye as they head to summer camp.

Teenagers who lead a carefree life were stunned at her testimony and wrote her from many countries. Their world knows nothing of the dreaded knock on the door when family members are hauled off by the jack-booted, heartless Gestapo.

Demonstrating God’s Forgiveness

Every fall Anita Dittman stood behind a book table at my annual prophecy conference and signed hundreds of her books, now published by Lighthouse Trails. A German lady came up to her one year and wept. She apologized for the insanity of the Third Reich. What were they thinking? Anita always forgave these folks.

When Government Becomes God

The decades have raced by, but during that time, millions more have learned that letting government become god as the Germans did is not a good idea. Today in 2025, she would be 96 if she were still alive. Her life verse was Romans 8:28 – that all things do work together for good for those who love God. Anita reminded every audience of that. That we really are under the shadow of His protective wings (Psalm 91:4).

Never Again Is Now

Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel, is just a few days away this year, and Jews of the world will collectively say, “Never again!” In Israel, cars will stop when a siren wails, and many will stand at attention wherever they are. Israeli children will climb off their toys and stand motionless for two minutes.

Yet a world without God will continue to oppress and persecute. The targets will be heavily Jews and Christians. Please don’t forget those who languish under deplorable conditions, and never forget that one single tyrant can unleash a nightmare on millions of innocent people.

Hating Jews is the oldest pastime. It’s the oldest hatred. It not only never dies, it gets worse every year. That is evident from the carnage on October 7, 2023, near Gaza. Not everyone will even finish reading this article. It is just of little interest to many. Or, they have sympathy for Hamas.

The Holocaust is ancient history—and yet it keeps resurfacing in different times and places. But in 2025, it is accentuated as the world cheers for Hamas and denounces the Jews.

I never thought I would see the day. Nor did you if you are honest. “Never again” is now, as we race towards the Tribulation, when the Jews will be the focus of the Antichrist and his short-term kingdom. Today is just a warm-up act.

Zechariah 12: The War Before Armageddon – By Bill Salus

March 1, 2025 8:49 am / 1 Comment on Zechariah 12: The War Before Armageddon – By Bill Salus

The overwhelming vast majority of conservative Bible teachers strongly believe that the war in Zechariah 12 will take place at Armageddon when all the nations of the earth come to attack Israel. Then, as per Zechariah 14 and Revelation 19, the Lord single-handedly destroys these invading armies. However, every Bible translation of Zechariah 12 has Israel, with the help of the Lord, militarily defeating all the peoples that came to attack them.

The Zechariah 12 war happens in the future when the Arab nations sharing common borders with Israel besiege Jerusalem and Judah. These invaders are soundly defeated by Israel’s military with the Lord’s help.

Conversely, the war of Armageddon in Zechariah 14 is a totally separate war that takes place subsequently when all the nations of the earth with their armies attack only the city of Jerusalem. In this siege, they successfully capture half the city, which leaves Israel in a completely defenseless situation. Thus, the Lord steps in, and He personally defeats all the world armies in Revelation 19:15-21.

The primary purpose of this in-depth Bible prophecy study is to show that Zechariah 12:1-9 IS NOT dealing with ARMAGEDDON but IS dealing with the conclusion of the ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT. This conflict is the topic explored at the end of this article.

The Separate War of Zechariah 12:1-9

The three verses below mostly explain what happens in the Zechariah 12 war.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem” (Zech. 12:2).

“’In that day,’ says the Lord, ‘I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness’” (Zech. 12:4).

“In that day I will make the governors of JUDAH like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; THEY shall DEVOUR all the SURROUNDING PEOPLES on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem” (Zech. 12:6, NKJV; emphasis added).

In Zech. 12:2, the surrounding people lay siege on Judah and Jerusalem. In Zech. 12:4, the Lord divinely intervenes to level the playing field. Zech. 12:6 points out that after the Lord intervenes, Israel decisively defeats the surrounding peoples.

The key to understanding this separate war is to recognize that these verses above only identify “the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left hand” of Israel. This is in contrast to “all the nations” of the world that are included in the Armageddon Campaign in Zechariah 14:2 and elsewhere.

All Bible translations of Zech. 12:2 clearly identify only the neighboring nations that share common borders with Israel. A few examples are included below.

“cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples” (NKJV)

“cup of reeling unto all the peoples round about” (ASV)

“cup brings dizziness to all the surrounding nations” (NET)

“cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling” (NIV)

“intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger” (NLT)

“cup of poison to the nations around her” (NCV)

The Hebrew word that identifies these peoples round about Israel is “Sabib,” and it means, “On every side, places round about, round about in a circuit, in the circuit from every side, a circle, a neighbor, or within all the confines of its border.” This word is used in both Zech. 12:2 and 6 to single out the Arab states that border Israel.

One of the first uses of this word in the Bible makes this clear in the verse below.

“And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in (Sabib), all the borders round about,” were made sure” (Genesis 23:17, KJV; emphasis added).

No part of Zechariah 12 appears to prophesy about the Armageddon Campaign, but for centuries, and even continuing today, most all commentaries connect Armageddon with Zechariah 12.

Here are important questions for those who teach the war in Zechariah 12 is part of the Armageddon scenario.

1.) If Zechariah 12 involves “all the nations of the earth,” why are there no Bible translations that have “all the nations of the earth” besieging Jerusalem in Zech. 12:2?

2.) Similarly, why are there no Bible translations that have “all the nations of the earth” identified in Zech 12:6, whereby the IDF defeats only the surrounding peoples on Israel’s “right hand and on the left?”

3.) If Zechariah 12 takes place at Armageddon, do you believe that in the Armageddon scenario, the Lord will divinely intervene (Zech. 12:4) and empower the IDF (Zech. 12:6) to militarily defeat the Antichrist and “all the nations of the earth?”

4.) Many Bible teachers believe that America will be among all the nations of the earth that will attack Jerusalem at Armageddon. Do you think that, as per Zech 12:6, the IDF will soundly defeat America at Armageddon?

5.) According to Zech. 13:8-9, only one-third of the Jews will survive the Jewish genocide of the Antichrist. These killings happen around the same time as the Armageddon campaign. This remnant will likely become refugees fleeing for their survival. Do you think that Israel’s army at this time will be able to defeat “all the nations of the earth,” including the USA and China (the Kings of the East)?

6.) How can Zechariah 12:2,4-9, whereby the Lord divinely assists and empowers the IDF to defeat the peoples surrounding Israel, actually take place at Armageddon, if according to Zechariah 14, Isaiah 63 and Revelation 19, the Lord HIMSELF, at Armageddon without any IDF help, defeats “all the nations of the earth?”

Comparing the Wars of Zechariah 12:1-9 and Zechariah 14:1-3

“Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle” (Zech. 14:1-3).

The passage above declares the Lord will gather all nations to battle against Jerusalem. These international armies wage a highly SUCCESSFUL SIEGE against the Holy City, “the city shall be taken.”

In this scenario, Jerusalem does not become a cup of trembling to the surrounding Arab states, nor to the invading world armies. If anything trembles, it’s the Jews as they witness the ransacking of their houses and the raping of their women. Moreover, capturing Jerusalem is no longer impeded by a burdensome, immovable stone but is easily conquered.

I mention this point because Zechariah 12:3 likens Jerusalem to an immovable rock, “on that day” when God turns Jerusalem into a cup of trembling.

“On that day I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt themselves” (Zechariah 12:3, NLT).

Because this verse says, “all the nations,” the tendency of many has been to connect this with “all the nations” in Zechariah 14:2 and Armageddon. The potential problems with this are:

In Zech. 14:2, there is no immovable stone creating an obstacle to the capturing of Jerusalem.
Zech. 12:3 happens “on that day” that Israel in Zech. 12:6successfully fends off the siege of the surrounding Arab states and not at Armageddon.

Subsequent to this successful conquest of Jerusalem in Zech 14:2, Jesus Christ single-handedly defeats the Antichrist and his armies in fulfillment of Rev 19:11-21. The differences between the Zech. 12:2-6 siege against Jerusalem is starkly different than the one in Zech. 14:2-3. The comparisons are below.

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*Pre-Tribulation timing is because in the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation Period, Israel is living peacefully as a result of the covenant in Daniel 9:27. Dwelling in this condition, they are not likely at war with the surrounding nations. Then in the second 3 ½ years of the Tribulation Period, the Jews are fleeing from the genocidal attempt of the Antichrist and unable to make war with the surrounding peoples. This timing sequence is explained in more detail in my FUTURE WAR Prophecies book.

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Comparing the Wars of Zechariah 12:1-9 and Revelation 16:12-16

Revelation 16:12-16 deals with the events that occur within the Sixth Bowl Judgment, which happens toward the latter part of the Seven-Year Tribulation Period. The details are summarized below.

“Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared” (Rev. 16:12).

In this bowl judgment, the kings of the east make their way to the Middle East by crossing over a dried-up Euphrates River. These eastern kings are commonly taught to be the leaders from China and other Asian nations. They, along with many other world leaders, are persuaded by three powerful demonic beings to gather together for a final war against God, which is referred to as “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”

“For they (three frog-like beings) are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:14; emphasis added).

“And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon” (Rev. 16:16).

The differences between Zech. 12:2-6 and Rev. 16:12-16 are identified below. These comparisons strongly suggest that these are two distinctly different wars.

Comparing the Wars of Zechariah 12:1-9 and Revelation 19:19-21

Thus far, I have demonstrated the stark contrasts between Zech. 12 and Zech. 14 and also between Zech. 12 and Rev. 16. Now I’ll attempt to disconnect Zech. 12 from Rev. 19.

“And I saw the beast [the Antichrist], the kings of the earth, and their [international] armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him [Jesus Christ], who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh” (Rev. 19:19-21, NKJV; emphasis added).

Other Comparative Arguments

So it seems to be strike one, two and three for a strikeout on the potential of Zechariah 14, Revelation 16, Revelation 19 to connect with Zechariah 12:1-9. However, there are a few more questions to answer to safely suggest that Zechariah 12 is not part of Armageddon.

Zechariah 12:9mentions “all the nations”; doesn’t that identify “all the nations” that gather together for the Armageddon scenario?
Zechariah 12:3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11informs the events happen “In that day”; isn’t that alluding to “The Day of the Lord” that takes place at Armageddon?
If Zechariah 12:10-14is fulfilled early on in the Millennium, then why wouldn’t Zech. 12:2-9, happen just prior at Armageddon?

My answers to these three questions are provided at this link.

How Psalm 83 Connects with Zechariah 12

Could this war in Zechariah 12:2-9, in which the Lord supernaturally empowers the IDF to fight and achieve a decisive military victory over the neighboring people surrounding Israel, be the result of the answered imprecatory prayer of Asaph in Psalm 83?

Zechariah 12:1-9 seems to tell us how the Arab-Israeli conflict ends. This will not happen politically, but rather, it will conclude militarily. The surrounding Arab states, alongside the Palestinians, will make a final attempt to wipe Israel off the map and take over Judah and Jerusalem. It will be an unsuccessful siege that the IDF will decisively defeat.

These surrounding peoples are identified in the prophecy of Psalm 83 and many other scriptures. The central theme within the Psalm is the intent by these Arabs to destroy Israel so thoroughly that even the name of Israel would be forgotten forever.

“’Come,’ they say, ‘let us wipe out Israel as a nation. We will destroy the very memory of its existence’” (Psalm 83:4, NLT).

They seek to possess Jerusalem, Judah, and all of Israel.

“For they said, ‘Let us seize for our own use these pasturelands of God’” (Psalm 83:12, NLT).

These belligerents are identified in my book and companion DVD entitled The FUTURE WAR Prophecies. Also available to read for free online is my article entitled “God Helps Israel Defeat the Arab Armies: (Zechariah 12:1-6).” This article presents a good commentary on Zechariah 12:1-6.

Some teach Psalm 83 is simply a prayer, but below are a couple of quotes from respected theologians that rebut this idea.

John Peter Lange is a well-respected theologian and the author of the Lange Commentary on the Holy Scripture, which was published in 1877. He points out that those combined against Israel are never mentioned elsewhere as enemies allied at the same time and for the purpose of annihilating Israel. Lange notes:

“With regard to the time of composition, the following difficulty meets us. The ten nations who are here enumerated as being combined against Israel are never mentioned elsewhere as enemies allied at the same time and for the purpose of annihilating Israel.”

In addition, Lange notes there were some individuals during his time who taught that the Psalm was just a general idea about enemies from all sides of Israel. However, Lange believed that the details found in Psalm 83:8 were unfavorable to this view. Here is how he explains it:

“And yet the expressions are of such a nature that we cannot be inclined to consider this enumeration as only a poetical individualizing of the general idea: enemies from all sides (De Wette, Hupfeld). The position of Assyria as an auxiliary of the sons of Lot, that is, of the Moabites and Ammonites, is especially unfavorable to this view.”

Psalm 83:8 points out that Assyria, one of the ten confederate members, actively helps “the children of Lot” in this war prophecy. In modernity, Assyria represents Syria and Iraq; and Lot’s children, who were Ammon and Moab, are Jordan today.

“Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. Selah” (Psalm 83:8, NKJV).

The next commentary on Psalm 83 below is from Bible scholar Merrill F. Unger, who was a professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. The following words were published in his book in 2002 entitled Unger’s Commentary on the Old Testament on pages 866-867.

“This psalm is the last of the Asaph series (Psalms 73-83), of which prophetically glimpse Israel’s future trouble and deliverance into Kingdom blessing…. Probably its fulfillment will come in some pan-Arabic coalition and attack on the Israeli State before the church is taken out, or at least before Daniel’s seventieth week begins.”

Thus Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12 are seemingly related prophecies. By the time Zechariah 12:2-9 happens, the following prophecies should also happen concurrently or already have been fulfilled and none of these seem to be part of Armageddon:

Jeremiah 12:14-17,
Ezekiel 28:20-26,
Psalm 83 and the peripheral prophecies below.

IDF vs SYRIA (Isaiah 17:9, Jer. 49:23-27)
IDF vs HEZBOLLAH (LEBANON) (Psalm 83:7, Ezek. 28:20-24)
IDF vs PALESTINIANS (Obadiah 1:18, Ezek. 25:14, Psalm 83:6)
IDF vs HAMAS (GAZA) (Zeph 2:4, Ezek. 25:13-14, Psalm 83:7)
IDF vs JORDAN (Isaiah 11:14, Jer. 49:2, Ezek. 25:14)
IDF vs EGYPT (Isaiah 19:1-18, Psalm 83:6)
IDF vs SAUDI ARABIA (Ezek. 25:14, Jer. 49:8)
IDF vs HOSTILE NEIGHBORS (Zechariah 12:6, Ezek. 28:24-26)

I’ll conclude with a final quote from my dear friend, Dr. David Reagan, on Zechariah 12. David used to teach that Zechariah 12 was part of Armageddon, but after reading my teachings and doing his own extensive research now recognizes that it’s not likely part of Armageddon.

David Reagan, “The Wars of the End Times, Part 2.”

“The first the War of Israeli Extermination is described in Psalm 83. Psalm 83 states that the immediate neighbors of Israel will launch a war for the purpose of wiping out Israel as a nation…. The outcome of the war is not specifically stated in Psalm 83, but we know from other Scriptures that Israel will be victorious. For example, Zechariah 12:6 says, “That in the end times Israel will be like a firepot among pieces of wood, and a flaming torch among sheaths so that that they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples.” … “Bill Salus believes this war of annihilation will boomerang on the Arab nations and will result in their overwhelming defeat producing great territorial expansion, enhanced national resources for Israel, and yes, peace for Israel.””

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Prophetic Proof: Jerusalem and Judah Belong to the Jews – By Bill Salus

March 1, 2025 8:46 am / Leave a comment

This article will prove prophetically through Zechariah 12:1, as supported by a sequence of historically fulfilled foretold events, that Jerusalem and Judah belongs exclusively to the Jews. This article concludes with this proof.

Zechariah’s prophecies in chapter 12:1-9, foretell of a coming siege upon Judah and Jerusalem by the surrounding Arab states. Presently, these Arabs contest Israel’s rightful sovereign claims over Judah and Jerusalem. These Muslim countries believe that Jerusalem is Islam’s third holiest city and that Judah is under Jewish occupation, but actually belongs to the Palestinians. Ultimately, the Arabs will try to forcefully take over Judah and Jerusalem. Below is a brief overview of this future siege in Zechariah 12:2,4,6.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 12:2; KJV)

In that day, the Lord will intervene to prevent this. First, by making Jerusalem likened to a cup of trembling, dizziness or intoxication in some translations. This will initially stagger their efforts, but then secondly, they are hit with three heavy supernatural blows.

“In that day,” says the Lord, “I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.” (Zech. 12:4)

Remember that when Zechariah wrote, the soldiers rode into battle upon horses, rather than flew in on fighter jets or drove military tanks. Therefore, I will translate these events into modern-day warfare concepts.

The LORD will level the field by the following three supernatural blows;

1. “I will strike every horse with confusion.” This suggests that debilitating malfunctions might occur within the Arab artilleries with their jets, tanks, weapons, transport vehicles, etc.

2. “I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness.” This implies that the military equipment malfunctions will cause panic and hysteria among the soldiers. By now Jerusalem will certainly become a cup of trembling to these Arab attackers.

3. “I will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.” To top off the failed equipment, it seems that the military GPS guidance and radar systems also quit working.

Now, with the divine interventions above, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are able to decisively defeat the attackers.”

“In that day I will make the governors of JUDAH (IDF) like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; THEY shall DEVOUR all the SURROUNDING (Arab) PEOPLES on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem.” (Zech. 12:6, NKJV; emphasis added)

This siege is unsuccessful! Key words are in bold font above to show that the attackers are from the surrounding Arab armies and not international armies. The world armies will subsequently make a siege upon Jerusalem in Zechariah 14:1-2 and it will succeed, but that is part of the Armageddon campaign and not the Arab siege.

For more details about both the Arab and subsequent Armageddon sieges read my articles entitled, “God Helps Israel Defeat the Arab Armies: (Zechariah 12:1-6),” and “Zechariah 12: The War Before Armageddon.”

Jerusalem and Judah Belong to the Jews

Now, it’s time to prove prophetically that Jerusalem and Judah both belong to the Jews. Zechariah 12:1 intentionally quotes from Isaiah 44:2 4-28. Isaiah prophesied between approximately 740-701 BC. Zechariah began his prophetic ministry about 200 years later in 520 BC.

“The burden of the word of the Lord against Israel. Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him.” (Zechariah 12:1)[i]

This sovereign declaration serves as the Lord’s certificate of authenticity concerning Zechariah’s prophecy. This acknowledgment was first made around 720 BC in Isaiah 44.

“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: (forms the spirit of man within him) “I am the LORD, Who made all things, who stretched out the heavens alone, who (lays the foundation and) spread out the earth—Who was with me. Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, And drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, And makes their knowledge foolishness; Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be inhabited,’ To the cities of Judah, ‘You shall be built,’ And I will raise up her waste places; Who says to the deep, ‘Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers’; Who says of Cyrus, (King of Persia 600-530 BC) ‘He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.”’ (Isaiah 44:24-28; emphasis added)

This Isaiah prophecy was issued over a century before Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians around 586 BC. Isaiah essentially stated that, as sure as the Lord single-handedly stretches out the heavens and spreads abroad the earth, the Jews would rebuild Jerusalem and Judah.

Isaiah was clearly issuing a future prophecy because during his time, Jerusalem was inhabited and the cities of Judah had already been built. In essence, Isaiah anticipated the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah by the Babylonians and the subsequent need to restore it.

Isaiah 44:26 prophesied that Jerusalem would be inhabited with Jews and the cities of Judah would be rebuilt by Jews. Isaiah 44:28 proclaimed over 150 years in advance, that King Cyrus of Persia would issue the command for the restoration of Jerusalem and Judah.

In 539 BC the Persian King Cyrus conquered the Babylonians and according to Ezra 1:2-4, he immediately commanded the Jews to return to Israel to rebuild the Jewish Temple and restore the devastation in Judah.

“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people, (the Jews)? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:2-4, NKJV; emphasis added)

Zechariah’s generation served as the living fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. His generation was the one that again re-inhabited Jerusalem and rebuilt the cities of Judah that the Babylonians had destroyed. Thus, his repeat declaration of Isaiah 44:24 is intended to leave no doubt that both Judah and Jerusalem were exclusively sovereign to the Jews.

PROPHECY fulfilled HISTORICALLY is the best PROOF AVAILABLE!

Zechariah 12:1, which called to remembrance Isaiah’s prophecy about King Cyrus, clearly declared that the Jews possessed God given sovereignty over all of Jerusalem and Judah. King Cyrus commanded the Jews, not the Arabs, to return to Israel and restore their homeland.

Zechariah 12:2 foretells that someday Israel’s rightful claims to these areas would be falsely and forcibly contested by the surrounding Arab peoples. They will attempt a final siege upon Judah and Jerusalem, which Zechariah 12:6 informs will end the Arab-Israeli conflict.

[i] Zechariah 12 verses are taken from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

______________________________________________________________________

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Why Israel Will Likely Strike Iran’s Nuclear Sites :: By Bill Salus

January 23, 2025 1:50 pm / 1 Comment on Why Israel Will Likely Strike Iran’s Nuclear Sites :: By Bill Salus

“Conditions are ripe to strike Iran’s nuclear program, sec. official says“

“Iran has never been more vulnerable to strikes against its nuclear capabilities,” the official said.… The official added that Israel will not allow a nuclear Iran and, therefore, will continue to prepare to strike the nuclear project.” (Jerusalem Post – 11/22/24)[i]

Don’t be surprised to wake up one nearby morning to this sort of headline, “Israel Conducts Pre-emptive Strikes Against Iran’s Nuclear Sites.” Day by day this scenario becomes more likely. In fact, on October 26, 2024, Israel struck and destroyed Iran’s top-secret nuclear weapons research facility in Parchin.

“Israel destroyed secret Iranian nuke site in October strikes“

“The facility in Parchin was completely destroyed during Israel’s Oct. 26 attack on Iran, according to satellite imagery.” (JNS – 11/16/24)[ii]

This timely article will explore the menu of reasons why Israel will likely soon strike Iran’s nuclear site(s). The reasons will be identified numerically below in no specific order of importance and then expounded upon subsequently.

The Menu of Reasons Israel Will Likely Strike

Israel has a history of striking nuclear facilities.
Israel holds to the “Begin Doctrine” established by Menachem Begin in 1981.
Israel has vowed to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Israel has destroyed Iran’s primary missile defense systems, rendering Iran vulnerable to an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities.
Israel will likely have America’s approval through the presidency of Donald Trump.
Israel will not likely face severe retaliation from Iran’s proxies.
Israel has destroyed most of Syria’s missile defense systems, which enables more freedom to fly safely to Iran over Syrian air space.
Israel has to act now because Iran is on the fast track to obtaining several nuclear bombs.
An ancient Bible prophecy in Jeremiah 49:34-39 may foretell of such a nuclear strike.

1.Israel has a history of striking nuclear facilities.

In modern history, Israel has destroyed two nuclear reactors in the Middle East. One in Iraq and the other in Syria.

Operation Opera in (Iraq): In a surprise attack on June 7, 1981, which was the 14-year anniversary of Israel’s Six-Day War against Egypt, Syria and Jordan, Israel destroyed Iraq’s unfinished Osirak nuclear reactor. This is when the “Begin Doctrine” was established. This doctrine will be discussed next.

Operation Orchard (Syria): Acting in accordance with the “Begin Doctrine,” on September 6, 2007, Israel conducted a preemptive airstrike that destroyed a suspected nuclear reactor at the Al Kibar site in Syria.

2.Israel holds to the “Begin Doctrine” established by Menachem Begin in 1981.

“The Begin doctrine is the common term for the Israeli government’s preventive strike, counter-proliferation policy regarding their potential enemies’ capability to possess weapons of mass destruction (WMD), particularly nuclear weapons…. The doctrine itself was enunciated by Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in June 1981, following Israel’s attack on Iraq’s nuclear reactor Osirak in Operation Opera. The doctrine remains a feature of Israeli security planning.” [iii]

The Wikipedia quote above provides a good explanation of the Begin (Menachem) Doctrine. The interesting story behind the implementation of this doctrine was told to me by Israeli envoy to the USA Yoram Ettinger in 2014 at a breakfast meeting. White House correspondent Bill Koenig and I sat down together with Yoram and asked him if he thought Israel would strike Iran’s nuclear site(s). His response is provided in the story below.

Sometime in the first half of 1981, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin called together all of Israel’s top military and key political leaders in a closed-door meeting to discuss how to handle Iraq’s nuclear program. The potential of Iraq possessing a nuclear weapon posed an existential threat to the Jewish state.

Begin sought the leader’s opinions about the potential outcomes of an Israeli pre-emptive strike upon Iraq’s Osirak unfinished nuclear reactor. They were not in favor of such a strike for the following reasons:

It could incite the entire Muslim world to unite against Israel in a massive war that might potentially wipe Israel off of the map.
It could cause strong condemnation by the international community, including America and the Western world, because they were mostly supporting Iraq in its war against Iran.
This international condemnation could lead to harsh sanctions that could topple Israel’s economy.

Additional adverse conditions were also mentioned and the consensus was that this would be a BAD MOVE! Begin respectfully thanked all of his top confidants and then responded by saying something along the lines of, “If we don’t destroy the reactor and Iraq gets a nuclear weapon, this could result in the end of the Jewish state.” He concluded by stating, “We will strike Iraq NOW!”

Shortly thereafter, Israel destroyed the Osirak reactor, and none of the above concerns manifested as a result. This scenario is what led to the implementation of the Begin Doctrine, which is still in place and understood by Israel’s present political and military leaders. Thus, a pre-emptive strike on nuclear reactors has a historical precedent with Israel.

3.Israel has vowed to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

“Israel’sNetanyahu says will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons” (Reuters – 4/12/21)[iv]

The Reuters quote above dates back to 2021, which shows that for a long time, Israel has pledged that Iran will not allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon. As the headline below evidenced, this pledge even dates back before the JCPOA Iranian nuclear agreement was implemented in 2015. Presently, this pledge is still in effect.

“Netanyahu: Israel Won’t Allow Iran To Get Nuclear Bomb“ (Radio Free Europe – 10/1/13)[v]

4.Israel has destroyed Iran’s primary missile defense systems, rendering Iran vulnerable to an Israeli strike on its nuclear facilities.

“Israel took out primary Iranian air defenses, left it ‘essentially naked’”

“Sources tell Fox News airstrikes destroyed remaining three S-300 batteries; Israeli official says ‘majority of Iran’s air defense was taken out’” (Times of Israel – 10/30/24)[vi]

On October 1, 2024, Iran launched about two hundred ballistic missiles at targets in Israel. Fortunately for Israel, they were mostly ineffective. Subsequently, in a retaliatory strike into Iran on October 26, 2024, Israel destroyed a majority of Iran’s missile defenses rendering it essentially defenseless to a future Israeli strike upon Iran’s nuclear sites.

5.Israel will likely have America’s approval through the presidency of Donald Trump.

“Trump Team Weighs Options, Including Airstrikes, to Stop Iran’s Nuclear Program” (Wall Street Journal – 12/13/24)[vii]

According to the WSJ headline above, Donald Trump is already considering the option of airstrikes upon Iran’s nuclear program. Thus, it would be unlikely that he would oppose an Israeli strike. In fact, the headline below suggests that Trump is in favor of Israel going after Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“Trump urges Israel to take out Iran nuclear facilities, rips Biden for urging Jewish state to show restraint” (New York Post – 10/5/24)[viii]

“Report: Israel thinks Trump will back IDF strike on Iran nuke program or order US hit” (Times of Israel – 1/6/25)[ix]

6.Israel will not likely face severe retaliation from Iran’s proxies.

“Iran in a ‘position of unprecedented weakness’ after the fall of Assad in Syria“ (France 24 – 12/9/24 )[x]

Syria, under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad was a major proxy of Iran. Assad allowed Iran to send weapons through Syria to Hezbollah. However, Assad’s government has fallen, and Assad has fled to Russia for asylum. In addition, Israel has destroyed the Syrian shipping corridor that Iran used, which has restricted Iran’s ability to further supply Hezbollah with much needed missiles and weapons.

“Hezbollah Loses Supply Route Through Syria, in Blow to It and Iran“ (New York Times – 12/14/24)[xi]

Hezbollah, one of Iran’s strongest proxies has been severely damaged by Israel in their year-long war that Hezbollah initiated on October 8, 2023. With the supply lines cut off in Syria, Hezbollah’s fighting power has been drastically reduced.

“IDF reveals Hezbollah missile arsenal severely depleted since beginning of operations.”

“The IDF estimates that “80% of Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal within a range of up to 40 kilometers has been destroyed.” (Jerusalem Post – 11/10/24)[xii]

Hamas, like Hezbollah, has become severely weakened in its war with Israel. They have mostly been reduced to fighting in guerilla warfare for their survival.

“Israeli Defense Minister Says Hamas Destroyed as Organized Fighting Force” (FDD –9/11/24)[xiii]

“Palestinian armed groups adopt ‘guerrilla warfare’ against Israel“ (The New Arab – 7/11/24)[xiv]

The dynamics have changed in Israel’s favor as now Iran’s primary proxies have suffered devastating blows. As such, Israel will not likely face severe retaliation from Iran’s proxies should they strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.

As I author this article, the Houthis are steadily launching missiles from Yemen into Israel, but Israel has vowed to make an end of this Iranian proxy as well.

“Israel struggles to deter escalating attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels as other fronts calm“

“The Iran-backed Houthis are stepping up their missile attacks, sending hundreds of thousands of Israelis scrambling for shelter in the middle of the night, scaring away foreign airlines and keeping up what could be the last major front in the Middle East wars.” (AP – 1/2/25)[xv]

“Israel, at UN, warns Houthis risk sharing same fate as Hamas, Hezbollah” (Reuters – 12/30/24)[xvi]

7.Israel has destroyed most of Syria’s missile defense systems, which enables more freedom to fly safely to Iran over Syrian air space.

Israel claims to have destroyed most of Syria’s air defense systems, making it safer to fly over Syrian airspace on route to strike Iran.

“Israel destroys 85% of Syria’s air defense systems“ (Middle East Monitor (MEM) – 12/13/24)[xvii]

8.Israel has to act now because Iran is on the fast track to obtaining several nuclear bombs.

With the weakening of Hamas, Hezbollah and collapse of the Assad regime, Iran appears to be focusing more of its efforts toward developing nuclear weapons.

“Iran expands weaponization capabilities critical for employing nuclear bomb“

“Expert says Iran ‘is moving towards building the bomb at a rapid pace’” (Fox News – 12/20/24)[xviii]

9.An ancient Bible prophecy in Jeremiah 49:34-39 may foretell of such a nuclear strike.

According to a biblical prophecy issued around 596 BC found in Jeremiah 49:34-39, a disaster is going to happen in Iran in the latter days. Jeremiah 49:37-38 declares this disaster is caused by God as a direct result of bad Iranian leadership doing something, or intending to do something that fiercely angers Him.

The prophecy involves the ancient territory of Elam. The modern-day location of Elam where this disaster takes place is in western Iran, hugging the Persian Gulf. (Refer to the map image).

Today, Iran is comprised of the historic lands of Elam and Persia. These are two distinctly different territories that have always been geographically separated by the Zagros Mountains.

But why does God get “fiercely angry” with the leaders of Iran? The verse below holds the key that unlocks the answer to this question.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, (at), The foremost of their might.” (Jer. 49:35, NKJV; emphasis added)

The New Living Translation (NLT) says it this way,

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: “I will destroy the archers of Elam— the best of their forces.”

The modern-day inference is that the bad Iranian leaders want to launch lethal missiles, perhaps tipped with nuclear payloads, somewhere and these evil plans will be denied. God declares that He will, “break the bow,” or in other words, destroy these missile launchers beforehand in order to prevent these deadly rockets from being dispatched.

As per the verse below, this catastrophe appears to cause a humanitarian crisis because in the aftermath the affected Iranians are forced into a worldwide dispersion, which suggests that this disaster could be nuclear-related.

“I will bring enemies from all directions, and I will scatter the people of Elam to the four winds. They will be exiled to countries around the world.” (Jer. 49:36, NLT)

Elam (Western Iran) just so happens to be where most of Iran’s missile silos and portable rocket launchers are positioned. These launchers are mostly aimed at Israel. It is also the location of the following important Iranian military and nuclear-related sites.

Isfahan: Iran’s largest nuclear research facility.

Natanz: Iran’s primary enrichment facility.

Bushehr: One of Iran’s nuclear reactors.

Shiraz: Iran’s special weapons and missile development facility.

These four sites are high-profile targets for Israel to strike. In fact, on April 19, 2024, Israel already conducted a limited drone attack at Isfahan.

“Israel Launches Drone Strikes Near Iranian Nuclear Facilities“

“On April 19 at approximately 3:00 AM local time the Israeli Defense Forces launched drone strikes on targets in and around the Iranian city of Isfahan.” (Military Watch Magazine – 4/19/24)[xix]

There is no evidence that Jeremiah’s Elam prophecy has found historical fulfillment, for which, in light of current events, makes this a potential prophecy to be on the lookout. The absence of historical proof is pointed out in my article available online entitled, “Has the Prophecy of Elam in Jeremiah 49:34-39 Been Historically Fulfilled?”

Thus, if the complete destruction of Elam has not happened historically, then logically this means the prophecies of Elam in Jeremiah 49:34-39 will take place sometime in the future. Who could God be so fiercely angry at now in modern-day Iran? Could it be the rogue Islamic regime who wants to wipe Israel off of the map using nuclear ballistic missiles?

In Jeremiah 49:35, God says He is going to bring about a great disaster in Western Iran. It causes a calamity that necessitates the worldwide dispersion of the indigenous population. Could this likely allude to a future great catastrophe in Iran that destroys their missile launching capabilities and some nuclear sites in the territory of Elam?

In these turbulent times, things are rapidly changing in the Middle East, making it difficult to predict the next major Mideast headline. Who would have thought the Assad regime would collapse so quickly.

Maybe Iran will negotiate another nuclear deal, or there might be a regime change in Iran, but for the menu of reasons identified in this article, it would be no surprise to see an Israeli pre-emptive strike upon Iran’s nuclear sites, and likely SOON!

For the studious readers, below are a few comments and quotes about these four strategic nuclear-related targets and their connections with ancient Elam.

Isfahan: Isfahan province is one of Iran’s 31 provinces. Isfahan or Espahan is the capital city in this province and is Iran’s third biggest city, hosting a population of about 1.5 million people. Below are a few quotes connecting Isfahan with the territory of Elam.

“Located in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, Isfahan is a city formed at a major crossroads of trans-Asia trade and military routes. As such, the city emerged gradually over the course of the Elamite civilization (2700 – 1600 BCE), though artifacts found at Isfahan date back to the Paleolithic period.” [xx]

“In the Pre-Islamic era, Isfahan was home to the settlement that developed into the Elamite civilization (2700 BC) and was the home of the Median dynasty until Cyrus the Great unified Persian and Median lands into the Achaemenid Empire ~ 600 BC.” [xxi]

Natanz: is also located in the Isfahan Province and is about seventy-five miles north of Isfahan, which is also in Elam.

Bushehr: is a province in Iran and is where Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor is located.

“The oldest evidence of settlement in Bushehr province dates back to the era of Elam (2700-539 B.C.), an ancient pre-Iranian civilization.” [xxii]

Shiraz: The city of Shiraz in the province of Fars. The quote below pinpoints Fars in Elam.

“The Elamites’ homeland is a region known as Khuzestan in southwestern Iran. The geographical and political center of most of Elamite history was the city of Susa and its surrounding environs. However, the region of Fars in the Zagros Mountains and Anshan were also considered part of historical Elam.” [xxiii]

For more information about this Jeremiah prophecy you can read about it in my book entitled, Nuclear Showdown in Iran, Revealing the Ancient Prophecy of Elam. This book also comes with a teaching DVD with the same name. These products are available at Amazon or our online store at www.prophecydepot.com

***

[i] JP article link: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-830231

[ii] JNS article link: https://www.jns.org/israel-destroyed-top-secret-iranian-nuclear-weapons-site/

[iii] Begin Doctrine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begin_Doctrine

[iv] Reuters quote: https://www.reuters.com/article/world/israels-netanyahu-says-will-not-allow-iran-to-obtain-nuclear-weapons-idUSKBN2BZ1GK/

[v] Radio Free Europe: https://www.rferl.org/a/israel-netanyahu-iran-nuclear/25123760.html

[vi] TOI: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-strike-on-iran-took-out-radar-sets-to-guide-ballistic-missiles-report/

[vii] WSJ: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/trump-iran-plan-nuclear-weapons-def26f1d

[viii] NYP: https://nypost.com/2024/10/05/us-news/trump-urges-israel-to-take-out-iran-nuclear-facilities-rips-biden-for-urging-jewish-state-to-show-restraint/

[ix] TOI: https://www.timesofisrael.com/report-israel-thinks-trump-will-back-idf-strike-on-iran-nuke-program-or-order-us-hit/

[x] France 24: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20241209-iran-position-unprecedented-weakness-after-fall-of-assad-syria-proxies-hezbollah-middle-east

[xi] NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/world/middleeast/hezbollah-supply-route-syria.html

[xii] JP: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-828349

[xiii] FDD: https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/09/11/israeli-defense-minister-says-hamas-destroyed-as-organized-fighting-force/

[xiv] The New Arab: https://www.newarab.com/news/palestinian-fighters-adopt-guerrilla-warfare-against-israel

[xv] AP: https://apnews.com/article/israel-houthis-yemen-gaza-war-1435d3ac2f16e2faed608fdb5a100e71

[xvi] Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-un-warns-houthis-risk-sharing-same-fate-hamas-hezbollah-2024-12-30/

[xvii] MEM: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241213-israel-destroys-85-of-syrias-air-defence-systems/

[xviii] Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-expands-weaponization-capabilities-critical-employing-nuclear-bomb

[xix] Military Watch Magazine: https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/israel-drone-iranian-nuclear-f14-base

[xx] Isfahan: https://www.archnet.org/authorities/3709

[xxi] Isfahan: https://persiannomad.wordpress.com/tag/history/

[xxii] Bushehr: https://www.persiaadvisor.com/about-persia/bushehr-province/#:~:text=The%20oldest%20evidence%20of%20settlement,an%20ancient%20pre%2DIranian%20civilization

[xxiii] Shiraz: https://www.dailyhistory.org/How_Did_the_Elamites_Become_a_Powerful_Bronze_Age_People

Damascus, Drones, And Scandal: An End Of The Year No One Could Have Anticipated :: By Jan Markell

January 6, 2025 2:50 pm / 4 Comments on Damascus, Drones, And Scandal: An End Of The Year No One Could Have Anticipated :: By Jan Markell

As we head into the new year, several stories transpired at the end of 2024 that we weren’t expecting. The world watched in disbelief as the regime of Bashar al-Assad, which had ruled Syria for over five decades, collapsed in a shockingly rapid and dramatic turn of events. Rebel forces, a coalition of various terror groups united in their goal to overthrow the dictator, stormed the capital, Damascus, and declared the city and country “liberated.”

Several governments have fallen into ruin in the region in recent years including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. Hamas and Hezbollah terror groups have been decimated thanks to Israel. Now Syria has fallen as well, but when evil replaces evil, only more horror follows—unless the region is being primed for stability. Unless the residents are being primed for a savior of sorts.

Here is the take away: The region needs a peace maker. The question on the mind of prophecy watchers is this: With the new Trump administration, is a new level of peace negotiations in that region on the horizon? And could this lead to the ultimate peace deal of Daniel 9:27?

If the church were to be removed in the rapture, would it not be timely for the Antichrist to arise and heal the Middle East—and then the world?

The collapse of the Syrian government and the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime is not only a geo-political turning point, but could be a moment of profound prophetic significance in light of Isaiah 17.

The passage in Isaiah describes an utter obliteration of Damascus—something that only nuclear weapons could bring about, probably in the campaign of Armageddon. But keep your eyes on this scenario in the new year. And pray without ceasing for Syria’s many Christians—of all denominations. Syria’s “liberators” have their sights on anything and anyone Christian.

For believers who examine global events through the lens of Scripture, the situation in Syria requires serious attention.

Wolves Among the Flock—Again

Late in 2024, a Daystar executive was accused of child sexual abuse and another scandal exploded onto the scene. The details are horrific and we will spare you from them, but Christians, once again, shamed the name of Jesus Christ and further tarnished Christian media.

The network features a few sound ministries that provide moments of escape from the endless hours of heresy, prosperity teachers, hucksters, and fraudsters. When the root of such calamities is the love of money and earthly pleasure, mankind can sink to new lows as evidenced in the details of this story.

But ultimately, more wolves among the flock were exposed. We haven’t seen the end of this yet. It would be good if Christians turned off these outfits and opened their Bibles instead.

Strange Signs in the Heavens

I’m referring to the citing of mysterious drones all over America in late 2024! How bizarre. The Biden spokesmen played dumb—nothing new for them. What could potentially be more evil than eyes in the sky watching our every move? And, over some sensitive areas!

One compelling theory gaining traction and spreading rapidly across the web involves the use of these drones as sophisticated nuclear radiation detectors. Aerospace expert John Ferguson, founder of Saxon Aerospace, suggests the drones’ flight patterns and nighttime operations could indicate missions to detect gamma radiation or other hazardous materials.

Senior Biden administration officials, including representatives from the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Security Council, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense all wanted to play this down! Even though they’re peering into your attic window and back yard!

Conclusion: Government thinks we are stupid sheeple who fall for anything, and that is why Americans said “enough” last election day and chose to change the channel!

The Jeremiah of Our Time Passes

That is the title Time Magazine gave author and prophecy scholar Hal Lindsey, who passed away November 25. We weren’t expecting it, but Hal was 95 years old. His classic book, The Late Great Planet Earth, sold 35 million copies and strongly influenced so many, including this author.

Once Hal opened the door for end-time discussion, two-dozen writers followed him, including Chuck Missler, Tim LaHaye, Dave Hunt, Ron Rhodes, and many more. Publishers were eager to help readers understand how the last days played out due to the success of Lindsey’s first book.

Olive Tree Ministries brought Lindsey to the Twin Cities in 2004 and 2005. He was a bit eccentric but many of us are more than thankful that he impacted our lives. None of these stories were anticipated in 2024. I can’t imagine the surprises that are coming in 2025!

Jan Markell is an author, speaker, host of Understanding the Times radio heard on over 1,000 stations across America, and the Founder and President of Olive Tree Ministries.

The Jeremiah of Our Time

December 2, 2024 3:13 pm / 10 Comments on The Jeremiah of Our Time

by Jan Markell

I’m not waiting for the Antichrist. I’m waiting for Jesus Christ. And that is due, in part, to the ministry of Hal Lindsey. His books and television program carefully outlined Dispensational Theology, also called left behind theology—named after the famous book series.

As a young adult, I found life confusing until someone handed me a copy of The Late Great Planet Earth. After reading it in a day, followed by a trip to Israel, I could press on in life and enter the ministry. I would go on to devour dozens of books and follow solid Bible teachers who promoted eschatology or Bible prophecy.

Time Magazine called Hal Lindsey the Jeremiah of our time. His classic book sold 35 million copies, but other books and TV productions influenced millions more. I believe his two greatest contributions were his teaching that:

· Israel is the key to our past, present, and future. Most churches today marginalize this, focusing on church growth or are steeped in other theologies such as Amillennialism. Only Dispensationalism explains what the Bible teaches: The King is coming again, and Israel is the key to understanding this.

· As believers, we should be awaiting Jesus Christ, not the Antichrist. Millions are caught up in strange rapture-timing theologies that offer no blessed hope, which is taught in the Bible (Titus 2:13)! Jesus is coming at any minute. Only Dispensationalism explains the imminency of the Lord’s return with Israel as the centerpiece!

I brought Hal to the Twin Cities in 2004 and 2005. He told me at that time that it was his goal in the 1960s to write a book on the end times that was easy to understand. When his book appeared in 1970, the only books available were written by theologians and for theologians!

They were terrific, but the man on the street was lost.

Dwight Pentecost’s Things to Come was a classic back then, but it was 500 pages and way too scholarly. Without a seminary degree, readers were lost and frustrated.

Once Hal opened the door for end-time discussion, two- dozen writers followed him, including Chuck Missler, Tim LaHaye, Dave Hunt, Ron Rhodes, and many more. Publishers were eager to help readers understand how the last days played out. And how many of you were impacted by the Left Behind book series I referenced written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins?

These topics have been discussed now for 23 years on Understanding the Times Radio. I am so thankful for the scholars who went before me, helping us non-scholars to understand these key theological issues and make sense of what is often senseless! The rise of lawlessness, the rush to globalism, the decline of character as outlined in II Timothy, and so much more as the birth pangs have exploded in recent years.

There is a run-up to the Tribulation and we are in it, but who knew before we learned from such incredible men? There is prophetic stage-setting, which is so prominent here at the end of the Church Age!

Pastors, please, with whatever time we have left before a trumpet sounds, teach your congregation these truths. The urgency of the hour demands it.

Find this outstanding summary of the life and effectiveness of Hal Lindsey here. Read testimonies from Ron Rhodes, Tom Hughes, David Jeremiah, Jonathan Brentner, and more.

https://harbingersdaily.com/forever-changed-hal-lindseys-eternal-impact-on-generations-of-trusted-ministries/

Hal Lindsey was a flawed human being like all of us, and I could slip in details, particularly of the eccentric man I featured twenty years ago here in the Twin Cities. I’d rather not. I just want to say thank you to him for opening my eyes.

I had no idea I was here on assignment to also help others in this last days’ countdown to the rapture of believers! And to help get many into the ark of salvation because when all is said and done, Jesus really is coming!

Perhaps today. Thank you, Hal, for encouraging me to prepare so many for this journey!

Terry James Prophecy Line

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Jan Markell is an author, speaker, host of Understanding the Times radio heard on over 1,000 stations across America, and the Founder and President of Olive Tree Ministries.

The Jeremiah of Our Time

Top Ten Prophecy-Related Stories: 2024 :: By Jan Markell

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Category Archives: i.e. Issues and Events in “others words”

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Wolves Among the Flock—Again

Strange Signs in the Heavens

The Jeremiah of Our Time Passes

Jan Markell is an author, speaker, host of Understanding the Times radio heard on over 1,000 stations across America, and the Founder and President of Olive Tree Ministries.

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