Tuesday, June 19, 2012
 
The Psalm 83 war and destruction of Damascus

The Middle East is a hotbed of wars and rumors of wars. The situation in Egypt created with the help of the man who occupies the Oval Office has resulted in the possibility of war between Israel and Egypt. The situation in Syria, also created with the assistance of the White House, has the underpinnings of war written. A ship headed to Syria with Russian attack helicopters and munitions was stopped by Great Britain. The Muslim Brotherhood is the "democratically" elected controllers of Egypt, recently threatening to declare Jerusalem as Egypt's capital. These events have peaked interest in prophecies regarding Damascus and Israel and whether they are being fulfilled before our eyes.

Many are arguing about what some Bible teachers are calling the "Psalm 83" war and the complete annihilation of Damascus as prophesied in Isaiah 17. In addition to prophecies being completely fulfilled throughout history, even today, prophecies also are fulfilled in part as types and shadows that lead YHVH's people to the final fulfillment. For example, many may have thought that the Israeli war of Independence was fulfillment of Bible prophecy because several of the end time nations named in the Bible fought to destroy Israel in 1948. Same in the Six Day war in 1967. But we know now that those battles were types and shadows of these many prophecies, and the end fulfillment is yet to come.

The prophet Daniel was given great insight into the events leading up to the Day of the Lord. An angel of the LORD says in Daniel 12:4, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Verses 8-10 say, "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."

As we see events unfold, our knowledge of the meaning of the prophecies increases. We can see clearer what is occurring and about to occur. Certainly, various long held theories on prophecy will be challenged as we gain more understanding. Longstanding teachings may be found lacking. The one way to have understanding of these current times is to read, re-read, study chapters and verses before and after these prophecies and cross reference them with others. A clear warning: Do not take them out of context to justify this teaching or that. We need to love one another as Yeshua has commanded, not attack one another because we don't see the end times the same. As it plays out, we will all see clearly.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson