Anniversary of Us Liberty Attack by Israel
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Will the Middle East Situation Lead to the Great Tribulation?
Dennis Edwards
Iran and Israel War - June 14, 2025
Because of the recent events in Iran, I am republishing the following article from October 2024, where I speculate, using Scripture, on what the future holds for the Middle East and Israel. If I am understanding the Scriptures correctly, God will use the Antichrist forces and his allies to punish Israel for her sins, (Ezekiel 38) but then, as Israel repents and comes to faith in Christ, God will intervene and judge the Antichrist, (Ezekiel 39, Zechariah 12:2-3, 9-10, 14:1-3). Two-thirds of the population of Israel will be lost in the extended war, (Zechariah 13:8-9). Only one-sixth of the Antichrist forces will be left alive at the end, (Ezekiel 39:2). During this same time period, one-third of the population of the world will be destroyed when Babylon the Great, the great commercial empire of the world, which could be referring to USA and her empire, including Western Europe, is destroyed in one-hour by fire from the Antichrist coalition, (Revelation 9:15, 17:16, 18:2-3, 7-11). The Antichrist's homeland, which I believe is Russia, will also be destroyed by fire as will other areas of the globe that dwell carelessly, which could be again referring to USA and her allies, including Great Britain, (Ezekiel 39:6).
All these events take place just prior to Christ's return to rule the earth of a thousand years. It includes the great tribulation period with the trumpets of tribulation found in Revelation 8-10 and also the Wrath of God found in Revelation 16 including the vials of God's wrath found there. The prophecies say that there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, (Daniel 12:1b). Jesus Himself said, that if He didn't make the period short, none of humanity would be left alive, (Matthew 24:21-22). It is for these serious reasons that we should all cry out to God for His mercies and dedicate ourselves totally to Him that we may be found worthy to escape His wrath in the Rapture event. The Rapture immediately precedes His wrath, but does not occur until after the three and a half years of great tribulation, (Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18).
Lord, help each one to approach You as best they can that
they may be ready for the days ahead. In Jesus' name we pray. Psalm 46 and
Psalm 91 can be a great comfort and would be worth memorizing and meditating
upon. If we draw nigh to God through prayer and obedience, He will draw nigh to
us and help us confront whatever world events may bring us. He promises to be
with us to the end of the world.
The article from October 30, 2024 found below.
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Israel has attacked military installations in Iran a few days ago. Iran is threatening to retaliate. Russia says she will not stand by and allow Israel and USA to destroy Iran. Turkey, with the largest standing army in the Middle East, is also speaking out against Israel. Putin has offered to help negotiate a settlement with Netanyahu, but Netanyahu is not interested. There are rumours that the International Bank, Bank of America may be at the moment of collapse, which means another banking crisis could be looming in the background. The BRIC nations have just finished their summit and inaugurated a new alternative transfer of currencies using blockchain technology. The West won't be able to use banking sanctions to harm the BRIC economies any longer. The dollar will decline as an international currency affecting America's standard of living, possibly leading to a great financial crisis similar to 1929.
The American elections are scheduled for the 5th of November. Trump has said he will back Israel no matter what. It is uncertain what Kamala would do. USA has some 58,000 military troops ready to respond to a war in the Middle East on aircraft carriers, battle ships, and on military bases. If Trump will stop the war in Ukraine on day one, Russia would be more available to help intervene in the Middle East, like she did in Syria some years ago. As long as the Ukraine war continues, it will be hard for Russia to be much of a help in the Middle East situation. It seems Israel or, at least Netanyahu, wants to take advantage of the present situation and push forward towards the plans for Greater Israel from the Egyptian sea to the Euphrates, .. Does Bible prophecy give us any clues to how things will work out?
Jesus in His End-time discourse in Matthew 24 warned that before His 2nd coming, there would be "wars and rumours of war." He said, "see that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet," Matthew 24:5. He went on to give a series of signs of the end. He said, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold,” Matthew 24:6-12.
Christianity and Christians are the most hated and persecuted religious group in the world today. The political and cultural atmosphere in many countries has polarized over the last ten years due to the Left’s push and use of identity or gender politics, critical race theory, abortion up to birth, gay marriage, drag queens in public libraries reading to children, etc. During Covid we saw how the deception was propagated by the highest Health Officials who cow towed to the Pharmaceutical Industry and lied to the general public. Doctors who had pledged to only do good to their patients, followed blindly the mandates of the Pharmaceuticals to the detriment of their patients. Millions were coerced into taking an experimental gene therapy disguised as a vaccine. The deaths and side-effects have been innumerable.
Jesus went on to say, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come,” Matthew 24:14. Various international organizations have been working towards getting the gospel written or spoken in every language of the world. Mel Gibson’s movie on the Passion of Christ, and the 5-year online program “The Chosen,” have both helped to explain or to preach the gospel message throughout the whole world. Internet has made it possible to breach barriers and preach the gospels over borders into countries formerly closed to the gospel. Surely the gospel has been preached around the world today more than ever before.
However, the main sign Jesus gave regarding the start of the Great Tribulation period that would immediately precede His coming is found in the next verses. “When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whosoever reads, let him understand):…For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days be shortened (they have been shortened to 3 and ½ years), there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake (the true believers) those days shall be shortened,” Matthew 24:15, 21-22.
If we go to the prophecies of Daniel in 9:27, 8:13-14, and 11:31; we find that an international agreement is going to be made involving the situation in the Middle East. The agreement will be for a seven-year period. We don’t know all the details of the agreement or pact, but we do know that the Jewish people will be given permission to begin sacrificial worship on the Temple Mount, something they haven’t been able to do since before the invasion of Jerusalem by the Roman forces in 70 AD. The Arab countries would not be keen on Israel doing religious ceremonies on the Temple Mount, unless there was some international concession for the Palestinian people and a possible statehood. Therefore, we are looking for some type of international agreement resolving the Palestinian situation, perhaps forced on Israel by the international community.
What we know from prophecy is that Israel will be given permission to start sacrificial services on the Temple Mount and perhaps even build a temple. Some 250 days, or 8 months and 10 days after the pact is signed by many nations of the world, perhaps the United Nations, Israel will start their prayers and animal sacrifices. It will be the first time in some 1,950 years. However, 1010 days later, or 2 years, 9 months, and 20 days later, Israel will be invaded by the Antichrist. His military enters the Temple Mount, and stops Israel’s sacrificial service and worship. The stopping of the sacrificial service and the placing of the abomination of desolation happen at the midst of the seven-year agreement, according to the Daniel prophecies, Daniel 9:27 and Daniel 11:31. Jesus said that the placing of the abomination in the holy place was the sign to look for that would start the Great Tribulation, a cataclysmic period just before His 2nd coming.
If you are interested in finding out how I arrived at the dates above, see the following article explaining how to break down the 2,300 days of Daniel 8 here.
The Great Tribulation will last a period of 3 and ½ years, the second half of the 7-year pact period. During the tribulation God’s people are persecuted as never before by the Antichrist world government, Daniel 7:25, 8:24, 11:32-35, Revelation 12:12-17, 13:15. The Antichrist will try to enforce the Mark of the Beast technology and no one will be able to buy or sell unless they have the biometric implant or tattoo on the right hand or forehead, Revelation 13:16-17. The world will go through a period of 6 catastrophic events with a 1/3 destruction of much of the earth and the earth’s population according to Revelation 8-10 where the 7 trumpets of tribulation sound. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days,” Jesus will return in the sky to rescue His elect from the four winds of heaven in the rapture event, Matthew 24:29-31. The seventh trumpet is the rapture, and is found in Revelation 10:7, Matthew 24:31, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.
After the tribulation, the 75 days of the Wrath of God found in Revelation 16 with the vials or bowels of Wrath will take place. The Battle of Armageddon occurs in northern Israel sometime after the first 30 days of the Wrath of God. We arrive at that conclusion from two assumptions. First, in Revelation 19:7-9, we see the celebrated Marriage Supper of the Lamb taking place in the heavenly realm as a results of the arrival of the resurrected and raptured saints. Secondly, we see that after the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Christ returns with the saints at the Battle of Armageddon, Revelation 19:11-21. From Daniel 12:11 we know that the Abomination of Desolation stands in the Holy Place 30 days longer than the 1,260 days of the Great Tribulation period, or 1,290 days. We assume, therefore, that it is after the 30 day period difference that Jesus returns and destroys the Abomination of Desolation and saves the newly converted Jewish people.
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The prophecies of Ezekiel 38-39 are parallel prophecies and give us more information. Russia, Turkey, and Iran, with a coalition of other allies including Ethiopia and Libya (Daniel 11:43), will attempt to invade Israel with the intent of wiping her off the map, Psalm 83:4 "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance." However, the Israel nation, having passed through much suffering, and having seen Jesus in the heavens calling up His followers at the Rapture event, have come to great repentance, Zechariah 12:9-14, Revelation 1:7, and Matthew 24:30. One-third of the nation will come to faith in Jesus, Zechariah 13:8-9. As a result of their repentance and truly coming to Jesus with all their heart, God will intervene and fight for the believing remnant of Israel, Zechariah 14:1-3, and defeat the forces of Antichrist at Armageddon.
First God uses the Antichrist forces to chastise the Jews for their sins, Ezekiel 38:14-16. As the repentance takes place at the time of the Rapture and "they look on Him whom they have pierced," God also repents and turns His anger toward the Antichrist and his forces, Ezekiel 38:17-23, Ezekiel 39:1-5, Revelation 19:11-21. However, during the initial warring period up and including the first 30 days of the Wrath of God, Israel will lose 2/3 of their Jewish population to the Antichrist forces, Zechariah 13:8-9. Only 1/3 of the Jewish population in Israel will live through that horrendous warring period. They are the remnant that Apostle Paul in Romans 9:27, 11:25-26 and Jeremiah 30:6 -7 talk about. After Armageddon is over, only 1/6th of the Antichrist forces or population remain, Ezekiel 39:2.
God will send fire on Magog (Russia?) and "among them that dwell carelessly in the isles," Ezekiel 39:6, which could be referring to the destruction of both Russia, Great Britain, and USA and spoken of in Isaiah 13:6-13, Zephaniah 1:14-18. At some point prior to the end, Babylon the Whore of Revelation 18:1-24, which could be the western capitalistic Financial world empire including USA and western Europe, will be destroyed by fire by the Antichrist coalition, Revelation 17:16-17 and 16:17-21. Perhaps the prophets are talking about the same event from different perspective. All we know is that the period called the Wrath of God is going to be pretty ugly.
At the end of the 75 days of the Wrath of God the Millennium begins under a new dispensation of grace. God begins to regenerate the earth; the atmosphere is transformed bringing longer lives. The animals will become passive, Isaiah 11:6-8, as Jesus will reign on the earth for a thousand years. The Jewish people who repented at the Rapture event will help in the cleaning up of Israel after the war and on into the Millennium, Ezekiel 39:11-15, and may become witnesses of the gospel to the surrounding Arab nations, Ezekiel 39:22. Nothing shall hurt or destroy in all of God’s holy mountain, Isaiah 11:9., neither shall men learn war any more during that 1,000 year period, Isaiah 2:4. The Bible says that the raptured saints will also somehow participate with Christ in ruling the earth during the 1,000 years, Revelation 20:6.
In Luke 21:26-28, Jesus said that men's hearts would be failing them because of the anxiety they will experience out of the fear that the end-time events will cause. He said, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws nigh," verse 26. We who believe in Jesus have nothing to fear. God has given us innumerable promises in His Word that He will be with us through the Great Tribulation. Though some of us "will fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white," Daniel 11:35, God has promised that at the same time, "the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits," Daniel 11:32. It will be a time of great persecution, but, also, a time of great anointing for God's people who will be witnessing and testifying of their faith in Jesus, and performing miracles throughout the Great Tribulation period.
Like the time of the Roman persecutions against the early Christians, God will empower His people in the face of their enemies. In Revelation 7:13-17, we see the reward appointed to the martyrs of the Great Tribulation period. "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in His temple: and He that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and lead them unto living waters (of eternal life): and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
Apostle Paul tells us, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us," Romans 8:18. Jesus, also, stated, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you," Matthew 5:10.12. Therefore, we should fear not, but rather hold onto God's promises. He has said He would be with us through the deep waters and through the fire.
"Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you," Isaiah 43:1b-2. God will give you power for the hour for whatever you may have to go through. In Psalm 91, the Lord promises, "Because you have set your love upon Me, therefore will I deliver you: I will set you on high, because you have known my name. You shall call upon Me, and I will answer you: I will be with you in trouble; I will deliver you, and honour you. With long life (eternal life) will I satisfy you, and show you My salvation," Psalm 91:14-16, (edited into the second person).
You might want to follow an earlier post on the same subject here. Or write me at dennismedwards@gmail.com. Originally published June 14, 2025
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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Devemos tomar o partido de Israel ou da Palestina?
Devemos tomar
o partido de Israel ou da Palestina?
9 de setembro de
2014
Entrevista com John
Piper
Fundador e
Professor, Desiring God
Uma ouvinte de
podcast chamada Melinda escreve: “Pastor John, qual é a resposta cristã
adequada a tudo o que está a acontecer em Israel e Gaza? Tenho amigos cristãos
a louvar Israel por ser o povo de Deus a derrotar os seus inimigos de longa
data, dizendo que todas as suas ofensivas são justificadas e sancionadas por
Deus porque estão a defender a terra que Ele lhes deu. Tenho outros amigos
cristãos indignados com o massacre de civis e crianças inocentes por Israel em
Gaza e com o apoio que estão a receber dos Estados Unidos. Qual é a resposta
correta?”
Vamos começar com
uma posição abrangente sobre o conflito e, depois, tentarei colocar um pouco da
Bíblia por trás e explicar. Quando digo conflito, refiro-me ao conflito entre o
povo judeu — ou Israel, o Estado, e os judeus no seu todo — e os palestinianos.
Ambos os
rebeldes que rejeitam Cristo
Há cristãos
judeus e há cristãos palestinianos. Estes cristãos são os mansos que herdarão a
Terra, incluindo a terra de Israel, algum dia. Jesus morreu para fazer a paz
entre os judeus e as nações. Esse é o ponto de Efésios 2:11–22. Por
conseguinte, as nossas orações e trabalhos devem ser especialmente dedicados a
proclamar o evangelho do Messias Jesus como a única esperança de paz e justiça
duradouras entre judeus e palestinianos. Acredito que esta é a coisa mais
importante a dizer.
“Um povo que trai
o seu Rei não pode legitimamente reivindicar as promessas do Rei a um povo que
cumpre a aliança.”
Por isso, eu
diria isto: A Bíblia não ensina que devemos ser parciais em relação a Israel ou
aos palestinianos na actual rebelião que rejeita Cristo, na qual ambos
participam contra Deus, como se qualquer um deles tivesse um direito divino à
terra de Israel, apesar da sua rebelião e descrença contra o seu Criador e o
seu Deus da aliança. Isto implica que ambos os lados, palestinianos e
israelitas, devem ser tratados com compaixão e justiça pública, da mesma forma
que as disputas são geralmente resolvidas entre nações, com uma sábia mistura
de justiça e misericórdia. Essa é a minha posição geral. Nem os judeus nem os
palestinianos podem justificar o que quer que seja que façam ou ser tratados de
qualquer forma específica reivindicando um direito divino atual à terra
enquanto vivem em rebelião contra Aquele que fez da terra uma dádiva para
cumprir a aliança.
As Promessas
Específicas
Ora, aqui está
uma base bíblica para isso. Israel foi escolhido por Deus de entre todos os
povos do mundo para ser o foco da sua bênção na história, a história da
redenção. Esta história culminou na vinda, morte e ressurreição de Jesus, o
Messias. “O Senhor teu Deus te escolheu, dentre todos os povos que há sobre a
face da terra, para que lhe fosses o seu povo precioso” (Deuteronómio 7:6).
Amém. Israel é o povo eleito de Deus.
Não só isso, mas
Deus prometeu a Israel a terra atualmente disputada desde o tempo de Abraão em
diante. Deus disse: “Esta é a terra que jurei a Abraão, a Isaac e a Jacob,
dizendo: ‘Dá-la-ei à tua descendência’” (Deuteronómio 34:4). Afirmações
nesse sentido são repetidas muitas vezes. Mas nenhum destes dois factos — a
eleição de Israel e a promessa da aliança de Deus sobre a terra — significa que
Israel tenha um direito divino atual sobre a terra.
Rebeldes
perdem direitos
Por que digo
isto? Porque um povo que não cumpre a aliança não tem o direito divino de
possuir a terra prometida que foi dada pela aliança. A quebra do pacto acarreta
a perda dos privilégios do pacto. Deus disse a Israel: “Se diligentemente
ouvirdes a minha voz e guardardes a minha aliança, sereis a minha possessão
preciosa dentre todos os povos” (Êxodo 19:5).
“O nosso apelo
como cristãos aos palestinianos e aos judeus é este: crede no Senhor Jesus e
sereis salvos.”
Hoje, Israel é um
povo que quebra a aliança. Sei que há milhares de judeus que confiam no
Messias. Não estão a quebrar o pacto. Gozam do favor salvador de Deus. Mas no
seu conjunto, como unidade étnica, como estado, são definidos pela rejeição do
Messias Jesus. Não se querem definir como cristãos. Se aceitassem o Messias
Jesus como Messias e Salvador, seriam cristãos. Não são cristãos
conscientemente. Estão em estado de traição contra o seu Rei que enviou o seu
Filho para os salvar. Um povo em traição contra o seu Rei não pode
legitimamente reivindicar as promessas do Rei a um povo que cumpre a aliança.
Por exemplo,
quando Israel foi expulso da terra prometida sob o julgamento de Deus pelos
Babilónios, Daniel orou assim:
Ó Senhor. . .
pecamos e fizemos algo de errado. . . A Vós, Senhor, pertence a justiça, mas a
nós a vergonha exposta. . . para todo o Israel. . . em todas as terras para
onde os expulsaste, por causa da traição que cometeram contra Ti (Daniel
9:4-7).
Por outras
palavras, Deus é justo. Ele é justo ao negar a Israel o seu direito divino à
terra, quando são um povo traiçoeiro e traiçoeiro contra Deus.
Parte do Plano
Jesus, de pé,
contemplando Jerusalém com lágrimas nos olhos, disse: “Quem me dera que tu,
sim, tu, conhecesses neste dia as coisas que trazem a paz! Mas agora elas estão
ocultas aos teus olhos. […] Tu não conheceste o tempo da tua visitação” (Lucas
19:41–42, 44). Rejeitaram a pedra fundamental. Eles ainda fazem isso.
“Este
endurecimento de Israel não é a última palavra de Deus. Ele tem um propósito
salvífico para Israel”.
Quando o fizeram,
Jesus disse: “O reino de Deus ser-vos-á tirado e será dado a um povo que
produza os seus frutos” (Mateus 21:43). Depois explicou assim: “Muitos
virão do oriente e do ocidente, e reclinar-se-ão à mesa com Abraão, Isaac e
Jacob, no reino dos céus; mas os filhos do reino serão lançados nas trevas
exteriores” (Mateus 8:11–12). Porque agora veio o endurecimento sobre
Israel (Romanos 11:25).
Estes são os
tempos dos gentios, os tempos das nações. Mas este endurecimento de Israel não
é a última palavra de Deus. Ele tem um propósito salvador para Israel. (Dennis:
De acordo com Zacarias 13:8-9, "todo" Israel será um terço de
Israel. Dois terços morrerão na guerra com as forças do Anticristo de Gogue que
vierem contra Israel nos últimos dias.) Todo o Israel um dia se voltará para o
Senhor Cristo como um grupo. (Dennis: De acordo com Zacarias 12:10,
o remanescente se voltará para Cristo quando O virem vir nas nuvens no momento
do Arrebatamento. Tarde demais para serem arrebatados, mas não tarde demais
para Deus adotá-los de volta à Sua família e intervir para salvá-los das forças
do Anticristo que vêm contra eles.) Este é o meu profundo entendimento e crença
de Romanos 11. Os ramos quebrados serão enxertados em um dia no povo de
Deus, a noiva de Cristo, sua igreja. Acho que devemos rezar por esse dia. Eu
oro: “Senhor, traze o dia em que o endurecimento será removido de Israel.
Concede, ó Deus, que os seus olhos sejam abertos, que vejam Jesus como o seu
Messias e se unam à igreja de Jesus Cristo. Numa grande árvore de amor da
aliança, que sejam enxertados na salvação”.
Apelo a todos
os povos
Devemos ter
cuidado — talvez esta seja uma qualificação final — para não tirar conclusões
falsas e antibíblicas de qualquer coisa que eu tenha dito, como: Bem, a atual
rebelião de Israel contra Deus significa que as outras nações têm o direito de
a molestar. Não, não fazem isso. Ela tem ainda direitos humanos entre as
nações, quando não tem direitos diante de Deus, tal como todas as nações. Não
achamos que nenhuma nação, por ser pagã e descrente, deva ser tratada
injustamente. Israel também não o deve fazer. No Antigo Testamento, as nações
que se regozijavam com a sua disciplina divina eram punidas por Deus (Isaías
10).
O nosso apelo
como cristãos aos palestinianos e aos judeus é este: crede no Senhor Jesus e
sereis salvos. Até ao dia em que tanto os seguidores judeus como os gentios do
Rei Jesus herdarão a Terra — não apenas a terra — até ao dia em que todos
juntos herdaremos a Terra sem levantar uma espada e sem levantar uma arma, os
direitos das nações devem ser decididos por princípios de justiça pública e
compassiva, e não por reivindicações de direito divino ou de estatuto divino.
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-we-side-with-israel-or-palestine
John Piper
(@JohnPiper) é fundador e professor na Desiring God e chanceler do Bethlehem
College and Seminary. Durante 33 anos, serviu como pastor da Igreja Batista de
Belém, em Minneapolis, Minnesota. É autor de mais de 50 livros, entre os quais
Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist e, mais recentemente,
Foundations for Lifelong Learning: Education in Serious Joy.
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End-time Schedule Move Forward as Israel Eliminates Syrian Military Arsenal
Dennis Edwards: The Bible says the final battle against Israel will occur when Israel dwells safely.
Ezekiel 38:8. "After many days you (Gog, commonly known as the Antichrist) shall be visited: in the latter years you shall come into the land that is brought back from the sword (the sword is the symbol of Arab/Muslim conquest who controlled Palestine until 1948), and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste (Israel was desert and wasteland, but through Jewish ingenuity has now blossomed like a rose and is filling the world with fruit just as other prophecies depicted): but is brought forth out of the nations (the returning Jewish people have been gathered out of many nations), and they shall dwell safely all of them,"
The prophecy in Jeremiah gives us more information.
Jeremiah 30:3-7 For, lo, the days come, says the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, says the Lord: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it. And these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah. For thus says the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see whether a man does travail with child? Wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it."
With the latest victories over the leadership of Hamas and Hezbollah and now these victories in Syria, Israel may begin to take a sigh of relief and begin to believe that the victory is theirs. But God's word says, "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape," 1 Thessalonians 5:3.
Israel shall be invaded. She shall pay for her sins against the Palestinians and the nations. However, after two-thirds of the nation is destroyed, when they see the Jesus coming in the sky for His elect, one-third of the nation shall repent, find faith, and accept Jesus as their true Messiah. They will miss the rapture, but they won't miss God intervening in their behalf to save them out of the hands of the Antichrist and his forces.
See: Luke 21:20, Ezekiel 38-39, Daniel 11:41-45, Zechariah 12:1-3, 8-14, 13:8-9, 14:1-9, Revelation 16:16, 19:11-21, Jude 14-15, Isaiah 13:5-13.
Israeli warplanes pound Syria as troops reportedly advance deeper into the country
https://apnews.com/article/syria-israel-airstrike-assad-war-b90edb8dbe8268dacf90e59ca601e2e3|
Dennis Edwards: It seems America, Israel, Turkey, Saudi Arabia have conspired together to end the regime of Assad. It is a great victory for Israel who has taken over Mount Hermon in Syria. The Islamic rebels were supplied by America, Israel, and Turkey and given the go ahead as long as they remained favourable to Israel. God's prophetic word will be fulfilled as we move closer to the Two-State solution and the commencing of the Peace-Pact of Daniel 9:27. The pieces in the puzzle are all falling into position.
AP Article: Hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered at a border crossing in southern Turkey on Monday, eagerly anticipating their return home following the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government. Many arrived at the two crossings, Cilvegozu and Oncupinar, at daybreak, draped in blankets and coats. (AP Video shot by Mehmet Guzel/Mucahit Ceylan)
An Israeli soldier stands guard at a security fence gate near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Syrian opposition fighters direct traffic in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
Israeli soldiers stand on the top of a tank near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Israeli tanks maneuver in the buffer zone in the Quneitra crossing, between Israel and Syria, are viewed from the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Israeli armored vehicles parked on the buffer zone in the Quneitra crossing, between Israel and Syria, are viewed from the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Syrian women pose for a photograph as they stand next to opposition fighters in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
A Syrian opposition fighter waits to charge his mobile phone in Damascus, Syria, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)
A man shows two ropes tied in the shape of nooses, found in the infamous Saydnaya military prison, just north of Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Crowds are gathering to enter the prison, known as the “human slaughterhouse,” some hoping to find relatives who were held there, after thousands of inmates were released following the rebels’ overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Sunday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
An arial view shows central Damascus’ Umayyad Square as Syrians display the revolutionary flag to celebrate on the second day of the insurgents’ takeover of the city in Damascus, Syria, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)
Youths sit on a trash container as they watch an Israeli armored vehicle maneuver near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Syrian citizens stand on a government forces tank, that was left on a street, as they are celebrating during the second day of the take over of the city by the insurgents in Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
BY ABDULRAHMAN SHAHEEN, BASSEM MROUE AND MELANIE LIDMAN
Updated 1:04 PM WET, December 10, 2024Share
Follow AP’s live coverage of the events in the Middle East.
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Israel carried out a wave of heavy airstrikes across Syria as its troops advanced deeper into the country, a Syrian opposition war monitor said Tuesday. Israel denied its forces were advancing toward Damascus after they pushed into a buffer zone inside Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad.
Associated Press reporters in the capital heard heavy airstrikes overnight and into Tuesday on the city and its suburbs. Photographs circulating online showed destroyed missile launchers, helicopters and warplanes.
There was no immediate comment from the insurgent groups — led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS – that have taken control of much of the country. Their lightning advance brought an end to the Assad family’s half-century rule after nearly 14 years of civil war. There are concerns over what comes next.
As Israel advances on a Syrian buffer zone, it sees peril and opportunity
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‘Damascus is more beautiful now’
Life in the capital is slowly returning to normal after the overthrow of Assad, who fled the country over the weekend and has been granted political asylum in Russia.
Private banks reopened on instructions from the Central Bank, said Sadi Ahmad, who runs a branch in the upscale Abu Rummaneh neighborhood. He said all his employees returned to work.
Shops also reopened in the city’s ancient Hamidiyeh market, where armed men and civilians could be seen buying things like perfume and ice cream. A clothing shop owner, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution, said he hoped vendors would no longer have to pay bribes to security officials.
At Bakdash, a famous ice cream shop, a poster outside read: “Welcome to the rebels of free Syria. Long live free Syria.”
“Damascus is more beautiful now,” said Maysoun Qurabi, who was shopping in the market. “It has a soul, and people feel at ease and secure.” Under Assad, she said, “people were hungry and scared. The regime was strong.”
Israeli incursion draws condemnation
In the immediate aftermath of Assad’s fall, Israeli forces moved into a roughly 400-square-kilometer (155-square-mile) buffer zone inside Syria that had been established after the 1973 Mideast war, a move it said was taken to prevent attacks on its citizens.
Israel has also said it is striking suspected chemical weapons sites and heavy weapons to prevent them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israeli officials rarely acknowledge individual strikes.
Israel has a long history of seizing territory during wars with its neighbors and occupying it indefinitely, citing security concerns. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States.
Israeli warplanes pound Syria as troops reportedly advance deeper into the country
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N.'s Secretary-General, says Israel’s military has been observed inside Syria, claiming to be there to protect their border.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has closely tracked the conflict since the civil war erupted in 2011, said Israel has carried out more than 300 airstrikes across the country since the rebels overthrew Assad.
The Observatory, and Beirut-based Mayadeen TV, which has reporters in Syria, said Israeli troops are advancing up the Syrian side of the border with Lebanon and had come within 25 kilometers (15 miles) of Damascus, which the Israeli military denied.
Israel denies advancing toward Damascus
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, said “the reports circulating in the media about the alleged advancement of Israeli tanks towards Damascus are false.” He said Israeli troops are stationed within the buffer zone in order to protect Israel.
Israel’s military had previously said troops would enter the buffer zone “and several other places necessary for its defense.”
Israeli media meanwhile reported that the air force was methodically destroying Syria’s military assets to ensure whoever rules the country next would have to rebuild them.
The operations “have been systematically destroying all that remains of the escaped tyrant’s military,” wrote Yossi Yehoshua, the military correspondent for Israel’s largest daily, Yediot Ahronot.
“Dozens upon dozens of targets, including arms depots of various kinds, have been hit in waves of attacks so as to prevent them from falling into hostile hands and from posing a threat to Israel.” The air force “currently enjoys complete freedom of action,” he added.
Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have condemned Israel’s incursion, accusing it of exploiting the disarray in Syria and violating international law.
Turkey, which has been a main backer of the Syrian opposition to Assad, also condemned Israel’s advance. The Turkish Foreign Ministry accused Israel of“displaying a mentality of an occupier” at a time when the possibility of peace and stability had emerged in Syria.
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Monday said Israel’s incursion constitutes a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and called on both Israel and Syria to uphold it.
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Mroue reported from Beirut and Lidman from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Sarah El Deeb in Damascus, Syria, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
https://apnews.com/article/syria-israel-airstrike-assad-war-b90edb8dbe8268dacf90e59ca601e2e3
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Sunday, December 8, 2024
Syrain War Updates: Opposition Takes Damascus as al-Assad Flees
Leader of Syrian Opposition Forces
Abu Mohammed al-Julani
Here’s what happened today
Here’s a recap of the day’s developments:
- Syrian opposition fighters have captured the capital, Damascus, and declared victory on state television.
- Russia says Bashar al-Assad has left the country and given orders for a peaceful transition. His whereabouts are unknown.
- Opposition groups have declared a curfew in Damascus, where people are celebrating in the streets, from 4pm (13:00 GMT) until 5am (02:00 GMT).
- Opposition leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani says all state institutions will remain under the supervision of al-Assad’s prime minister until they are handed over officially.
- Crowds of Syrian refugees abroad are celebrating al-Assad’s fall and planning to return home for the first time in years.
Israeli PM Netanyahu visits Syrian border, hails ‘historic day’: Report
Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu has joined military commanders for a stop at the Israel-Syrian border, where Israel plans to bolster its defences, according to Israeli media reports.
“This is a historic day in the annals of the Middle East,” Netanyahu was quoted by Israel’s i24 TV as saying.
The Israeli prime minister went on to claim that al-Assad’s fall “is a direct result of the blows we landed against Iran and Hezbollah”.
- 1h ago(13:35 GMT)
Lack of Russian panic could mean some sort of understanding with Turkiye
The Russian Foreign Ministry said it did not participate in negotiations that preceded Bashar al-Assad’s resignation, and it did not specify his whereabouts.
The military at the Russian bases in Syria are on high alert, but there are no threats to their safety.
Russia and Iran appear to be negatively affected by the opposition ousting al-Assad, said Yulia Shapovalova, reporting from Moscow.
“Both have played a major role in supporting the Assad regime since the uprising began in 2011,” she said. “Russia actually continued to be on al-Assad’s side, because just recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Syria has been its strongest ally in the Middle East.”
Shapovalova said this gave Russia influence in the Middle East, and the ability to have a base in Tartus and an air base in Hmeimim in exchange for Moscow’s support. Russia has gained a key military presence in the Mediterranean and air power in the region as a result.
“Allegedly, Russia uses its naval base in Tartus to send its mercenaries to Africa, to Sudan, Mali and the Central African Republic,” Shapovalova said.
“Judging by the lack of panic in Russian bases, it could mean an element of agreement with Turkiye could have taken place.
At the moment, we understand all flights between Moscow and Damascus have been cancelled and the atmosphere at the Syrian embassy in Moscow remains calm.”
- 1h ago(13:30 GMT)
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Julani, who led the ousting of Bashar al-Assad?
Abu Mohammed al-Julani stands at the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that has become the most powerful armed opposition force in Syria and led the offensive that ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
Al-Julani was born Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in 1982 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where his father worked as a petroleum engineer. The family returned to Syria in 1989, settling near Damascus.
He was allied with top leadership at ISIL (ISIS) and al-Qaeda before resigning those ties to rebrand and present a more “moderate” image while renouncing a transnational mission for a national takeover roadmap.
The HTS continues to be designated a “terrorist” group by the UN, the US and the EU.
- 1h ago(13:25 GMT)
Syrian side of Jaber crossing with Jordan empty
The Syrian side of the Jaber border crossing between Jordan and Syria, in Deraa, has been empty.
There was no presence of security forces – at least for the last 24 hours – as Jordan allowed Syrians to return home.
In Deraa, people did not wait for the opposition groups to enter the city but took over it themselves.
People and some rebel groups that had not been known to be operating in the area captured the city and then marched north – towards Damascus – meeting with the other rebel groups there.
Deraa has been free of the al-Assad regime’s control for more than 24 hours now.
- 1h ago(13:20 GMT)
Lebanon says boosting troops on Syria border after al-Assad’s fall
The Lebanese army says it is reinforcing its presence on the border with neighbouring Syria after the government of al-Assad fell and opposition forces took the capital, Damascus.
“In light of rapid developments and delicate circumstances that the region is going through… units tasked with monitoring and controlling the northern and eastern borders have been reinforced, in conjunction with tightening surveillance measures,” the army said in a statement.
On Sunday, Syrian rebels swept into Damascus declaring they had toppled “tyrant” al-Assad, whose current whereabouts are unknown after he reportedly fled the country.
An AFP correspondent saw dozens of cars lining the main Masnaa crossing between the two countries as Syrian families returned home, with crowds cheering and chanting anti-Assad slogans.
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he discussed the situation at the Syrian border in a call with army commander Joseph Aoun and security forces chiefs.
Mikati insisted “in these calls on the priority of tightening control over the border and distancing Lebanon from the repercussions of the developments in Syria”, his office said in a statement.
Syria’s governing powers should not repeat past ‘atrocities’: UN commission
A UN commission responsible for probing war crimes in Syria has urged Syria’s new governing forces to avoid repeating atrocities it says were a hallmark of al-Assad’s rule.
“Today marks a historic new beginning for the Syrian people who have suffered unspeakable violence and atrocities over the past 14 years,” the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria said in a statement.
“It is incumbent on those now in charge to ensure that such atrocities are never again repeated within the walls of Sednaya (prison) or any other detention centre in Syria.”
As we reported earlier, opposition fighters claimed to have freed all the prisoners at the infamous Sednaya Prison as they stormed into Damascus.
Important to be ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Syria, says activist Omar Suleiman
Palestinian-American activist Omar Suleiman says it was vital to understand the “gravity of the moment ” for the Syrian people amid al-Assad’s ouster.
“There is a historic wrongdoing that has been undone, and that there’s cause for jubilation in that regard, and that we should celebrate with the Syrian people and center the Syrian people,” Suleiman, founder and president of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, said.
Nevertheless, like many others, he called for everyone to be “cautiously optimistic”.
“We should be calculated, careful and make sure that we see the revolution through,” Suleiman added.
“Much of the Arab Spring … was a cause of happiness followed by a cause of great disappointment.”
The Arab Spring was series of popular uprisings which erupted in 2011 in the Middle East and North Africa including in Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and Libya.
