Events in the middle east continue to amaze us (see Signs of the Times section). As we watch the peace process unfold before our eyes, we continually examine prophetic scriptures to see where we are in relation to the return of our Lord.
Not the peace of the kingdom
What we are seeing is not the peace of the kingdom age. Before the kingdom is established, Israel will be attacked resulting in great desolation. Zechariah 12-14 is unambiguous in this regard: “I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled…then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations” (Zech. 14:1-3).
Thus terrible trouble lies ahead for Israel; she will be delivered from it by the arrival on the scene of Messiah and his host. We feel the prophecies of Joel 2 and Ezekiel 38-39 are referring to these same events. After this deliverance by the Lord Jesus Christ, Israel will never again be desolated.
They will dwell safely
Yet before the desolation described, Israel is “at rest” and is said to “dwell safely…having neither bars nor gates” (Ezk. 38:11). Thirty years ago, we frequently forced an interpretation on these words, saying they meant “confidently.” While that may have been tenable for the one phrase, “dwell safely,” the interpretation did not fit the overall description of a nation at peace. Our intent was good, however. We so much want the return of Christ that we habitually hope that nothing more must be fulfilled before he comes.
Now we look at Ezekiel 38 and realize that maybe it does mean what it says. Events are developing in such dramatic fashion that, with a few more steps, we will look at verses 11-13 and say, “There it is!”
Supporting the description of peace in the land is the absence of Israel’s immediate neighbors from the invading coalition. Iran, Libya and Ethiopia are mentioned (v.5), but conspicuous by their absence are Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan (Ammon and Moab). Some have suggested they are absent because Israel has conquered them. That may be, but to control such conquered neighbors would surely require Israel to remain an armed camp.
While we have hardly let ourselves think it was possible, what is now happening between Israel and her neighbors provides the best fit to Ezekiel 38 of any possible situation.
Perpetual hatred a misinterpretation
Some brethren feel all Israel’s neighbors must be perpetually hostile toward Israel because of prophecies regarding Edom. They are therefore dismayed at current events and feel the tide will again turn toward war.
We have considered the Edom prophecies in detail, however, and do not feel they require such an interpretation (see Tidings, 1991, pp. 140, 171, 203, 269). It may help to briefly review the key facts:
- The Edomites are the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother (Gen. 36:8-9); they are also called Idumeans (Ezk. 35:15).
- The Edomites were to disappear as a people at the hands of Israel (Ezk. 25:14; 35:9; Obad. 18).
- It is a fact of history that the Edomites disappeared by being forcibly absorbed into Jewry: “When the captivity of the two tribes rendered the territory of Judah somewhat destitute of inhabitants [c. 585 B.C.], the Edomites seized on it as far as Hebron, and were themselves supplanted in Mount Seir by the Nabataeans. The political power of Edom was really completely at an end when Nabonidus made Taima his place of residence [c. 540 B.C.]. Judas Maccabeus retook Hebron [c. 160 B.C.] and the other towns which the Edomites had occupied (1 Macc. 5:65; Jos. xii. 8,6). John Hyrcanus [a Jewish general c. 125 B.C.] compelled the Edomites to submit to the rite of circumcision, and incorporated them with the Jewish people (Jos. Antiq. xiii. 9,1) The Herod’s were Idumaeans, i.e., Edomites [who were now but a subgroup of the Jewish people].” (Westminister Bible Dictionary, pg. 148).
- In Bible prophecy, “Edom” and “Idumea” represent the Gentiles, not the Arabs (cf. Isa. 34:2-5). The Arabs, on the other hand, are descendants of Ishmael and Lot (Ammon and Moab).
Since the Edom prophecies are not about Israel’s present neighbors, we do not feel scripture prohibits a normalizing of relations in the Middle East.
Chapters for our time
Sometimes we may feel that we spend too much time pouring over the details of Ezekiel 38-39, Zechariah 12-14 and other latter-day prophecies. But surely the Jewish exiles spent many hours contemplating the prophecy of 70-years servitude to Babylon in Jeremiah 25 and 29. And when Cyrus issued his decrees, Isaiah 45 would have come under intense study. In A.D. 35-70, the ecclesia in Jerusalem had the Olivet prophecy to consider; when the record in Luke 21 became available, they would have carefully compared it to Matthew’s account and that of Mark to see just what they could expect.
In a similar manner, brethren living during the days of Constantine would have read Revelation 12 with much interest. The prophecy would have kept their perspective right so they did not get carried away with the teachings of a developing apostasy.
Early in this century, as the Ottoman Empire shrunk, brethren could read Revelation 16:12 knowing they were living through the events of that passage. The same was true when Israel was born in a day. Some readers will vividly remember the vote in the UN knowing Bible verses were being fulfilled as they heard the totals accumulate.
While all scripture is useful in demonstrating divine principles, some prophetic scriptures are specifically designed for a given generation. Surely God has provided some prophecies primarily designed for believers today. We are expected to rejoice in them and vigorously consider just how they are being worked out.
It is close
The very things that we have hoped for, dreamed of, prayed for are upon us. However the details work out, the scriptures are alive with the events of our time. They are like a trumpet calling our attention to the return of our Lord, warning us that we have no time to experiment with sin or to give anything less than our utmost in the service of our king. For soon the trumpet will sound and we will be called to welcome him with joy and not, we pray, with dread.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One