Is the Middle East about to go apocalyptic?

[Chris]

"Prophecy Depot.com": Is the Middle East about to go apocalyptic?

Is the Middle East about to go apocalyptic?
By Bill Salus

While world leaders met in Copenhagen for the United Nations 2009 Climate Change Conference, Damascus, Syria hosted a war tribunal with high level delegations from Iran and the Hezbollah. Concurrently, about five-hundred prophetically minded Christian’s fellowshipped at the annual 2009 Pre-Trib Rapture conference in Dallas, hosted by Dr. Tim Lahaye and Dr. Thomas Ice.

Among the eschatologists in attendance were, Dr. David Reagan, Dr. Mark Hitchcock, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Jimmy DeYoung, Jimmy DeYoung Jr., Dr. Chuck Missler, Bill Koenig, Pastor Chuck Smith, Dr. Ed Hindson, Dr. Randall Price, Mike Gendron, Dr. Thomas Horn, Al Gist, Don McGee, Terry James, Todd Strandberg, Gary Fisher, Phillip Goodman,Wilfred Hahn, Jerry Robinson, Nathan Jones, Don Perkins, Daymond Duck, Gordon Peterson, Don Mercer, Ray Gano, Mike Hile, yours truly and many more.

The revived Roman Empire, trend toward Globalism, coming Mideast War, absence of America in Bible prophecy, and soon return of Jesus Christ weighed heavy on our hearts and minds at the conference. Although not all Christians worldwide agree as to when or whether Jesus Christ comes to take millions of believers out of this world, many of them are troubled by the rapidly developing dangerous events in the Middle East.

On December 2, 2009 Iranian president Ahmadinejad declared “The Zionist regime (Israel) and its (western) backers cannot do a **** thing to stop Iran's nuclear work". Just a few days later according to Debkafile, Iran successfully simulated the detonation of a nuclear warhead in laboratory conditions. This is an alarming development because detonation is one of the most difficult challenges in the development of a nuclear weapon.

In addition to the above Debkafile issued an article on December 10, 2009 Damascus conference entitled “If attacked, Iran wants Syria to hit back at Israel. Damascus hedges.” The article suggested that the largest Iranian delegation ever witnessed in Syrian history recently arrived in Damascus to form a strategic partnership between Iran and Syria against Israel. According to the article, Iran expects an Israeli attack within one month and wants Syria to commit to joint military action against Israel. It appears they plan to pressure Syria into a YES WE WILL ENLIST answer! (Article postsript: Iran and Syria confirmed a military pact on 12/11/09. Click here to read article / video below.)

Iran's defense minister Ahmad Vahidi headed the Iranian delegation in Damascus and he stated, "The countdown for war is coming close to its end." "We must get our strategic partnership in shape ahead of time." He went on to pinpoint “chemical, microbiological and banned nuclear weapons" as strategic retaliatory Israeli targets. Syrian and Iranian military officials purportedly proposed that Hezbollah and the Palestinian terrorist organizations start heating up Israel's borders in the coming days to draw the attention from the world's focus on the Iranian and Syrian nuclear programs. (article postsript: Hamas vows to unite with Iran if Israel attacks. Click here to read article.)

Additionally, Hassan Nasrallah the Secretary General of Hezbollah, brought a delegation from Lebanon to participate in this important Damascus meeting. Hassan Nasrallah had previously advocated this type of antagonistic behavior toward Israel on September 18, 2009, when he declared Hezbollah can presently wipe out one-half of Israel’s army and that Israel should be wiped off of the map.

It appears as though things are about to go ballistic in the Middle East. Should a war break out between Israel and the parties listed above, it could segue into a sequence of events foretold in the Bible. Three Mideast centered prophecies are strongly bleeping on the prophetic radar presently. They are Isaiah 17:1, Psalm 83, and Ezekiel 38 & 39. These three major prophecies have a myriad of subset prophecies, like Ezekiel 25:14, 37:10, Obadiah 1:18, Jeremiah 49:1-27 and many more that seem interconnected. These three prophecies were alluded to frequently among the attendees at the Pre-Trib conference.

While attending on December 8, 2009 I visited with Bill Koenig, (pictured together here) a respected eschatologist and white house correspondent. He said that Syria supposedly has the most advanced scuds in the world. Additionally, we discussed the possibility that Saddam Hussein may have smuggled many of his chemical warheads into Syria before the 2003 U.S. led invasion of Iraq. I commented to Bill Koenig that; “Should any chemicals penetrate into Israeli soil, I suspect Israel might attack Damascus and ultimately bring about the fulfillment of Isaiah 17:1”. (Isaiah 17:1 alludes to the final destruction of Damascus)

Also we discussed the upcoming massive civilian defense drill potentially scheduled for the middle of January 2010 in Israel. Several people at the conference had heard about this drill, which is being performed in preparation for a potential multi-front war with Hezbollah, Syria, Hamas, and perhaps Iran. This exercise is intended to prepare Israelis for an attack of a chemical and biological nature. Also Koenig concurred that gas masks are going to be re-distributed on a wide scale in Israel in January 2010, seemingly for such a scenario.

Regarding chemical warfare, the Kuwaiti Daily reported in the summer of 2008 that chemical components enabling the production of mustard gas made their way through Iran and Syria into Hezbollah's hands. There is legitimate concern that deadly chemicals may already be mounted within many of Hezbollah’s rocket warheads. Koenig believes that there are presently 50,000 rockets in Hezbollah's arsenal. In the 34 day conflict between Hezbollah and Israel during the summer of 2006, Hezbollah launched approximately 4000 rockets into many parts of Northern Israel. This proved to be an embarrassing wakeup call to Israeli Defense Forces and their leadership.

Recently in a televised speech on Al Quds day this past September Hezbollah Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah, discouraged all Arab allegiance with Israel and encouraged a multi-front war instead. He said "the next Mideast war will change the maps", inferring that in the aftermath new maps would be drawn without the nation of Israel upon them. Undoubtedly, Hezbollah defiance is due to their success in 2006 and their abundant arsenal amassed presently in 2009.

In my estimation this coming war will be unlike any other Mideast war throughout the entirety of history. I had dinner with Jimmy DeYoung, the widely respected end time’s expert, on December 7, 2009 and he, like most everyone else I spoke with at the conference about the subject, believes that Israel will pre-empt a strike against Iran's nuclear sites in the near future. "They have to", he said. The possible, albeit speculative, scenario I am suggesting to prepare for is as follows:

1. Israeli Pre-empted strike against Iran's nuclear sites.
2. Iran and / or proxies (Hezbollah, Syria, Hamas) retaliate.
3. Israel uses Scalar Technology against Damascus
4. Damascus ceases to be a city (Isaiah 17:1 fulfilled)
5. Arab League calls an emergency meeting intended to draw a line in the sand between Israel and the Arabs
6. Jordan and Egypt are pressured to break fragile peace treaties with Israel and confederate with other Arabs. (Jordan and Egypt are enlisted members of Psalm 83)
7. Saudi Arabia, also enlisted in Psalm 83, joins in for survival and economic, religious, and geo-political purposes
8. Psalm 83 commences...
On a side note; Arab Nationalism is at an all time high especially in light of the Iranian nuclear threat. Additionally the Palestinian Refugee Plight is climaxing presently and, if the scenario I'm suggesting occurs, it could come full front and center in the midst of this major conflict.
I believe these refugees are represented as the "tents of Edom" in Psalm 83:6.
9. Israel recognizes Arab military intentions and launches further preemptive strikes on its Arab neighbors and strikes religious sites in Saudi Arabia and overtakes the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. (Jimmy DeYoung informed me that the priestly garb is presently being prepared for about 28,000 Levites. DeYoung declared, They are saying in Israel today; "When the dome comes down, the priestly garments come out"! )
10. The Psalm 83 war ends, separation wall comes down, and construction of third Jewish temple begins.
11. The I.D.F. become and exceedingly great army in fulfillment of Ezekiel 37:10.

It may not happen exactly in this way; however, the above scenario is not that far fetched and I encourage people to prepare for the above or some varying scenario possibilities. The prophecies that are about to be fulfilled leading up to Ezekiel 38 are world changing and then the world will probably witness the Gog of Magog invasion. The sign posts are all up and pointing toward the nearby coming of the seven-year tribulation period ending with the campaign of Armageddon, shortly after the above type scenario occurs.

Therefore, Christians worldwide should look up for our redemption draws extremely near.
Posted by AUTHOR / LECTURER at 9:03 PM

[mattfivefour]

Pretty much fits right in with Joel Rosenberg's assessment, doesn't it?

[Suzanne]

I've always thought that there was a possibility of one war flowing into the other. It looks like I'm not the only one who thinks that.

[WKUHilltopper]

I've always thought that there was a possibility of one war flowing into the other. It looks like I'm not the only one who thinks that.

That's pretty much what happened to ignite WWI.

[Suzanne]

That's pretty much what happened to ignite WWI.

It was very sobering article. The potential is there for a lot of carnage all around. I will be praying for Israel.

[w8n4theSon]

A wonderfully interesting article, I would've loved to have been inside that conference. I'm glad Bill wrote on it, summarizing the salient points. I, too, will be praying for the safety of Israel.

[Faulty]

Concurrently, about five-hundred prophetically minded Christian’s fellowshipped at the annual 2009 Pre-Trib Rapture conference in Dallas, hosted by Dr. Tim Lahaye and Dr. Thomas Ice.

Among the eschatologists in attendance were, Dr. David Reagan, Dr. Mark Hitchcock, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Jimmy DeYoung, Jimmy DeYoung Jr., Dr. Chuck Missler, Bill Koenig, Pastor Chuck Smith, Dr. Ed Hindson, Dr. Randall Price, Mike Gendron, Dr. Thomas Horn, Al Gist, Don McGee, Terry James, Todd Strandberg, Gary Fisher, Phillip Goodman,Wilfred Hahn, Jerry Robinson, Nathan Jones, Don Perkins, Daymond Duck, Gordon Peterson, Don Mercer, Ray Gano, Mike Hile, yours truly and many more.

I saw the announcements for this and I really, really wanted to go, but couldn't make it.


Looks to me like the story places the end of Damascus as the next major event fulfilled, and I pretty much do the same as well.

Man, I bet I missed a great conference.

[MikeD]

When I read an article like this, I can't help but have mixed feelings.

BTW, thanks for sharing that Chris. Awesome article.

But, I have a feeling of, well, not really sure. A part of me actually tends to be somewhat "scary" of what's to come. I'm human and all those crazy things called "emotions" kick in and cause questions to pop up that never end.

I ask, what will it really be like? One second, you're standing there, lying there, whatever, then - before you know it, you're standing there in Heaven with Jesus along with millions of other saints of God. One can't help but ask, what will it be like???

I think of so many times I've missed out on witnessing. Times I should have spoke up for what's in the Bible but, for some reason, just didn't. Is there someone out there that will miss out on coming events because I didn't share the Good News? Oh, so many questions.

Yet, I know Jesus paid it all and there is really NOTHING I can do to warrant my entry into Heaven. He did it all and has covered me for an eternity. Yet, I know the Bible speaks of "works" I am to accomplish while here on this earth. Did I "miss out" on what He's called me for? As I said, so many questions.

Sorry to ramble on so much just, I guess, letting my "human" side spill out and express my feelings. Feelings; what a crazy thing..

[Boash]

I've felt for a long time now that the above scenario would play out pretty much as listed above. The only area I think differently on is that I don't believe Israel actually attacking starts it off. But more that as Iran begins to see signs that Israel is going to attack they turn their proxies loose to try and thwart a direct attack and weaken Israel to the point that they feel they can move on Israel. I just feel that they are watching Israel very closely and if they feel it is coming they will try and get their proxies to attack 1st. I could be way off base, it is just my thoughts because to me it makes sense. However as the bible very cleary states in Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord! So I humbly bow to the word of God and acknowledge that my thoughts on it are meaningless and it will all unfold according to the will of the Lord.

[Adopted Son]

You know, when the nation respected God and the Word, we knew our future was based on the Messiah, not man. Then, I always expected global conflicts could be solved with minimal loss of life and suffering. Today, it appears considerably diffferent to me.

The world is so convoluted, I still pray for peace, (where God wills it), but a part of me is resigned to the final conflict so we can do away with all this debauchery, lying, deceit, and useless waste of the Truth.

[Suzanne]

When I read an article like this, I can't help but have mixed feelings.

BTW, thanks for sharing that Chris. Awesome article.

But, I have a feeling of, well, not really sure. A part of me actually tends to be somewhat "scary" of what's to come. I'm human and all those crazy things called "emotions" kick in and cause questions to pop up that never end.

I ask, what will it really be like? One second, you're standing there, lying there, whatever, then - before you know it, you're standing there in Heaven with Jesus along with millions of other saints of God. One can't help but ask, what will it be like???

I think of so many times I've missed out on witnessing. Times I should have spoke up for what's in the Bible but, for some reason, just didn't. Is there someone out there that will miss out on coming events because I didn't share the Good News? Oh, so many questions.

Yet, I know Jesus paid it all and there is really NOTHING I can do to warrant my entry into Heaven. He did it all and has covered me for an eternity. Yet, I know the Bible speaks of "works" I am to accomplish while here on this earth. Did I "miss out" on what He's called me for? As I said, so many questions.

Sorry to ramble on so much just, I guess, letting my "human" side spill out and express my feelings. Feelings; what a crazy thing..

Mike, I think that we all struggle from what you describe. I know there have been times in my life when I wanted to witness but didn't go through with it for some reason or the other. I've asked myself the same questions that you have. Will someone miss out on heaven, because I failed to act? That's a hard question to face. We can't change the past, but we can start doing the things that we know God wants us to do now. God bless, brother.

[Suzanne]

I've felt for a long time now that the above scenario would play out pretty much as listed above. The only area I think differently on is that I don't believe Israel actually attacking starts it off. But more that as Iran begins to see signs that Israel is going to attack they turn their proxies loose to try and thwart a direct attack and weaken Israel to the point that they feel they can move on Israel. I just feel that they are watching Israel very closely and if they feel it is coming they will try and get their proxies to attack 1st. I could be way off base, it is just my thoughts because to me it makes sense. However as the bible very cleary states in Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord! So I humbly bow to the word of God and acknowledge that my thoughts on it are meaningless and it will all unfold according to the will of the Lord.

As tense as the ME is right now, someone could sneeze in someone else's direction and start a war. I know that Iran will use Hamas and Hezbollah if the mullahs feel that Israel is on the verge of attack. Iran has already used them both to try and distract Israel and the rest of the world from its nuclear program. If TPTB in Israel feel that they have to attack at some point, that will happen. There's just no way of knowing who will strike first.

[Suzanne]

You know, when the nation respected God and the Word, we knew our future was based on the Messiah, not man. Then, I always expected global conflicts could be solved with minimal loss of life and suffering. Today, it appears considerably diffferent to me.

The world is so convoluted, I still pray for peace, (where God wills it), but a part of me is resigned to the final conflict so we can do away with all this debauchery, lying, deceit, and useless waste of the Truth.

I feel the same way. I wish that no one had to perish in the coming wars, but the Bible makes it clear that 2/3 of the world's population will die by the close of Armaggedon.

[mattfivefour]

I feel the same way. I wish that no one had to perish in the coming wars, but the Bible makes it clear that 2/3 of the world's population will die by the close of Armaggedon.

But not all will be lost. Countless numbers will be saved out of all nations! Hallelujah!

[Suzanne]

But not all will be lost. Countless numbers will be saved out of all nations! Hallelujah!

Good point, brother.

[Sean Osborne]

Pretty much fits right in with Joel Rosenberg's assessment, doesn't it?

Matt,

To the best of my knowledge Joel C. Rosenberg has never made any mention of Psalm 83 in any of his prophecy books or lectures. For that matter he has bothered with Isaiah 17 either. His position, as expressed in his book "Epicenter," is that Ezekiel 38/39 will be the next great war in the Middle East.

[Keith]

When I read an article like this, I can't help but have mixed feelings.

BTW, thanks for sharing that Chris. Awesome article.

But, I have a feeling of, well, not really sure. A part of me actually tends to be somewhat "scary" of what's to come. I'm human and all those crazy things called "emotions" kick in and cause questions to pop up that never end.

I ask, what will it really be like? One second, you're standing there, lying there, whatever, then - before you know it, you're standing there in Heaven with Jesus along with millions of other saints of God. One can't help but ask, what will it be like???

I think of so many times I've missed out on witnessing. Times I should have spoke up for what's in the Bible but, for some reason, just didn't. Is there someone out there that will miss out on coming events because I didn't share the Good News? Oh, so many questions.

Yet, I know Jesus paid it all and there is really NOTHING I can do to warrant my entry into Heaven. He did it all and has covered me for an eternity. Yet, I know the Bible speaks of "works" I am to accomplish while here on this earth. Did I "miss out" on what He's called me for? As I said, so many questions.

Sorry to ramble on so much just, I guess, letting my "human" side spill out and express my feelings. Feelings; what a crazy thing..

Well join the club of being human Mike because you sound like and are having the same thoughts, emotions and feelings I have been having recently.

[mattfivefour]

Matt,

To the best of my knowledge Joel C. Rosenberg has never made any mention of Psalm 83 in any of his prophecy books or lectures. For that matter he has bothered with Isaiah 17 either. His position, as expressed in his book "Epicenter," is that Ezekiel 38/39 will be the next great war in the Middle East.

Sorry, Sean ... I wasn't meaning to speak of the prophecies as much as the idea expressed in the first few grafs that the crisis is about to break.

[Sean Osborne]

Sorry, Sean ... I wasn't meaning to speak of the prophecies as much as the idea expressed in the first few grafs that the crisis is about to break.

Matt,

Oh, in those general terms, yes, Rosenberg's assessment falls in line with what Bill Salus wrote in this article as well as the general consensus of the majority of those in attendance at the Dallas Pre-Trib Conference.

That said...

It was my mistake for being focused on the specific details of what is about to break in my first reply.

I have come to learn and express as best I can that all schools of eschatological interpretation agree in general terms that the Apocalypse is nigh at hand.

However, and pun intended, the devil really is in the details. The devil knows the general outline of coming prophetic events; he knows that he has but a short time. So he intends to make the best of this knowledge, to take his best shot at being the destroyer that he is. His deceptions will be enacted accordingly, and has been said by our Lord in the Olivet Discourse, will be powerful enough to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Is the Middle East about to go apocalyptic? No doubt about it in general terns.

Even Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad's eschatology agrees with that idea, albeit he's based in an entirely different eschatology.

As we all know, it is in the Biblical eschatological details that the distinguishing prophetic difference of the Lord God Almighty is made with respect to what is coming next. Amen.

[notdecieved]

Chris, thanks for the article. Its very interesting to think that maybe once something ignites in the ME and there is a strike from one or the other parties, that the scalar effect (that Mr Silas writes about) could possibly be the scenario of how things progress, one right after the other. Hmmmm... very interesting indeed.