Those Surrounding Israel To Be Devoured!

[Chris]

Those Surrounding Israel To Be Devoured!

Those Surrounding Israel To Be Devoured!
By Bill Salus

The prophet Zechariah informs us in chapter 12 that those peoples surrounding Israel, will someday be devoured by Israel. The key to understanding portions of his prophecy rests in recognizing the direct correlation between Zechariah 12:2 and Zechariah 12:6.

"Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. (Zec. 12:2, nkjv; emphasis added)

Someday Jerusalem becomes a cup of "raal" in the Hebrew, which is commonly translated as reeling, trembling, or drunkenness. This occurs when the surrounding peoples lay siege against both Judah and Jerusalem. This cup of "raal" should not be confused with the "heavy stone" classification of Jerusalem in the following passage.

And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. (Zec. 12:3, nkjv; emphasis added)

Jerusalem becomes a heavy stone for all peoples from all nations, rather than a cup of trembling to the surrounding peoples sharing common borders with Israel. Certainly, Jerusalem will feel like a burdensome stone, and a cup of trembling to Israel's bordering nations when they lay siege upon Judah and Jerusalem, but the heavy stone application applies to a much broader worldwide audience.

Zechariah 12:6 informs us that the Israeli Defense Forces devour those sharing common borders with them like a fiery torch consumes sheaves or rows of fallen grain.

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. (Zec. 12:6, nkjv; emphasis added)

The differing imageries of a cup of trembling, verses a burdensome stone, seems to represent different prophetic events. Although they are somewhat interrelated due to their connection with Jerusalem, the first event describes the I.D.F. causing their surrounding enemies to tremble because they retaliate against them for laying siege upon Judah and Jerusalem. As a result of a decisive I.D.F. victory, Jerusalem is inhabited again by Israelis.

Continued Israeli claims of exclusive sovereignty over Jerusalem meet with ongoing resistance throughout the world. From Joel 3:2, Psalm 2:1-3, and elsewhere, we realize Anti-Semitism spreads throughout the world and ultimately causes all peoples from all nations to assemble against Israel in the final stages of the Armageddon Campaign.

Clues

The main clues given to separate the two Jerusalem centered prophecies are:
1. The Surrounding Peoples,
2. The Fiery Torch,
3. The Heavy Stone.

The Surrounding Peoples – appears to identify those sharing common borders with Israel at the time Jerusalem becomes a cup of trembling. The Hebrew word used for the surrounding peoples is Sabiyb. This same word is used to describe the enemy Arab nations encircling Israel in Ezekiel 36:3, 4, and 7. It is doubtful Zechariah was loosely identifying all peoples from all nations by using this specific Hebrew word. If he was, why didn't he repeat the same word again in Zec.12:3?

The Fiery Torch – The illustration of a torch devouring a swath of sheaves is a clear picture of a military conquest. Since it is the governors (also translated as clans or captains) of Judah that wield the torch, rather than the Lord single-handedly like in Isaiah 63:3 and Ezekiel 38:18-39:6, it must be regarded with a prophecy involving the Israeli military.

Ezekiel 25:14, Obadiah 1:18, Isaiah 11:13-14, Zephaniah 2:9, and elsewhere describe the Israeli Defense Forces in end time's military action. However, the I.D.F. is not instrumental in Isaiah 63:3 or Ezekiel 38:18-39:6. These events involve the destruction of Israel's enemies solely by the Lord. In Isaiah's prophecy it is the Messiah that is "mighty to save," that fights against the Antichrist and his armies. In Ezekiel's account, it is the Lord that destroys the Ezekiel 38 invaders. In neither Isaiah's, nor Ezekiel's scenarios is the I.D.F. influential in the battle.

Thus, there must be at least three end time's battles over Israel. Two of which the I.D.F. plays no decisive role whatsoever. If Zechariah 12:2 and 12:6, which both identifies surrounding peoples, is not part of Armageddon or Ezekiel's Gog of Magog invasion, then what battle remains? The only logical conclusion is described in the Psalm 83 prophecy. The Psalm identifies the surrounding peoples sharing common borders with Israel that want to destroy Israel.

The Heavy Stone – although some allegorical correlation to the stone of Daniel 2:34-35, 45 could be made with Zechariah 12:3, the illustration appears to deal with disputed territory. Sovereign Israeli claims over Jerusalem become a burden to all peoples from all nations, and Jerusalem is pictured as an immovable stone. Due to its weight it can neither be heaved away nor cut into pieces to be removed fractionally. Even though the international community continuously attempts to heave it out of Israel's real estate portfolio, it falls back in its same location injuring those attempting to cast it away.

The prophet Joel predicts this matter's final resolution as an end time's event occurring after the Jews return from the nations of the world into the reestablished State of Israel.

"For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. (Joel 3:1-2, nkjv)

The nations of the world are guilty of attempting to divide the land of Israel including Jerusalem. This is occurring now, and will probably continue to occur after the Psalm 83 conflict. Ultimately, the Lord gathers all the nations to do a final battle against the Jews, which appears to be when Zechariah 12:3 finds its final literal fulfillment. Partial geo-political fulfillment has been occurring since Israel was reestablished on May 14, 1948.

[luchadora41]

I can't believe I haven't joined in here before. What a terrific article, and spot on in what's going on. Interestingly enough, I find myself guilty, without apology, of being an active participant in trying to keep Jerusalem undivided, for the glory of HaShem. Jerusalem belongs to Israel. Israel belongs to God, to the Jews, and to those who choose to become Israeli citizens and agree to live in peace with her. Eagerly awaiting the sound of the shofar as Jesus shouts from the clouds and claims His church! I so can't wait to meet Him in person.

[bearycool]

Wow, this is great!

[WKUHilltopper]

Those Surrounding Israel To Be Devoured!

Those Surrounding Israel To Be Devoured!
By Bill Salus

The prophet Zechariah informs us in chapter 12 that those peoples surrounding Israel, will someday be devoured by Israel. The key to understanding portions of his prophecy rests in recognizing the direct correlation between Zechariah 12:2 and Zechariah 12:6.

"Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. (Zec. 12:2, nkjv; emphasis added)

Someday Jerusalem becomes a cup of "raal" in the Hebrew, which is commonly translated as reeling, trembling, or drunkenness. This occurs when the surrounding peoples lay siege against both Judah and Jerusalem. This cup of "raal" should not be confused with the "heavy stone" classification of Jerusalem in the following passage.

And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. (Zec. 12:3, nkjv; emphasis added)

Jerusalem becomes a heavy stone for all peoples from all nations, rather than a cup of trembling to the surrounding peoples sharing common borders with Israel. Certainly, Jerusalem will feel like a burdensome stone, and a cup of trembling to Israel's bordering nations when they lay siege upon Judah and Jerusalem, but the heavy stone application applies to a much broader worldwide audience.

Zechariah 12:6 informs us that the Israeli Defense Forces devour those sharing common borders with them like a fiery torch consumes sheaves or rows of fallen grain.

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. (Zec. 12:6, nkjv; emphasis added)

The differing imageries of a cup of trembling, verses a burdensome stone, seems to represent different prophetic events. Although they are somewhat interrelated due to their connection with Jerusalem, the first event describes the I.D.F. causing their surrounding enemies to tremble because they retaliate against them for laying siege upon Judah and Jerusalem. As a result of a decisive I.D.F. victory, Jerusalem is inhabited again by Israelis.

Continued Israeli claims of exclusive sovereignty over Jerusalem meet with ongoing resistance throughout the world. From Joel 3:2, Psalm 2:1-3, and elsewhere, we realize Anti-Semitism spreads throughout the world and ultimately causes all peoples from all nations to assemble against Israel in the final stages of the Armageddon Campaign.

Clues

The main clues given to separate the two Jerusalem centered prophecies are:
1. The Surrounding Peoples,
2. The Fiery Torch,
3. The Heavy Stone.

The Surrounding Peoples – appears to identify those sharing common borders with Israel at the time Jerusalem becomes a cup of trembling. The Hebrew word used for the surrounding peoples is Sabiyb. This same word is used to describe the enemy Arab nations encircling Israel in Ezekiel 36:3, 4, and 7. It is doubtful Zechariah was loosely identifying all peoples from all nations by using this specific Hebrew word. If he was, why didn't he repeat the same word again in Zec.12:3?

The Fiery Torch – The illustration of a torch devouring a swath of sheaves is a clear picture of a military conquest. Since it is the governors (also translated as clans or captains) of Judah that wield the torch, rather than the Lord single-handedly like in Isaiah 63:3 and Ezekiel 38:18-39:6, it must be regarded with a prophecy involving the Israeli military.

Ezekiel 25:14, Obadiah 1:18, Isaiah 11:13-14, Zephaniah 2:9, and elsewhere describe the Israeli Defense Forces in end time's military action. However, the I.D.F. is not instrumental in Isaiah 63:3 or Ezekiel 38:18-39:6. These events involve the destruction of Israel's enemies solely by the Lord. In Isaiah's prophecy it is the Messiah that is "mighty to save," that fights against the Antichrist and his armies. In Ezekiel's account, it is the Lord that destroys the Ezekiel 38 invaders. In neither Isaiah's, nor Ezekiel's scenarios is the I.D.F. influential in the battle.

Thus, there must be at least three end time's battles over Israel. Two of which the I.D.F. plays no decisive role whatsoever. If Zechariah 12:2 and 12:6, which both identifies surrounding peoples, is not part of Armageddon or Ezekiel's Gog of Magog invasion, then what battle remains? The only logical conclusion is described in the Psalm 83 prophecy. The Psalm identifies the surrounding peoples sharing common borders with Israel that want to destroy Israel.

The Heavy Stone – although some allegorical correlation to the stone of Daniel 2:34-35, 45 could be made with Zechariah 12:3, the illustration appears to deal with disputed territory. Sovereign Israeli claims over Jerusalem become a burden to all peoples from all nations, and Jerusalem is pictured as an immovable stone. Due to its weight it can neither be heaved away nor cut into pieces to be removed fractionally. Even though the international community continuously attempts to heave it out of Israel's real estate portfolio, it falls back in its same location injuring those attempting to cast it away.

The prophet Joel predicts this matter's final resolution as an end time's event occurring after the Jews return from the nations of the world into the reestablished State of Israel.

"For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. (Joel 3:1-2, nkjv)

The nations of the world are guilty of attempting to divide the land of Israel including Jerusalem. This is occurring now, and will probably continue to occur after the Psalm 83 conflict. Ultimately, the Lord gathers all the nations to do a final battle against the Jews, which appears to be when Zechariah 12:3 finds its final literal fulfillment. Partial geo-political fulfillment has been occurring since Israel was reestablished on May 14, 1948.

Hey, Trojan Lover! Hahaha That was a really good article. Thanks for doing it. I haven't seen much discussion from many sources lately on the Psalm 83 "War". I been wondering if it has gotten out of "vogue" to a degree--or it may be I'm just not looking in the right places.

My hunch is Psalm 83 is the next big event. Then the Ezek war. The Rapture maybe in between the two events. But I'm not sure or clear on that 'hunch'. I would think the Ezek war would occur just right before the Tribulation period--as it would be the reason/justification for a signing of a 7 year "peace" treaty.

Beat Troy! For once!

[tjplaw]

We can't deny God's judgment coming upon the Middle East, but never forget the heart of these judgments and what God will do concerning Israels neighbors, never forget that God loves them the same as a stubborn Israel.

It's easy to see the judgments described in scripture, but don't pass up the heart of scripture.

Isaiah 17:7 In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.

Psalm 83:16 & 18 Cover their faces with shame, LORD, so that they will seek your name. 18 Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord; that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Ezekiel 38:23 And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’

Ezekiel 39:7-8 “‘I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the LORD am the Holy One in Israel.
8. It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD. This is the day I have spoken of.

21 “I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay on them.

[Sean Osborne]

I haven't seen much discussion from many sources lately on the Psalm 83 "War". I been wondering if it has gotten out of "vogue" to a degree--or it may be I'm just not looking in the right places.

Yup, not looking in the right places.


We've been writing on all aspects of Psalm 83 and related prophecies plus referencing slightly older inter-related material consistently for the past two and a half years. However, I don't think you need to catch up at all because of what you say next...

My hunch is Psalm 83 is the next big event. Then the Ezek war. The Rapture maybe in between the two events. But I'm not sure or clear on that 'hunch'. I would think the Ezek war would occur just right before the Tribulation period--as it would be the reason/justification for a signing of a 7 year "peace" treaty.

This is spot-on correct with the majority eschatological view regarding the coming events and their sequential order. Eschatologically bro, you're good to go.

[Caelestis]

It's possible Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39 are talking about the same event. That is, Psalm 83 is simply talking about the retaliation on the forces who attack Israel in Ezekiel 38-39.

But the particular details regarding this don't concern me, personally. What's important to know is that a giant conflagration is going to break out in the middle east very soon which will plunge the planet into the great tribulation/"time of testing".

I don't think there will be some minor confrontation, only to be followed by a greater one. I believe a single and decisive, profound, immense, horrible, and catastrophic exchange is looming and will transpire unexpectedly. Like The Flood, this event will transpire like a thief in the night, and those who are God's will be taken beforehand.

I'm always afraid to share this scenario on forums like these, cuz the mods always accuse it of not being a pre-trib rapture, but it surely is.

[Sean Osborne]

It's possible Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39 are talking about the same event. That is, Psalm 83 is simply talking about the retaliation on the forces who attack Israel in Ezekiel 38-39.

Sorry, but what you suggest is not a possibility.

The prophetic Scriptures are very clear that there will be two distict groups of enemies which will come against Israel for two distict purposes at two distinct times with two distinct and very different outcomes.

Psalm 83/Isaiah 17/Joshua 13:1-7 occur first followed a few years later by Ezekiel 38/39. This end times exegesis has been held by both Christian and Jewish eschatological scholars for many, many years. Additional insights gathered up as we approach the fulfillment of these prophecies confirms the accuracy of this exegesis.

All of these battles and wars have the sum effect of being percursor events to the arrival of the Antichrist and his confirming of a "covenant among many." And as we all know, the confirming of that covenant heralds the start of Daniel's 70th Week.

My personal view, which is based upon the direct connection between Romans 11, Deuteronomy 29:4 and Ezekiel 39:29, is that the Harpazo will have occured at some unknown point during the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy.

[Patiently...]

Sorry, but what you suggest is not a possibility.

The prophetic Scriptures are very clear that there will be two distict groups of enemies which will come against Israel for two distict purposes at two distinct times with two distinct and very different outcomes.

Psalm 83/Isaiah 17/Joshua 13:1-7 occur first followed a few years later by Ezekiel 38/39. This end times exegesis has been held by both Christian and Jewish eschatological scholars for many, many years. Additional insights gathered up as we approach the fulfillment of these prophecies confirms the accuracy of this exegesis.

All of these battles and wars have the sum effect of being percursor events to the arrival of the Antichrist and his confirming of a "covenant among many." And as we all know, the confirming of that covenant heralds the start of Daniel's 70th Week.

My personal view, which is based upon the direct connection between Romans 11, Deuteronomy 29:4 and Ezekiel 39:29, is that the Harpazo will have occured at some unknown point during the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy.

I've noticed that in all the posts of yours that I have read that you think the Ezekiel 38/39 will be several years after Psalm 83/Isaiah 17/Joshua 13:1-7. I am curious as to why you think several years have to pass between the two? It could be a much shorter time.

[Caelestis]

Sorry, but what you suggest is not a possibility.

The prophetic Scriptures are very clear that there will be two distict groups of enemies which will come against Israel for two distict purposes at two distinct times with two distinct and very different outcomes.

Psalm 83/Isaiah 17/Joshua 13:1-7 occur first followed a few years later by Ezekiel 38/39. This end times exegesis has been held by both Christian and Jewish eschatological scholars for many, many years. Additional insights gathered up as we approach the fulfillment of these prophecies confirms the accuracy of this exegesis.

All of these battles and wars have the sum effect of being percursor events to the arrival of the Antichrist and his confirming of a "covenant among many." And as we all know, the confirming of that covenant heralds the start of Daniel's 70th Week.

My personal view, which is based upon the direct connection between Romans 11, Deuteronomy 29:4 and Ezekiel 39:29, is that the Harpazo will have occured at some unknown point during the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy.

I think it's more than possible that Psalm 83/Isaiah 17/Ezekiel 38-39 could be referring to different events and times. I've always been open to this.

I just believe that before the first war/conflagration erupts in the middle east - even if it's just the first in a series - all true Christians will be out of here, and the great tribulation will begin.

Of course I could be wrong. It's possible that the Psalm83 event could take place, and then very, very shortly after something bigger could happen, like the Gog-Magog war. That is, when we believers, like Jesus says, "see all these things begin to happen", and witness the events of Psalm 83 and/or Isaiah 17, we will look up, and will know that our redemption is truly near.

Either way, I think we can all agree that if we've been truly saved by the finished work of Jesus Christ, we're about to go home.

Take care Sean

[Sean Osborne]

I just believe that before the first war/conflagration erupts in the middle east - even if it's just the first in a series - all true Christians will be out of here, and the great tribulation will begin.

Then please tell us the answer to this question:

Why is the Bride of Christ is still present on this earth?

The very literal fact-of-the-matter is that the Psalm 83 war began on 15 May 1948 and it continues to this day.

[Sean Osborne]

I've noticed that in all the posts of yours that I have read that you think the Ezekiel 38/39 will be several years after Psalm 83/Isaiah 17/Joshua 13:1-7. I am curious as to why you think several years have to pass between the two?

There will have to be several years between these wars. This becomes clear when the Bible prophecy researcher digs deeper into the Word than just reading the text and taking it at face value.

This deeper Bible prophecy research will cause one to come to the realization that the true prophetic nature of these wars - beginning with Isaiah 17 and Psalm 83 - is that they prophesy great WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION WARS.

The time required for any nation to recover from such a war is a real-world reality and fact.

This is confirmed in what God told Ezekiel directly regarding the subsequent War of Gog/Magog. In chapter 38, beginning with verse 8, God says that Gog and his horde will come against a land that is recovered from war, a people at rest, living in safety and security.

That will take time; several years of time.

[WKUHilltopper]

Yup, not looking in the right places.

I know, I know...I've been lazy and haven't been on here for awhile. I was talking about "other places" besides here.

[Sean Osborne]

I know, I know...I've been lazy and haven't been on here for awhile. I was talking about "other places" besides here.

Yeah, those "other places" are what I was referring to. Places like Bill Salus' blog and website, Lamb & Lion Ministries blog and website, etc, etc.

When you find the time, of course.

[WKUHilltopper]

Yeah, those "other places" are what I was referring to. Places like Bill Salus' blog and website, Lamb & Lion Ministries blog and website, etc, etc.

When you find the time, of course.

Yeah, good sites--just looking for "new faces", confirming new points of view, I guess. I've gotten where I listen more to Dr. Reagan on L&L Ministries (and from Jan Markel) rather than read stuff anymore. Maybe I'm getting lazy--

[WKUHilltopper]

It's possible Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39 are talking about the same event. That is, Psalm 83 is simply talking about the retaliation on the forces who attack Israel in Ezekiel 38-39.

Well, maybe. But I don't think so. Psalm 83 describes a whole set of different "players"/ countries than those described in Ezek. I really believe these are two separate events. Psalm 83 describes Arabic countries--Ezek's attention writes about "non-Arabic" countries. Iran (Persia), as indicated in Ezek, is not an Arabic country--just Muslim in today's world.