ARMAGEDDON: THE NATIONS GATHER, BUT THE KING HAS OTHER PLANS! -Mark Wilson

Posted in Mark Wilson, Prophecy, Revelation with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 1, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

Aerial view of Jerusalem depicted as a city under siege, with texts from Zechariah 14:2 and 14:3 overlaying the image.

Armageddon

Few words evoke more images of worldwide catastrophe. Yet one of the most recognizable events in biblical prophecy is mentioned by name only ONCE in Scripture.

And its significance reaches deep into the Hebrew prophets.

1. ARMAGEDDON: WHERE DO THE ARMIES ACTUALLY GATHER?

“And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:16)

The Hebrew name Har-Magedon is traditionally associated with Megiddo in northern Israel, although its precise derivation remains debated.

Megiddo overlooks the Jezreel Valley, an ancient military crossroads where kings fought and kingdoms fell (Judges 5:19; 2 Kings 23:29).

But notice something frequently overlooked. Revelation identifies Armageddon as the gathering place, not necessarily the location of the decisive battle.

Meanwhile, Zechariah 12–14 repeatedly identifies Jerusalem as the focus of the nations’ hostility and God’s intervention.

Could Megiddo be the staging ground for a much larger military campaign culminating at Jerusalem? And why does John specifically emphasize the location’s Hebrew name?

Perhaps understanding Armageddon requires us to return to the Hebrew prophets.

2. WHO REALLY GATHERS THE NATIONS?

Revelation 16:14 describes demonic spirits gathering the kings of the world for battle.

Yet Joel 3:2 declares: “I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel.”

And Zechariah 14:2 records the LORD saying: “For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle.”

Who is gathering them?

Satan gathers the nations in rebellion. God sovereignly gathers them for judgment.

The nations believe they are assembling for conquest. But they are approaching an appointment with the King.

This confrontation belongs to the broader Day of the LORD, anticipated throughout Joel, Zephaniah, Zechariah, and other Hebrew prophets.

Armageddon is not an isolated prediction buried in Revelation. It is connected to a prophetic narrative spanning centuries.

3. WHY DOES EVERYTHING CENTER ON ISRAEL AND JERUSALEM?

“On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples.” (Zechariah 12:3)

“And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 12:9)

Notice the geographical specificity. Israel. Judah. Jerusalem. The nations.

The prophets repeatedly identify the land and people at the center of this confrontation.

This raises a serious question for interpretations that understand these passages primarily symbolically: If God repeatedly identifies Jerusalem and Judah, what textual justification allows us to remove their geographical significance?

The Abrahamic Covenant includes an enduring land promise (Genesis 17:7–8).

The Davidic Covenant promises an enduring royal dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

God’s covenant purposes for Israel have not been canceled.

4. ISRAEL’S DELIVERANCE INVOLVES MORE THAN MILITARY VICTORY

Here is a remarkable detail often overlooked.

Zechariah 12:10 declares: “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy.”

The verse continues with the extraordinary prophecy concerning the One who was pierced and the mourning that follows.

The prophecy moves beyond national conflict to spiritual recognition and repentance.

Romans 11:26 adds: “And in this way all Israel will be saved.”

From a futurist understanding, Israel’s ultimate restoration involves both national deliverance and spiritual renewal through Yeshua HaMashiach.

The greatest miracle surrounding Jerusalem’s deliverance may not be the defeat of her enemies, but Israel’s recognition of her Messiah. The King who delivers Israel is also the One who redeems her.

5. THE MOUNTAIN THAT WITNESSED HIS DEPARTURE

“Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.” (Zechariah 14:3)

“On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east.” (Zechariah 14:4)

Acts 1:9–12 records Yeshua ascending from the Mount of Olives and the angels promising His return.

Acts doesn’t explicitly identify the location of His return, but the connection with Zechariah is remarkable.

The mountain that witnessed His departure may also witness His victorious return.

Revelation 19:19 describes the beast and the kings of the earth gathering to make war against the rider on the white horse.

The nations gather against the King of kings. But the outcome is never in doubt.

6. ARMAGEDDON IS NOT THE END OF HUMAN HISTORY

Revelation 19:19–21 describes Messiah’s victory over the beast and his armies.

But what happens next?

Revelation 20:1–3 describes Satan being bound for a thousand years.

“They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4)

Only AFTER the thousand years does Satan gather the nations for another rebellion (Revelation 20:7–10).

In the premillennial understanding, these are two distinct confrontations separated by a thousand years.

Amillennial interpreters commonly understand Revelation 20 as revisiting earlier events rather than continuing the chronology.

But the sequential reading raises an important question: If Armageddon immediately ends human history, why does Revelation describe a thousand-year reign followed by another rebellion?

Armageddon precedes the Messianic Kingdom.

The final rebellion follows it.

7. WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SURVIVING NATIONS?

Perhaps the most astonishing detail appears in Zechariah 14.

Verse 2 describes the nations gathering against Jerusalem for war.

Yet verse 16 declares: “Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths.”

Read that carefully.

SURVIVORS from the nations that attacked Jerusalem! The nations once approached Jerusalem in hostility. Now their survivors journey there to worship the King and celebrate Sukkot.

Zechariah 14:17–19 even describes consequences for nations refusing to participate.

The same chapter that begins with Jerusalem surrounded by enemies ends with the nations acknowledging the LORD’s kingship.

What an extraordinary reversal!

From WAR to WORSHIP.

From REBELLION to SUBMISSION.

From armies surrounding Jerusalem to nations worshiping the King.

And Zechariah 14:9 declares: “And the LORD will be king over all the earth.”

From a premillennial perspective, this describes life under Messiah’s earthly reign, before the final judgment and the eternal state.

8. THE KINGDOM GOD PROMISED HAS NOT BEEN CANCELED

The Hebrew prophets anticipated more than the defeat of Israel’s enemies.

They promised a restored Israel, a righteous Davidic King, and nations learning the ways of the LORD.

Isaiah 2:3 declares: “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

Micah 4:3 describes nations beating their swords into plowshares and learning war no more.

Armageddon does not erase God’s covenant promises. It brings the prophetic narrative toward their fulfillment.

CONSIDER THIS FINAL QUESTION:

If Armageddon marks the immediate end of human history, why does Zechariah describe survivors from the hostile nations traveling to Jerusalem year after year to worship the King?

The nations gather against Jerusalem.

The Messiah returns in victory.

Israel recognizes her Deliverer.

And the nations that once opposed His purposes must acknowledge His reign.

ARMAGEDDON IS NOT THE END OF GOD’S PLAN FOR THE EARTH. IT IS THE CLIMACTIC CONFRONTATION BEFORE THE PROMISED MESSIANIC KINGDOM.

“And the LORD will be king over all the earth.” (Zechariah 14:9)

Revelation 16:13–16; 19:11–21; 20:1–10 | Joel 3 | Zechariah 12–14 | Isaiah 2:2–4 | Micah 4:1–4 | Romans 11:25–27

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

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Be Fruitful, Multiply & Fill

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Culture, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 27, 2026 by paulthepoke

Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

This is the first commandment given to humanity. Have sex and produce children, lots of ’em! It is stated three times!

  1. Be fruitful
  2. Multiply
  3. Fill the earth

To the critic, this is the Old Testament God who you call an oppressive, insecure, prude, selfish tyrant. God is an ogre! He’s ready to crush us with His thumb! Insert atheist talking point…

And what happened, humanity has perverted in so many ways what God intended for good.

Let’s look at social issues of the 21st century. Their result is the exact opposite of what God commanded. Their result is death and disruption of procreation. The point of this is procreation/life ceases and stops with these decisions and social lifestyles.

  1. Murder
  2. Suicide
  3. Abortion
  4. Birth Control
  5. Disease/Sterility
  6. Transgenderism
  7. Gender reassignment
  8. Hormone replacement therapies with children
  9. Gay Lifestyle
  10. Substance Abuse

~

This post is from a man who has taken women’s thoughts into consideration. My source from a woman’s perspective is primarily my wife. She is passionately pro life. She is for the protection of innocent babies and makes no apologies. This is the result of many conversations over the years.

I/we understand there are likely women who are reading and listening to this who have gone through an abortion. I/we personally know women who have had an abortion.

Truth and grace…

Truth…

Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.

God is the Creator and Author of life. Humanity is made in His image. God is pro life.

Interesting statistic from the CDC, From 2024. According to the Lozier Institute, .3 to 1.1% of “procedures” are to save a woman’s life. So roughly 11,000 at the most are completed with regard to “women’s health” considerations.

This discussion is about the roughly 99% of abortions that occur out of convenience. Let’s set aside the 1% that are about women’s health. That is a discussion for another day.

Of the 99% of abortions that are completed apart from women’s health considerations… what disease, illness, sickness, ailment, disorder, or malady is being treated? Is there an underlying condition, syndrome, infection, virus or affliction? What exactly is being addressed?

For those who are pro abortion, have you seen a video of the common procedure? If not, for your educational purposes, look it up and view an abortion on the internet.

What measures, if any, are taken regarding pain and discomfort of the baby in the womb? The critic claims to be compassionate in their ultimate decision.

To the critic who says God does not mention abortion in the Bible or there are not examples of abortion in the Bible.

What does one do with the verse below?

Amos 1:13 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory.

This is not an isolated incident. See also 2 Kings 8:12, 2 Kings 15:16, Hosea 13:16

By the way, judgment is pronounced by God and He is saddened by the action towards pregnant women.

Romans 3:23 …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…

Grace…

God forgives all people and their sin. No one mistake is beyond God’s mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.

No one sin is worse than another except by human standards.

We have all made regrettable decisions in our lives.

Don’t let any one brow beat you. We are all forgiven in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross.

1 Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”

~

Countries and societies around the globe are not having babies. Birth rates are in massive decline.

~

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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This Week in Prophecy: French Riots; Hurricanes; Panama Quake

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Culture, Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 21, 2026 by paulthepoke
A news anchor with long hair sits at a desk holding documents, presenting the evening news in a studio with city skyline views in the background.
Signature: Grok

Matthew 24:12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. -Jesus

France… “Mostly peaceful protests” from immigrants of the religion of peace. The main stream press tells us these are student protests about requesting better education and resources.

And let us not forget when the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, July 2024, mocked Jesus and the Last Supper…

The Olympic spirit is alive and well from the city of lights and love, gay Paris. Hope you had your fun with rebellion, taunting, and scoffing. I guarantee Somebody is watching and will respond accordingly and at a time of His choosing. -PaulthePoke, July 2024…

This Week in Prophecy: Olympic Spirit; Israel Engages Yemen; Russia/China/Iran Draw Closer; 3 Gorges Dam; Volcanos & Quakes

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Luke 21:25b …and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves… -Jesus

Isaiah 51:15 I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar, the LORD of hosts is His name.

~

Quakes in various places… -Jesus

Panama in the crosshairs of another big earthquake…

October 9, 2026, at 12:56 local time (17:56 UTC), a 7.7 earthquake struck Panama’s Azuero Peninsula.

Impact

  • Casualties: 1 death; at least 27 injured (mostly minor to moderate)
  • Damage: Concentrated in Los Santos, Herrera, Veraguas, and Coclé provinces. Assessments of more than 9,000 homes found roughly 2,300 with total damage/loss, thousands more with moderate/partial damage, plus hundreds of schools, dozens of health facilities, churches, hotels, government buildings, bridges, and road sections affected. Some communities were isolated by collapsed roads or landslides. Power outages hit multiple provinces; Tocumen International Airport briefly suspended operations for inspections.⁠ Sinaproc.gob
  • The Panama Canal and major mining operations continued largely normally. A tsunami warning for parts of the eastern Pacific was issued and later canceled with no significant waves. -Summary by Grok

~

A graphic highlighting a city council meeting in Ottumwa, Iowa, which featured a controversial prayer to Satan, illustrating the divided reactions to the invocation.

CPC is the leading conservative non-profit in Kentucky, standing for life, marriage, religious freedom, and fiscal responsibility.

commonwealthpolicycenter.org

~

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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ZECHARIAH: GOD REMEMBERS -Mark Wilson

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Mark Wilson with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 11, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

A figure dressed in biblical attire stands on a rocky ledge, overlooking a city with ancient architecture under a dramatic sky filled with rays of sunlight and clouds.

Zechariah is one of the most breathtaking books in all of Scripture.

Its name means “YHWH remembers,” and that truth runs through the entire book.

God remembers His covenant.
The LORD remembers Jerusalem.
The Holy One of Israel remembers His people.
The King remembers every promise He has spoken.

Zechariah begins with a returned remnant, a damaged city, and a Temple being rebuilt. But the prophecy quickly moves far beyond Zechariah’s own generation.

The horizon expands to Israel’s future, Messiah’s coming, Jerusalem’s central role, Israel’s repentance, the judgment of the nations, and the establishment of the Kingdom.

Zechariah is a prophetic mountain range.

GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN JERUSALEM

The LORD declares: “I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion.” Zechariah 1:14

And again: “I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.” Zechariah 8:3

Then comes one of the most beautiful pictures of restoration: “Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem… and the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing.” Zechariah 8:4–5

Jeremiah gives the same assurance: “If this fixed order departs from before Me… then shall the offspring of Israel cease from being a nation before Me forever.” Jeremiah 31:35–36

And in that same chapter: “I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” Jeremiah 31:31

Ezekiel adds: “I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.” Ezekiel 36:24

Then comes spiritual renewal: “I will sprinkle clean water on you… and I will give you a new heart.” Ezekiel 36:25–26

Zechariah is not standing alone. He is part of a much larger prophetic chorus.

THE KING CAME HUMBLE

Zechariah foretold the arrival of Israel’s King: “Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9

Yeshua fulfilled that prophecy literally. But the next verse looks beyond His humble arrival: “His rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Zechariah 9:10

The same Messiah who came in humility will rule in glory. First the suffering. Then the crown.

THE SHEPHERD WOULD BE STRUCK

Zechariah also foretold Messiah’s rejection: “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” Zechariah 13:7

Yeshua Himself applied this passage to what was about to happen to Him. But Zechariah never leaves the story at rejection. The Shepherd who was struck will return as King.

ISRAEL WILL LOOK UPON THE ONE THEY PIERCED

Zechariah 12 is one of the most remarkable passages in the Tanakh. The LORD says: “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy.” Zechariah 12:10

Then comes the stunning line: “They will look on Me, on Him whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him.”

Recognition. Repentance. Grace. Restoration.

And the next chapter follows with cleansing: “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.” Zechariah 13:1

Yeshua later spoke of a future day when Jerusalem would welcome Him: “You will not see Me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Matthew 23:39

Paul says the same storyline continues in Romans 11: “A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Romans 11:25

Then: “And in this way all Israel will be saved.” Romans 11:26

And why can we trust that promise? “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29

Israel’s story is not finished.

JERUSALEM WILL STAND AT THE CENTER OF WORLD EVENTS

Zechariah says: “I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples.” Zechariah 12:3

The nations gather against the city.

But Jerusalem is not only the center of conflict. It is also the center of the coming Kingdom.

Isaiah saw the same future: “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established.” Isaiah 2:2

And: “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:3

Jerusalem is not erased from the prophetic story. It becomes central to it.

THE GOD OF ISRAEL WILL INTERVENE

Zechariah describes a future moment when the nations gather against Jerusalem. Then: “The LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when He fights on a day of battle.” Zechariah 14:3

And then comes one of the most dramatic prophecies in Scripture: “On that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east.” Zechariah 14:4

The mountain splits. The geography is specific. Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives. A real city. A real mountain. A real intervention.

Revelation 19 describes Messiah’s triumphant return as heaven opens and the King comes in righteousness and judgment.

Then Revelation 20 follows with His thousand-year reign.

The sequence is powerful: The King returns. His enemies are judged. Israel is restored. The nations come under His rule. The Kingdom is established.

THE KING WILL REIGN OVER ALL THE EARTH

Zechariah reaches its climax here: “The LORD will be King over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9

That is where history is heading. Not toward the failure of God’s promises. Not toward the abandonment of Israel. Not toward the disappearance of Jerusalem from the prophetic plan.

But toward the reign of the King.

Living waters will flow from Jerusalem. The nations will come to worship. The city will be holy.

And: “Everyone who survives of all the nations… shall go up year after year to worship the King.” Zechariah 14:16

That is the breathtaking message of Zechariah.

The God of Israel remembers. The Shepherd was struck. The King is coming. Jerusalem will see Him. Israel will be restored. The nations will worship.

And one day: “The LORD will be King over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9

Every promise will stand.

~

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

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This Week in Prophecy: Fly Dubai; Nepal Mudslides; Russian Plague?; Israel into Isolation

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Prophecy, Temple, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 6, 2026 by paulthepoke

Psalm 27:2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

Flooding in Nepal

Micah 1:4 And the mountains will melt under Him, and the valleys will split open, like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place.

Psalm 97:5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

Geography’s destiny at the end of the tribulation in Revelation.

Revelation 16:20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.

Revelation 20:9 And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.

…the broad plain of the earth…Notice the term is singular, one land mass. Mountains and islands are not mentioned. They have been removed. The Greek word for “broad plain” is platos (πλάτος). Per Strong’s Concordance, the term suggests great extent. The Greek word for “earth” is ge (γῆ). The term is defined as: arable land; the ground, the earth as a standing place.

This appears to be a huge land mass or a super continent.

In the beginning, God created a single land mass on planet earth.

Genesis 1:9-10 Then God said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas; and God saw that it was good.

Some would argue the land was divided during Noah’s flood. There is one verse that is very clear when the continents emerged.

Genesis 10:25 Two sons were born to Eber; the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan.

Peleg’s life and times are noted after the Tower of Babel. Babel is where God scattered the peoples and changed their language from one to multiple languages. After Babel, God broke up the single land mass as well.

…the earth was divided… The Hebrew word for “earth” is `erets. This is the same term used in Genesis 1:9-10. It means: land or earth. The Hebrew word for “divided” is palag. It means: to be split or divided. Stated plainly, the land/earth was split/divided.

It appears, God will put His creation back in the order as He intended, one land mass, no mountains, no islands.

Revelation 21:5 And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

~

Plagues in various places: Russia Pneumonic Plague???

Map of Irkutsk, Russia, showing locations of three hospitals under quarantine: City Clinical Hospital No. 1 on Baykalskaya Street, City Clinical Hospital No. 3 on Timiryazeva Street, and City Clinical Hospital No. 10 on Ryabikova Boulevard. Also includes the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute.

A mysterious death at Russia’s Anti Plague Institute in Siberia has triggered mass quarantines, conflicting official accounts and apparent efforts to restrict information.

Infographic comparing Pneumonic Plague and COVID-19, highlighting differences in cause, transmission, onset, symptoms, treatment, and current status. Pneumonic Plague is caused by bacteria, whereas COVID-19 is caused by a virus.

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Zechariah 12:3 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.

Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks at the United Nations assembly… sort of.

~

Third Temple Preparation

Exodus 28:1-3 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest.

~

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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WILL THERE BE A THIRD AND FOURTH JEWISH TEMPLE? – Mark Wilson

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Mark Wilson, Prophecy, Temple with tags , , , , , , , , , , on October 3, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

Infographic discussing the potential for a third and fourth Jewish temple, comparing the size of today's Temple Mount (36 acres) to Ezekiel's envisioned sacred enclosure (630 acres).

Here is a remarkable problem: Ezekiel’s future Temple complex does not fit on today’s Temple Mount.

The present Temple Mount covers approximately: 36 acres.

But on the traditional 500-reed reading of Ezekiel 42:15–20, Ezekiel’s sacred enclosure would cover roughly: 630 acres.

That is about 17½ times larger. 36 acres today.

630 acres in Ezekiel.

That is not a minor architectural difference. It may be an important clue that Scripture describes two different future Temple settings.

A TEMPLE BEFORE MESSIAH RETURNS

Daniel writes: “In the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” Daniel 9:27

For sacrifice to be stopped, sacrifice must first be occurring.

Jesus then points directly back to Daniel: “When you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place…” Matthew 24:15

Paul adds that the man of lawlessness: “sits as God in the temple of God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4

And John is told: “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.” Revelation 11:1

The surrounding context gives us Jerusalem and 42 months.
Notice the progression:

Daniel: sacrifice.
Jesus: holy place.
Paul: Temple.
Revelation: Temple, altar, worshipers, Jerusalem, 42 months.

This is what Christians commonly call the Third Temple. The Bible never uses that number. It is simply shorthand for a Jewish sanctuary existing after the Second Temple and before Messiah’s kingdom.

AND THIS IS NO LONGER PURELY THEORETICAL

No Third Temple is currently under construction.

But preparations associated with future Temple worship are real.

The Temple Institute in Jerusalem continues preparing sacred vessels, priestly garments, and other elements connected with renewed Temple service. It has also clarified recent speculation about the red heifers: an earlier burning was only a practice exercise, while several heifers remain under evaluation. Jewish worship on the Temple Mount has also become more visible in 2026, including expanded use of prayer materials and public prayer in circumstances that would have been highly restricted in previous years.

None of this proves Daniel’s seventieth week has begun.

Prophecy calls for watchfulness, not date-setting.

But after nearly 2,000 years without a Jewish Temple, renewed discussion of Temple worship is no longer purely hypothetical.

THEN COMES JACOB’S TROUBLE

Jeremiah describes an unprecedented future crisis: “It is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:7

Daniel echoes it: “There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.” Daniel 12:1

Jesus uses almost identical language: “Then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world.” Matthew 24:21

Jeremiah.

Daniel.

Jesus.

An unparalleled crisis centered on Israel and Jerusalem, followed by deliverance.

ZECHARIAH SHOWS WHY THIS IS STILL FUTURE

Zechariah says: “Two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one-third shall be left in it.” Zechariah 13:8

Then the surviving third is refined: “They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; and each one will say, ‘YHVY is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9

And the prophecy continues directly into chapter 14:

Jerusalem attacked. The nations gathered. YHVY goes forth to fight. His feet stand upon the Mount of Olives. Zechariah 14:1–4

That complete sequence has never occurred.

Neither Antiochus IV nor AD 70 fulfilled it.

The Holocaust was an unspeakable catastrophe, but it did not culminate in the full Zechariah 13–14 sequence of national refining, YHVY’s intervention, and His feet standing upon the Mount of Olives.

That is why the futurist reading understands Jacob’s Trouble as still future.

DOES THE TANAKH REALLY REQUIRE TWO FUTURE TEMPLES?

This is one of the strongest Jewish objections.
A Jewish reader can reasonably argue:

Daniel’s desecration prophecies were fulfilled in ancient history, while Ezekiel 40–48 describes the future Messianic Temple. Why introduce another Temple between them?

So leave the New Testament aside for a moment.
Daniel 12 itself gives us:

Sacrifice.
Abomination.
Unparalleled trouble.
Israel’s deliverance.
Resurrection.

Daniel 12:1–2, 11
Antiochus IV did not complete that sequence.
Neither did Titus in AD 70.

Zechariah likewise points to a future crisis culminating in YHVY’s direct intervention at Jerusalem.

The Tanakh itself therefore points toward a future climactic period involving Israel, Jerusalem, sacrifice, desecration, national refining, divine intervention, and deliverance.

The New Testament does not invent that expectation.

It adds further detail.

COULDN’T EZEKIEL’S TEMPLE SIMPLY BE THE NEXT TEMPLE?

Possibly, if the settings were the same. But they are not.

The sanctuary associated with Daniel exists amid: Sacrifice. Desecration. Unprecedented trouble. Jerusalem under assault.

Ezekiel’s Temple exists after restoration, in a reordered land, with tribal allotments, a supernatural river flowing from the sanctuary, and YHVY declaring:

“This is the place of My throne… where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever.” Ezekiel 43:7

Then comes the size problem again:

Present Temple Mount: ~36 acres. Ezekiel’s enclosure: ~630 acres.

How could it fit?

Perhaps it is not supposed to fit today’s Jerusalem.

Zechariah says that when Messiah comes: “The Mount of Olives shall be split in two.” Zechariah 14:4

And: “All the land shall be turned into a plain… Jerusalem shall be raised up.” Zechariah 14:10

Ezekiel’s Temple belongs to a transformed Jerusalem after Messiah returns.

DOESN’T THE CROSS END TEMPLE SACRIFICES FOREVER?

This is probably the strongest Christian objection.

Hebrews is unmistakable: “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10

Christ’s sacrifice cannot be repeated or supplemented.

Yet Ezekiel 40–48 unmistakably describes sacrifices.

Therefore those sacrifices cannot provide eternal redemption.

Whatever ceremonial function they serve in Messiah’s kingdom, they cannot compete with Calvary.

Hebrews must mean exactly what Hebrews says.
And Ezekiel must mean exactly what Ezekiel says.

THE PROPHETIC SEQUENCE

Second Temple destroyed

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Future Jewish Temple

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Sacrifice restored

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Abomination of desolation

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Jacob’s Trouble

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Two-thirds cut off, one-third refined

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Israel calls upon YHVY

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The nations gather against Jerusalem

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Messiah returns

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Mount of Olives splits

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Jerusalem is transformed

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Ezekiel’s approximately 630-acre sacred enclosure

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Messiah’s kingdom

And eventually comes the New Jerusalem: “I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” Revelation 21:22

So will there be a Third and Fourth Jewish Temple?

If these prophetic texts retain their ordinary historical, geographical, and national meaning, the sequence is remarkably coherent:

A Temple before Messiah returns.

A vastly different Temple after He returns.

“And YHVY shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be, YHVY is one,’ and His name one.” Zechariah 14:9

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

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Debunking Replacement Theology: Location, Location, Location

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Prophecy, Replacement Theology, Revelation with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on September 30, 2026 by paulthepoke

Welcome to the last edition of the part 12 of the series, Debunking Replacement Theology.

One last time… the nation of Israel and the church or the bride of Jesus Christ, are two separate entities. God has not changed His mind. The church has not replaced Israel. God has a unique plan for both.

And by the way critic, if God can break His covenant and replace His people Israel with the church as you have suggested, then He can change His mind about your personal salvation too… But fear not!

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

And another thought for the critic… if the church replaces Israel, then the church will go through God’s wrath and judgment on earth.

Christ has already paid the price and taken His Bride’s place. Do you, self proclaimed believer in Christ, want to bring judgment upon yourself? Did Jesus die in vain on the cross?

The church replacing Israel makes no logical sense for many reasons as demonstrated during this series.

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Location, Location, Location

Revelation chapter 6 introduces judgment on Earth with the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. It is not until chapter 7 that Israel is mentioned. Israel is located on Earth where and while judgment is taking place. The twelve tribes of Israel are reintroduced in sets of 12,000 for a total of 144,000.

At the same time, it would appear the church and elders remain in Heaven.

Saints, who likely converted to Jesus after the resurrection and rapture, on Earth are present and dying. Note the saints who die on Earth join the God the Father, God the Son, the elders and angels in Heaven.

Revelation 7:9-11 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God…

Judgment continues on Earth with the introduction of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 in Jerusalem. Satan is thrown out of Heaven and down to Earth by the angel Michael in chapter 12. The antichrist and the false prophet enter the scene on Earth in Revelation 13.

In Revelation 14, Jesus the Lamb has moved from Heaven to Earth. His location is Mount Zion, a specific location in Jerusalem. 144,000 Israelis have joined Him for choir practice.

Meanwhile back in Heaven, the elders or the church are singing before the throne of God the Father. Israel is on Earth. The church is in Heaven.

The two entities, Israel and the church, are different in name and physical location in the context of the chapters in Revelation 7-14.

The text could not be any clearer. Replacement Theology or Supersessionism is a myth.

Judgment continues on Earth through Revelation 18 then the setting changes to Heaven in chapter 19. The Lamb and His bride the church are married in Heaven. Then Christ and His army descend to Earth. The beast and his troops decide to engage the King of Kings on Earth. The result of the antichrist and the false prophet is the lake of fire on Earth. Satan has a 1,000 year time out chained up in the abyss.

Israel has remained a country on Earth during this period of time. Israel is on Earth and ready to usher in the kingdom.

The church is destined for resurrection and rapture before Israel has a seven year period of judgment. The church returns to earth to rule and reign with the King of Kings over the world through nation Israel for 1,000 years and into eternity.

~

This series is an excerpt from the book, Rapture the Bride Redeemed. 

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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Feast of Tabernacles 5787/5951/2026

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Fall Feasts with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 24, 2026 by paulthepoke

Leviticus 23:33-36 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘On the fifteenth of this seventh month is the Feast of Booths for seven days to the LORD. On the first day is a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work of any kind. For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation and present an offering by fire to the LORD; it is an assembly. You shall do no laborious work.’”

On our western Gregorian calendar in 2026, the Feast of Tabernacles will be observed from about Friday, September 25th to Friday, October 2th (Great Day). Or pending the new moon confirmed at the beginning of the Hebrew month of Tishri.

This year, the Essenes mark the beginning of Tabernacles on Wednesday, September 30th and runs through Tuesday, October 6th. The last and Great Day occurs on Wednesday, October 7th.

The third and last fall holiday on God’s calendar is Tabernacles. It is also called Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, the Festival of Tents, or the Feast of the Harvest because it was after the harvest in the fall. Simply put, it was also called “the Feast” or “the Festival”. This festival is a week-long festival from Tishri 15 to 21 on a Hebrew calendar.

Jews sing Isaiah 12:3 Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation, during the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot.

The Jewish holiday is a reminder to the Jewish people they lived in tents after the Exodus from Egypt.

In addition, the Feast of Tabernacles requires sacrifices of sin offerings and burnt offerings. At the time of preparation for the morning sacrifice, a priest descends to the Pool of Siloam amidst great music, celebration, and singing of Isaiah 12:3, and fills a golden pitcher with water. After dipping his pitcher in Siloam’s water, the priest returns to the Temple and pours the water into one of the silver basins by the altar (Wayne Stiles, Insight for Living).

Jesus connects the dots for us in the Book of John. He is promising those who believe in Him the Holy Spirit. Jesus is making this proclamation on the last day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

John 7:37-39 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

This chapter of Isaiah is a universal promise to the entire world. The Holy One, Jesus is our salvation. Isaiah 12 refers to the promise of the Holy Spirit and the reign of Jesus. And He is going to live and dwell with us.

John 4:14 “…but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”-Jesus

~

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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Yom Kippur 5787/5951/2026

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Fall Feasts with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 20, 2026 by paulthepoke

Leviticus 16 provides complete details for Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement.

Numbers 29:7-11 focuses on the sacrificial aspects of Yom Kippur.

Numbers 29:7-11 On the tenth day of this seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly, and you shall humble yourselves; you must not do any work. Present as a pleasing aroma to the LORD a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old, all unblemished, together with their grain offerings of fine flour mixed with oil—three-tenths of an ephah with the bull, two-tenths of an ephah with the ram, and a tenth of an ephah with each of the seven lambs. Include one male goat for a sin offering, in addition to the sin offering of atonement and the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offerings.

Leviticus 23:26-32 addresses the concept of Sabbatical rest.

Leviticus 23:26-32 Again the LORD said to Moses, “The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You shall hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present a food offering to the LORD. On this day you are not to do any work, for it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God. If anyone does not humble himself on this day, he must be cut off from his people. I will destroy from among his people anyone who does any work on this day. You are not to do any work at all. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live. It will be a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall humble yourselves. From the evening of the ninth day of the month until the following evening you are to keep your Sabbath.”

Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is celebrated on Tishri 10th. It is the last day of the 40 day period of Teshuvah or repent in the Hebrew.

This holiday is viewed at the holiest day of Judaism. The day is a Sabbath day of rest. Yom Kippur is the only day a fast is required. The day begins at sun down.

This is the busiest day of the year for the high priest with multiple animal sacrifices. Sacrifices of a bull, ram, and a goat occur.

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was kept awake during the dark of the night. The high priest was dressed in a white robe. The priest makes a sacrifice for himself and for the nation of Israel. Yom Kippur is the day the high priest came into the inner sanctuary of the temple to make sacrifices on behalf of the nation of Israel. He is the only person allowed into the inner sanctuary. This day is the only day the high priest is allowed in the inner sanctuary. He entered the highest holy place with incense and coals. The incense was burned. Next, the recovered blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat, the top of the Ark of the Covenant.

The beginning for the Day of Atonement in 2026 is calculated at sundown Sunday, September 20th and ends the next day, Monday evening, September 21st. This date could be determined by the confirmation of the new moon 10 days earlier. The Essenes mark the date as Friday, September 25th through the next day.

A serene figure in a white robe stands in an ornate temple setting, holding a incense burner with smoke rising. The temple features tall golden pillars and intricate decorations, with a backdrop of a cityscape visible through large windows.
Image: Grok

As of today, who is our High Priest? The book of Hebrews connects the dots.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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This Week in Prophecy: Global Energy Report

Posted in #PaulthePoke, China, Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Revelation, Saudi Arabia/Sheba/Dedan, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 16, 2026 by paulthepoke

Revelation 6:6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”

The Bible indicates there will be hyperinflation at the onset of the 7 year tribulation. Economically, these are the conditions described in Revelation.

Context: At the time John was writing Revelation from the island of Patmos, a denarius was roughly a day’s wage for the common laborer.

Take a look at the commodities in the verse: wheat, barley, oil and wine.

A quart of wheat and oil would make a loaf of bread for one person. Wheat was a more expensive grain as compared to barley. Three quarts of barley and oil would make bread for a family. In other words, it would take a day’s wage to feed a person or a family depending on the grain.

Some scholars think the oil alludes to believers in Christ who are sealed with the Holy Spirit. A symbol for the Holy Spirit is olive oil. So, initially do not harm Believers in Christ.

It is this author’s opinion that those who are believers on Earth at this time in Revelation 6 are those who changed their mind at the time of the Resurrection/Rapture. The church or the bride of Christ is in heaven because of the resurrection/rapture event. I have no doubt when this event occurs, there will be many on planet Earth who will realize they missed the event and turn to Jesus and believe in Him.

Bread and Wine are also the elements for communion. Initially, do not harm the Believers in Jesus. The antichrist will have his time and conquer Believers in Jesus in the back half of the tribulation.

Others think that oil and wine are products of the wealthy and they are unaffected initially at the cost of these items. The wealthy have resources to pay for their needs and luxuries. It would appear there is a gap between the “haves” and “have nots”.

Some might even describe these conditions as the K shaped economy which emerged after the Covid19 global pandemic.

A K-Shaped Economy is one where the rich and powerful get richer, certain high-tech/high-skill sectors soar, and everyone else continues to struggle—creating a stark, two-tier recovery. -Grok

Today in the 21st century, inflation is spreading across the globe. These are not regional circumstances. Energy prices are exacerbating the inflation. There are already parts of the world who are paying exorbitant prices to feed their families. We are all feeling it in the pocketbook when it comes to the cost of goods and food. Even the critic has to admit, we are trending toward hyperinflation and the scale is global.

Illustration labeled Russia, China, Ukraine, Japan, Australia, Yemen, hyperinflation, inflation, oil tanker, LNG natural gas, East West Pipeline, and Yanbu

For those new to the blog, we are of the opinion the tribulation has yet to begin. For example, there has been no red heifer sacrifice so there cannot be a 3rd Temple built. There is no 3rd Temple for the antichrist to defile. There is not a 10 member nation or ruling committee for the antichrist to subdue 3 members and take control. There are not 2 witnesses pronouncing judgment from Jerusalem.

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Ancient Sheba and Dedan or modern day Saudi Arabia

Houthi forces targeted multiple Saudi energy sites, including the 400,000-barrel-per-day YASREF refinery in Yanbu, Aramco’s Abha bulk plant, and areas near Dammam and Jazan, causing large fires, evacuations, and temporary shutdowns. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Houthi control near Bab al-Mandab is worsening energy markets and threatening Red Sea shipping, with effects felt in Germany. Saudi officials called the strikes a dangerous escalation that wounded dozens, while oil prices face upward pressure amid concerns over export disruptions. -Grok

A Yemeni military source told Germany’s DPA news agency that the Iran-backed Houthis laid mines in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow chokepoint carrying 5.4 million barrels of oil daily before disruptions. The claim follows the group’s mid-September capture of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and strategic islands, heightening maritime security fears amid rerouted shipping and oil market jitters. Skeptics question the unverified report, noting normal commercial traffic, no incidents, and Houthi statements allowing passage for most vessels except Saudi-linked ones. -Grok

What happened to the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement? Attack one, attack all? Where is the response? What happened to the billions of dollars of military equipment from the United States?

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Keep an eye on natural gas inventories in Europe.

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Oil Reserves in the United States

Line graph depicting U.S. ending stocks of crude oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) from 1980 to 2023, showing fluctuations in thousands of barrels.
Line graph depicting regular gasoline prices in the U.S. from November 2025 to September 2026, showing prices per gallon for different regions including East Coast, Gulf Coast, and California.
Line graph showing on-highway diesel fuel prices in the U.S. from November 2025 to September 2026, highlighting prices per gallon across different regions including East Coast, Gulf Coast, California, and others.

https://www.eia.gov/petroleum

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Ezekiel 38 Magog, Rosh or modern day Russia…

US Senate majority leader John Thune has said he is “open to considering” an export ban on diesel, per Bloomberg.

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Isaiah 49:12 Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, and these from the land of Sinim. 

https://paulthepoke.com/?s=sons+of+sinim

Sinim, believed to be China.

Down Under in Australia

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https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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