February | 2016 | Paul the Poke

Archive for February, 2016

Millennial Kingdom: One Universal Language

Posted in Millennial Kingdom, Prophecy with tags 1 Corinthians 14, Genesis 11, Hebrew, Jesus Christ, Language, Millennial Kingdom, tongues, Tower of Babel, Zephaniah 3 on February 28, 2016 by paulthepoke

Zephaniah 3:9 For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

European Union Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium

What in the world are purified lips? The Hebrew word for “lips” is saphah. Per Strong’s Concordance it means: lip, language, speech. The term “lip” is synonymous with a language or speech.

The New Testament equivalent is “tongue” or glossa in the Greek. For example Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

The Bible is talking about foreign languages. This is not a reference to a bunch of “spiritual” non-intelligible mumbo jumbo that nobody knows what is being said. 1 Corinthians 14:4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Get over yourself. If nobody understands it, what good is it? The context of 1 Corinthians 14 is a discussion about foreign languages. There are better gifts, desire those.

The future kingdom holds one language.

“Purified”…The Hebrew word is barar. It means: to purge out, purify, to choose, select; to cleanse, make shining, polish. It is a simple action verb in Hebrew.

The context of the verse in Zephaniah 3 is all the peoples. Verse 6 mentions “nations”. Verse 8 talks about the “nations, kingdoms and the whole earth”. Verse 19 states the “whole earth”. Verse 20 discusses the “nations of the earth”.

Simply stated, God is going to purge the languages and choose one. Zephaniah 3:9 states there will be one language spoken on Earth in the Millennial Kingdom. I suspect the chosen language will be Hebrew, but whatever God chooses.

Once upon a time, humanity spoke one language. Genesis 11:1 Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words.

Genesis 11:4 They said, “Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

babel

The pride of humanity is on display. They were out to “make a name for themselves”. Man is telling God, “We know best. We know the consequences. And we are going to do this regardless.” Humanity chose to separate itself from God’s direction. This was likely not the first warning from God. Humanity knew the consequences. Mankind knew there was a risk of being “scattered abroad”. But, man rebelled…

…And God responded accordingly as promised. Genesis 11:9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth.

Babel means confusion. And the tower was not completed. Man apart from God equals confusion.

Zephaniah 3:9 will undo the scattering and confusion created at Babel. In the Millennial Kingdom, humanity will be under the leadership of Jesus. People will be personally taught by Him in His ways. Under the leadership of Christ, people should generally have a better sense of direction and focus.

When channeled in the right direction…Genesis 11:6 The LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.

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Millennial Kingdom: Here Comes the Rain Again…

Posted in Fall Feasts, Millennial Kingdom, Prophecy with tags Ezekiel 34, God, Isaiah 35, Joel 2, Millennial Kingdom, Rain, Zechariah 14 on February 21, 2016 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the desert will be glad, and the Arabah will rejoice and blossom; like the crocus…

rain

This verse pretty much describes the land scape of Israel and the Middle East today (February 2016). It is a dry, desolate pasture where water is precious. The nation of Israel has become one of the best water management and recovery nations on the planet because of the harsh weather conditions of their land.

The Hebrew word for wilderness is midbar. It means: pasture, uninhabited land, or wilderness. Midbar also happens to be the word for mouth.

The Hebrew word for desert is tsiyah. It means: dryness, drought, or desert.

The Hebrew word for arabah is ‘arabah. It means: desert plain, steppe, or wilderness.

Ezekiel 34:26 I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing.

Joel 2:23 So rejoice, O sons of Zion, and be glad in the LORD your God; for He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain, the early and latter rain as before.

Typically, rain does not fall in this part of the world from May through September. The verse of Joel 2:23 discusses the three rainy seasons: fall, winter, and spring.

The early or former rain (mowreh in Hebrew) takes place in late October through mid-November, the fall rains. This is the time to get to work on the farm, plough and plant the seed. Isaiah 30:23a Then He will give you rain for the seed which you will sow in the ground…

The Hebrew word for rain is geshem. It means torrential rains and storms. These are the winter rains of January and February.

The latter rain (malqowsh in Hebrew) takes place in April and May. These are the spring rains that help with barley and wheat production and yield.

Rain information courtesy of Manners & Customs of Bible Lands, Fred H. Wight.

God promises to return the cycles of rain as in the past. Zechariah 8:12b …and the heavens will give their dew…

Isaiah 30:25 On every lofty mountain and on every high hill there will be streams running with water on the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

Water will be plentiful at higher elevations. It is one thing to have wet, low lying marsh lands. Scripture is talking about a future with abundant water in lofted areas.

Jeremiah 31:12b And their life will be like a watered garden, and they will never languish again.

The Millennial Kingdom is a time of plentiful rain and water. Scripture is full of these figurative images.

According to the prophet Zechariah, increased rain will be universal during Christ’s reign. There is one condition, attendance in Jerusalem for the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles.

http://paulthepoke.com/2014/10/05/feast-of-tabernaclessukkotboothsthe-feast/

Zechariah 14:18 If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths.

This is the only God appointed holiday gentile nations will be required to attend. If you don’t attend…

No Rain For You!

Trend Update: Russia (Magog)/Israel, Ezekiel 38-39, February 2016

Posted in Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags Dedan, European Union, Ezekiel 38-39, Inflation, Islam, Israel, Leviathan, Magog, NATO, natural gas, Putin, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sheba, Shia, Sunni, Syria, Tarshish, Turkey on February 17, 2016 by paulthepoke

Ezekiel 38:13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?

Who are Sheba and Dedan? They are first mentioned in Genesis 10:7 The sons of Cush were Seba and Havilah and Sabtah and Raamah and Sabteca; and the sons of Raamah were Sheba and Dedan.

The family tree starts with Noah, then his son Ham, then his son Cush, then his son Raamah and his sons Sheba and Dedan.

Historically, per Strong’s Concordance and NET Bible, Raamah settled in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. Sheba settled in the southern Arabian Peninsula. Dedan settled in the northern Arabian Peninsula. These areas make up what is modern day Saudi Arabia.

Dedan was an ancient capital of Saudi Arabia. It is modern day Al Ula in northwest Saudi Arabia.

Tarshish is a term and people that is difficult to define. Some believe Tarshish to be nations of the northern Mediterranean. Some believe Tarshish to be Spain. Either way, this region appears to be modern day Western Europe.

http://paulthepoke.com/2012/02/12/isaiah-215-18-ships-of-tarshish/

The Bible and ancient historians point to the fact the land of Magog is modern day Russia. Gog is their leader. See attached post.

http://paulthepoke.com/2015/01/07/trend-update-russia-magogisrael-ezekiel-38-39-january-2015/

The brothers of Magog appear to be linked to modern day Turkey. They include Gomer, Meshech, and Tubal. Historically, Turkey is also known as the House of Togarmah. See the link below for specifics.

http://paulthepoke.com/2015/12/09/trend-update-russia-magogisrael-ezekiel-38-39-december-9-2015/

In the last weeks (prior to February 14, 2016), there has been a military build on the borders of Turkey. Alliances are being formed.

On one side we have NATO (United States and European Union) with Turkey as an organization member. Turkey is now being supported with military hardware from Saudi Arabia. Both Turkey and Saudi Arabia are Sunni Muslim nations.

http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/02/13/turkey-saudi-arabia-may-send-ground-troops-to-fight-isis/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/turkey-saudi-arabia-threaten-ground-troops-syria/

On the other side we have Russia, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. These Muslim nations in alliance with Russia are Shia.

http://www.pravdareport.com/world/asia/12-02-2016/133320-turkey_saudi_arabia_russia_syria-0/

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Saudi-Arabia-moves-troops-to-Turkey-as-base-for-Syria-invasion/articleshow/50975093.cms

For the first time in history, Israel will be exporting natural gas. Israel has recently contracted with Turkey to sell natural gas. The deal is worth $1.3 billion. The Leviathan reserve is online and open for business. Delivery to Turkey is expect to begin in 2019.

Israel already has an agreement with Cyprus. Delivery is expected to begin in 2019. A further connection to Greece is also under consideration.

This is going to cut into Russian energy market share.

http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Leviathan-signs-first-gas-deal-at-13-b-443426

http://news.yahoo.com/israel-mulling-twin-gas-pipelines-turkey-greece-energy-172924136.html

The Russian economy is in the tank. Inflation is spreading in Russia due to a weak ruble. $1 is equal to 80 rubles. Hyperinflation is starting to occur throughout the nation. Translation…that is an expensive loaf of bread.

Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil? Yes, Russia (as they see it) has economic reason to invade Israel.

Ezekiel 38:13 says Sheba and Dedan (modern day Saudi Arabia) along with Tarshish (loosely Europe) will object and protest against Russia and its surrogates. Currently (February 2016), the protest is against Russian activity in Syria. Ultimately, the protest will be against the invasion of Israel.

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Millennial Kingdom: Let There Be Light

Posted in Isaiah, Millennial Kingdom, Prophecy, Signs: Sun, Moon, Stars... with tags darkness, earthquakes, Isaiah 30, Isaiah 60, Jesus Christ, light, Millennial Kingdom, moon, Revelation, smoke, sun, Tribulation on February 14, 2016 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 30:26 The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, on the day the LORD binds up the fracture of His people and heals the bruise He has inflicted.

The context of these comments is a future time when the Lord is present on Earth. Day and night as we know it in February of 2016 will change. What we know as day time will be consistent with a future night time during the Millennial Kingdom. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun.

Day time as we know it will be significantly brighter…and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days…

Increased light has to impact agricultural production significantly to the upside. Photosynthesis of plant life will be occurring at all times due to continuous light.

Prior to the return of Christ, the earth will be coming from a place of darkness…literally and figuratively. Light is progressively diminished during the Tribulation as noted in Revelation. The Tribulation is a seven year period noted with volcanic and seismic activity. Fire, brimstone, and smoke are noted in Tribulation verses. The sun is progressively blotted away and darkness will descend.

Revelation 6:12 I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood…

Revelation 8:12 The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

Revelation 9:2 He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit.

Revelation 9:18 A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their mouths.

Revelation 18:9b …will weep and lament over her when they see the smoke of her burning… (in regards to mystery Babylon). Further smoke and burning are noted in Revelation 18:18.

Earthquake activity is noted in Revelation 6:12, 8:5, 11:13, and 16:18.

Darkness, figuratively and literally, will come to an end with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 60:19-20 No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light; but you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, and your God for your glory. Your sun will no longer set, nor will your moon wane; for you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, and the days of your mourning will be over.

Millennial Kingdom: Prince of Peace

Posted in Isaiah, Millennial Kingdom, Prophecy with tags Defense budget, Hosea 2, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, Micah 4, Millennial Kingdom, Peace, Prince of Peace, United Nations, war, Zechariah 9 on February 7, 2016 by paulthepoke

Micah 4:3 And He will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they train for war. See also Isaiah 2:4.

The statue above was given to the United Nations from the defunct Soviet Union. The statue is to symbolize the ideals of the verse above. The UN does not have the first clue about achieving peace. Violence and war have exploded across the planet on their watch.

Family and friends lost to death or permanently injured. Dreams never realized. Mourning, pain, and tears left as a consequence. Lives changed forever…

Look at the instruments of war in the three verses below: chariots, horses, bow, swords, boots, cloaks. These were the weapons of war in Biblical times.

Think of all the money that is spent on war and casualties today. Per Nationalpriorities.org, the United States spent roughly $600 billion on the military budget and $160 billion on veteran’s benefits in 2015. This includes military schools and war colleges. Funds are required to run the Department of Defense and the Pentagon. Dollars are spent on hardware (tanks, planes, missiles, ships, etc.), supplies (gas, food, water, etc.), and clothing.

Zechariah 9:10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; and the bow of war will be cut off. And He will speak peace to the nations; and His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Hosea 2:18b …I will remove all weapons of war from the land, all swords and bows, so you can live unafraid in peace and safety.

Isaiah 9:5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

In the Millennial Kingdom, peace will have no boundaries and will be extended throughout the world. Moneys and resources designated for war will be redeployed to economic growth, technology, and advancement. There will be no more military surplus stores.

There will be no need for border patrols and walls. Isaiah 60:18 Violence will not be heard again in your land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders; but you will call your walls salvation, and your gates praise.

Security systems and guard dogs will be a thing of the past. Isaiah 32:17-18 And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever. Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, and in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places.

Isaiah 66:12a For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream.”

Humanity has never known a time without bloodshed or war. It started immediately in Genesis 4 when Cain killed Abel. It has only escalated till now in 21^st century culture: murder, stabbings, terrorism, missiles, invasions, wars, rumors of wars… You know the drill. We watch, read, and hear about it every day. For now (February 2016), we will keep fighting.

But, human hostility will come to an end. Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.